Reflecting on Participatory Methods By Dr. Paula Siitonen

Concerning the issue of constructive dialogue, I think both Respecting ones idea and disagreeing with ones idea are essential. But I see some degree of contradiction between the two. Is that a kind of trade-off that we should compromise? I am not clear with the idea of "Disagreeing while respecting" or what 'disagreeing smartly' is all about.

Participatory Methods by Dr. Paula Siitonen on 25.01.2010

The lecture or forum was centered on ways of creating sustainable improvements and cooperation in complex environments. Through the participatory methods, we were able to create a shared understanding of our task and the actors involved. As a result, we identified the stakeholders and their respective roles in achieving our objective(s). In addition, we had the chance to learn from the other teams through the “exhibition walk”. Lastly, but not the least, we understood how constructive dialogue can be used to gather information and then choose the best through a focused discussion.

SIMPLE APPLICATION OF SOLAR CONCENTRATOR

Water is fed at one end of the coiled tube and as it passes through the coil it vapourizes and changes to steam. The steam can be collected from the other side of the tube and can be used for a range of applications from distillation to driving a small turbine to produce electricity.

Minutes of the meeting

We discussed the following points in our meeting on Monday 25th Jan, 2010 attended by all the group members and the mentor.

1. The mentor and members discussed the project plan and its different aspects.
2. We agreed that initial project plan should be started as soon as possible.
3. There were three phases realized for the project. Research phase, implementation phase and documentation phase.
4. Tasks were divided among the group members for the research phase.
5. Also the access for the lab where actual model will be designed was also discussed.
6. We agreed to go for and implement at least one application for the solar concentrator.
7. Blog creation also came under discussion.
8. A detailed project review was discussed and points drawn on paper showing relevant works to be done with respect to the time.
9. We decided to make simple manual and prototype.
10. Teddy will make an initial schedule for the work plan and Irena would start with some basic information. They will do this asap and others will add information and by monday we will have first version of the project plan to show the staff.

Stakeholder Analysis

We identified 3 categories or groups of stakeholders in the solar reflector project; the community group, the technical or implementation group and the media.

The community group, main beneficiary, was further subdivided into the various institutions that make-up or constitute the whole rural area. These subdivisions were the schools, hospitals and local government(s). Schools would be able to power their laboratory systems and lighting class rooms for smooth running of academic activities. Hospitals would also have uninterrupted power supply to help save lives. The locals would also enjoy constant electricity supply to facilitate or enhance their daily activities.

The technical or implementation group was also subdivided into the SGT team, MKFC, Shalin ry and SMEs or SMBs. The SGT team and MKFC will act more like consultants for Shalin ry and the SMEs or SMBs. In addition, the SGT team is responsible for designing, implementing, testing and, creating the operating manual or instructions to assist Shalin ry (NGO) and the SMEs or SMBs in their work or businesses. Since MKFC deals more in eLearning, education materials on maintenance, security and operation of the solar reflector would be created and put online for easy access.

Lastly, but not the least, the print and electronic media group, both local and international, will be disseminating information on the use and benefits of the solar reflector through programs designed by the SGT team and MKFC.

Solar Power Dish from car parts

Science & Technology (solar)

Photo: Stirling Energy Systems

New and Improved Solar Thermal Collection Dish
While a lot of people think about photovoltaic panels when "solar power" is mentioned, solar thermal must not be underestimated. One of the players in that field is Stirling Energy Systems (SES), who we've written about before when they set a new world record for "solar-to-grid system conversion efficiency" (31.25 percent, beating the previous record of 29.4 percent). Well, in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, SES has refined its SunCatcher design. Read on to find out how the new version compares to the old one.

http://africaclimate.org 

Background on Solar Concentrators Wiki Link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrating_solar_power

Concentrated solar thermal (CST) is used to produce renewable heat or electricity (generally, in the latter case, through steam). CST systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight onto a small area The concentrated light is then used as heat or as a heat source for a conventional power plant (solar thermoelectricity).

A wide range of concentrating technologies exist, including the parabolic trough, Dish Stirling, Concentrating Linear Fresnel Reflector, Solar chimney and solar power tower.[6] Each concentration method is capable of producing high temperatures and correspondingly high thermodynamic efficiencies, but they vary in the way that they track the Sun and focus light. Due to new innovations in the technology, concentrating solar thermal is becoming more and more cost-effective.[7]

A parabolic trough consists of a linear parabolic reflector that concentrates light onto a receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line. The receiver is a tube positioned directly above the middle of the parabolic mirror and is filled with a working fluid. The reflector follows the Sun during the daylight hours by tracking along a single axis. A working fluid (eg molten salt[8]) is heated to 150-350 °C as it flows through the receiver and is then used as a heat source for a power generation system.[9] Trough systems are the most developed CSP technology. The Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) plants in California, Acciona's Nevada Solar One near Boulder City, Nevada, and Plataforma Solar de Almería's SSPS-DCS plant in Spain are representative of this technology.[10]

Building a Solar Concentrator in Kenya

SGT Solar: Concentrator

The SGT course has two key components
1. Lectures
2. The Group work

The group work for SGT Solar is to investigate the concept of solar concentrators and their application.

At the end of the course, the students will be masters of the Solar Concentrator Technology, its applications and will ultimately develop a prototype and one application.

At  the same time, they will be able to develop learning and instructional material on solar concentartors for "dummies".

The team consists of 5 highly motivated individuals and two mentors.  Through this blog you will get to know them, their anger, frustrations and big dreams!!

I look forward to the Month of May when the students will have finalised this studio course and their participation at the World Village at the end of May 2010!