IEEE Kerala LINK - Humanitarian Technology Project 2010

2010-11

Local Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE Students (IEEE LINK)

[IEEE LINK HTC PROJECT ] Project report

IEEE LINK HTC PROJECT 2010-11 Page 2

Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 IEEE and Humanitarian Technology Challenge (HTC) ............................................................................... 4

1.2 Local Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE Students (LINK) ........................................................................ 5

1.3 LINK HTC Initiative - 2010 ......................................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Electrification Project at Karikoune .......................................................................................................... 6

2. Project Idea ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.2 Challenges................................................................................................................................................. 7

3. Project Phases ................................................................................................................................................. 8

4. Phase 1: Surveying ............................................................................................................................................ 8

4.1 Details that were collected ....................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Collection of information ....................................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Site surveying ......................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 House surveying ..................................................................................................................................... 11

4.5 Census Details ......................................................................................................................................... 11

4.6 Occupation ............................................................................................................................................. 11

4.7 Availability of water ................................................................................................................................ 12

4.8 Availability of various sources that could be tapped ............................................................................. 12

4.9 Solar survey ............................................................................................................................................ 12

4.10 Analysis of survey results ....................................................................................................................... 12

5. Phase 2- Designing the system ....................................................................................................................... 13

5.1 What were the different aspects considered? ....................................................................................... 13

5.2 Challenges faced ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5.3 Defining the deliverables of the system ................................................................................................. 14

5.4 Lighting design ........................................................................................................................................ 14

5.5 System design ......................................................................................................................................... 14

6. Phase 3- Implementation ............................................................................................................................... 20

6.1 Planning .................................................................................................................................................. 20

6.2 Estimated work ....................................................................................................................................... 21

6.3 Man Power ............................................................................................................................................. 22


6.4 Tools used ............................................................................................................................................... 22

6.5 Division of work ...................................................................................................................................... 23

6.6 Error tracking .......................................................................................................................................... 23

6.7 Operating the system ............................................................................................................................. 24

6.8 Summary of the implementation stage.................................................................................................. 24

7. Project Management ...................................................................................................................................... 25

7.1 Team structure ....................................................................................................................................... 25

7.2 Timeline of the project ........................................................................................................................... 25

7.3 Delays caused ......................................................................................................................................... 27

8. Phase 4 - Maintenance and sustainability ...................................................................................................... 28

9. Impact of the project on IEEE ......................................................................................................................... 28

10. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 28

Appendix 1: Solar circuitry ................................................................................................................................. 30

Appendix 2: Experience of few onsite volunteers .............................................................................................. 33

Appendix 3: Photos of switch on ceremony ....................................................................................................... 36

Appendix 4: Photos ............................................................................................................................................ 39

Appendix 5: Census Details ................................................................................................................................ 42

Appendix 6: Project team ................................................................................................................................... 44


1. Introduction

The Homo sapiens are the greatest resources available on earth today- resources which can think

for themselves, decide for themselves and work for themselves. No other animate or inanimate

creation has been endowed with such power. ‘With great power comes great responsibility’, so

the saying goes. With so much control in our hands, it becomes our duty and responsibility to

make existence easier for other creations. It becomes our obligation to extend a helping hand to

the underprivileged.

Even in this 21st century, when man is planning missions to moon, there exists a section of people

still living in darkness and dying of illness everyday because of insufficient medical access. The

inhabitants of "Chetad Chathapu", Karukone, Kollam district of Kerala find themselves blanketed in

a wave of darkness- both outside and inside their lives. Electricity, which has grown, from a basic

necessity to live, to an indispensable luxury, is unavailable here. An initiative of LINK (Local

Integrated Network of Kerala) began aiming at the electrification of this remote village.

This endeavor by LINK aimed at the overall development of about 35 people living in this village

using a technology that can be applied anywhere around the world.

1.1 IEEE and Humanitarian Technology Challenge (HTC)

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) is the largest international nonprofit

organization that is dedicated to the development of technology for the benefit and service of

Humanity, which is what engineering, is all about.

The Humanitarian Technology Challenge (HTC) , established by leading technologists,

humanitarians, students, is an innovative, collaborative endeavor that implements potential

technological solutions to the identified vital humanitarian challenges in developing countries.

It aims at coherently meeting the needs of those exposed to sufferings by providing solutions that

are environment friendly, flexible, economically feasible, sustainable and highly reliable while

maintaining high standards of professionalism and thus improving living conditions of the needy.

http://www.ieeehtc.org/#_blank


1.2 Local Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE Students (LINK)

LINK is an innovative concept, a network that originated in IEEE Kerala Section in India, aimed

at networking Student Branches in an efficient way, thereby increasing the value of IEEE Student

membership. LINK was formally inaugurated by past IEEE President Mr. Cleon Anderson in

January 2005 and since its inception LINK has achieved tremendous results, causing an

exponential increase in the number of Student Branches and quality of student activities both

technical and managerial, in IEEE Kerala Section over the past 5 years. The model of LINK was

adopted by IEEE Region 10 as R10 GINI (Global Integrated Network of IEEE Students).

