Solar (Photovoltaic) Systems, Energy Use and Business Activities in Maphephethe, KwaZulu, Natal
Literature suggests that energy is both a prerequisite for and essential to development (both social and economic). In order to establish the ability of an alternative energy source —photovoltaic systems - to meet daily requirements, an investigation into current energy usage, expenditure patterns and business applications was conducted. Maphephethe, an area north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, was selected for a formal survey, with locally based, trained interviewers interviewing 200 households and businesses. The findings indicated that income levels were slightly above national (rural) norms but displayed a wide variability. Eleven energy sources were used, including candles for illumination, car batteries for television sets, dry batteries for radios and wood for cooking. Paraffin and gas were used for refrigeration. The general attitude towards solar home systems was favourable but the interviewees perceived grid electricity as being better. There did not appear to be any difference between those households that had solar home systems and those that did not. Expenditure saved on traditional energy sources matched that spent on solar syst-ems. Business energy-related potential was present but not developed
RENEWABLES AND RURAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN BOTSWANA
brings together 106 African energy researchers and policy makers who have a long-term interest in energy research and the attendant policy-making process. AFREPREN has initiated policy research studies in 19 The key objective of the African Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN) is to strengthen local research capacity and to harness it in the service of energy policy making and planning. Initiated in 1987, AFREPREN is a collective regional response to the widespread concern over the weak link between energy research and the formulation and implementation of energy policy in Africa. Acknowledgements AFREPREN/FWD acknowledges the generous support of Sida/SAREC, Sweden, which financed the publication of this report as well as the associated national policy seminar. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official views of Sida/SAREC, Sweden. The editor would like to thank the individuals who presented papers at the seminar; Mr. S Batishephi and Mr. O. Phefo for facilitating the seminar; Mr. Moseki and Mr. O Phefo for taking the minutes; Mrs. Birgiwta K. Dorph for officially opening the seminar; and all the seminar participants AFREPREN/FWD also acknowledges, with thanks, the valuable support from and Grace Rubiro for the logistical support in organizing the Botswana seminar. copyrighted. Short extracts (of not more than half a page) from this publication may be reproduced by those who wish to do so, provided that the authors, AFREPREN/FWD and Sida/SAREC, are fully acknowledged and a copy of the report or article containing the extract is sent to the Nairobi Secretariat of AFREPREN/FWD. Introduction E Ex xe ec cu ut ti iv ve e S Su um mm ma ar ry y lthough over 70% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa resides in the rural areas, the bulk of modern energy is consumed in urban areas. Most of the energy used in rural areas is in the form of traditional biomass, which includes natural organic fuels such as wood, charcoal, agricultural residues and animal wastes. The shortage of modern energy in rural areas has contributed to keeping rural communities stuck in a subsistence level economy characterised by inefficient use of non-commercial energy, low agricultural productivity and poor standards of living. The dependence on biomass has also led to pressure on wood resources. There is a strong link between provision of modern energy and rural development. Modern energy is considered to be a catalyst for development and can greatly promote the development …
Calculation of Complex Radiant Heat Load From Surrounding Radiator Surface Temperatures
Abstract A method for calculating the radiant heat exchange between an absorber and individual radiating components in its surroundings is reported. Radiator surface temperatures, ambient and absorber temperatures, and configuration factors for radiating components in the surroundings are used in the customary radiant heat exchange formulae. Simplified methods for calculating or estimating configuration factors for radiators of various shapes solely from angles, subtended at the absorber by the radiators are presented. The method has been verified in the laboratory under controlled conditions and has been used to advantage in the field studies. The method has advantages over the globe therometer method in certain applications.