Abstract

The D-lab Honduras team designed and constructed a wind-powered water pump in rural Honduras during IAP 2007. Currently, the system does not work under its own power and water must be pumped by hand. This thesis seeks to explore a variety of mechanism and aerodynamic changes to allow the system to function as designed. The novel modifications to the Savonius rotor that were made do not seem to improve its performance. Within the constraints of the installed components, the current rotor should perform well pending other changes. The most promising improvements to the system are weight reducing and friction reducing measures, and in combination with understanding the wind conditions in the immediate vicinity of the rotor, changes will be made this summer so that unassisted wind pumping will be possible.