Date of Award

6-6-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara: Santa Clara University, 2014.

Department

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor

Timothy Healy

Abstract

Renewable energy resources are abundant in most developing countries. These sources include solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, and biomass. Even though these sources are readily available, most villages in these developing countries do not have access to power in their homes because electricity grid extensions are often not affordable. This leaves the people in developing countries lacking resources that most of us take for granted here in the US. They don't have access to electrical power and light. This forces the people of these areas to use toxic kerosene lamps, which pollute the environment and increase health issues. This senior design project is to design a portable in-home power system that is affordable, safe and reliant, and meets the end users' needs. Renewable energy resources are abundant in most developing countries. These sources include solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, and biomass. Even though these sources are readily available, most villages in these developing countries do not have access to power in their homes because electricity grid extensions are often not affordable. This leaves the people in developing countries lacking resources that most of us take for granted here in the US. They don't have access to electrical power and light. This forces the people of these areas to use toxic kerosene lamps, which pollute the environment and increase health issues. This senior design project is to design a portable in-home power system that is affordable, safe and reliant, and meets the end users' needs. Through the use of an LED light powered by rechargeable batteries, the cost of lighting and the negative health effects from the use of kerosene lamps is reduced. The use of a cell phone is something most people take for granted, but for the people of these communities it is a necessity that can keep them connected to the rest of the world. These connections provide ease of communication, access to news and natural disaster alerts. For some it's a way to learn and educate themselves and for others it's even a way to make money. Most people in these communities choose to use their money to charge their phone rather than to buy food. That shouldn't have to be a choice anymore. Pb: Project Battery will allow rural communities in developing countries the basic electric necessities they need to thrive. This project gives users in developing communities access to energy, which is important to socioeconomic development and a better overall standard of living.

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