Innovations Report,
Nadukuppam Panchayat,
Vilupuram District, Tamil Nadu,
Pitchandikulam Bio Resource Centre, Tamil Nadu In
Partnership for Development with
AusAID and Quaker Service Australia
Extract from Chapter 3: ENERGY INNOVATIONS
SOLAR INNOVATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................
MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................................................................
PRODUCT REVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................
VOCATIONAL TRAINING ..........................................................................................................................................
INNOVATIVE STOVE TECHNOLOGY: PRAKTI DESIGN, SMOKELESS STOVES....................................................
All households in Devikulam (except for 2 households in the colony) are
connected to the grid for electricity. Electricity is provided free to some
households in the Schedule Class (in the colony) under a ‘one light free’ service
scheme. Most other households pay electricity bills generally ranging from Rs 20100 per month. Electricity is mostly used for lighting, fans and TVs. In the village,
electricity is also used for grinders (to grind rice flour). Three houses in the village
also power fridges.
All households in Devikulam use firewood and kerosene for cooking,
approximately 3L of kerosene is required each month for cooking purposes.
There are also 7 houses that have LPG as an option for cooking. (LPG is
preferred for quicker cooking).
Solar Innovations
Solar is the fastest growing energy source in the world, and for good reason. It
offers a limitless supply of clean, safe, renewable energy for heat and power and
it’s more affordable, more efficient, and more reliable than ever.
The advantages of solar and other renewable power sources are clear: greater
independence from imported fossil fuels, a cleaner environment, diversity of
power sources, and relief from the volatility of energy prices. All over the world,
solar energy systems have reduced the need to build more carbon-spewing
fossil-fueled power plants. They are critical weapons in the battle against global
warming. As the cost of solar technologies has come down, solar is moving into
the mainstream and growing worldwide at 40-50% annually.
There are currently three primary solar technologies:

Solar (photovoltaic) energy allows electricity to be produced in the place
where it is consumed, a practice known as distributed generation. Sunlight
hours often coincide with peak power demand, so solar panels produce
electricity when it is most needed.

Solar thermal systems provide heat for hot water and space-heating
systems for residential or commercial buildings, and can provide energy
for air-conditioning in many commercial applications.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is a solar thermal technology that can
provide electricity at a utility scale for central power plants.
Maintenance
Solar products generally require low levels of maintenance however, a few
systems require periodic inspections and routine checks to keep them operating
efficiently. Also, from time to time, components may need to be repaired or
replaced. Some inspections and maintenance tasks can be managed by the user
but others may require a trained technician.
Product Review
The Innovations Project plans to implement the use solar street-lights, solar
technology in conjunction with innovative irrigation systems, solar home systems
and solar torches. The following highlights the benefits of such technologies for
use in a rural village setting in India and outlines the intended implementation
strategies for the Nadukuppam Panchayat.
Solar lights
Electric street lighting is rightly regarded as an enormous consumer of electricity,
at a vast financial and environmental cost. Solar street lights however can deliver
cost-effective and environmentally friendly lights and their use is adaptable to a
range of settings. Solar street lights can function independently of the grid, which
is often crucial for implementation in small towns and far flung villages of India.
Solar powered street lights are ideal for villages, institutions, industries and
housing colonies where lighting needs are required over small areas with
regularity and reliability.
A microprocessor automates the functions of the system automatically activating
it from sunset to sunrise, a timer regulates the hours the light stays on and also
regulates the battery, preventing overcharging and protecting against
discharging. The light is able to last approximately 2-3 days when the conditions
are cloudy. If LED lamps are used then the average life of the system can be up
to 50,000 hours, lighting 10-11 hours a day, the light can be used for more than
11 years.
Solar Pumps in Combination with Innovative Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation is a water-saving technology, which enables slow and regular
application of water directly to the roots of the plants through a network of plastic
pipes and low discharge emitters. It maximizes crop productivity through an
increase in the crop yield and also the area for cultivation, and protects the
environment through conserving soil, water and fertilizer resources, thus
increasing farmer income. IDEI has suitably adapted drip irrigation technology to
meet the needs of rural farmers in India by making the technology simpler and
affordable.
