Solar-power prices slide toward 'grid parity' -
http://is.gd/kJp0
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tougher electricity rationing to be introduced in Dushanbe
Tougher electricity rationing to be introduced in Dushanbe
http://tajikistan.neweurasia.net/2009/02/10/tougher-electricity-rationing-to-be-introduced-in-dushanbe/
Dushanbe is going to face tougher electricity rationing. This was announced today by the electricity monopolist Barqi Tojik. Beginning from today and till undetermined period the population of Tajik capital will be supplied with eleven hours of electricity a day [rus].
“In accordance with the new schedule of electricity rationings, the micro-districts, [where most of the population lives], will be supplied with electricity from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.” – said the source [in Barki Tojik].
According to the source, rationing will not effect the “vital areas” (where hospitals and governmental buildings etc. are located).
This year, the electricity rationing in Dushanbe was introduced on 1st of January. You can read here and here about the reasons of introducing electricity rationing in the capital.
Last time I reported about the electricity crisis in Tajikistan in general. You can read my piece, edited by Schwartz here.
http://tajikistan.neweurasia.net/2009/02/10/tougher-electricity-rationing-to-be-introduced-in-dushanbe/
Dushanbe is going to face tougher electricity rationing. This was announced today by the electricity monopolist Barqi Tojik. Beginning from today and till undetermined period the population of Tajik capital will be supplied with eleven hours of electricity a day [rus].
“In accordance with the new schedule of electricity rationings, the micro-districts, [where most of the population lives], will be supplied with electricity from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.” – said the source [in Barki Tojik].
According to the source, rationing will not effect the “vital areas” (where hospitals and governmental buildings etc. are located).
This year, the electricity rationing in Dushanbe was introduced on 1st of January. You can read here and here about the reasons of introducing electricity rationing in the capital.
Last time I reported about the electricity crisis in Tajikistan in general. You can read my piece, edited by Schwartz here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
One kW Wind Turbine
footage of a Zephyr AirDolphin 1kW wind turbine installed by siGEN Ltd for Scottish Power at Blacklaw Windfarm in Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK
Windspeed is 15-20MPH and the turbine is producing 500-800w allong with more than 60 large turbines producing 2000000w!
You will note that you cannot hear either the small or large turbines over the idle engine noise of the high access platform.
_____________________________________
www.sigen.co.uk
http://www.scottishpower.com/
Copyrights are siGEN Ltd 2007
turbine is owned by Scottish Power Plc.
Video posted by siGEN Ltd.
Children Playground generating Power
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/7301354.stm
A young inventor is hoping to tap the unbounded energy of children in a playground to power schools in Africa.
Design student Daniel Sheridan has created a simple see-saw which generates enough electricity to light a classroom.
The device works by transferring the power, created by a child moving up and down on it, to an electricity storage unit via an underground cable.
The Coventry University student has won £5,500 in funding to develop the idea.
Power play
The 23-year-old consumer product design student scooped the cash at two separate university student enterprise award schemes and now has enough money to create a working prototype.
Daniel Sheridan
Ultimately I would love to design a whole playground of different pieces of equipment that could generate electricity
Daniel Sheridan
Inspiration for the product began during a volunteering trip to a school on the island of Wasimi, south of Mombasa, in Kenya last summer.
Here, Daniel helped to build a school and even did some teaching.
"The number of children we saw there that loved to play, and their energy and their vibrancy, I thought it would be great if I could somehow make use of this," he said.
"They don't have Gameboys and all the rest. They are just so genuine and keen to help - they would grab the wheelbarrows we were working with given half the chance.
"Considering what little they have, they were so inspiring to be around. It really was quite humbling."
When he returned, Daniel did some research into power through play looking at how he could turn this positive and joyful activity into something useful for the wider community.
Light work
And after talking to experts in development, he hit upon the idea of generating electricity through playground equipment and designed the see-saw.
He said: "The current need for electricity in sub-Saharan Africa is staggering. Without power development is extremely difficult.
