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

Distributing Solar

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

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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.