Low-cost, electricity generating heat engines for rural areas

International Conference

Dr Teodoro SanchezEnergy technology Advisor

Research into technology acceptance in rural communities

In Kisumu, Kenya

Purpose of the research study

• To understand the factors and issues of acceptability of new technologies related to energy access

• More specifically to understand the acceptability of solar electricity for lighting and for small domestic demands, and the acceptability of high efficiency biomass cook stoves

• Methodology “Participant observation”

• The sample size : The study was performed in a sample of 4

households of different communities in rural Kisumu

• Data collection: Two research assistants (Observers – a man and a

woman) were identified through community consultation process

and were trained

Methodology

The sample

HH No.

Name of father and mother

Ages of children and their status

Family resources Way of earning their living

1 -Phillip Ombuor Debora Atieno

3 children, at school (16, 12, 7 years old)

A quarter acre of land, 4 hensSemi permanent building, Separate kitchen

• Casual labour• Subsistence farming

2 -Gabriel Mboga -Doprine Akoth

8 Children, 2 independent, 6 at school (17, 16, 15, 14, 11, 7 years old)

Half acre of land, 1 goat, 2 hens, Semi permanent building, Separate kitchen

• Casual labour• Subsistence farming

3 Trufena Apiyo (widow)

3 children at school (18, 10 and 8 years)

1 acre of land, 2 goats, 3 hensRadio, Mobile phoneSemi permanent building, Separate kitchen

• Small business at Lela Market - selling tomatoes and vegetables

• Subsistence farming

4 -Mzee James-Dina Adhiambo

7 children, (18, 16, 15, 13, 12, 10, 8 years old)

1 acre of land, 1 cow, Radio, 2 mobile phones, semi permanent building, separate kitchen

• Peasant farming• Man is a cobbler in

Kisumu town

Family Mboga8 children (6 attending school)

Research findings

Household Average monthly income (£)

HH1 45.41

HH2 41.92

HH3 13.97

HH4 36.68

Cooking and lighting practices before intervention

1) All households were using biomass and 3 stone stoves, the main reasons were that 3 stone stoves are free of cost and are versatile

1) All households were using biomass and 3 stone stoves, the main reasons were that 3 stone stoves are free of cost and are versatile

2) All households were using kerosene tin lamps (koroboi)2) All households were using kerosene tin lamps (koroboi)

3) Weekly expenditureBetween £ 0.60 to £ 0.90 on firewood and between £ 0.30 to £ 1.70 on kerosene for lighting

3) Weekly expenditureBetween £ 0.60 to £ 0.90 on firewood and between £ 0.30 to £ 1.70 on kerosene for lighting

Perception about of benefits of (SHS)

Fathers appreciated that SHS because reduce expenditures on paraffin purchase; they also believe that light brought some warmth in the houseMothers valued SHS because they were able to undertake their household tasks at night, appreciated the better lighting of the rooms, phone charging saved money, two of them started to provide mobile charging services soon after installation

Youths appreciated that they were able to study for longer hours at night and could complete their assignments.Children often are the ones sent for paraffin. They were happy that the solar home systems relieved them of this duty

Post installation findings- SCORE stove

1) Factors that made the SCORE stove acceptable (attractive) •saves 50% of fuel compared with currently used “efficient stoves” (an example of efficient stove used is the Upusi type) •saves 60-75% compared with 3 stone stoves•is faster than other stoves known in the area•is easy to operate•is clean (produces very little or no smoke)•Can accommodate different sizes of pots.2) Factors that were of some concern and needed changes•the chimney gets hot and needs to be insulated.•has some smoke when the users use non dried

Conclusions on key factors for the acceptability of new technologies

Improvements.- New technologies have to bring clear benefits compared to existing alternatives (example cook fast, better lighting)Improvements.- New technologies have to bring clear benefits compared to existing alternatives (example cook fast, better lighting)

Affordability.- People appreciate the benefits of modern technologies but affordability is a permanent barrier for them. For example, after the installation of the SHS more than 20 people showed interest in SHS, they invited Practical Action to give details, much cheaper alternative were shown but they still felt they could not afford

Affordability.- People appreciate the benefits of modern technologies but affordability is a permanent barrier for them. For example, after the installation of the SHS more than 20 people showed interest in SHS, they invited Practical Action to give details, much cheaper alternative were shown but they still felt they could not afford Savings.- saving money is very important for people, for example their appreciation for the SCORE stove was great due to its fuel savingsSavings.- saving money is very important for people, for example their appreciation for the SCORE stove was great due to its fuel savings

Durability.- It was highlighted as a very important factor for acceptabilityDurability.- It was highlighted as a very important factor for acceptability