Most developed countries see African nations as merely dumping grounds for products and for some untested energy policies in areas of agriculture, energy, education, medicine to mention but a few areas. This fact is also reflected by African consumerism policies in the areas of Agricultural, energy and educational, healthcare, etc. I subscribe to the school of thought that believes that an African nation that defies this label would ultimately end up controlling larger share of the African and even global market. A stable energy drives industry, improves and encourages research activities, promotes standard healthcare delivery system that is technology driven, provides, in some sense, reduced conflict because a free people are self sufficient; free people have fewer conflicts; free people have sound political system that reflects peoples’ needs and more importantly, sound educational system that is compatible with the world’s best. Energy is one of the most important ingredients for building a nation’s infrastructure and brings about radical increase in industrial capacity utilization.  

The classical definition of energy, energy is the ability to do work through motion, or through transferring of heat. In thermodynamics, work is seen as a process of energy transfer. Energy can be transferred through heat flow such as when we put a pot of water on the range/stove. The water gets hotter due to its molecular agitation and increased vapor pressure. Not only does water get hot, the pressure generated by a change in molecular state (steam) can cause the cover to move. 

In this article, we’ll consider three types of renewable energies among others that are available and easily harnessed in Nigeria. They are Wind, Wave and Solar energies. We need to focus on these so that every Nigerian can begin to experiment and develop these energy types, read a little about how to size and the site wind energy machines.

WIND ENERGY

We have all experienced wind blowing on our faces. What is wind? Wind is simply air in motion. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface by solar system, sun. Since the earth’s surface is made of very different types of land and water, it absorbs the sun’s heat at different rates. During the day, the air above the land heats up more quickly than the air over water. The warm air over the land expands and rises, and the heavier, cooler air displaces the rising air take its place, creating what we refer to as winds. At night, the winds are reversed because the air cools more rapidly over land than over water. The large atmospheric winds that circle the earth are created in the same manner because the land near the earth's equator is heated more by the sun than the land near the North and South Poles.

Today, wind energy is mainly used to generate electricity. Wind is called a renewable energy source because the wind will blow as long as the sun shines. The way we harness wind energy is through Wind machines. Wind machines use blades to collect the wind’s (motion) kinetic energy. Windmills work because they slow down the speed of the wind. The wind flows over the airfoil shaped blades causing lift, like the effect on airplane wings, causing them to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft (See Figure I) that turns an electric generator to produce electricity. Because the blades are the essential part of wind machines blades design optimization determines the efficiency of a wind machine. A wind design engineer, Aerospace, Mechanical engineers, must consider what to do when wind is not blowing. During those times, other types of power plants must be used to generate electricity. There are two different types of wind machines, based on the direction of rotation. They are: Vertical and horizontal axis wind machines.

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy generation or Photovoltaic systems are like any electrical power generating systems except equipment used is different from that used for conventional electromechanical generating systems. The principles of operation interfaced with other electrical systems remain the same, and are guided by a well-established body of electrical codes and standards. Although a Photovoltaic array produces power when exposed to sunlight, a number of other components are required to properly conduct, convert, distribute, and store the energy produced by the array. Depending on the functional and operational requirements of a PV system, the specific components required may include major components such as a DC-AC power inverter, battery bank systems, battery controller, and other auxiliary energy devices. Furthermore, other Balance of System (BOS) hardware which includes wiring, over-current, surge protection, disconnect devices and other power processing equipment are required to guarantee workability of PV system.

Photovoltaic power systems are generally classified according to their functional and operational requirements, their component configurations, and how the equipment is connected to other power sources and electrical loads. Generally, the two principal classifications are: a) GRID-CONNECTED, often referred to as UTILITY INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS (UIS); and b) The STAND-ALONE systems. Most privately operated PV systems are Stand-alone which are capable of generating far more than is needed and the excess can be sold when needed. A sample of a typical interactive system is shown in Figure II. For further interest in solar power generation, reader can contact professionals and companies that deal in solar systems. It must be stated here that clients can buy off the shelf solar system but they need to be warned that such systems are specific and may no meet their energy needs. 

Ocean Current and wave Power

The latest research in renewable energy is the ocean current and wave power with either high head/low volume or low head/high volume. The fluid induction power system combines: a) Attributes of turbine technologies; b) Positive displace crossflow hydro turbines; c) Multi-stage; and Multi-port.

Ocean current and wave technology have environmental advantages especially in the developing world where pollution is rampant and less technology to combat it. The advantages of ocean power technologies are: a) Reduction and in some cases elimination of for dams or reservoirs; b) They add more capacity to existing hydroelectric facilities in order to reduce need for power generated by other means such as coal, natural gas or petroleum; c) They cause Minimal appearance and changes in the environment; and d) They cause reduction in air pollution, and reduction in fuel consumption.

This new technology ventures have: Low capital costs; system faster coming online; Low operating and maintenance costs; back online quicker if down - swap out containers Helicopter into mountainous regions and they support green power ideas in that they have less environmental impact than conventional hydropower systems. 

Nigerian government or rich Nigerians looking for where to invest need consider investing in this area of new technology because research, development and renewable energy are moving forward.

