Angaza Africa - Harnessing solar and wind power to provide sustainable energy access in rural Kenya

This project involves the exploitation of a Flat Pack Hybrid Power System developed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering for deployment in rural Kenya. GCU, as the technology partner, will work with DeCourcy Alexander as the coordinating partner, and a local partner in Kenya to undertake the project. The local partner in Kenya has links with GCU having previously studied at GCU. The Flat Pack System integrates a vertical axis wind turbine with solar panels and battery storage to provide around 100 W of power to remote locations. The project will involve further technological development of the device to ensure reliable output of the wind turbine, including laboratory testing, followed by field testing in both Scotland and Kenya. There is also a social aspect to the project in terms of interaction with local communities that are expected to benefit from the use of the device. This will include training in the assembly and operation of the device.