"The potential for this product is huge and the design could be of benefit to numerous communities in Africa and beyond."
He has calculated that five to 10 minutes use on the see-saw could generate enough electricity to light a classroom for an evening, for example.
Many schools in Africa open their doors in the evening to much older pupils but are only able to light their classrooms with candles or kerosene lamps.
Village dream
However, as the energy from the see-saw can be stored, the owners could decide exactly how they wanted to use it.
He will now travel to a village near to the Ugandan city of Jinja where he will test and finalise the prototype using locally sources parts.
"It would be fantastic if I could get this started as a business or even set it up as a charity.
"Ultimately I would love to design a whole playground of different pieces of equipment that could enough generate electricity to power a whole village."
A young inventor is hoping to tap the unbounded energy of children in a playground to power schools in Africa.
Design student Daniel Sheridan has created a simple see-saw which generates enough electricity to light a classroom.
The device works by transferring the power, created by a child moving up and down on it, to an electricity storage unit via an underground cable.
The Coventry University student has won £5,500 in funding to develop the idea.
Power play
The 23-year-old consumer product design student scooped the cash at two separate university student enterprise award schemes and now has enough money to create a working prototype.
Daniel Sheridan
Ultimately I would love to design a whole playground of different pieces of equipment that could generate electricity
Daniel Sheridan
Inspiration for the product began during a volunteering trip to a school on the island of Wasimi, south of Mombasa, in Kenya last summer.
Here, Daniel helped to build a school and even did some teaching.
"The number of children we saw there that loved to play, and their energy and their vibrancy, I thought it would be great if I could somehow make use of this," he said.
"They don't have Gameboys and all the rest. They are just so genuine and keen to help - they would grab the wheelbarrows we were working with given half the chance.
"Considering what little they have, they were so inspiring to be around. It really was quite humbling."
When he returned, Daniel did some research into power through play looking at how he could turn this positive and joyful activity into something useful for the wider community.
Light work
And after talking to experts in development, he hit upon the idea of generating electricity through playground equipment and designed the see-saw.
He said: "The current need for electricity in sub-Saharan Africa is staggering. Without power development is extremely difficult.
"The potential for this product is huge and the design could be of benefit to numerous communities in Africa and beyond."
He has calculated that five to 10 minutes use on the see-saw could generate enough electricity to light a classroom for an evening, for example.
Many schools in Africa open their doors in the evening to much older pupils but are only able to light their classrooms with candles or kerosene lamps.
Village dream
However, as the energy from the see-saw can be stored, the owners could decide exactly how they wanted to use it.
He will now travel to a village near to the Ugandan city of Jinja where he will test and finalise the prototype using locally sources parts.
"It would be fantastic if I could get this started as a business or even set it up as a charity.
"Ultimately I would love to design a whole playground of different pieces of equipment that could enough generate electricity to power a whole village."
Charoal Fridge from Tanzania
http://celac.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/54/
How to Make a Local Fridge using Charcoal(english version),Engeri yokukolamu fridge yamanda (luganda version)
Posted on June 18, 2007. Filed under: Local Content, Traditional Making Cheese |
Compiled by Karamagi Akiiki Ednah
Step 1 Identify a suitable location for your fridge. It does not matter whether it is under the sunshine or a shade. What is most important is that you choose a location where you do not have to shift the fridge from place to place – this is a permanent structure.
Step 2 Determine the size of you fridge that you want to construct.
Step 3 Erect a double wire mesh boundary with at least a sizeable width within.
Step 4 Pack large charcoal particles in between while filling the gaps with smaller charcoal particles. Avoid use of charcoal dust because it will pollute your food.
Step 5 For the base, use mud; and for the roof, use dry grass. Do not use wire mesh or charcoal for the base or roof construction.
Step 6 Do not forget to put a door to keep away animals and thieves.
Step 7 Also, you have to be mindful that you have to pour water on this charcoal to maintain the cool temperatures within. You can either do this manually or automatically using constructed structures similar to those used in Drip Irrigation. The pouring of water can be done continuously or at a time depending on weather condition outside. The higher the temperatures, the more the water required.
