SMALL SCALE POWER GENERATION FOR A RURAL MEDICAL CLINIC : A minor field study in Linga Linga, Mozambique

Sammanfattning: In Sub-Saharan Africa, 76 % of the population lack access to electricity. This situation prohibits economic growth, causes major health issues, and impedes the education of its populace. Considerable work and effort are being made to increase the populace’s access to electricity. Even small amounts of electricity can make a difference and increase the quality of life. There have been several studies conducted that investigate possible solutions for small scale power generation in Mozambique, but the proposed solutions have not been implemented. Other studies have been carried out that investigate practical solutions for small scale power generation and implementing them, albeit not in Mozambique. This thesis therefore tries to cover the entire spectra, from possible solution to practical implementation, in Mozambique. This thesis is conducted as a case study, with a rural clinic in the village of Linga Linga, Mozambique, as case. The thesis analyses the clinic’s energy demand, the most suitable renewable energy resource for the clinic as well as local materials and components to construct a small scale power generation solution. The main research question that is answered is "What renewable and sustainable small scale power generation solution can be built, using local resources, to deliver electricity to a rural medical clinic?". To answer the main research question, necessary information was gathered, where Mozambique’s energy situation, renewable energy technologies in general and previous small scale energy projects in particular were studied. Thereafter, the energy demand as well as the daily variation of demand were investigated. An evaluation of which renewable energy resources that were locally available and most suitable was also conducted. Finally, a small scale power generation solution, using local material and components, was constructed and evaluated. The energy demand of the clinic was estimated to be 2 795 Wh per day, with a maximum power demand of 150 W. The energy demand consisted of five lamps and one refrigerator. Solar energy was evaluated as the renewable energy resource most suitable for the particular area. Moreover, a solar power system was constructed, with a maximum power of 880 W and a total battery energy capacity of 5 760 Wh, of which 50 % can be utilised without risking the health and lifetime of the batteries. The total cost for the solar power system amounted to 141 482 MZN, corresponding to circa 20 447 SEK. The purpose with the thesis was to evaluate a viable way to produce electricity and to implement a practical solution for a medical clinic. With a solar power system in place, the life quality of the inhabitants in Linga Linga has been improved. Looking forward, this thesis provides a piece of the puzzle for how electrification of rural Sub-Saharan Africa can be conducted, from energy demand to installation, and contributes to the Agenda 2030 goal of clean energy for everyone.