Tech Report

Five engineering students worked on solutions for the cooking problem in Managua, Nicaragua through the University of Dayton's ETHOS program.  Groupo Fenix and Prolena were the host organizations that received the University volunteers.  Groupo Fenix is investigating solar cooking and Prolena manufactures cleaner burning wood stoves.  While in Nicaragua, the ETHOS groups observed renewable energy systems in action, aided in the construction of an adobe solar cooker workshop, fixed various problems with solar cookers and water heaters, input and graphed solar cooker temperature data, ran efficiency tests on woodburning stoves, and designed and built two new environmentally-minded woodburning stove prototypes. Renewable energy systems in Ometepe, Little Corn Island, Uniles, and Managua were observed and their users were interviewed to gain input on how to better modify the systems. A microhydroelectric power station was observed just hours after installation on the volcanic isle of Ometepe. Water is brought down from the lake in the cauldron of the volcano using a kilometer of two-inch diameter pipe to a tiny system that generates 2 kilowatts which is enough to power a small woodworking shop, refrigerator, lights, and other appliances in the hacienda. It became apparent that microhydroelectric power is a very promising energy source.