(Full version) Technical training for off-grid energy with Henry Louie (KiloWatts for Humanity / Seattle University)

Jun 14, 2020

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

We speak with Henry Louie, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Seattle, and author of 'Off-Grid Electrical Systems in Developing Countries'. We discuss the technical considerations for off-grid electrical systems, common pitfalls or misunderstandings in off-grid energy systems, his work with the non-for-profit organisation 'KiloWatts for Humanity', and the importance of considering the potential negative impacts of well-meaning efforts.

Recorded in May 2020

Visit us at www.distributingsolar.com

Show notes

(1:30) Henry Louie's background, how he started working in the off-grid energy industry

(6:00) Background to the textbook: intended audience, why he wrote the textbook, and the need for a single textbook to pull together the key technologies and concepts for off-grid energy sector

(11:00) Typical sources of training for people working in the sector

(14:30) Other types of training events that Henry Louie has provided, and what he typically covers

(16:40) Factors to consider when selecting the generation source for off-grid systems (considering wind, diesel, solar etc.)

(22:50) Common misconceptions or misunderstandings encountered in the sector (over-engineering systems, over-reliance on surveys to estimate electricity load)

(29:20) His work with Kilowatts for Humanity (KWH); reasons they separated the non-profit from the university and the importance of ensuring long-term commitment to off-grid energy projects; the importance of using local installers; how to ensure sustainability of off-grid systems

(37:50) Quick introductions to some electrical concepts:

AC-DC coupling

Load factor

Grid tied inverters

Bypass diodes

(41:40) Process of writing the textbook

(44:50) Other considerations for off-grid energy systems, e.g. use of donated equipment, ensuring the use of local installer companies and the need for capacity building, the potential unintended consequences of good intentions.

(52:40) The choice of 'developing countries' for the title of his textbook

(55:30) How to access a copy of the textbook

(56:20) Where the name KWH came from

(57:15) Recommended books: Out of Poverty by Paul Polak; The Impact of Electricity: Development, Desires and Dilemmas by Tanja Winter

(59:15) Hopes for the off-grid sector in the next 5 years: the need to discuss e-waste; the ethics of switching off systems when payments are delayed.