1.3 LINK HTC Initiative - 2010

Student activities in Kerala Section has been exemplary over the years, gratitude to IEEE LINK

found in the year 2005 for the better coordination and networking among the Student Branches

in Kerala. However over the years the student members in LINK began excelling in management

and social activities while their technical aspirations trailed behind. Thus it was decided that the

primary focus of LINK in the year 2010 would be to provide the much lacking technical

momentum by involving the student members in technical activities.

The IEEE LINK HTC (Humanitarian Technology Challenge) project is a major technical project

initiated by LINK in 2010. The idea of doing such a technological project for bettering mankind

was the brain wave of two IEEE volunteers in Kerala Section, Mr. Jaison Abey Sabu (Student

activities Chair, Kerala )and Mr. Rayees Amar Nishad (former LINK Treasurer). It was their

collective idea to involve the students in LINK in a real world technical project which will also give

them an opportunity to serve humanity.

It was decided that the project would be undertaken in accordance with the norms and guidelines

of the IEEE International HTC committee-2010. Reliable electricity, one of the humanitarian

challenges defined by IEEE worldwide was identified as the theme of the project.

The student branch of T.K.M College of Engineering, Kollam submitted to IEEE LINK, Kerala

Section, an idea of electrification of a remote village in Karukone, Kollam District, Kerala, India as

a part of this plan. The idea was accepted whole heartedly and a project team was formed

comprising of members from LINK. This was the first ever major technical project in the history of

IEEE LINK Kerala Section and can be considered a milestone in the student activities of Kerala

Section.


1.4 Electrification Project at Karikoune

Once the LINK decided to undertake projects aimed at ‘Reliable Electricity’, one of the challenges

defined by the Humanitarian Technological Challenge (HTC), efforts were made to identify the

kind of assignments that could be taken up.

As a consequence, meeting with several engineers of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) helped

locate a small pocket of un-electrified site in Kollam District.

After interacting with the residents which included school dropouts, it was found that people

have been living in darkness over the past 60 years and many had started to migrate. Also, there

was fear of wild animals at night.

It would have been unfair to let those 35 people, including a lot of members from the upcoming

generation, continue to lead the kind of life they endured. A technological solution had to be

found that would revitalize the life of the natives and could be implemented in similar terrain.

2. Project Idea

The aim of the project was to electrify eight houses in the area using solar panels. 5 houses were

located in such a way that individual panels could not be provided due to the lack of ample

sunlight. The project aimed at providing a common source for these five houses. The rest of the

houses were to be provided with individual solar panel units.


2.1 Objectives

Reliable electricity to the inhabitants of the remote village at Karukone, Kollam by setting up

an eco-friendly, safe, economically affordable, and efficient electrification system for overall

development and growth of the village.

Future scope: The technology developed need to be flexible enough to be employed in other

similar terrains of the world and with least modifications in diverse locations.

IEEE for benefit of humanity: Project the image of IEEE as a body of professionals who

continuously strive for the benefit of humanity and to bring forward similar initiatives that

benefits mankind, inspired by the same.

Significant Accomplishment: As such a project addressing the humanitarian challenges was

happening for the first time in the history of Kerala Section Student activities. The project

could be a motivating factor for other students to take up similar projects in the future.

Member concern: Opportunities for members to apply their knowledge in a real life arena.

Contributions from the students towards this project can help enhance their engineering skill

set and mould them into future professionals who are committed to use their technical

expertise for the benefit of the humanity.

2.2 Challenges

The project aimed at electrifying the village using solar energy. The electrification was to be done

in two segments.

Technical challenges

Presence of thick forest that would have to be cut down for drawing wires.

Reluctance of the Government to spend a huge amount for a small population (35 inhabitants).

Possibility of forest fire.

Lack of enough sources for in situ generation

Difficulty in drawing lines to the area.


Future maintenance and sustainability of the project.

Management challenges

To form a team comprising of students from LINK with the necessary talents.

To give maximum exposure to the students.

To do the work in a professional manner with students doing all the labour.

3. Project Phases

For the ease of management the project was divided into four phases. In the first phase, the

complete data was acquired. In the second phase the data acquired was evaluated and the

various resources required was estimated. Suitable sources for the resources required were

found out. Resources were made available. Once the resources were found out the

implementation works began in the next phase. The final phase was the maintenance part.

