Study of a low-cost, portable, and solar powered pump for improving income, food and energy security in Sub-Saharan Africa

The focus of this research was on Sub-Saharan Africa where a large portion of the poorer population is unable to receive their daily dietary supply, have a shortage of water and are frequently hit by famines. While being rich in energy resources, they are poor in energy supply. This research studies a system that has a potential to make use of the local resources efficiently, be of low-cost, utilise renewable energy and generate income in the region.

Experimental Analysis of a low temperature differential Stirling engine, EMSE, was conducted to map the temperature and pressure profile. Modifications made to the EMSE adversely affected the performance of the EMSE and a combination experimental scenario was utilised to validate the computational analysis of the Stirling Engine. The indicated work output remained consistent across the various scenarios to which the Stirling Engine was subjected, showing a threshold pressure based on the geometry and the construction of the engine. Low cost focus of the study is the Achilles’ heel of the project. For an effective Stirling system, tighter tolerance is paramount but, very expensive to achieve.