Long-Term Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Renewable Energy

Funder

Organizational Unit

Publications

Solar Resource and Energy Demand for Autonomous Solar Cooking Photovoltaic Systems in Kenya and Rwanda

Publication . Cardoso, João P.; Couto, António; Costa, Paula; Rodrigues, Carlos; Facão, Jorge; Loureiro, David; Wambugu, Anne; Banda, Sandra; Da Silva, Izael; Simões, Teresa

ABSTRACT: The challenges associated with traditional cooking methods in African countries, particularly the use of firewood and charcoal, which have negative impacts on the environment, health and human and economic development and safety, are addressed in this work. Given the high annual solar irradiation on the African continent, photovoltaic-powered electric cooking alternatives, such as electric pressure cookers (EPCs), are identified as a potential efficient, clean and affordable cooking solution. This work focuses on the potential of standalone solar electric cookers for use in rural African locations, namely, if this type of solution can satisfy cooking demand. Surveys and experimental data from several households in two different countries (Rwanda and Kenya) were collected. Specifically, the researchers performed a survey regarding cooking habits and an experimental campaign to determine real energy consumption profiles of EPCs. The main results are analyzed and discussed in this work. An assessment of the solar power capability to directly supply the EPCs’ energy demand, as determined from the experimental data, is performed. The findings indicate that, for the most commonly prepared food types, using EPCs saves considerable time in comparison with traditional cooking methods. In Rwanda, time savings range from 55% to 84%, while in Kenya, the time saved varies from 9% to 64%. Results show that, even for scenarios with high installed solar capacity, storage solutions are required to enable the PV-powered EPC system to supply more than 50% of meal demand.

2023-09Journal article

Open access

Descarbonizar micro/mini-redes através da complementaridade da produção solar fotovoltaica e eólica

Publication . Couto, António; Cardoso, João P.; Simões, Teresa; Estanqueiro, Ana; Stevanato, N.; Mereu, R.

RESUMO: Este trabalho apresenta uma metodologia para determinar a capacidade instalada ótima de fontes de energia renováveis variáveis no tempo, numa mini-rede selecionada, e avaliar o potencial destas tecnologias para satisfazer o consumo de eletricidade, permitindo reduzir a dependência de geradores alimentados por combustíveis fósseis. A capacidade ótima é identificada com base na exploração estratégica da sinergia eólica e solar fotovoltaica (FV) para atender à procura de eletricidade, neste caso, para substituir a produção com geradores a diesel. Para este efeito, neste trabalho, explora-se o uso de diferentes ângulos de azimute e inclinação dos sistemas solares fotovoltaicos fixos (convencionais e bifaciais), bem como sistemas com seguimento para criar um portfólio de geração ideal. Os resultados preliminares obtidos destacam que é necessário diversificar a orientação dos painéis solares e explorar a energia eólica para evitar vários períodos com excesso de produção e, consequentemente, corte de geração. Apesar de ser necessário continuar a desenvolver este trabalho, os resultados mostram que o uso dos geradores a diesel pode ser significativamente reduzido, especialmente durante o período diurno.

2024-06Conference object

Open access

Business model for standalone solar cooking appliance

Publication . Simões, Teresa; Cardoso, João P.; Couto, António; Chepkorir, Sheila; Savio, Dominique; Cuamba, Boaventura

ABSTRACT: The present report was developed as part of the research activities of the PURAMS project Task 10.1 - Resource assessment and business model development. PURAMS aims to promote the development and increased access to clean cooking technologies. This report presents the business model for the PURAMS’s project related to the use of solar e-cooking using PV systems and storage capabilities. It analyses the socio-economic context in African countries with a particular focus on three case study countries – Kenya, Rwanda and Mozambique. To this end, the project conducted three surveys and two experimental campaigns using Electric Pressure Cooking (EPC) devices in order to understand the energy needs and dimension the systems for an efficient use. For this work, the CANVAS model was used to identify the main actors in the e-cooking process, such as key suppliers, users and other intervenient, as well as the value propositions for this type of business. The most common business models in clean cooking have been analysed and serve as a basis for the development of this report. The main results of this work are related with the key economic indicators of the e-cooking system and the potential users. From the results, it is possible to conclude that the costs associated to its dissemination need a strong intervention from the governments in what concerns the granting of incentives and support to the possible users, together with the establishment of actions for stakeholders’ involvement that can potentiate de dissemination of clean cooking in African countries.

2024-04Report

Open access