A pilot project to introduce renewable energy and reduce environmental pollution by using a solar collector in Kenya

Abstract

In the Technical University of Mombasa, 3 meals are prepared daily for about 2000 students. A combination of firewood and LPG is used as the energy source for cooking. For these meals large amounts of boiling water are needed. This not only results in high energy costs, but the use of fossil fuels also creates an unsafe working environment for the kitchen staff and has a large ecological impact. The main goal is to reduce the energy costs for boiling water by 65%. This will be done in an ecological and ergonomic way, using a solar collector. Based on a literature study, it was decided to use a flat plate solar collector with an internal matrix structure and a glycol solution as intermediate fluid. The system was also designed to use natural convection, such that no external pumps are needed for the flow of the glycol. This concept was drawn in a 3D drawing package and simulations were performed on the design to get a better idea of the size and operation of the installation. The simulations showed an energy saving of 55% on average. As a next step in the project, the installation was built in cooperation with local technicians whereby knowledge transfer took place in both directions. Finally, measurements were performed on the installation and they correspond well to the simulations made beforehand. The installation provides an average energy saving of 55%. In this way, the main objective has not been achieved but progress has been made on the ecological and ergonomic fronts.