Application of Sustainable Renewable Energy in Developing Countries: Food Drying and Solar Cookers Usage in Northern Argentina

V. PASSAMAI Y J. ALVARADO

Washington DC, EEUU

Conferencia; International Conference on Renewable Energy for Developing Countries; 2006

University of the District of Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

ABSTRACT: The National University of Salta (UNSa), at the City of Salta in northern Argentina, was one of the first academic institutions to start research in the area of solar energy applications in the country. In 1982, a Non Conventional Energy Research Institute (INENCO) was founded in UNSa to sponsor a variety of solar energy related projects. Since then, solar drying and cooking have been two of the most important research contributions UNSa has made in the field of renewable energy. INENCO first contributions include research projects in the area of computer modeling of solar-driven processes, and the development, design and construction of prototypes and devices that utilize solar energy. Specifically, solar dryers and cookers have been built and successfully tested in recent years. Coincidentally, due to economic uncertainties and difficulties experienced by the country in the last few years, INENCO has consciously decided to disseminate practical know-how and provide training in the area of solar drying and cooking in a concerted effort to help the population to become more self-reliant. A program has been set up to provide appropriate technical education to maximize the use of abundant resources like the earth and sun. In this paper, a detailed description of the efforts undertaken by INENCO and UNSa is presented. The paper focuses on recent successful initiatives, valuable research activities, and lessons learned. Specifically, a detailed presentation of successes and challenges in the application of solar-driven technology from the Argentinean point of view is presented. Findings and observations are summarized and shared to foster better cooperation with other nations within the region and countries interested in the development and implementation of solar drying and cooking. This should encourage discussion among participants on how to support research activities and implementation projects from within and outside the region that can mutually benefit a wide range of stakeholders.