Browsing by Author "Klug, Thomas"

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    Sustainable Energy & Technology (Global Energy Access Network Case Studies)
    Valerino, Michael; Kumar, Chinmoy; Hunter, Brandon; Klug, Thomas
    This is the second volume of energy access case studies compiled by the Global Energy Access Network. The idea to assemble these case studies was conceived during our inaugural year (2016-17), when we noticed that many student members had latent experiences and insights to share from encountering energy access issues in their fieldwork--even those not directly working on energy access projects. This second volume highlights two key points of opportunity for addressing current energy access challenges: modern energy technologies and effective energy policy. The case study by Valerino discusses how the energy yield of photovoltaic cells can be compromised by poor air quality and what this could mean for countries like India that have intentions to increase reliance on solar energy but also suffer from high levels of air pollution. Kumar reflects on how lessons from India can help other developing nations finance renewable energy projects in innovative ways. Klug's case study examines how reliance on traditional biomass fuel has affected a community in Madagascar, and Hunter presents the importance of propagating suitable technologies that are robust and cater to the unique social and cultural needs of diverse communities by highlighting his own experiences on implementing biogas-fueled sanitation systems in the Philippines. By composing a distinct case study compilation that highlights quantitative results and also delves into qualitative takeaways, we hope that this volume is shared broadly so others can benefit from our collective experiences.
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    Understanding the Impacts of Traditional Cooking Practices in Rural Madagascar and a Way Forward with Improved Cookstoves
    (2018-04-25) Klug, Thomas
    Traditional biomass cooking practices pose a major threat to human health and the environment in Madagascar, where over 99% of the population relies on solid biomass fuels for energy. Biomass burning is a major contributor to household air pollution, which can impact the respiratory and cardiovascular health of primarily women and children. The need for fuelwood also places stress on the environment as a major driver of deforestation. This thesis quantifies the household air pollution and exposure measured in ~20 households in a village in the SAVA region of Madagascar, in addition to the amount of fuelwood extraction, and the time and health burdens on the local population. This thesis also presents an assessment of the improved cookstove landscape in the SAVA region and tests the efficiencies of several of these stoves to estimate the fuelwood reduction impact these stoves could have. Water boiling tests were performed on three wood-burning stoves and five charcoal-burning stoves sold in the region. It was found that household and individual exposure to particulate matter and carbon monoxide exceeded WHO standards and roughly 42% of individuals were found to have hypertension. Families are estimated to consume an average of 3,088 kg of fuelwood per year and walk an average distance of 3.3 kilometers, three times a week to collect. Of the improved wood stoves tested, two were found to require significantly less fuelwood (up to 1/3 less fuel by weight) than traditional methods. These findings emphasize the problems associated with traditional cooking and the potential for improved cooking technologies to mitigate these issues in energy-poor communities.