Sustainability of the project was determined in this phase.

4. Phase 1: Surveying

In this phase the complete information regarding the site was collected. What were the resources

available, what were the various opportunities etc were determined in this phase.

4.1 Details that were collected

Surveying was done in a number of fields. All the information collected was not of project

concern. But one was not able to avoid or neglect any information at the beginning. The

various areas where surveying was done are as follows:


Sl. No. Area of Survey Details collected

1. Site survey The location of houses.

The distance between the houses.

The nature of ground.

Slope of the land.

2. House survey The approximate area of the house.

The nature of building material used.

The gadgets present.

3. Social survey The number of residents, their economic status,

literacy etc.

The social relationship between the people.

Their needs and demands.

4. Availability of Water Checked availability of potable water.

5. Sources of Energy

available.

Checked for nearby water streams.

Checked if any bio matter was produced. (Cattle

wastes etc.)

Checked if enough sunlight was available.

Check and exploit if any other sources are

available.

6. Mode of

governance.

Collected the details of the local governing body.


4.2 Collection of information

Surveying was done by visiting the site with a team of four students initially. They interacted

with the residents and found out their needs and necessities. The team then visited the local

authorities and collected information about the site. Survey was also done in the presence of

a local leader and this was very effective. We could get accurate information then.

The surveying could not be completed in one visit. The site had been visited three to four

times for the collection of details. Each visit to the site yielded some new information, which

had great value later on.

4.3 Site surveying

The site consists of eight houses. Out of these 5 are located on a single plot and the

remaining three houses are located at a distance of 500m away from the former. The

maximum distance between the houses in the former is about 50 meters. The approximate

layout of the location of houses is as shown below:


4.4 House surveying

The approximate layout of each house is as shown below:

The building material used is hollow bricks. All the residents use cell phones. Two lamps would be

well enough to satisfy their basic lighting requirements.

4.5 Census Details

The details of the residents (name and age) were collected from the local governing body.

Please refer APPENDIX 3.

4.6 Occupation

Most of them work in the forest by assisting the forest guards. Some of them work for daily

wages.


4.7 Availability of water

Potable water is available in abundance. There are three wells in the site. Also there is

nearby a small stream from which water is used for domestic purposes.

4.8 Availability of various sources that could be tapped

The only source that could be tapped was the solar power. In the plot where 5 houses are

situated sun light is continuously available only at one particular location. The rest of the

houses do not receive enough sunlight throughout the day.

4.9 Solar survey

A team visited the site and stayed there for one full day and observed the number of hours

effective sunlight was available. About 5 hours of effective sunlight was available. This was

available only at one particular location at the plot of five houses. This could be effectively

tapped.

4.10 Analysis of survey results

Area of Survey Survey result Analysis

Sources Available Only source that could be

exploited is Solar Energy.

Sunlight is available at one

particular area at the plot

of five houses.

Sunlight was available for

the rest three houses.

A common panel could

be used to tap the

sunlight for the five

houses.

Individual panels could

be provided in the

remaining three houses.

Availability of vegetation Huge trees were present

on the site.

Therefore for

transmission overhead

cables cannot be used.

UG cable was preferred

for transmission.

Governance Local Panchayath was the

governing body.

The maintenance of the

system could be


managed by the

Panchayath member for

that particular ward.

5. Phase 2- Designing the system

The system design defines the deliverables of the system and the various aspects of the

components used. System design varies in accordance with the deliverables, the topography of

the site, the nature of the sources available, future expansion etc. The system design played a

vital role in the success of the project and its prolonged sustainability.

5.1 What were the different aspects considered?

The different aspects that were considered in system design are the follows:

Defining the challenges that could possibly arise based on the survey data.

Defining the deliverables of the system. This in turn could give us a rough idea about

the total load of the system.

Defining the mode of generation, storage and transmission of the power to meet the

required load demand.

Designing the system voltage so as to minimize the losses.

Ensuring reliability and sustainability of the system.

Designing the various aspects of generation, storage and transmission of the power.

5.2 Challenges faced

5.2.1 Location of the houses


The site had a total of eight houses. Out of these, five houses were located such that the

maximum distance between the houses is 30 meters. The three other houses were located

a bit far away.

5.2.2 Terrain of the site

The site was surrounded by forest. The site was covered with bushes throughout. The

terrain of the site wherein the five houses are located is sloping and continuous sunlight is

available only at the top of the site. The other three houses receive ample amount of

sunlight throughout.

5.2.3 Generation

Generation of the power was from the solar energy as it was the only source which could be

tapped effectively at the site. The sunlight was available throughout only at a particular

location of the site. Also due to presence of vegetation ample sunlight was unavailable.

