Imagine a system that transforms water into a reliable energy source by splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen. During the day, the system captures excess solar energy to produce hydrogen, which is then stored and converted back into electricity as needed. By seamlessly integrating solar power, their system ensures continuous hydrogen production, keeping lights on and equipment running smoothly around the clock—providing a steady, reliable power supply. 

Intrigued?

Hospitals require a constant flow of electricity to sustain vital services like lighting, heating, storage, and medical equipment. However, in rural and suburban areas, this reliability is often more of a luxury than a guarantee. The challenge lies in securing dependable and affordable energy to meet basic healthcare needs.

Andy Onyango and Trevor Atela, two innovative 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (BSEEE) students have a viable solution. They had the fantastic opportunity to present their project at Innovation Challenge hosted at Makerere University, Uganda. They presented their groundbreaking project, “Solar systems for hospitals in rural healthcare settings using Hydrogen as storage,” and impressively clinched second place!

Here’s how it works:

This project aims to create a reliable and sustainable green hydrogen-based power system for rural hospitals. It starts by using solar energy to power electrolysis cells that produce and store hydrogen. When electricity is needed, the stored hydrogen is converted back into power, ensuring a continuous energy supply. This approach addresses energy access issues and promotes an eco-friendly healthcare system, with water as the only byproduct. Adopting hydrogen, a clean and versatile energy source, has the potential to transform future energy development. By using a hydrogen fuel cell, it converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, heat, and water through an electrochemical reaction. In the fuel cell, hydrogen gas (H2) is split into protons and electrons at the anode. The protons pass through a membrane to the cathode, while the electrons create an electric current as they travel through an external circuit. At the cathode, oxygen gas (O2) combines with the protons and electrons to form water (H2O) and release heat. This clean and efficient process makes hydrogen fuel cells an ideal energy solution for rural hospitals. The reaction is:

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + electricity + heat.

Green Energy, Bright Future

The brilliance of their project shines through its dual impact on the environment and the economy. At its core is the Power-to-Gas (P2G) system, a cutting-edge energy storage solution designed for hospitals. This innovative approach significantly reduces environmental impact compared to existing alternatives. By harnessing clean solar energy to produce hydrogen, the system slashes greenhouse gas emissions, offering a green alternative to traditional energy sources. Economically, it leverages proven technologies and scales from the renewable energy sector, providing a cost-effective solution that promises even greater savings as the industry evolves. Moreover, this design champions the use of hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier, supporting the shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. It reduces reliance on finite fossil fuels and paves the way for hydrogen’s integration into broader energy systems, such as clean fuels for transportation and industrial processes.

In a world where ideas spark and creativity flows freely, having a mentor by your side is like having a compass guiding you through uncharted waters. For Trevor and Andy, Mr. Joseph Obbo, Victor Rop, and Cynthia Mkabane have been that guiding light. From the first spark of their idea to the moment it was ready to make its mark on the world, Mr. Rop stood by them, helping to shape their vision into something extraordinary. Balancing their project with the demands of other academic endeavors, school responsibilities, and the intricacies of life was no small feat. Yet, what fueled their relentless drive was the dream of making a lasting impact. They sacrificed much along the way, investing time and energy into nurturing their project. As they watch it grow, they carry with them the hope that it will not only succeed but leave a legacy that endures for years to come.

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau

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