A power solution for our training centre: find the best solution
Status: 
Step:
4
15 computers have arrived in Jinja and the training for a group of PWDs has started. Electricity is available in the training centre, but power cuts are often experienced. This doesn't only affect the time that the computers can be used; the hardware also suffers from these power breaks.
A backup power solution is needed to enable us to keep working during power breaks and keep the computers in good shape. This will also enable us to eventually run an internet café, that can provide BEHOD with an income.
(Diesel) generators are most commonly used in Uganda, but the government has started promoting solar energy.
Help us decide what would be the best solution:
- what capacity do we need?
- which solutions are available in Uganda?
- how much do they cost?
- etc.
Computers are built for use worldwide use and operate on whatever current they are plugged into. Inverters use more power [heat] than the computer.
Hi all,
Although Paul isn't too excited about the batteries, I'm going to check by (second hand) car dealers and other technical people in my surroundings what the risks are of using batteries, how we make sure the batteries can't explode and where to get batteries/inverters... An important thing will be the maintenance, I will check that as well.
Or does anyone else know something more about above mentioned things?
Although I don't have a technical background, the idea of accu's seems practical and achievable to me, if done in a good and solid way.
Regards,
Ilse
The truth with Uganda as i am Ugandan i know things here the best ways is to use generators are most commonly and best used in Uganda, well i just advice if any one can stand or show any one who can donate to them it means a lot so that our people can study and the work is very good.
God bless
www.gidcco.org
Pastor Fred
Hi Ken,
I didn't know computers had converters built in? I do agree that computers are made for worldwide use and therefore, for example my own PC has a switch which can be set on 230 or 150V (AC). So it can work on different voltage levels of different power systems all over the world. But, I am not yet convinced that my PC will work on 12V DC just like that...
Do you have some speifications of PCs that say that plugging 12V DC into your PC is not a problem? And how do plug 12V DC into your PC?
I hope you can give some more information.
Thanks,
Else
Currently, BEHOD's electricity bill is sponsored by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Welfare. Hence a power solution is not the main issue at this moment.
This task will be closed.
Internally, all computer operate on 12 v.
Ken
Hi Ken,
I can see how this works for laptop computers. In Jinja they have desktop PCs however.... not sure how they will run on 12V?
Pelle
All PC computers operate internally on 12 v. End of conversation.
Ken
Hello
Car batteries are made for high power, short bursts, for starting. If they are charged and drained regularly they won't last long at all. Deep Cycle batteries are needed, which are used in forklifts and electric wheelchairs. Unfortunately they are considerably more expensive.
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Rick Ellis
About solar power. Chipped and cracked solar cells can be used to make solar panels at a fraction of the cost of factory panels. An electrician isn't needed. Just someone to learn the basics of soldering and series or parallel circuits. Plywood backing and a plexiglass front is used. And one voltage regulator for any number of panels.
Power is stored in deep cycle batteries.
I don't know if damaged solar cells can be found there. There are always some on e-bay but I suppose shipping would be a major cost. But, solar power is free after the initial expense.
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Rick Ellis
I have a good idea if this problem has not been solved, the best way to make sure that the computers dont get damaged by the generator power, as this happens quite often is to buy low cost (uninterupted power backup) UPS's,and then remove the batteries inside and replace them with a car battery. once charged, the UPS can servr two computers for more than two hours. Yhe UPS is equiped with surge protectors which ensures smooth flow of power.I use this in my house and it works well.