Journal of Sustainable Development; Vol. 5, No. 6; May 2012
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) Systemfor Fuelwood Replacement and Household Water Sanitation in Developing Countries
Olutoye P. Akinjiola1 & Uthamalingam Balu Balachandran2
1 Psage Research, LLC, USA
2 Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, USA
Correspondence: Uthamalingam (Balu) Balachandran, Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Tel: 630-252-4250. E-mail: balu@anl.gov
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) is a proven renewable energy technology that harnesses solar irradiation in its most primitive form. This technology with roots in ancient history is growing at a fast pace in recent times. Developing countries could use CST to solve fundamental human-needs challenges, such as for the substitution of fuelwood and the treatment of water for household use.
This paper proposes a conceptual design for a standardized modular CST for these applications in developing countries. A modular-designed parabolic CST with an aperture area of 7.5 m2 is adequate to provide enough solar thermal energy to replace the fuelwood need (5 tons/yr) or to pasteurize the minimum daily water requirement (2500 liters) for a household. Critical parameters of the CST are discussed and an affordable solid thermal storage is recommended to be used as a backup when sunlight is unavailable. A funding program that includes in-country resources and external funding will be needed to sustain the development and wide spread adaptation of this technology.