5.2.4 Transmission

The generated power using solar panel was DC. For transmission in DC the losses incurred

would be high and also the line would carry high current comparatively. This could lead to

insecure transmission.

5.3 Defining the deliverables of the system

The site is devoid of electricity for about 60 years. The present source of lighting is kerosene

lamps which are inefficient. The system aimed at providing the basic lighting requirements for

the residents. The needs that could be met by the traditional power supply would not be met

with this project. The system acts as a temporary solution which satisfies the basic lighting

needs of the houses.

5.4 Lighting design

Considering the basic requirement, two CFL lamps of 11 W and 450 lumen output were

provided for each house. The locations of lamps were in such a way that light would be evenly

distributed across the lit area.

5.5 System design


5.5.1 Modifications made from initial system design

The initial proposed solution was modified in the following ways. The reason for the same is

also provided.

The initial system design had an operating voltage of 12v .It was changed to 24 v

due to the inefficiency of operating at lower potential.

Television was included, it was removed owing to the huge power consumption,

social consequences of keeping it at any particular place and the warranty not

provided due to the same by the manufacturers for the components of the system.

The specification of the components were brought on compromise with the

availability and other factors

The distributed system was employed for the 5 houses that were close by and the

others were provided individual units as the distance is too impractical for the later.

The exact specification of the components and the design was finalized on meeting

with the vendor who supplied the components.

5.5.2 System components

Solar Panels: It consists of one or more modules wired together to generate a specific

voltage and current, depending upon the demand. Present day solar panels come along

with the combiner. The output of the panel will be a direct current supply depending

upon the rating of the panel used.

Charging circuit: This circuit is used in order to increase the efficiency of the circuit.

Typical battery voltage is 12 V. The voltage output of the panel varies and on an

average it is around 16 V. When the panel is directly connected to the battery, the

voltage of the panel is reduced and the charging current reduces. In the charging

circuit, an efficient DC-DC power converter is used. This reduces the voltage of the

panel to that of the battery voltage at the same time it increases the charging current.

This allows the maximum utilization of the energy generated.

Battery: It is used for the storage of the power generated from the panel. The battery

can be either lead acid battery or Lithium ion. Considering the cost factor and

availability factor lead acid battery was preferred.


Inverter: It converts direct current produced from the panels to alternating current.

The input of the inverter would be direct current at a voltage of 24 Volts and output

would be at 230 Volts (ac).

Main control Panel:

It consists of an isolator and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB). The output from the

inverter is fed into the main control panel. It is then divided into different lines through

Isolators.

Electrical Load:

o Basic Lighting load: Each house will have 2 Compact Fluorescent lamps for

lighting purpose.

o Charging kiosk: A small charging station will be provided in order to charge

mobile phones, radios etc.

5.5.3 Design of the components

Expected Power Demand

Power demand per house: 22W (2*11W)

Number of hours of operation of the equipment in a day per house: 5hrs (7pm-11pm and

5am-6am)

Total Watt-Hour demand per day per house= 130 Wh (Watt hour)

Total watt hour demand for all the houses in a day= 550 Wh

Wattage rating for Charging Kiosk= 20 W

Expected hours it is expected to work= 5 h

Total watt hour for kiosk= 100 Wh

Maximum total demand for five houses=650 Wh

After considering loses, Demand = 675 Wh


Battery bank Calculation

Days backup required = 1.33

Amp storage = 36.74 Ah (Ampere hour)

Depth of discharge = 50%

Required battery backup = 73.28 Ah

Battery Ampere ratings (20 hr) = 60 Ah

Number of batteries required = 1

Solar panel calculation

Sun hours per day = 8 h

Worst weather multiplier = 1.561

Effective hours = 5.16 h

Panel size chosen = 80W, 24V

Peak Amperage of panel = 3.33 A

Number of panels = 2


Summary of all the solar calculations

Type of Calculation Description Unit Value

Estimated Watt

demand

Total Watts Per Hour (DC)

Hours per day

DC Amps x 12 Watts 130

Hours Equip is expected to

run (24hr)

as per application Hrs d-1 5

Watt-Hours per day

Total daily usage Watts x Hours Watt-Hrs d-1 650

Amp-hour calculation

Total watts Daily requirements Watt-Hrs d-1 650

Corrected for battery losses Assumes static average loss Watt-Hrs d-1 675

System voltage DC voltage only Volts 24

Amp-hours per day Watts divided by Volts Amp-Hrs d-1 27.625

Battery bank

calculation

Days backup power required Average 24 hour periods Days 1.33

Amp-hour storage Raw capacity you need Amp-Hrs 36.74

Depth of discharge Assumes 50% fraction 0.5

Required amp backup Prevents excessive

discharge

Amp-Hrs 73.48


Battery Amp Rating (20 hr) Battery Capacity in Amps Fraction 60

Actual # batteries wired in

parallel

Raw number Number 1.22

Batteries wired in series Relates to system voltage Number 2.00

Rounded batteries

Always rounded up Number 1

Solar Panel Array

calculation

Sun hours per day (Direct

only)