Nigeria’s energy problem can be solved through concerted efforts and by bold steps not by Federal but by State governments. In other words, many Nigerian scientists understand how to generate energy if government encourages them. They can put their knowledge to use for Nigeria but, so far, Nigeria is still in the 18^th century with respect to energy because each successive government tells citizens that the enemies will not allow them to make a difference, unfortunately, our nation is in the 21^st century in energy usage.

Now, I believe it is time to refocus on renewable energies such as Wind, Solar, Hydro, Ocean and wave power and Biomass through a true genuine rural electrification strategy. Each Nigerian state should challenge their university Dons, and their scientists both in Nigeria and in Diaspora. It is only when home grown scientists are encouraged that energy will be stabilized, industries will grow, cooperation among Nigerians would be established, and food would be surplus for internal consumption and for exporting. States that produce surplus energy can sell to the state that is not able to produce enough for her citizens through utility Interactive system. Time for seeking expatriates to do the nation’s initial bidding is over, it is time for Nigerian professionals to answer the nation’s technological call and for the servant leaders to challenge and demand accountability of performance, deliverables and meeting key established milestones from the nations’ professionals.
 

_____________________________

* Christopher Odetunde is an Aerospace/Mechanical Engineer and a renewable professional with ABCON Global Energy Global, Inc.

Robot  # 1 | 05.01.2008 01:34

...Read the full article.

emj  # 2 | 05.01.2008 07:30

The classical definition of energy, energy is the ability to do work through motion, or through transferring of heat. In thermodynamics, work is seen as a process of energy transfer. Energy can be transferred through heat flow such as when we put a pot of water on the range/stove. The water gets hotter due to its molecular agitation and increased vapor pressure. Not only does water get hot, the pressure generated by a change in molecular state (steam) can cause the cover to move. In this article, we’ll consider three types of renewable energies among others that are available and easily harnessed in Nigeria. They are Wind, Wave and Solar energies. We need to focus on these so that every Nigerian can begin to experiment and develop these energy types, read a little about how to size and the site wind energy machines. Hmmm....good analysis Dr Chris. some companies are already making use of Solar and Thermal Energy....we as a nation is blessed with engineers in various fields, it's just a matter of forming true alliance and fine-tuning modalities. Like u said, we don't need to wait for the Federal govt, this can be done at the state level. Wind energy from what i just read from ur article has it's drawbacks. Solar Energy also requires some work .... http://www.energyalternatives.ca/SystemDesign/pv1.html whilst Ocean Current and Wave Power looks much more promising down south. Good job, some sorta starting point. We've gone round in circles long enough. Each community could take a proper look at what will work best for them, and of course gradually move towards the centre to finally see da whole picture.....moving from theory to practical(workable).

Bolaji Aluko  # 3 | 05.01.2008 08:55

Chris: Good job, but what is left is for you to: 1. identify what geographical areas of (say) Nigeria that wind, solar and waves will be most applicable. Top Three or even Top Ten for each renewable energy form will do to start with. 2. how much energy (in MW) can REALISTICALLY be harnessed and evacuated from each of these sources in each of these areas. 3. what kind of costs we are talking about, bearing in mind our importation economy and lack of cognate local industries (eg the microelectronic and controls industry for photovoltaics; etc.), which often throws our energy economics out of whack; 4. the sustainability prospects - both technical and financial, because at the day SOMEBODY has to pay the full economic price, even when there is national subsidy. Look, it is not as if I have all these answers myself, it is just that we should increasingly move from mere analysis and synthesis to implementation. We should also remember that the user of power often DOES NOT REALLY CARE where the power comes from, provided it is available, accessible, affordable, reliable and sustainable. Best wishes in 2008! Bolaji Aluko

Zanubia Wolf  # 4 | 05.01.2008 09:22

It is up to the Private sector to see the benefits of Alternative power, because NEPA will never deliver the power that home consumers need efficiently! If some of our leaders with vision smell the profit and power they could harness from alternative power they will invest! Just like the telecom on-going boom, they are the major investors now, someone needs to hold their hand and show them the benefits! Hope these 9ija money bags read your article! Great eye opener.

RAYNOSA  # 5 | 05.01.2008 10:22

Good Analysis, it's a pity we have leaders without vision and sense of purpose.

