Development of Interisland Freshwater Supply System with Micro Hydropower System

Authors:
  • AIAgustinus Purna Irawan
    Agustinus Purna Irawan
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Abstract
The supply of freshwater must be conducted with considerable technical considerations based on community socioeconomic conditions. Thus, the supply of freshwater does not make the community oppose the operation and maintenance. Limbo Island is one of the islands that do not have freshwater potential; hence, people have to fetch water from Taliabu Island, which is about 3 nautical miles away. For this reason, providing freshwater with environmentally friendly technology is necessary. Given technical and operational considerations, the drinking water supply in Limbo Island comprises a system of underwater pipelines with electrical technologies and energy sources that are environmentally friendly and have low operational costs. The system does not require an operator with expertise or special education, such that it can be operated by locals. The supply of freshwater for Limbo Island is constructed with an underwater piping system with a capacity of 30 L/s to serve some of the people of Taliabu and Limbo Islands. The pipe used for crossing the sea is high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe with a diameter of 110 mm and a nominal pressure specification of 20 bar; it has a thickness of 12 mm, with two pipes with a length of 5,800 m at the bottom of the sea. The flow system in the transmission and distribution pipe is run by gravity; thus, it does not require electrical energy. Electrical energy requirements are used for water treatment processes, such as for drive dozing pumps, mixers, compressors for pneumatic systems, lighting and other electrical needs. These requirements are met by the water energy that is processed through a micro hydropower of 12.5 kW. Micro hydropower strongly supports the operation of the water treatment plan, especially for those whose location is far from access to electrical energy by the electricity company, so that the water treatment plant operations can be carried out continuously and the operating costs are cheaper.

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