An interesting concept I came across was one used by farmers in western Uganda. Their fridges are much smaller both in width, length and height. These women farmers place a bucket full of water on top of the “fridge”; hanging from the bucket onto the charcoal edges are deep thick wicks (like those of a lantern). The logic is that the wicks suck water and drip it on the charcoal, thereby cooling it.
Charcoal is used as it is a good coolant. Wet charcoal does not allow easy passage of heat thus resulting into low temperature inside. Also, use of water on the charcoal is to minimize charcoal dust. Charcoal is made of wood which by nature do not transmit heat easily. Also, charcoal has pore spaces which absorb and store water inside, this reduces heat passing from outside.
On the other hand, because charcoal comes from trees, use of charcoal only contributes to environmental degradation; which is disastrous to our environment. It grossly affects the climatic condition of an area, as well as the soil. It is important therefore that you seek legal country permission and guidance before you undertake this project. Also, you can start an active tree planting campaign.
How to Make a Local Fridge using Charcoal(english version),Engeri yokukolamu fridge yamanda (luganda version)
Posted on June 18, 2007. Filed under: Local Content, Traditional Making Cheese |
Compiled by Karamagi Akiiki Ednah
Step 1 Identify a suitable location for your fridge. It does not matter whether it is under the sunshine or a shade. What is most important is that you choose a location where you do not have to shift the fridge from place to place – this is a permanent structure.
Step 2 Determine the size of you fridge that you want to construct.
Step 3 Erect a double wire mesh boundary with at least a sizeable width within.
Step 4 Pack large charcoal particles in between while filling the gaps with smaller charcoal particles. Avoid use of charcoal dust because it will pollute your food.
Step 5 For the base, use mud; and for the roof, use dry grass. Do not use wire mesh or charcoal for the base or roof construction.
Step 6 Do not forget to put a door to keep away animals and thieves.
Step 7 Also, you have to be mindful that you have to pour water on this charcoal to maintain the cool temperatures within. You can either do this manually or automatically using constructed structures similar to those used in Drip Irrigation. The pouring of water can be done continuously or at a time depending on weather condition outside. The higher the temperatures, the more the water required.
An interesting concept I came across was one used by farmers in western Uganda. Their fridges are much smaller both in width, length and height. These women farmers place a bucket full of water on top of the “fridge”; hanging from the bucket onto the charcoal edges are deep thick wicks (like those of a lantern). The logic is that the wicks suck water and drip it on the charcoal, thereby cooling it.
Charcoal is used as it is a good coolant. Wet charcoal does not allow easy passage of heat thus resulting into low temperature inside. Also, use of water on the charcoal is to minimize charcoal dust. Charcoal is made of wood which by nature do not transmit heat easily. Also, charcoal has pore spaces which absorb and store water inside, this reduces heat passing from outside.
On the other hand, because charcoal comes from trees, use of charcoal only contributes to environmental degradation; which is disastrous to our environment. It grossly affects the climatic condition of an area, as well as the soil. It is important therefore that you seek legal country permission and guidance before you undertake this project. Also, you can start an active tree planting campaign.
Evapocooler invention for cooling camels milk in Somalia
Or How to get your camel milk to market in 40 degree C climate.
My brother Dominic Wanjihia invented this gadget which he calls Fine Lined Evaporative Cooler, for rural application in Somalia - the cooling of camels milk for transportation . He was working on a project for VETAID, Somali Pastoral Dairy Development Program - SPDDP,in Burao, Somalia June 2008. All this content belongs to Dominic who has allowed me to post it here- please seek his permission to use this content elsewhere dwanjihia@yahoo.com
Cool-box design Fine Lined Evaporative cooler
Cool-box design Fine Lined Evaporative cooler
Evaporative cooling technology
The evaporative cooling concept has been used for centuries in countless applications. Cooling occurs when a fluid changes state from liquid to vapor. Put simply, evaporation. In order to evaporate, the liquid requires energy or heat. It acquires this heat energy from its immediate surrounding. As the surrounding gives up this heat, it lowers in temperature or cools.
