Backup Water System Design for Off the Grid Housing

Abstract

This study designs and analyzes a backup water distribution system for off-grid housing in response to Puerto Rico’s unreliable electrical grid. The system includes a ravine water source, a 600-gallon storage tank, and an energy efficient piping and pump design. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in COMSOL Multiphysics, key parameters such as pressure distribution, velocity profiles, volumetric flow rate, and Reynolds number were evaluated. Results indicate maximum pressure at the inlet due to the pump and minimum pressure at the outlet from elevation changes and pipe bends. A steady velocity profile and consistent volumetric flow rate confirm system stability. The Reynolds number (1.55×10⁵) indicates turbulent flow, ensuring efficient energy dissipation. The system meets performance criteria, providing efficient water transport with minimal energy consumption. Future improvements include integrating a submersible pump and further optimization to enhance system efficiency for sustainable off-grid applications. Key Terms ⎯ Computational Fluid Dynamics, Off-grid water system, Pressure distribution, Turbulent flow.