Project 4: African Plan For Sustainable Living. Imagine That

Project 4 African Plan For Sustainable Living. Imagine That You Are I

Project 4: African Plan for Sustainable Living. Imagine that you are in charge of the United Nations Developmental Program (UNDP), and that world cooperation has been achieved and you have been given a budget of 400 billion dollars to provide sustainable living systems to the continent of Africa. You need to be very economical to achieve the goals of the program, which are to provide each family with the following simple and renewable energy systems: 1) electricity supply, 2) a water purification system, 3) a cooking system that must be able to cook food year round, 4) a communication system, and 5) a refrigeration system using the photovoltaic system. Research renewable energy products on the Internet, and describe your plan to provide these five components for under $2000 per family. Describe each of the products that you have chosen to fulfill these 5 requirements.

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing the pressing need for sustainable living systems across Africa, a comprehensive plan leveraging renewable energy products is essential. With a budget of $2000 per family, the goal is to deliver reliable, eco-friendly solutions for electricity, water purification, cooking, communication, and refrigeration. This paper explores feasible product options and strategic implementation to meet these objectives effectively.

1) Electricity Supply:

A primary requirement is a cost-effective renewable energy system. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most viable choice due to their decreasing costs and widespread availability. A typical setup includes a 300-watt solar panel, a charge controller, a deep-cycle battery bank (preferably lithium-ion for longevity and efficiency), and an inverter to convert DC to AC power. A compact solar home system equipped with a 300 to 500-watt capacity can sufficiently power LED lighting, small appliances, and chargers, all within a budget of approximately $1000 per family (Sharma et al., 2019). Portable solar-powered units can provide flexibility and ease of installation, which are critical in remote areas.

2) Water Purification System:

Access to clean water is vital. The most affordable and practical solution involves solar-powered UV or UV-LED water purifiers integrated with filtration systems. Portable gravity-fed filtration units using activated carbon and ceramic filters are inexpensive, but supplementing them with small-scale solar-powered UV sterilizers ensures microbial safety without the need for electricity grids (Ahmed et al., 2020). Such systems can be procured for approximately $200 to $300 per family, allowing safe drinking water throughout the year.

3) Cooking System:

For cooking needs, solar cookers are the most sustainable and economical choice. Parabolic or box-type solar cookers require no fuel and are suitable for year-round use. These devices can range from $50 to $200. Combining a solar cooker with a small, portable biomass stove as a backup covers all weather conditions, providing energy-efficient cooking solutions (Farr et al., 2021). This dual approach ensures continuous food preparation while maintaining affordability.

4) Communication System:

A basic communication system can be established using satellite-enabled GSM or radio devices. Low-cost satellite phones and solar-powered charging stations allow families to maintain contact with distant communities and access vital information. A durable, solar-charged mobile phone or radio unit costs roughly $100 to $200 and can be supported by portable solar panels, making communication reliable even in remote areas (Khan et al., 2018).

5) Refrigeration System:

Refrigeration in off-grid settings can be achieved with solar-powered mini-fridges or thermoelectric coolers. Compact, energy-efficient models designed for solar use are priced around $300 to $600. Integrating these with the existing solar power system ensures cold storage for food and medicines, vital for health and nutrition (Lee et al., 2020). Proper insulation and optimized solar panel sizing are critical to meet the energy demands of refrigeration within the budget constraints.

Implementation Strategy:

The plan involves modular, scalable components tailored for rural and peri-urban settings. Bulk procurement and local assembly can reduce costs, and community training on maintenance maximizes sustainability. The total cost per family is estimated to remain under $2000, with some flexibility to include additional features or upgrades. The focus on renewable, low-maintenance products ensures long-term resilience and minimal environmental impact.

References

  • Ahmed, S., Khan, M. A., & Zaman, A. (2020). Solar-powered water purification: A sustainable solution for developing countries. Journal of Environmental Management, 272, 111046.
  • Farr, A., Uddin, M., & Islam, M. T. (2021). Solar cookers: An overview of applications and socio-economic benefits. Renewable Energy, 164, 799-808.
  • Khan, R., Ahmed, I., & Shaikh, F. M. (2018). Affordable communication solutions in remote communities: A review. Telecommunications Policy, 42(4), 340-351.
  • Lee, D. S., Kim, H. J., & Park, S. J. (2020). Solar-powered refrigeration systems for off-grid applications. International Journal of Refrigeration, 113, 234-242.
  • Sharma, P., Goyal, D., & Joshi, A. (2019). Cost analysis of solar PV systems for residential use. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 109, 248-260.

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