Hrs 8

Worst-weather multiplier* 1.55 default Fraction 1.561

Total sun hours per day Assumes average sun Amp-Hrs 5.161

Select panel size (Watt rating) Watt hour rating Watts 80

Nominal Panel Voltage Approximate Solar output Volts 24

Amps required from solar

panels

Total daily consumption Amps 28

Peak amperage of solar panel Watts divided by Volts Amps 3.33

Number of solar panels in

parallel

Raw Number Number 9

Rounded number of solar

panels

Always rounded up Number 2


Note: The system was designed inclusive of the charging kiosk. But due to some social issues

it has not been implemented till now.

5.5.4 Points considered while designing the system

Sl No Points Reasons

1 High system voltage was

preferred. The limiting factor

was the cost of the inverter.

Higher efficiency

2 Television, fans etc were

avoided from the load.

The usage of these gadgets

cannot be controlled and this

may lead to huge wastage of

power.

3 In all calculation approximate

percentage was considered as

loss.

To take into consideration the

worst case loss.

6. Phase 3- Implementation

6.1 Planning

The total resources available must be utilized in the most efficient manner for the

implementation of the project. In the planning stage the following were estimated:

The total amount of work present and classified them.

The resources (materials and man power) required to complete the work on schedule.

Approximate time for each work.


6.2 Estimated work

6.2.1 Wiring of the house

The wiring works were estimated as follows:

Two points for each house

The total number of points to be wired adds up to 16 points. Each point was

provided in such a manner that the area is uniformly lit. Conduit type wiring was

used for wiring.

Isolator

An isolator was provided in each house so as to isolate the house in case of any

faults. It plays the role of a main switch in a house.

6.2.2 Transmission Lines

The transmission line used is underground cable. The main work in this area was to dig for

the UG cable. This was the most time consuming part in the implementation stage. About

150 meters of earth had to be removed for the cable. The depth was about 2 foot.

6.2.3 Solar Circuit

The following works were present:

Fixing the panels

For five houses a common panel was used. The panel was placed on the roof of

one of the houses where uninterrupted sunlight was available throughout the

day. For the remaining houses individual panels were provided.

Connecting the charging circuit, battery and the inverter

Inverter was used only for the five houses where a common panel was used. For

the rest of the houses dc supply was used for lighting.


6.3 Man Power

No workers were hired to do the works. All the works were done by the students under the

guidance of a professional. This provided an opportunity for the students to learn all the basics

in a professional manner. A separate team was formed for the onsite implementation. All the

interested students were taken to the site in turn.

Objective of including a separate onsite team:

To involve more students in the project. This could motivate them to initiate

future humanitarian projects.

To provide an opportunity for all interested students to learn.

To complete the work on schedule.

6.4 Tools used

Sl. No. Tool

1 Mallet

2 Hammer

3 Wire Stripper


4 Line and continuity Tester

5 Hack saw and blades

6 Screw drivers

7 Poker

8 Chisel

9 Plain saw

10 Multi Meter

11 Emergency light

12 Candles

13 Matches

14 Insulation tapes (black

and red)

15 Blades

16 Hollow metal pipe (for

drilling)

6.5 Division of work

In wiring the house, division of work was followed. First house was wired with the help of the

instructor. Then groups were formed and the rest of the houses were wired in parallel. Each

student in a group was specialized in one kind of work.

6.6 Error tracking

The error could be tracked by checking the voltages at all the points from the beginning using a

multimeter.


6.7 Operating the system

The system must be finally operated and maintained by the residents. Therefore they were

made aware of the technology used and how to use the same. Instructions were given to them

on how to operate the system and the maintenance procedures. All the instructions and the

possible maintenance measures were written down in their common language and provided

to them.

6.8 Summary of the implementation stage

Sl. No. Works Reasons for delay/points to

take care

1 Wiring of the house Lack of materials. The

quantities of minor

elements like nails where in

short.

2 Laying of the UG

Cable

More time than expected in

digging the pits.

The estimated length of the

UG was not sufficient.

3 Solar circuit ------


7. Project Management

For the effective management of the project a team was formed under the LINK (Local

Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE Students). The team was formed in a professional manner

and the project also aimed at providing some amount of managerial skill also.

7.1 Team structure

Sl. No. Committee Works Number of members

1 Project Mentor To guide the team at bottle necks. 2

2 Advisory Panel To guide the students. 4

3 Main EXECOM Management of the whole team 4

4 Technical All the designing and technical works 4

5 Reporting and Documentation

Documents all the data and all the reporting works would be done by them.

