Construction of laboratories for solar energy research in developing countries
Författare
Summary, in English
A large number of photovoltaic systems have been installed in developing countries around the world
during numerous projects. The goal is often to improve the quality of life in rural areas often lacking
electricity. Many of these installations provide important services such as lighting and charging of various
devices. However, when the projects are finished, there is a large risk that maintenance is not carried out
properly and that malfunctions are never repaired. This situation can leave an otherwise well- functioning
system unusable. A key problem is that there are not enough trained technicians that can maintain and
repair the system locally. One reason for this is the lack of practical education in many developing
countries. Furthermore, the availability of spare parts is essential for long term effectiveness.
During 2011 a group of researchers from Lund University in Sweden built a small scale laboratory in
Maputo, Mozambique, with local researchers. The project was successful and today the laboratory
functions both as a teaching facility and as a measurement station for solar energy research for licentiates,
masters and Ph.D. students.
The main goal now is to widen the project in order to incorporate more universities in developing
countries. We are now looking for new interested partners in developing countries who believe that such a
laboratory could strengthen their ability to teach practical work and to perform research at a local
university. Partners for planning and executing the project are also needed.
during numerous projects. The goal is often to improve the quality of life in rural areas often lacking
electricity. Many of these installations provide important services such as lighting and charging of various
devices. However, when the projects are finished, there is a large risk that maintenance is not carried out
properly and that malfunctions are never repaired. This situation can leave an otherwise well- functioning
system unusable. A key problem is that there are not enough trained technicians that can maintain and
repair the system locally. One reason for this is the lack of practical education in many developing
countries. Furthermore, the availability of spare parts is essential for long term effectiveness.
During 2011 a group of researchers from Lund University in Sweden built a small scale laboratory in
Maputo, Mozambique, with local researchers. The project was successful and today the laboratory
functions both as a teaching facility and as a measurement station for solar energy research for licentiates,
masters and Ph.D. students.
The main goal now is to widen the project in order to incorporate more universities in developing
countries. We are now looking for new interested partners in developing countries who believe that such a
laboratory could strengthen their ability to teach practical work and to perform research at a local
university. Partners for planning and executing the project are also needed.
Avdelning/ar
Publiceringsår
2014
Språk
Engelska
Sidor
982-988
Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie
Energy Procedia 57
Volym
57
Issue
Energy Procedia 57
Dokumenttyp
Konferensbidrag
Förlag
Elsevier
Ämne
- Building Technologies
Nyckelord
- Sustainable Development
- Solar Laboratory
- Research and Education
Conference name
ISES Solar World Congress, 2013
Conference date
2013-11-03 - 2013-11-07
Conference place
Cancun, Mexico
Status
Published
Forskningsgrupp
- Energy and Building Design
ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt
- ISSN: 1876-6102