Eja  # 6 | 05.01.2008 11:05

Excellent article Dr. Odetunde. I especially liked this: Most developed countries see African nations as merely dumping grounds for products and for some untested energy policies in areas of agriculture, energy, education, medicine to mention but a few areas. This fact is also reflected by African consumerism policies in the areas of Agricultural, energy and educational, healthcare, etc. I subscribe to the school of thought that believes that an African nation that defies this label would ultimately end up controlling larger share of the African and even global market. A stable energy drives industry, improves and encourages research activities, promotes standard healthcare delivery system that is technology driven, provides, in some sense, reduced conflict because a free people are self sufficient; free people have fewer conflicts; free people have sound political system that reflects peoples’ needs and more importantly, sound educational system that is compatible with the world’s best. Energy is one of the most important ingredients for building a nation’s infrastructure and brings about radical increase in industrial capacity utilization. I have nothing to add to the above. Very well said. With regards to the most viable long-term energy source that suits our needs and environment, I believe that we need look no further than Solar energy. The power source (the Sun) is available basically 365 days a year so, all we need to look at is the manufacture of the cells, the storage batteries and the controllers. Manufacturing the cells is not a complicated matter, if one decides to go the silicone based route, the raw materials are abundant in Nigeria and, if one decides to go the vegetable dye based route, while these are far easier to produce in bulk, problems to do with the relatively faster degradation of such cells when exposed to long term heat will need to be resolved. Then, aside from solar energy, we also have an abundance of coconut trees in Nigeria. Coconut oil has been proven to be a viable alternative fuel for engines. The processing is a lot less complicated than that which attends the refining of petroleum and, obviously, the extraction of the raw material is far more environment friendly. The only drawback with coconut oil is a tendency to congeal when stored in a cool area. This can be remedied by designing storage equipments (like glass) that will prevent the oil from easily congealing (especially if it is stored outside where the sun can heat up the container. Also, mixing the coconut oil with another fuel (like kerosene or diesel) will prevent it from congealing (while not impairing its function). Once again Dr. Odetunde, thank you very much for bringing up this topic.

salford  # 7 | 05.01.2008 12:02

These are the kind of articles we need from Nigerians, the ones that identify a problem and then come up with suggestions. Less of the finger pointing, crying, tribalistic types that lead to no where. Dr Odetunde's ideas are practical. If communities in Nigeria will stop looking to the almighty Feds and build on their own strengths and resources, the quality of life of the people will begin to improve.

Palamedes  # 8 | 05.01.2008 13:31

I believe "wave power" comes under “wind power” as it too, ultimately, depend on wind—I suppose that is an academic argument. But your claim of low capital cost, system faster coming online etc., is disputable. The received knowledge is that the technology is still rudimentary, costly; and the gain is very minimal to make it a seriously viable alternative. These handicaps explain why there are very few wave power stations around the world—and most are for research. As with almost every discussions on Energy, statistics is thrown about—contributing to the confusion: It is difficult to have accurate estimate of the output from wind power because it is difficult to predict wind and its strength accurately. This is not to say that it can not be complementary to other more reliable powers, but it cannot be the main source of power. The energy debate can be very confusing as I have already said: each supporting group swears by its preference, and just when you are about to be convinced, another research, another report comes out to contradict what is accepted facts. My preference, no doubt, is Solar energy and Biofuel. The technology is not cheap but for Africa, it should be the corner stone of our policies on energy. Imagine solar panel on every roof in Nigeria; then Nigerians wouldn't mind, so much, about NEPA 4 hours of electricity supplies per day. Government should set aside energy research fund and invite universities research departments to vie for it. Only universities departments with adequate facilities and skills should receive such fund. From economic point of view, energy cost is a big chunk of the cost of the production of goods in the West and China; and therefore, with very low energy cost from solar energy--in the long term, Africa would be able to produce good much cheaper than even China or India. Having said all that, Africa must clear her own path and not follow all the hullabaloo about "Global warning". The UK talks a lot about global warning but is on its way to building a coal fired power station, which will emit as much carbon dioxide as much as 30 least polluting nations in the world combined-- according to “Greenpeace”. Further, we must look out for the wolf in sheep's clothing: Some European farmers have all but joined the anti-global warning movement (or words to that effect). You ask yourself why? They are loosing to agricultural products from Africa and Asia and are using the global warning argument as a cover to put pressure on the big supermarkets to stop importing these products—arguing that the air miles add to global warning. African countries must not allow the West to dictate to them--taking cover under global warning—the direction of their economic development.

udokaamah  # 9 | 05.01.2008 14:31

On an academic level this is a well written article. From a business standpoint however, it is full of holes. In fairness to the author though, he was not addressing an investor group. I do not consider myself a wealthy Nigerian, i consider myself very opportunistic. I am positive that the energy sector in Nigeria is a gold mine. If the author would consider doing an indepth feasibility with a focus to the investment community, i am certain we could get some persons and institutions with deep pockets to take a closer look. Looking to the government, at any level, is misguided. The only involvement of government in this debate will be to create incentive for private investments and to assure them of the security of their investments from state expropriation. And maybe some tax break wouldn't hurt.

udokaamah  # 10 | 05.01.2008 14:46

@ Palamedes: ... Africa must clear her own path and not follow all the hullabaloo about "Global warning". My brother, i am beyond shock that you belong to the crowd that treat the threat of global warming with such levity and refer to it as "hullabaloo". I am unsure what has cast such deathly spell on you and induced the deceptive slumber you are in. Take a closer look at the facts. Again. There is absolutely no inconsistency between economic stability (or in the case of Africa, economic revival) and environmental consciousness. The two can co-exist amicably. That is in fact the way of the future. All new technologies are engineered to go Green. Environmentally unsafe economies are retooling. Africa can avoid the mistakes of the past and do it right the first time. Those who deny the reality of global warming do so for political correctness or to preserve their investments.

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