The rate at which evaporation occurs depends largely on two main factors, the amount of heat available and the humidity in the air.
The cooler must also be shaded from direct sunlight otherwise the surfaces absorb UV heat and warms up, becoming ineffective as a cooler.
In short
Evaporative cooling devices work most efficiently in windy, dry and shaded conditions
Charcoal cooler
Everyone knows how to make charcoal fridges. After carrying out extensive tests on evaporative coolers in hot arid Burao, Somaliland, with day temperatures as high as 36OC in the shade, the charcoal would absorb ambient heat from the air and as opposed to cooling, would warm up the interior compartment.
Imagine wearing a wet thick winter jacket under the palms at a breezy beach. The jacket acts as a wetsuit and will insulate your body preventing heat from escaping.
Fine lined cooler
However, imagine wearing a wet skintight t-shirt in similar conditions. The water evaporates quite rapidly and cools your body.
I applied this concept to the cooler prototype pictured and achieved startling results. The cooler would drop as low as 15.5OC at night when temperatures averaged 25OC and maintain under 17OC during the day at average temps of + 32OC.
Evapocooler
Evapocooler
Construction
An elevated metal box is lined interior and exterior with a fabric. In this case I used locally available corrugated galvanized iron sheets for the container and sisal sacking fabric for lining. The upper ends of the fabric overhang in a water trough that rings the top of the cooler. Capillary action causes the water to slowly trickle over the inner and outer surfaces. A small vent keeps the interior air circulating and wind guides or tunnels direct air flow over the exterior surfaces. A low speed small solar powered fan can be incorporated in areas where there is not a constant breeze.
How it works
The circulating air in the interior causes evaporation on the wet surfaces. The necessary energy is acquired from the contents hence cooling them and is transfers to the iron sides.
Wind guides or tunnels direct an airflow over the external sides. The evaporation that occurs acquires energy from the sides causing further cooling of the interior.
Convection current system to increase water bath cooling
Convection current system to increase water bath cooling
Construction design
Cool-box with water-bath interior for rapid milk cooling application– Collection Point Cooler
Walk-in cold-room for vegetable storage
Vehicle mounted for long distance transporters
Features (Comparison to conventional charcoal coolers)
Very simple construction
Corrugated galvanized iron or GI sheets increase the surface area
Wind tunnels guide air flow efficiently over evaporation surfaces
Air flow coolers at tunnel entrances
Being galvanized, the sheets are long lasting
GI sheets are affordable and available in most rural areas
Secondhand sacking fabric is available in virtually every vegetable market
The simple capillary action dripping system replaces more complicated dripping apparatus
Convection current system to increase water-bath cooling efficiency
Cool box design with waterbath for rapid drop in temperature of milk
Cool box design with waterbath for rapid drop in temperature of milk
The design simplified
The design simplified
In hot arid regions, cooling the warm ambient air before it reaches the wet evaporation surfaces increase efficiency. Note. Setup for airflow from either direction
level coolers – achieved low’s of 16OC at ambient temp of 30OC +
level coolers – achieved low’s of 16OC at ambient temp of 30OC +
Rapid Temperature Drop Test 4 lts boiling water in aluminum milk churn placed in water-bath at 16OC
Rapid Temperature Drop Test 4 lts boiling water in aluminum milk churn placed in water-bath at 16OC
For further information and other rural development concepts and innovative designs, Dom can be reached on
mobile tel +254 722 700 530 dwanjihia@yahoo.com
Or How to get your camel milk to market in 40 degree C climate.
