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Energy Demand Management at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre

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Energy Demand Management at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre Advisor Code: CXP Sequence number: D134 IQP Division: 42 Energy Demand Management at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre Sun shining brightly on the solar panels of the Gobabeb Research & Training Centre with the iconic water tower in the background—photographed by Christopher Sontag By: Kelly Ames, Brianna Maljanian, Timothy O’Neil, and Christopher Sontag Date: 3 May 2013 Advisor Code: CXP Sequence number: D134 IQP Division: 42 Energy Demand Management at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre Title Page An Interactive Qualifying Project submitted to the faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science Sponsoring Agencies: Desert Research Foundation of Namibia – Energy Desk Gobabeb Research and Training Centre On-Site Liaisons: Dr. Gillian Maggs-Kolling, Executive Director of the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre Mr. Walter Holch, Technical Consultant of the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre Dr. Mary Seely, Desert Research Foundation of Namibia, Associate Submitted to: Project Advisor: Creighton Peet, WPI Professor Project Co-advisor: Alexander Smith, WPI Professor Submitted by: Kelly Ames Brianna Maljanian Timothy O’Neil Christopher Sontag Date: 3 May 2013 i | P a g e Abstract This project presents an assessment of the energy demand management at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre. The Centre operates the first solar-diesel hybrid energy system in Namibia and serves as a role model for the development of similar systems throughout the country. Our team developed a set of recommendations for the Centre to improve the system’s technical operation and capacity and establish an energy education program and cost recovery plan. ii | P a g e Acknowledgements Our project team would like to extend our appreciation to the following individuals, organizations, and institutions for their support throughout the duration of our project: The Gobabeb Research and Training Centre for hosting our WPI group and sponsoring a project for the first time. We would like to thank them for all their assistance that made our project possible. Specifically, we would like to thank Gillian Maggs-Kölling, Machel Bock, Josef Gariseb, and the interns for all of their time and help. Mary Seely and Walter Holch for bringing this project topic to WPI and providing weekly feedback and support for our project. We appreciate all of the background knowledge and experience that they have provided throughout the duration of our project. The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia for providing us with work space and constant support for our project work in Windhoek. We would like to extend thanks to Clarence Mazambani, Stefan Nel, and Ann van Wyk for daily guidance and assistance. The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia – Water Desk team, consisting of Marissa Goerke, Brendan Henrich, Natalie McMillan, and Kelsey Wall, for collaborating with our team to create a successful orientation video for the GRTC. Professors Creighton Peet and Alex Smith, from WPI for their guidance and constant feedback throughout the entirety of our project work. Worcester Polytechnic Institute for allowing us this unique opportunity to travel to Namibia and make this project possible. iii | P a g e Authorship Kelly Ames, Brianna Maljanian, Timothy O’Neil and Christopher Sontag all contributed equally to the research, writing, and execution of this project at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre. The following is a summary of how each group member contributed to the report and project as a whole: Kelly Ames contributed to the report by writing parts of the Introduction, Background, Methodology, Results, and Recommendations. She focused on the development of the tariff structures and cost recovery plan for the Centre. Brianna Maljanian contributed to the report by drafting sections of the Introduction, Background, Methodology, Results and Recommendations. She focused on the energy education portion of the project and created the energy awareness posters and flyers. She also wrote the abstract. Timothy O’Neil contributed to the report by writing parts of the Introduction, Background, Methodology, Results, and Recommendations. He focused on revisions to the report and data collection and analysis. Christopher Sontag contributed to the report by writing parts of the Introduction, Background, Methodology, Results, and Recommendations. He focused on the technical operation and capacity of the Centre and created the electrical drawings of the Centre. In addition, he took the photographs in this report. All group members worked together to determine the project results and recommendations. iv | P a g e Table of Contents Title Page ................................................................................................................................................. i Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ iii Authorship ............................................................................................................................................. iv Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... v Table of Figures ................................................................................................................................... viii Table of Tables....................................................................................................................................... ix List of Abbreviations & Acronyms .......................................................................................................... x Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... xi Chapter 1 : Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 : Background ........................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Energy Usage Worldwide .............................................................................................................. 4 2.1.1 Largest Energy Consumers ...................................................................................................... 5 2.1.2 Lowest Energy Consumers ...................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Energy usage in Africa ................................................................................................................... 8 2.2.1 Photovoltaic ............................................................................................................................ 8 2.2.2 Battery storage ........................................................................................................................ 9 2.2.3 Diesel generators ..................................................................................................................... 9 2.2.4 Combination of components .................................................................................................. 10 2.2.5 Tsumkwe Hybrid Solar-Diesel System .................................................................................. 12 2.2.6 Other Options........................................................................................................................ 13 2.2.7 Namibia ................................................................................................................................ 14 2.3 Fiscal solutions to Resource Demand Management in Africa ........................................................ 15 2.4 Education on Efficient Energy Usage ........................................................................................... 16 2.5 Gobabeb Research and Training Centre........................................................................................ 18 2.5.1 Climate ................................................................................................................................. 19 2.5.2 Accommodations .................................................................................................................. 21 2.5.3 DEGREEE Project ................................................................................................................ 22 2.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 3 : Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 29 3.1 Technical Capabilities .................................................................................................................. 30 v | P a g e 3.1.1 Guided Physical Inspection of Facilities ................................................................................ 30 3.1.2 Interviews with Management................................................................................................. 31 3.2 Determining a Method of Cost Recovery.....................................................................................
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