Collen Zalengera

Zatuba VIllage Gets Clean Energy For Lighting

2011-11-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Alot has happened between the last post and now.

The Sustainable Livelihood Project was launched in Zatuba Village,Malawi, in August 2010. The project started with a vision workshop which involved the people of Zatuba defining and deciding where they want to be in the next five years and thereafter. The village had to define its priorities and more importantly the legacy for their children.

The village selected community mobiliser who they felt can keep the fire burning.

The people identified access to capital as a major challenge to their development. It was also identified that the poverty was worsened by the use of unsustainable energy sources for lighting. The community used kerosene lamps for lighting. Each kerosene lamp was draining about US$6 per moth. To asssit them community save money, we distributed solar lanterns to the community at a no profit price of US$21 offering a pay back period of 3 months against a life time of 36 months at a minimum. The solar lantern were sponsored by Empower, our major partner in Australia.

In addition to saving the community money, the solar lanterns gives them high quality light compared to kerosone lamps (sometimes firewood lighting). The lanterns also saves carbon emissions as for every liter of kerosene avoided represents about 3.26kg of carbon dioxide emissions saved. Further it is expected that respiratory diseases are caused by kerosene-lamp smoke will reduce. The lanterns are indeed a demonstration of cost effective technlogies that cut across a range of Millennium Development Goals

The people have also been given training in bussiness slection and business management and access to finance has been facilitated by linking the community to one of the banks in the country.

The community's school has also been given training in permaculture.

The moto of the project is to empower the people of Zatuba from inside: Enabling them to achieve change for the better in a most sustianable manner without reliance on donations. We have always told the community " CHANGE DOES NOT COME FROM OUTSIDE, CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN".

Is homophobia on the rise in the Commonwealth’s African member states?

2010-03-02T01:29:00.000-08:00

This is a very complicated subject. Human rights is of paramount importance but there are some rights which kill the very fundamental moral principles of life.

The issue becomes more complicated when we are in the world where religion and all other social values co-exist. Human rights will allow all these to co-exist but the things we allow to co-exist are not symbiotic and sometimes one hardly tolerates the other.

By the end of the day it depends on who rules and who is in control and what are the values and beliefs of those in control.If those formulating human rights guidelines were/are guided by religous values and beliefs, which the human rights allow to co-exist, one would agree with me that some rights would be at very serious discretion. And it is a very big challenge if the one judging such a case in a court has religious values and beliefs but is judging using laws and guidelines which are not fully in support of his values and beliefs.

At the very end of it all, the basis of our powers is what determines which values will take lead in the end. Based on my religious principles, values and beliefs; some of the human rights exists because the world is mainly controlled by the devil. If we were to look critically at the human rights, they were supposed to foster the liberty which the creator himself wanted man and woman to enjoy on earth. That liberty has limits and that is why human rights have limits too.

If one critically analyses what other human rights and fundamental moral principles of life the gay rights torture, one would then justify whether it is proper to advocate for such or not.

In the real sense, what ever we do; it is spiritual war in the name of balancing which rights to include in the laws,sometimes mixing things which are immiscible.

In conclusion, we can allow our human rights to allow everything co-exist but the one to be taken by the majority depends on the beliefs and values of the majority and how religion and spirituality preaches for and against such rights. (personally, I hate same-sex relationships and those who do it should know that God will judge them on the last day)

other links:
http://www.thecommonwealthconversation.org/2010/01/is-homophobia-on-the-rise-in-the-commonwealths-african-member-states

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD : A NEW PROJECT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH "EMPOWER" OF AUSTRALIA IS BORN IN MALAWI

2010-03-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

A new project has been launched where renewable energy technologies will be installed in a community to meet the various energy needs of the people.The project is to be funded by "Empower" of Australia in partnership with Mzuzu University, Department of Energy Studies.

