This study assessed the sustainability of different alternative renewable sources of energy for rural communities in Anambra State. Through literature review a number of sustainability criteria were established and used in assessing the identified alternative sources of renewable energy in the state. A systematic SWOT analysis was further performed to synthesise the characteristics of individual renewable energy resource. 42 experts were engaged and given a structured questionnaire where they were expected to score each of the renewable energy sources on a 5-point scale based on the selected sustainability criteria. A scale of 1-5 was used to examine and rate the sustainability of each of the identified renewable energy options based on environmental social and economic criteria. Based on their individual scores, the total average score for each of the energy sources was computed and used in rating their level sustainability. The study found that among the six alternative renewable energy options considered, biomass was ranked the most sustainable renewable energy source for electricity provision in rural communities in the state with a sustainability score of 35.0. Solar and hydro energy resources were ranked 2 nd and 3 rd with scores of 31.2 and 31.0 respectively, while geothermal (24.5) energy was ranked the least. This implies that harnessing and investing in biomass, solar and hydro energy technologies in Anambra State could lead to sustainable energy provision in the rural Communities in Anambra State. The study further avers that genuine commitment through government investments in biomass, solar and hydro energy technologies with strong policy framework could minimise the electricity challenges of the rural communities in the state, and at the same time reduce pressure on urban infrastructure due to rural-urban migration.
Aims: This study analysed and compared the amount of voltage, current and power generated in a piezoelectric system from human foot beats. Study Design: The study was an experimental study which made use of piezoelectric materials together with human loads (weights) from the foot beats of dancers in a dance club, and connected to a rechargeable battery and multimeter. In this system, mechanical deformation was expected to cause conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy which can be stored in a rechargeable lead acid battery for future use. Place and Duration of Study: Awka Anambra State, Nigeria, between November 2018 and February 2020. Methodology: A sheet of plywood measuring 300 mm x 300 mm x 3 mm thick was placed on a hard wooden board of 300 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm thickwhere twelve piezoelectric sensors were connected in series with foam spring inserted as separators and to aid in returning after deformation. As the dancers step on the platform, multimetr was used to take the voltage and current readings while at the output point Lead acid rechargeable battery could be connected at the output point to store energy generated in the system and orLight Emitting Diodes (LED) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) outputs. Results: The result revealed that the amount of voltage, current and power generated in the system were principally dependent on the load (weight of dancers in kg). In this case, 1 foot beat of an average 50 kg dancer generated an average of 0.555 mV and 0.063 mA respectively. Whereas, 60 kg and 80 kg dancers generated 0.668 mV and 0.838 mV respectively, and 0.081 mA and 0.087 mA respectively. It further showed that at constant number of foot beats, the amount of voltage, current and power increases as the weight of dancer increases and the lesser the weight the more number of foot beats required to generate the same quantity of electricity. In this case, 100 foot beats of a 50 kg, 60 kg and 80 kg dancer generated 55.5 mV, 66.8 mV, and 84,1 mV of voltage; 6.3 mA, 8.2 mA, and 8.8 mA of current and 349.65 mW, 544.42 mW and 740.08 mW of power respectively. Conclusion: Implicitly, this system has the potential of alleviating the problem of electricity supply and meeting of vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for electricity mix in Nigeria. However, it is mostly required where there are high volumes of human traffic and places that consume minimal amount of electricity, since it usually generates very small amount of energy. In view of this, there is need for a more robust research in this area and increase genuine interest in alternative and sustainable energy research by the Nigerian government.
The study designed and developed a system of generating electricity through the beats of human feet using piezoelectric materials. The system made use of mechanical deformation occasioned by the foot beats of dancers when stepped on a platform in which piezoelectric materials were installed at dance club centres to cause piezo films to generate electrical density that was stored in a rechargeable lead acid battery for future use. The study shows that human pressure due to human weight when applied in the system could be converted to electrical energy for later use. The study shows that it would require 1802 foot beats for a 50kg dancer to increase a unit voltage in a battery; foot beats for a 60 kg dancer; and 1194 foot beats for an 80kg dancer respectively. The system is suitable where there are high volumes of human traffic such as markets, worship centres, shopping malls, bus stations, and parks. It can also be used in powering small electrical appliances and electronic gadgets such as cell phones, radio stereo, television, fan, and street lights. Based on this, research into this kind of electricity generation should be expanded in large scale and sponsored by the government or corporate organisations. The system should be incorporated in the design and construction of building including new material development as a means of achieving sustainable construction and minimisation of conventional energy consumption in building use.
Aim: The study examined the effect of time on amount of voltage generated in a foot beat electricity generating system stored in a battery. Study Design: A system made of piezoelectric materials was designed such that the foot beats of dancers on a platform would cause a mechanical deformation that would lead to conversion of mechanical energy due to pressure from the foot beats to electrical energy; and can be stored in a rechargeable lead acid battery for future use. Place and Duration of Study: Awka Anambra State, Nigeria, between November 2018 and April 2020. Methodology: A sheet of plywood measuring 300 mm x 300 mm x 3 mm thick was placed on a hard wooden board of 300 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm thick where twelve piezoelectric sensors were connected in series with foam spring inserted as separators and to aid in returning after deformation. As the dancers step on the platform, multimeter was used to take the voltage and current readings, while Lead acid rechargeable battery could be connected at the output point to store energy generated in the system and or Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) outputs. A stop clock was also used to take the time. Results: The study revealed that it would require 901 seconds for a 50kg dancer to increase a unit voltage state of charge in a battery. It also found that it would require 749 seconds for a 60 kg dancer; and 595 seconds for an 80kg dancer respectively to increase the same 1-unit voltage state of charge in a battery. The study showed that the voltage in the battery would continue to increase until the battery is fully charged at which point it is expected that there would no longer be any increase in charge in the battery irrespective of increase in the number of foot beats or time. Conclusion: The result implies that the charge in battery caused by pressure from the foot beats is subject to the maximum voltage capacity of the battery in the system. Likewise, the amount of time and number of foot beats required to add a unit voltage state of charge in a battery in the system is subject to the applied pressure from the foot beats. In view of this, the study craves for popularisation of this technology through large scale research supported by government, corporate organisations or international organisations and institutions that will support new products development in the building and construction industry as it is the case in India and other developed countries.
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