Brief Past Projects Overview

This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact us if you would like more information about our projects.

Micro-hydro Electricity Generation in Honduras

During multiple visits from 2007 to 2009, a total of 21 members have taken part in the installation of two, 1 kW micro-hydro electric generators for the purposes of providing light and battery recharging of cellular telephones. Electric power lines have been run to about 75 homes, 3 churches, and two schools. Sustainable energy businesses have been established in these communities. Kerosene-burning lantern use has been reduced, along with the associated inhalation of smoke and soot. Additional micro-hydro projects in Honduras are planned for the future.

 Materials Research with Coconuts in the Philippines

Two members spent a summer working in the Philippines in 2008. There, alternative uses for coconut husks, shells, and other waste products were researched, and value added goods were developed by a non-profit organization intent on helping the thousands of poor coconut farmers in the region.

 Water Purification in Honduras

A water purification system was installed in partnership with a large urban church in La Ceiba, Honduras. It was installed in an area called Bonatillo, which was built as relief housing after hurricane Mitch in 1998. The water supply there was contaminated, so members installed a chlorinator.

Solar PV Systems in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

Student and professional members installed solar PV systems in a school for deaf children in Kenya, a Christian non-profit in Uganda, and a school in Rwanda. The members sized the systems, which included batteries, charge controllers, and circuit protection, as well as worked with construction teams to mount the panels appropriately.

 Wind Power in Kenya

A locally manufactured wind turbine along with a solar panel was installed at a public latrine in the large Kibera slum of Nairobi. White LED lights were installed in the latrine and several nearby homes. Kibera is one of Africa's largest slums, with nearly one million residents living on less than 700 acres of land, usually without running water, electricity, or sewer infrastructure. Team members worked with a local community organization and a non-profit in 2007.

 Septic Tank Control Panel in Southeast Asia

A member spent the summer of 2006 working for a civil engineering professor in Southeast Asia. She designed and built a prototype of a simple control panel for a septic tank system.