The project will involve solar lighting using solar lanterns and PV modules for households, schools, and health centres; biogas production from animal waste for cooking; solar and wind water pumping for clean water supply and irrigation agriculture; water harvesting technologies and drip irrigation.

The objective of the project is to demonstrate and use renewable energy technologies in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Energy poverty in Malawi is a very serious problem mainly at a domestic level in the rural areas. Women travel for an average of 10-15 kilometres to fetch firewood and this reduces the time they spend in income generating activities and family activities.

Three communities, from which one will be chosen, are currently being assessed. The communities are in Mchinji, Chikwawa and Mzimba. A vision workshop will be organised for the community which will be selected. The aim of the vision workshop is to encourage a participatory approach and empower the people so that we take aboard their problems and their suggested solutions to the energy problems they meet.

Small scale loans will also be provided to the community members for small business enterprises.

othher links: http://empowerprojects.org/ http://www.cscuk.org.uk/news/news.asp

SOLAR WATER HEATER FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE MATERIALS IN MALAWI

2010-02-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

A product of the then Polytechnic for Rural Electrification Project (POREP), a research group which I led as an Executive Director from 2004-2006. In the picture it is Collen explaining to the then Deputy Minister of Energy at Madziabango clinic in Chikwawa district where the system was donated.

With about K70,000 (£300) you can have this solar water heater providing 140 litres of hot water at about 70 degrees throughout the day. The tank is 70 litres but it can provide more than this because of thermosyphonic cycles depending on how you utilise it.The system can also be mounted on roofs hence improving its security. It is simple and robust.

BIOGAS PROJECT PICTURES

2009-12-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

DISCOVER THE PUMPING POWER IN YOU KIDS

2009-12-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

1. Put up a swing which I am pretty sure your children would like to play on

2. Link the swing to a linkage which is connected to a mechanical water pump

3. You will be surprised how much water they will pump into the tank in a day. invest in a children swing and save your electricity bills for water pumping if you were considering an electric pump unless otherwise.

I would regard this as a good symbiosis otherwise if you keep on sending the kids for a pail of water, one day they or someone else would consider it as child labour. Provide them with entertainment and let them pump...an elder can also swing and pump; may be when you are making fun of yourself as a couple.

The hand pump seen above operates based on pendulum movements of the handle(red in colour). If this is linked to a swing, the pump can operate very well without the need of someone to operated the handle with a a hand.

With proper designing of a linkage system, the concept can work with any type of mechanical pump.

TIPS THAT ASSIST REDUCE CARBON FOOT PRINTS AND OTHER GENERAL BEHAVIOUR TIPS

2009-07-02T23:45:00.001-07:00

ENERGY TIPS

Switch ON lights only when it is necessary e.g. remember to switch off lights when leaving the toilet
Switch OFF a hot plate as soon as the water boils---the additional heat does not add to any temperature rise of your water but rather boiling off your water
Always move with a torch light. It is important in case your electricity goes off
Switch OFF your computer if you will be away for more than ten minutes
Make sure you use much of natural light…keeping windows/curtains open may prevent you from using electricity lighting during the day…building designs should also take this into consideration

BEHAVIOUR TIPS

Remember to carry a tissue with you when travelling
Avoid holding somebody on a phone for so long
If you are on a long call, hold on for some time, serve your visitor or a friend on your desk and carry on with the phone call
Print on both sides of paper unless otherwise specified
Avoid chewing anything you see boring to you e.g. papers
Avoid sticking a chewed bubblegum besides your working desk
Do not carry your cell phone in your trousers-rear pocket , neither should you carry it in your shirt upper pocket; chances are high that you will break it when sitting or lose it when bending/bowing
Using an elevator rather than the stairs-case is another security tip—robbers may sometimes hide behind the stair cases
A bottle of water when travelling may assist you
Do not turn your radio to full volume, you can not hear some strange sounds within your vicinity…it is for your security
Do not drink hot tea/coffee from a metal cup neither should you carry hot food in a metal plate—you will be burnt
A set of a small knife with a bottle opener may be necessary in your pocket. Do not use teeth to open a bottle
Remember to save at least one number in your cell phone as “in case of emergency (IoE). This gives your rescuers in an emergence which number they should call.
Avoid going to bed without any airtime in your cell phone—this is an important tip for risk and disaster preparedness, the same applies to fuel in your vehicle—an mount of money for a taxi from your home to a hospital or nearest bank can also assist you
Do not switch OFF your cell phone at night---your services may be important to someone’s life even at night
A child in the hands of a mother or any person when travelling in a vehicle is not safe. Kids need a comfortable sit with a seat belt fastened and child locked-doors. Stop your kids from protruding their heads or hands in vehicle windows

