Cameroon

Vocational Renewable Energies School in Foumban, Cameroon

Feasibility study of a hydropower plant for the energy supply of the school

A feasibility study describes the investigations and layout design of a small hydro power plant for a renewable energy vocational school. It is realized in collaboration with two Cameroonian partners. The power plant which is situated in a remote area will provide the school with electricity and serve as an example for the students’ education. During a two-week research stay in Foumban close to Bafoussam several possible sites have been surveyed. As a result of the trip different layout options were examined. Due to social and ecological reasons a site was chosen where only part of the water discharge at a natural step is used. As hydrological data is scarce emphasis has been placed on ensuring flood protection. The results were published in the paper “Knowledge exchange and applications of hydro power in developing countries” by Ch. Rapp, A. Zeiselmair, E. Lando and M. Moungnutou and presented at the International Conference on Technology Transfer on Renewable Energy.

Concept for rainwater harvesting

Main objective of the thesis was the development of a concept for the utilisation of rainwater to supply the toilets of a school in Cameroon. Based on the analysis of the initial situation, the requirements of the rainwater harvesting system are defined. Three main parameters which determined the solution were found: the precipitation yield, the water demand and the tank size. For the methodical development, the system is divided into basic components. For each of the components, different possible variants are introduced and evaluated concerning economic and functional criteria. The selected components are combined to the overall solution. As conclusion the profitability of the rainwater harvesting system was evidenced.

Andreas Zeiselmair, Christoph Rapp