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.

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.
4.10Analysis 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

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

IEEE Kerala LINK - Humanitarian Technology Project 2010

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