WATER TIPS

Use a pail when washing your vehicle and not a horse pipe…you can reduce your water bills. The same applies to washing your clothes and kitchen utensils
People who wash using a bath tab use more water than people who use a shower. But remember to turn on the shower only when it is necessary
Rather use a cup when brushing your teeth than a running tap.
Do not just throw anything that bores you in a toilet….consider the amount of water you use to flash that simple thing….it is an expensive way
Do not just throw way your washing water away, it may be useful for flashing your toilets in case your water supply is off
Try to collect rain water from your roof using your pails. This can serve a purpose or two and reduce your water bills

ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS

Two bins dust bins, one for plastics and another one for biodegradable materials, may be important for an organisation
If you have a tendency of throwing bottles out a vehicle when travelling, better throw your bottle near to a dwelling place….some people may find this useful say for buying paraffin and this is simple recycling
Do not just throw litter any where, a small plastic bag can save you up to the next bin point
Take off the label of any plastic bottle you want to throw away…vendors like thrown labelled bottles for fake products.
Wrap a chewed bubblegum in a small paper before throwing it way---you save some people from being stack with it
Do not urinate on walls…use public paying toilets nearest to you
Know your digestive system well, this will assist you in planning what type of food you should take when going for long journeys in public transport….avoid taking too much of liquid foods during long journeys.

ENERGY POVERTY IS NOT JUST A KITCHEN PROBLEM

2009-06-25T02:38:00.000-07:00

To think that energy poverty just ends in the kitchen, is a mistake; Energy poverty can be one of the causes of marriage breakdowns, violence agaisnst women , spread of HIV and increased number of orphans.

MARRIAGE BREAK DOWN

In an african culture, it is usually women who do the cooking and every man expects well cooked food from his wife. Not well cooked food prepared by a wife may result in family squables which may translate into breakup. But the cuase of the uncooked food may not be that the wife is not a good a cook but becuase sha had no enough firewood.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Just like illustrated above, some husbands can bit their wives becuase of not well prepared meals yet the reason is lack of firewood.

Another case is where women go to distant forests to fetch firewood, some forest guards can entice the women to exchange sexual services for firewood.

SPREAD OF HIV AND INCREASED NUMBER OF ORPHANS

Marriage breakdown as already illustrated can lead to the spread of HIV in a case where one remarries without knowing his/her HIV serostatus.

Incidents where women can be raped in forests while fetching firewood or cases where women are enticed to exchange sexual services for firewood; can lead to the spread of HIV which may again result in an increased number of orphans.

WAY FORWARD

We need to think seriously about the issue of energy poverty. Deforestation issue is beyond climate change...even before climate change is immense, lives may have already been claimed.

FUNDAMENTALS OF SOLAR ENERGY

2009-03-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

THE SUN

• The source of solar energy
• Our nearest star
• Produces 3.8 x 1023 kW of power through
nuclear fusion reactions.
• Most of the energy we use derives from
the sun e.g. wind, hydro, wood, petroleum

USES OF SOLAR ENERGY
• Heating
• Drying
• Cooking
• Distilling
• Producing steam
• Generating electricity

CONVERSION OF SOLAR
ENERGY
• Solar » Chemical
This is done in plants through a process
called photosynthesis.
• Solar » Heat
This is done in heating devices such as
solar heaters and crop driers.
• Solar » Electricity
This is done by solar cells which convert solar light
energy into DC electricity.