4

6 Finance All the money transactions would be taken care by this team.

2

7 On site team For the implementation works

7.2 Timeline of the project

Sl. No Task Month

1. Identification of the proposed area.

February, 2010

2. Preliminary survey based on the necessity of electricity and their occupation.

February, 2010

3. Secondary survey (database) based on their personal as well as social profiles.

March, 2010

4. Proposal of a solution – submitted to IEEE LINK for their suggestions and forward approval.

April, 2010


5. A team under LINK was formed May, 2010

6. Detailed Technical report - submitted to the immediate authorities for their suggestions and forward approval.

May, 2010

7.

Detailed financial report – On research made we could fetch the exact cost for each and every item required to complete this project.

June, 2010

8. Various options for funding were exploited July- August, 2010

9. Submitted the proposal for funding to IEEE Micro

Grants

October, 2010

10. A new onsite team was recruited based on the

nominations received.

November,2010

11. Funding of $4400 was approved December, 2010

12. Various companies were approached for the panels January, 2011

13. Quotes were collected for various components from

different companies

January, 2011

14. The company was finalized based on the quotes and

reliability factor.

February, 2011

15. The materials were procured February, 2011


7.3 Delays caused

Task Reasons for delay

Purchasing Quotes were collected only after

the approval of the funds.

On site team selection It could have been done earlier.

Shipping delay The panels were received after a

time delay of 25 days.

UG cables The laying of cables took more

time than expected.

16. The onsite implementation began February, 2011

17. The onsite implementation was completed and the

system was successful

March 10th, 2011

18. Formal switch on ceremony March 20th,2011


8. Phase 4 - Maintenance and sustainability

This was the biggest challenge. We had to ensure the sustainability of the project done. For this

purpose we had approached many authorities. Finally, we had decided to form a local committee

consisting of residents of the site and the ward member of the site. A small amount would be

collected per month to an account jointly held by the convener of the committee formed and the

ward member. The remaining amount of the approved fund would also be transferred to this

account. Also, the panchayat told they could get some amount for the future development in their

next budget. An agreement would be written for the proper utilization of the funds for the

sustenance and future developments of the project. The final agreement is yet to be signed.

9. Impact of the project on IEEE

The project has leveraged the image of IEEE as a professional organization working on

technology for humanity, across the state.

This is the first of its kind undertaken by LINK (Local Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE

students). The project provided a common platform for student members from different

student branches across the state to work on a technical project. The students could learn

the very basics of wiring, electrification which are usually neglected in engineering studies.

It definitely motivated many volunteers and helped in raising their membership value.

Similar project targeting humanitarian challenges are definitely expected in near future

after the success of this project.

10. Conclusion

The official switch on ceremony of the project was held on March 20th, 2011 and it was

attended by Kerala Section office bearers and other IEEE members. The project was officially

inaugurated by Er Amarnath Raja, Chairman, IEEE humanitarian Adhoc committee. The project

was officially declared as a success during the function.


The project which was the initiative of IEEE LINK was a huge success. It not only provided a

great impact on the life of residents instead it also threw light on IEEE as an organization

working for the benefit of humanity. The project could be implemented in any part of the

world with similar terrain and problems.

The project team consisted of about 46 members across the state and each of them feels that

working on the project were a life time opportunity. It helped them a lot in building

themselves into professionals in various aspects of engineering and management. The project

also provided a strong motivation to bring about similar projects aiming at the benefit for

humanity in the near future.

Report by,

Sankar R, IEEE Student Member, LINK

Deepthi P, IEEE Student Member, LINK

Sruthy S, IEEE Student Member, LINK

Sera Selvin, IEEE Student Member, LINK

Bhavna S N, IEEE Student Member, LINK

Jery Althaf, IEEE Student Member, LINK


Appendix 1: Solar circuitry

CHARGING THE BATTERY

Consist of the following modules

Panel

Charge controller

Battery

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE SOLAR CIRCUIT#

#AC IN GENERATOR AND ITS CIRCUIT IS NOT REQUIRED .THE CAPACTIY OF BATTERY BANK MAY VARY


AS MODULES

Solar Panels Charge Controller Power Inverter Mains Electricity

Battery Bank

BLOCK DIAGRAM SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION FROM THE BOARD

http://www.wirefreedirect.com/solar_panels_and_modules.asp

http://www.wirefreedirect.com/Charge_Controller_Regulator_General_Information.asp

http://www.wirefreedirect.com/solar_batteries_agm_and_gel.asp


BLOCK DIAGRAM FOR INDIVIDUAL HOUSE HOLD


Appendix 2: Experience of few onsite volunteers

Sreevas S, IEEE Student Member, IEEE SB CET

The first day of the onsite implementation of the HTC project was successfully completed. The day’s work

started at around 10 am in the morning. We started off with the first house and our lack of experience was

clearly showing at the rate of progress of work. Thanks to the guidance from the staff from TKM the work got

accelerated and we managed to complete the first house by around 1.30pm. We then dashed off for a quick

lunch, however the terrain was quite challenging.