My brother Dominic Wanjihia invented this gadget which he calls Fine Lined Evaporative Cooler, for rural application in Somalia - the cooling of camels milk for transportation . He was working on a project for VETAID, Somali Pastoral Dairy Development Program - SPDDP,in Burao, Somalia June 2008. All this content belongs to Dominic who has allowed me to post it here- please seek his permission to use this content elsewhere dwanjihia@yahoo.com
Cool-box design Fine Lined Evaporative cooler
Cool-box design Fine Lined Evaporative cooler
Evaporative cooling technology
The evaporative cooling concept has been used for centuries in countless applications. Cooling occurs when a fluid changes state from liquid to vapor. Put simply, evaporation. In order to evaporate, the liquid requires energy or heat. It acquires this heat energy from its immediate surrounding. As the surrounding gives up this heat, it lowers in temperature or cools.
The rate at which evaporation occurs depends largely on two main factors, the amount of heat available and the humidity in the air.
The cooler must also be shaded from direct sunlight otherwise the surfaces absorb UV heat and warms up, becoming ineffective as a cooler.
In short
Evaporative cooling devices work most efficiently in windy, dry and shaded conditions
Charcoal cooler
Everyone knows how to make charcoal fridges. After carrying out extensive tests on evaporative coolers in hot arid Burao, Somaliland, with day temperatures as high as 36OC in the shade, the charcoal would absorb ambient heat from the air and as opposed to cooling, would warm up the interior compartment.
Imagine wearing a wet thick winter jacket under the palms at a breezy beach. The jacket acts as a wetsuit and will insulate your body preventing heat from escaping.
Fine lined cooler
However, imagine wearing a wet skintight t-shirt in similar conditions. The water evaporates quite rapidly and cools your body.
I applied this concept to the cooler prototype pictured and achieved startling results. The cooler would drop as low as 15.5OC at night when temperatures averaged 25OC and maintain under 17OC during the day at average temps of + 32OC.
Evapocooler
Evapocooler
Construction
An elevated metal box is lined interior and exterior with a fabric. In this case I used locally available corrugated galvanized iron sheets for the container and sisal sacking fabric for lining. The upper ends of the fabric overhang in a water trough that rings the top of the cooler. Capillary action causes the water to slowly trickle over the inner and outer surfaces. A small vent keeps the interior air circulating and wind guides or tunnels direct air flow over the exterior surfaces. A low speed small solar powered fan can be incorporated in areas where there is not a constant breeze.
How it works
The circulating air in the interior causes evaporation on the wet surfaces. The necessary energy is acquired from the contents hence cooling them and is transfers to the iron sides.
Wind guides or tunnels direct an airflow over the external sides. The evaporation that occurs acquires energy from the sides causing further cooling of the interior.
Convection current system to increase water bath cooling
Convection current system to increase water bath cooling
Construction design
Cool-box with water-bath interior for rapid milk cooling application– Collection Point Cooler
Walk-in cold-room for vegetable storage
Vehicle mounted for long distance transporters
Features (Comparison to conventional charcoal coolers)
Very simple construction
Corrugated galvanized iron or GI sheets increase the surface area
Wind tunnels guide air flow efficiently over evaporation surfaces
Air flow coolers at tunnel entrances
Being galvanized, the sheets are long lasting
GI sheets are affordable and available in most rural areas
Secondhand sacking fabric is available in virtually every vegetable market
The simple capillary action dripping system replaces more complicated dripping apparatus
Convection current system to increase water-bath cooling efficiency
Cool box design with waterbath for rapid drop in temperature of milk
Cool box design with waterbath for rapid drop in temperature of milk
The design simplified
The design simplified
In hot arid regions, cooling the warm ambient air before it reaches the wet evaporation surfaces increase efficiency. Note. Setup for airflow from either direction
level coolers – achieved low’s of 16OC at ambient temp of 30OC +
level coolers – achieved low’s of 16OC at ambient temp of 30OC +
Rapid Temperature Drop Test 4 lts boiling water in aluminum milk churn placed in water-bath at 16OC
Rapid Temperature Drop Test 4 lts boiling water in aluminum milk churn placed in water-bath at 16OC
For further information and other rural development concepts and innovative designs, Dom can be reached on
mobile tel +254 722 700 530 dwanjihia@yahoo.com
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