SOLAR RADIATION PRINCIPLES
• Not all the solar energy reaches the earth
• Part of the sun’s energy is lost in the
atmosphere through reflection, refraction and
absorption.
• Solar energy varies over the day, month and
year.
• Solar energy is maximum at noon over a day
and in summer over a year.
• Areas between tropical of Cancer and Capricorn
receive more solar energy than areas outside
the tropics.

ANGLE OF INCIDENCE
• The angle at which the sun rays hits a surface have an
effect on the amount of energy reaching the surface.
• The closer the incident angle to 90 degrees the higher
the amount of energy received by surface. Solar devices
have a specific orientation and angle of installation to
make sure the devices capture as much energy as
possible.
NOTE: All panels in the south of the equator are supposed
to face north and those in the north of equator are
supposed to face south. The tilt angle depends on
latitude of specific site where the installation is taking
place.

SUN PEAK HOURS
• The number of hours of effective sunlight in a day is very
important. We can have 6 hours of effective sunlight
during some days of the year and 4 hours of sunlight
during some days of the year.
• Solar equipment converts energy only when the sun is
available.
• It is important that solar energy systems are designed to
work effectively even when sun peak hours are less. For
example, a solar PV system should be sized such that it
can provide enough power in October as well as in
June.
• It is always wise to verify with meteorological data on
sun peak hours for reliable solar PV systems

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

2009-03-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

PHOTOVOLTAICS

The generation of electricity from
light. When the source of light is
the sun; it is called solar
photovoltaics

USES OF SOLAR
ELECTRICITY

Solar electricity can be used in so
many applications. Depending on
the system size the application
can range from small home
systems to powering large
industries.

HOUSEHOLD SYSTEM AND
APPLIANCES

Solar electricity can be used to power lights,
radios, televisions, cassette players, and
other appliances.
The application of solar electricity to such
uses is called Solar Home Systems

INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS

- businesses, schools, health centers, hospitals
and manufacturing industries can use solar
electricity to power:
• Manufacturing machines
• Typewriters
• Sewing machines
• Computers
• Security systems

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• Telecommunication radios
• Repeaters
• Weather monitoring equipment

HEALTH CENTRE VACCINE
REFRIGERATION AND LIGHTING

• Freezing ice packs
• Blood plasma

WATER PUMPING

• Solar electricity can be used to power
electrical pumps to pump water from wells
or boreholes.

WATER PURIFICATION

• Solar energy can be used to purify water
for drinking

OTHER USES
• Electric fences
• Street lighting
• Railway and marine signal lighting
• Road sign illumination

ADVANTAGES SOLAR
ELECRTICITY

• Energy from sun is freely available for
conversion into electricity and is never used up.
• Energy production is produced quietly, unlike
generators and without pollutants
• Solar generators ( modules) require little
maintenance.
• It is economical for many small applications.
• Fire risks are reduced in solar lighting systems
than in kerosene lighting systems
• Solar electricity can easily be designed to meet
the energy needs of an individual

COMPONENTS OF SOLAR
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

• PV MODULE
This converts solar light energy directly into
DC ( Direct Current) electricity.

• STORAGE BATTERY

This stores electrical energy generated when
it is sunny to be used when the sun is not
available e.g. at night

• CHARGE CONTROLLER
This is the connection point of all components.
The PV module, battery, load are all connected to Charge
Controller.
The Charge controller protects the battery from over-discharge and undercharge

INVERTER
• This converts DC electricity into AC
( Alternating Current) incase we have loads
that need AC power.

CABLES, CONDUITS, SWITCHES,
LOADS
• Cables are the wires for connecting the
components together.
• Conduits are the pipes through which the
wires pass.
• Switches are controlling gadgets; either for
switching ON or OFF loads
• Loads include electrical bulbs, radios,
television etc.

