| dc.description.abstract | Over one billion people do not have access to electricity. The majority live in
developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The consequences of
this form of energy poverty can be severe. Most activities end at sunset, unless
dangerous and expensive kerosene lamps or candles are used. Children breathe air
polluted by smoke from open fires. Women give birth in darkness or without the
aid of life-saving electronic medical devices. Rural communities become even more
isolated without access to news and information by radio or television.
Now, perhaps more than ever, electricity access has caught the attention of
the global community. Access to affordable and sustainable energy is one of
the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Large philanthropic and
development organizations are prioritizing electricity access. Even multi-billiondollar
technology companies have started electricity access initiatives.
An estimated US$50 billion per year is needed through 2030 to achieve universal
electricity access. It is estimated that over 100,000 mini-grids will be needed, and
that one in three households presently without electricity access will have an offgrid
system of some form. This will not happen without a workforce of engineers
well prepared to innovate and design systems in the unique context of off-grid
communities in developing countries.
The purpose of this book is to provide engineers with the essential foundational
knowledge of designing and operating off-grid electricity systems in developing
countries. This is a first-of-its-kind book that brings together the electrical engineering
concepts relevant to off-grid systems. The scope is broad. Throughout the
book, examples, design approaches, and practical considerations especially relevant
to off-grid systems in developing countries are provided. | en_US |