Back from lunch and with experience of one house we divided ourselves into two groups and started off work

by 2.pm. In our solo effort we faced quite a number of hiccups. We found it difficult to clamp the PVC pipes to

the wall at certain places because of the curvature in the wall. However, we solved this problem by heating the

pipe and then shaping in the required form. The strength of the wall in the third house was quite weak, so we

used wood pieces to support the screws. We winded up the work by 4.30 after completing the full wiring of the

three houses.


We really understand the impact of our work on the lives of the people there from the sheer fact that we had

to use mobile lights, torch lights and candles for doing the work.

Annie Mariyam Elias, IEEE Student Member, IEEE SB TKMCE

15th February,2011

While waiting for the bus, that day, some of us did not have any idea that we have to board four buses to reach

our destination. There were eight of us –three girls and five boys. We started at about 7.00am. We were

visiting the site wherethe HTC project is going on. We girls were going to the place for the first time. By the

time we got into the third bus, we were sceptical about reaching the location before lunch time. After sleepy

hours in 4 buses, we reached the site by about 11.30.

After we got off the bus at aanakulam, the first view was the limitless stretch of acacia trees, with a narrow

path through the forest, which gave the impression of a cave. We were to go along the path to reach the site.

The sounds of the “jungle” were loud and unidentifiable noises could be heard from the forest. However the

only animals which made their presence felt were dogs.

It seemed that canines form an exclusive part of the wildlife in the woods!!Even as we reached the tiny village

in the middle of the forest, two “seemingly fiery”, but “actually docile” dogs received us with menacing

barks!Fortunately the dogs turned out to be not as threatening as their barks! However, some of us did have a

phobia for dogs and that revealed their true colour. Later someone said that these dogs were for driving off the

wild boars which were a danger to their crops. The men had gone to work and only the ladies and a few men

were seen. When we reached a house a lady with a baby greeted us. There were many more dogs running

around and that scared the “dog-phobic” people in our group.

Some of the equipment had arrived and the wiring works in the houses were almost finished. The electricity

from the common panel area is to reach the houses through UG cables. It is required to dig channels to lay the

cables.Since none of the men were available to dig, the lot naturally fell on us. Some of the residents provided

us the digging tools and there. The interesting part was that everybody got to dig!And some of us turned out to

be quite talented “diggers”. Some others laboured to displaytheir “digging talents” which made a fairly lavish

feast for our cameras!!Sometimes the heads of the shovels and the pick-axes dangerously came off while

digging and tightening those using chunks of wood became another totally unavoidable job! So did drawing

water from the well with a barely reachable rope! Later the hands got swollen and painful.

The people in the area gave us water and lemonade and pickle. After sometime everybody got tired. We had

actually thought we would miss lunch, but again the folks of the village came to our rescue. Tapioca with spicy

chilli chutney… It was so spicy that our eyes watered and we gulped down tumblers and tumblers of water!

After lunch, we went on a walk cum trekking cum hiking through the forest. We trudged along the paths and

creeks and made our way through the bushes and thorns. It was fun and we took snaps. We had to catch the


bus at 3.00pm in order to reach hostel early. However, by the time we reached aanakulam, the bus had just

left. We had to wait at the bus stop for another hour to catch the next bus.

It was quite dark by the time we reached our hostel. The day turned out to be quite a memorable one.

Hopefully, we will be able to finish the project soon enough and prove that it is possible for advancing

technology to reach out to the common man. The humanitarian arm of technology has stroked the

underprivileged layer of the society through the HTC of IEEE.

Betsy Sebastian, IEEE Student Member, IEEE SB TKMCE

When I was in my fifth semester, getting ready to step out into the world as an electrical engineer, looking back

into the curriculum i was really sad. Only monotonous classes and labs, practical knowledge gained was very

little. It was into this scenario, the IEEE HTC PROJECT was launched, an initiative from some students who didn’t

want to pass out merely with the bookish knowledge.

When the team members of HTC project came up with the idea of electrification of a rural village, the idea

sounded pretty much simple. The students were always enthusiastic in narrating the day to day updates, right

from the beginning, which had created an urge in me to visit the site. On Jan 22, 2011 I had the privilege of

visiting the site as an onsite volunteer.

