2025 CWRU EPICs project: Malawi Solar Team

The CWRU student organization, Humanitarian Design Corps (HDC), successfully petitioned IEEE for funds to help electrify a ranger camp in Malawi. These funds, along with other support raised by the students, will allow the students to travel to a ranger camp Malawi so they can oversee the installation of a solar panel system with battery, a solar-powered charging station and a solar-powered water pump.

Details of their project, as submitted to EPICs for review, are below:

Problem Statement
Following the successful electrification of the Khalango ranger camp and the Kasakula Solar Charging Station, the HDC Malawi team is working on the electrification of the Miondwe Ranger Camp on the edge of the Kasungu National Park, bordering Zambia. The rangers and nearby Zambian communities have no large-scale access to electricity and members currently walk over 10km through areas with wild animals to a Trading Center where they pay 100 MWK (13 cents) per device. Many of the Zambian community members regularly service the Miondwe Ranger camp for use of the borehole pump to access potable water. Electrification of the camp would include a solar-powered pump and the design of a water sanitation and storage system to improve quality of life for the rangers and Zambians that rely on that water. In addition to providing the rangers with power to aid in their data-logging and conservation efforts, we plan to design a solar charging station for the Zambian community members to utilize to charge mobile devices and household batteries while they use the solar-powered pump to access water. We will implement a pay-to-charge model that will ensure the long-term financial sustainability of this endeavor.

The national park is always seeking to improve community relations and promote conservation and is willing to serve as a liaison between the rangers, the Zambian communities, and HDC. The HDC team aims to travel to Malawi in August 2025 for the implementation.

Project Description
The CWRU Humanitarian Design Corps Malawi project partners with Kasungu National Park to bring electricity to remote areas to help advance their conservation efforts. Since our first trip to Malawi in 2021, we have designed and managed the remote installation of a system to provide solar power to the Khalango Ranger Camp, as well as a solar charging station for the community of Kasakula, which was completed in August 2023. After completing the Kasakula Charging Station project, the team shifted focus to the Miondwe Ranger Camp. Over the past two semesters, we have worked to define system requirements and explore potential upgrades in collaboration with park administrators.

The purpose of the summer 2025 trip to Malawi is to complete the installation of solar panels and the necessary equipment to electrify the Miondwe ranger camp. This system would have the capacity to power additional amenities depending on its size. With the future in mind, our system will also be expandable to provide power as needed for years to come. The
installation will help support the rangers’ conservation efforts, and providing a reliable power source will make the living conditions of the rangers more comfortable. The installation of solar panels on the roofs of the buildings will utilize Malawi’s abundant sunlight and ensure low-cost maintenance and sustainability. Additionally, we plan to install a solar-powered water pump to meet the rangers’ basic water access needs. This provides the ranger camp with a stable water supply as well as for the Zambian nationals who travel to the ranger camp for water supply.

Furthermore, our solar charging station project will enable the Zambian community to gain access to electricity. By installing a solar charging station, which serves a purpose as a second source for electricity after the installed solar panel, will enable the Zambian community to charge their devices when they visit the camp for water.
The primary stakeholders are the CWRU Humanitarian Design Corps Malawi Team, Team Planet, the park rangers, and the park administrators. The project team, led by Shoma Yukawa and Graham Bierhanzl, includes Melis Sahin, the president of the organization and logistics lead, Jacob Hyman, the electrical lead, and other additional members. Park administrators, led by Regional Manager Leonard Chilando Moyo, have helped us organize the project by collecting data and sharing information through online bi-weekly meetings. Team Planet will assist in sourcing materials necessary for the installation in Malawi. Through robust planning and flexible communication, our mission is to provide a sustainable energy supply to the remote community.

Project Impact
The success of the project will be assessed based on the reliable operation of the solar power system, ensuring consistent electricity supply to the Mindowe Ranger Camp. An important measure of success will be the enhanced quality of life and improved operational efficiency for the park rangers, resulting from better access to electricity and water.
The introduction of the Solar-Powered Water Purification System will significantly enhance water quality, reducing health risks associated with contaminated water sources. Meanwhile, the Biodiversity Monitoring System will provide valuable data to support the park’s conservation efforts, contributing to the protection of local wildlife and ecosystems. These initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for the ranger camp and surrounding communities but also reinforce the park’s role as a leader in sustainable conservation practices.

Feedback from local stakeholders and the community will be instrumental in evaluating satisfaction levels and identifying potential areas for improvement. The direct beneficiaries of this initiative include the park rangers and staff at the Mindowe Ranger Camp, as well as the Zambian community members who utilize the borehole pump. Indirectly, surrounding community members stand to benefit from enhanced conservation efforts and potential economic opportunities that arise. While the project primarily targets adults working in conservation, the positive impacts extend to the broader community, encompassing both genders and various age groups.

Project Innovation
The project introduces several innovative solutions to address the needs of the Miondwe Ranger Camp and the surrounding communities. One key innovation is the Solar-Powered Water Purification System, which combines renewable energy with advanced purification technologies to ensure a sustainable supply of clean water. By integrating ultraviolet purification and filtration processes powered entirely by solar energy, this system exemplifies a cutting-edge approach to
water sanitation in remote areas. It not only addresses immediate health concerns but also serves as a model for sustainable water management in similar communities.

Additionally, the Environment Monitoring System represents a forward-thinking approach to conservation. By utilizing solar-powered environmental sensors and microcontrollers, this system collects and analyzes ecological data in real time. This innovative use of technology allows for continuous monitoring of environmental conditions without the need for drones, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution. The insights gained from this data empower rangers to make informed decisions, enhancing their ability to protect the park’s environment.

Both systems highlight the project’s commitment to leveraging technology to meet community needs while ensuring long-term sustainability. By integrating these innovations with a pay-to-charge model at the solar charging station, the project not only provides essential services but also creates a self-sustaining infrastructure that supports ongoing maintenance and operational costs. This holistic approach balances immediate community needs with sustainable resource management, reinforcing the project’s impact and success.