Suitability Analysis for Implementing a Renewable Energy Powered Water Purification System

In the developing world, people not only lack access of grid electricity, but also safe drinking water. There are many causes of waterborne diseases due to drinking unsafe water use from surface water sources. Under these circumstances, renewable energy based water purification can be an appropriate solution. Applying Geographical Information System (GIS) technique for implementing decentralized renewable energy based system to provide safe drinking water to vulnerable communities can be a useful tool to policy makers and administrative authorities in finding sustainable options. This paper presents a concept of using GIS bound renewable energy based water purification system. Using GIS as a tool, suitable areas can be identified for using such a system, and this can also be used to estimate water demand, energy demand and the nature of the water purification system at household and community level. The proposed concept was applied in Pathumthani province, Thailand as a study area. The renewable energy potential from PV, water demand, energy demand and the sensitivity to the system identification due to the influence of various parameters have been estimated and presented.