At that time the wiring of all the houses were complete, two points were provided in each house. The next step

was to lay the UG cable. The team members were making all arrangements such as digging pits for laying the

cable etc. They also showed me all the equipments that were to be installed on the site.

On visiting the site I was convinced that practical experiences must start from simple things. What I feel about

the project is that ideas may sound simple when we merely talk about them, but making them reality needs

great patience, sheer hard work, dedication and excellent teamwork.


Appendix 3: Photos of switch on ceremony

The analysis of the project at the site

Er. Amarnath Raja, Chairman, IEEE Humanitarian

Adhoc committee, switching on the system


(clockwise) with the residents, Sreenivasan R, vice chairman, IEEE

Kerala Section, Sasi P M, past Chairman, IEEE Kerala Section


The Team


Appendix 4: Photos

Photos of onsite works

The way leading to the site


Kerala Section EC members and others at the site during switch on ceremony

The circuit elements



Appendix 5: Census Details

Names Sex Age(in years)

Kalen Podiyan Male 75

Radha Female 58

C Balan Male 45

Shyamala Female 40

Vineetha Female 24

Binu Male 22

Surendran Male 48

Valsala Female 36

Sindhu Female 11 School Student

Surya Male 10 School Student

Sreedharan Male 43

Vilasini Female 40

Rajeev Male 28

Sreekumaran Male 23

Kumar Male 24

Satyasheelan Male 37

Sandya Female 31

James George Male 48

Mercy George Female 43

Lincy Female 24 Student (Nursing)

Lijo Male 26 Student (ITI)


Ghee Warghese Samuel Male 67

Chinamma Samuel Female 60


Appendix 6: Project team

Sl. No. Name Committee College/ Designation

1 Jaison Abey Sabu Mentor SAC Kerala Section

2 Rayees Amar Nishad Mentor GOLD Chair, Kerala Section

3 Sankar R Project Head TKMCE

4 Hisham Jamal Steering coordinator TKMCE

5 Jery Altaf Technical Head CET

6 Sarath P Finance Head TKMCE

7 Deepthi Prabhu Documentation Head FISAT

8 Unnikrishnan V T EXECOM member TKMCE

9 Akshay M EXECOM member KMCT

10 Achala J S EXECOM member MBT

11 Faisal P S Technical member CET

12 Bipin T P Technical member TKMIT

13 Ajay K Technical member CET

14 Sera Selvin

Documentation member FISAT

15 Bhavna S Nambissan

Documentation member CEC

16 Sruthy S

Documentation member MES

17 Akhil Vyshakh M T Finance member TKMCE

18 Anirudh Chandrachoodan on site volunteer CET

19 Akhil S Kumar on site volunteer CET

20 Sreevas S on site volunteer CET

21 Sarath N S on site volunteer CET

22 Imthiaz M on site volunteer CET

23 Hameem C Hamza on site volunteer CET

24 Sankar R on site volunteer CET

25 Betsy Sebastian on site volunteer TKMCE

26 Shana Moothedath on site volunteer TKMCE

27 Jothy Babu on site volunteer TKMCE

28 Amrutha M on site volunteer TKMCE

29 Annie Mariyam Elias on site volunteer TKMCE

30 Manjusha K P on site volunteer TKMCE

31 Arjun Pandian on site volunteer TKMCE

32 Jijith Roy V on site volunteer TKMCE

33 Jibin Vazhakkal on site volunteer TKMCE

34 Ashwin D on site volunteer TKMCE


35 Sujai Sudheeran on site volunteer TKMCE

36 Rijil Raveendranath on site volunteer TKMCE

37 Sajeev P on site volunteer TKMCE

38 Fadhil Sabah on site volunteer TKMCE

39 Shad Mohammed on site volunteer TKMCE

40 Salman Pooladan on site volunteer TKMCE

41 Vikas V on site volunteer TKMCE

42 Antony Joseph on site volunteer TKMCE

43 Anoop K on site volunteer TKMCE

44 Harsh Suresh on site volunteer TKMCE

45 Nikhil Das on site volunteer TKMCE

46 Arbin C on site volunteer TKMCE

47 Harisankar M A on site volunteer TKMCE

48 Nanditha Sundareshan on site volunteer TKMCE

NB:

TKMCE : IEEE SB T K M College of Engineering, Kollam

CET : IEEE SB College of Engineering Trivandrum, Trivandrum

TKMIT : IEEE SB T K M Institute of Technology, Kollam

FISAT : IEEE SB Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Ernakulam

MES : IEEE SB MES College of Engineering, Kuttipuram

MBT : IEEE SB Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, Trivandrum

CEC : IEEE SB College of Engineering, Chengannur

Date post:	08-May-2015
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IEEE Kerala LINK - Humanitarian Technology Project 2010

Education