PROTECTION

• This protects system components and /or
users of the system.
• This may include fuses, breakers, lightning
conductors, etc.

THE BEAUTY OF MALAWI

2008-12-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

This is the beauty you can enjoy as you go round Malawi doing your research.

MZUZU UNIVERSITY LUANCHES THE CHOMA-CHIGWERE BIOGAS PROJECT

2008-12-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

It was the British High Commissioner himself who luanched the project.The Vice-Chancellor of Mzuzu University, Prof. Landson Mhango, watches him cutting the ribbon.

It was exciting to witness the fire coming from the biogas.It was amazing to see that cowdung is a source of heating energy.

Yes, what you consider a waste should be a resource in another way.

MZUZU UNIVERSITY COMPLETES A DEMONSTRATION BIOGAS PLANT

2008-12-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

When we talk we do it. Our aim is to bring change to the community. Education is useless if it can not benefit man and woman on this earth.

The system you see in this picture on the left is a biogas plant.

The plant uses cow dung to produce methane which is used for cooking.

The plant supplies three kitchens. The Mdhlanga's can sigh for relief; no more long distances to fetch for firewood.All they do is open a gate valve and light a match.

This was done with funding from the Malawi British High Commision. Eleven other plants are to be constructed in the Choma-Chigwere area.

The objective of the project is to mitigate climate change through promotion of biogas from cow dung.

The use of biogas will reduce deforestation thereby saving the trees and other fuel vegetation which are carbon sinks.

At the same time, the project will reduce the emissionof methane(21 times stronger than Carbon Dioxide in causing global warming) from cow dung into the atmosphere. When metahne is burnt by the beneficiaries as they comfortably cook in their kitchens, the products are water and carbon dioxide( Carbon Dioxide is used by the plants in the process of photosynthesis). Thus the emissions are reduced.

Mzuzu University Appraises Kamkwamba's wind Turbine

2008-08-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

The system you see is what William Kamkwamba developed after he dropped out of school due to lack of School fees.

Despite being a school dropout, he managed to turn science theories into practical and provide electricity for his home in Kasungu-Wimbe.

With a wooden tower, a bicycle dynamo (now replaced by a 48V DC grenerator) and a tractor fan to which he attached wooden blades, he is able to watch TV, play DVDs, listen to radio, and provide electric light to his home.

The boy is also currently developing another turbine for water pumping and the system is just awaiting commissioning.

Mzuzu University, in particular the department of energy studies team comprising of
Collen Zalengera, Fredrick Munthali and Maxon Chitawo went to see the system early July.

Mzuzu University is now working with Kamkwamba in trying to improve on the technology and add in more professional and techincal aspects for promotion of the wind energy system.

Mzuzu University has just finished an appraisal report for the system and the report is the foundation of the long term parternership between the two parties.

Mr. Kamkwamba is now happy to have a solar/wind hybrid system after securing some funding from well wishers. He now also has a solar water pumping system which provides piped water to his family members.

Mr. Kamkwamba has now gone back to school after well wishers realised his potential of helping the world more especially when the world is about renewable energy.

Geothermal Potential in Malawi

2008-08-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

These waters amid which I am standing are boiling and I tell you it is nothing but heat from inside the earth.. the mantle.

These waters can scald you, they run a long distance but still with high temperatures.

The site is in Malawi as we go to Karonga.It is a potential research site.

Biogas from human Waste!!!!

2008-05-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

Biogas is one of the renewable energy sources. A good percentage of it is methane which can be used for cooking, lighting ,and generating electricity by driving internal combustion gas turbine generators.

Biogas can be produced from such wastes as paper, municipal solid waste, saw dust, cow dung just to mention a few.

There are still some people who feel it is a taboo to produce biogas from human waste and use it for cooking.

What is your opinion?