Solar pumps can also be combined with irrigations systems to achieve better
usage of such technologies in farming. A site specific system can be designed
which will help farmers increase the annual yield and thus enhance their
economic outcome.
Solar pumps are specially designed to operate on DC power produced by solar
panels. These pumps are extremely useful where electricity is either unavailable
or unreliable. Solar pumps are also more economically viable in comparison to
extending the grid or running the pump on diesel.
The advantages of implementing solar pumps with drip irrigation systems are:
1. Low operational cost
2. Low levels of maintenance required
3. Harmonious with nature
4. Flexible use
The limitations of implementing such a system might include:
1. Low yield
2. Variable yield
3. Theft of equipment
Solar Home Systems
Solar Power Packs such as those distributed by Aurore (an Auroville solar
technology dealer) come in a range of sizes and shapes to meet varying needs.
The smallest single-light solar system is a solar lantern, which nowadays
increasingly uses white LEDs instead of fluorescent light bulbs. The smallest
Solar Home Systmes have just 2 CFL light bulbs while the larger ones can be
several kilowatt-peak (kWp) in size and power a complete household, including
the use of lights, fans, refrigerator, washing machine, computers, etc. Such
systems have become known as "solar Photovoltaic (PV) power-packs".
Solar Torches
Solar powered torches are able to draw from the sun’s energy to charge batteries
enabling the torch to be used after dark. Alternatively the torch can also be used
as a solar battery charger. Some manufacturers also make waterproof torches,
ideal for outdoor use. A few manufacturers also provide a built-in mobile phone
charging point and FM radio. Torch types vary according to the use and
requirements.
Vocational Training:
AIAT can be involved in collaboration with solar product suppliers to design and
execute a training program for the youth in the villages. The program will include
the installation and maintenance of solar products, and provide opportunities for
income generation for trainees. Training programs will assist with the ongoing
maintenance of products installed by the Innovations project while also
generating additional job opportunities for the trainees.
Innovative Stove Technology: Prakti Design, Smokeless Stoves
Around 70% of India’s population currently cook on bio-mass fuelled stoves that
are inefficient and very dangerous for health. Worldwide, 1.6 million people die
every year because of respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation, most of
these deaths are women and children. The majority of households in the
Nadukuppam Panchayat currently use biomass fuelled mud stoves. The
Innovations Project team is working closely with the organization Prakti and
hopes to implement smokeless stove technology in the community. The benefits
of introducing such technology would help in reducing cooking-induced indoor air
pollution and related health issues. There would also be additional environmental
benefits in terms of conserving biomass and slowing down deforestation. To
date, Prakti have installed approximately 15 “Leo” stoves in various homes within
the Nadukuppam district as a pilot project. The installation of smokeless stoves is
preferred in comparison to traditional mud stoves as a result of the health
benefits. It is intended that larger, modified smokeless stoves will be installed in
the schools in Nadukuppam and Devikulam as part of the Innovations Project.
Feedback from the smokeless stove pilot conducted by Prakti indicated that while
the women realised the stove design met the design criteria (less smoke and less
wood) they said it was not as fast as the traditional stove. They outlined that they
need fast cooking facilities and highlighted the fact that traditional stoves have no
restrictions on wood, therefore they can build a bigger fire and improve cooking
time. Prakti is currently aiming to build a prototype with an increased combustion
chamber size. In this instance, more fuel could be used and speed increased.
Women using the smokeless stoves also commented on the natural degradation
of the stoves after use for several months. The women described that the plates
had rusted and bent (they perceived a lot, but only a few mm). Also the front
brick was sometimes breaking, though this had no affect on performance, a 4th
protection plate has been added to the original design.
Several of the degradation issues identified have been solved through the new
stove model, an enameled hood that will not degenerate and a new more durable
cast iron grate will be used. It is to be noted however that with any biomass
(smokeless) stove, natural degradation is bound to occur over time and though
performance remains unaltered, appearance and slight plate bending cannot be
guaranteed without the use of incredibly expensive materials.
The Innovations Project team is currently waiting for the improved stove models
to be finalized so that they can be installed in the schools kitchens in Devikulam
and Nadukuppam. Prakti will be able to obtain feedback from the cooks in the
school kitchens for larger, improved models. It is also hoped that use of improved
stoves in the school kitchens might generate interest from villagers for home use
as well.