Energy and Energy Supply

Discussion Stream Notes

The Energy and Energy Supply was charged with figuring out appropriate cooking, warmth, and light systems and fuels. The three projects developed were:

1. Fuel & Technology Package for Cooking

Because of the impacts of the use of fuelwood has on both society (gathering wood exposes women and children to violence and landmines, and requires much time that could be better used for education or wage earning) and the environment, the group felt alternate fuels should be explored. (Commonly used in camps, kerosene is very dangerous, causing carbon monoxide poisoning, and it is easily sold through the black market.) The group felt liquified petroleum gas (LPG) had some advantages. Because cooking requires 70 percent of camp energy, a reexamination of LPG cooking devices were suggested. Additionally, the group suggested a reexamination of the types of devices used for cooking (pots, pressure cookers, kettles, etc.), and suggested there might be more efficient models made of better-conducting metals available than are currently distributed to refugees.

2. Communal Warmth – Propane Trickle Brazier

In many camps in cold climates (such as Afghanistan's) there is a tremendous need for personal warmth for family groups in the evening and at night. The energy group wanted to find a way to deliver these things, while at the same time reinforcing family cohesion and traditional practices. As described in the narrative above, the group learned Afghan families are accustomed to heating their feet and lower legs by sitting together (sandelei) around a table, covered with a heavy quilt, with a small charcoal brazier (manqal) underneathÛan arrangement similar to the Japanese kotatsu. The brazier, containing coals covered with ash, stays hot for many hours. People often go to sleep in the same positions by leaving their lower extremities under the brazier-warmed quilt and stretching out on their sleeping mats. The group suggested that a trickle manqal be developed with the capacity to use two fuelsÛcharcoal or LPG with a catalyst burner. Such a device would cost considerably less than two separate devices, and have many side benefits as well (no kerosene smoke, better efficiency, etc.).

3. Personal and Security Lighting

Lighting is needed for both personal and security reasons. Individuals use light for security, craft work (i.e. sewing) after dark, and reading. The group felt individual lightingÛrunning on solar or other-method rechargeable batteriesÛcould easily be delivered by LED lights; several small mountaineering headlamps were shown to the larger group as examples. There is also a small business development opportunity for community recharging "stations" during the day through pedal, solar or wind as appropriate. Larger-area lighting could be powered by solar rechargeable batteries/off-grid with overlapping coverage so that gaps/dark spots in coverage areas are eliminated. Daylighting techniques were suggested for schools and community buildings.