Agriculture
January 10, 2024
The Village Drill
Read SolutionImplemented by
Brigham Young University
Updated on December 5, 2024
·Created on August 27, 2015
SunBlazer IV is an easy to deploy modular type solar energy system.
IEEE Smart Village SunBlazer IV is a modular lightweight, solar photovoltaic (PV) community base station for mobile devices, lights, and other small electronic equipment. The product is a newer version of IEEE Smart SunBlazer II. The system is designed to provide sustainable energy for communities without grid connections.
IEEE is the International Engineering Society for Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Local entrepreneurs can apply for full funding of the implementation of a SunBlazer II in their community through IEEE Smart Village. IEEE Smart Village is funded through three significant channels: IEEE Foundation and Societies, Corporate Donations, and Individual donations. Use of the batteries amounts to about 6.50 USD per month for end users per battery pack.
Target SDGs
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Market Suggested Retail Price
$6.50
Target Users (Target Impact Group)
Community
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
IEEE Smart Village with Partner NGOs
Competitive Landscape
Direct competitors include SolarTurtle Kiosk, SOLARKIOSK E-HUBB, and SunZilla Solar Generator 3.0.
Manufacturing/Building Method
Products are made individually, per order. Interview with Representative
Intellectural Property Type
Open-source
User Provision Model
Smart Village will work directly with local entrepreneurs to set up a SunBlazer IV in a community of need. A local entrepreneur may contact IEEE Smart Village and apply to get funding for their project. The application includes a detailed business plan describing how they will make their utilities sustainable after the initial donation. The micro-utility equipment is then seed-funded to an in-country NGO for their distribution.
Distributions to Date Status
As of August 2015, less than 100 systems were deployed. Interview with Representative
Power rating (W or kW)
1.5 – 3.6 kW
System dimensions (m)
Station box : 1.2 x 0.6096 x 0.7112 m (W X D X H)
Setup :Â 5 x 2.032 x 1.98 m (W X D X H)
Battery type
FLA Flooded lead-acid, AGM, Gel or LiFePO4
Battery capacity (mAh)
200 Ah
Description of solar panels
6 pcs, 300 W panels, Expanded unit: 12 pcs at 300 W
Grid compatibility (yes/no)
Yes
Description of mobility
Easily deployable and movable. Interview with manufacturer 2021
Design Specifications
The SunBlazer IV is a modular type solar energy base station that can generate electricity for off-grid applications. It can be either with 6 number of 300 W solar panels or can be expanded up to 12 number of 300 W solar panels depending on the application requirements. The weight of the system is 500 kg approximately for the system with 6 solar panels. The solar generation from the system is 9 kWh/day whilst the expanded system can generate 18 kWh/day. The newest version SunBlazer IV can also be used to drive a micro-grid for larger loads for homes and businesses including pumping water, powering up street lights and running electrical machine loads as well. Interview with manufacturer 2021Â
Technical Support
IEEE Smart Village provides standard manuals and basic training of operators and maintenance personnel. IEEE also offers professional technical support and business mentoring as the program matures.
Replacement Components
Replacement components are available. Interview with Representative
Lifecycle
Solar panel and major components: 20 years Batteries: varies based on type, application, and user treatment and care. Manufacturer estimates: * AGM, GEL, PBK: 5+ years * SLA: 3 years A basic two-year warranty is available during seed-funded oversight of the product by IEEE Smart Village. Interview with Representative
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
To facilitate smaller village communities' electricity requirements using a cost-effective and reliable solar-powered system. The number of units can be increased according to the increment in the electricity demand of the village.
Vetted Performance Status
Testing has been conducted by IEEE Smart Village, however, no third-party testing has been completed.
Safety
Be sure to follow proper electrical installation and control guidelines. Interview with Representative
Complementary Technical Systems
None
Academic Research and References
Clark, A., and Pavlovski, C. J., 2010, Wireless networks for the smart energy grid: application aware networks, Proceedings of IMECS, Vol II
Zavratnik, V., Kos, A., Stojmenova Duh, E., 2018, Smart Villages: Comprehensive Review of Initiatives and Practices, Sustainability, 10, pp. 2559.
Compliance with regulations
Unknown
Evaluation methods
Two years of field use of SB-I in Haiti informed the design and development for SB-II. The deployment of SB-II in Cameroon provided feedback for the development of the third-generation station, called SunBlazer LITE. The latest version of the product is the Sunblazer IV.Interview with the manufacturer in 2021
Other Information
Watch this video to learn more.
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