Training Material
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USAID specialists present information on electrification to health facility engineers at the training facility in Jacmel, Haiti. (Photo: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) |
Training health care staff on energy management practices is a vital component to successful health facility electrification efforts.
Any investment in health facility energy technologies must go hand-in-hand with frequent training on the operation, use, and maintenance of the system. Each stakeholder must be equipped to carry out his or her duties.
Training staff to install and maintain energy systems is often the first step to ensure system sustainability in developing countries. The successful implementation and operation of an electrification program will likely involve a multi-tiered support structure and training will be required at each level.
At the facility level, health care professionals or another local stakeholder must be trained to perform basic system operation and care. This is particularly important for remote locations where service personnel are not likely to make regular visits. Experience has demonstrated that with minimal training energy system owners are capable of performing the required routine maintenance checks required for a system to operate successfully. Ideally, this local user training should be a required component of system installation protocols. The distribution of "user guides" is also recommended in case of staff turnover.
When the local user encounters a problem that they are unable to repair, they must have a pre-determined contact at the regional or national level that is trained to diagnose and correct all potential system problems. These individuals should be energy professionals with extensive training in the proper installation and operation of that particular system. These technicians could be employed by a government agency, or they could be hired from the private sector. The number of installations, size of a country, and accessibility of the facilities in a given country will determine if this support can be provided at the national level or if regional representatives are required.
Below is a listing of training materials developed for use at training sessions in Haiti, covering the subjects of battery, invterter, PV and generator maintenance.
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Training Media
Photos
The Improving Health Facility Infrastructure (IHFI) Project has put together a couple of photo slideshows highlighting training activities in Haiti and Guyana. These, and other slideshows, may be also viewed on the Photos page.
- Advanced Technician and Installer Training234567891011
- Haiti Technician Training
- Georgetown Public Hospital Energy Audit and Training Workshop
Reports
Listed are summary reports of IHFI energy technician training courses in Haiti. These courses have focused primarily on hospital energy technicians, but have also seen participation from administrators. They may also be found on the Publications page.
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
March 2014 IHFI Technicians Training Level 2 Report 13 technicians took part in a Leve 2 training course in Port-au-Prince covering proper battery and generator operation and maintenance. |
English | 1,326K | |
May 2012 IHFI Technicians Training Report 18 health facility technicians were invited to Haiti Tec in Port-au-Prince for 3 full days of classroom and field activities. |
English | 3,692K | |
February 2012 IHFI Technicians Training Report 26 technicians were brought to Port-au-Prince for a week long course on the operation, maintenance and documentation of batteries, inverters and diesel generators. |
English | 2,455K | |
December 2011 IHFI Technicians Training Report This training event included 13 hospital energy technicians, 1 administrator and 2 technical staff from the UGP and covered battery, inverter and diesel generator systems. |
English | 1,891K | |
March 2011 IHFI Technicians Training Report 21 hospital technicians and some additional administrative and technical staff from 14 hospitals took part in this training on battery, inverter and diesel systems. |
English | 3,257K |
Videos
USAID and the IHFI project have produced a number of training videos targeting health facility technicians in Haiti. These videos are presented in French or Creole with English subtitles and cover important topics on the installation, use and maintenance of back-up power equipment.
Videos available below (alternatively, see the Videos page):
Name and Description | Language |
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May 2013 - IHFI Energy System Installer Training Highlights from IHFI's advanced battery and inverter training for local electrical installers in Haiti. This course covered battery failure modes and installation preparation - taught by James Surrette of Surrette Batteries - and inverter wiring. |
English subtitles |
Haitian Technician Training May 2012 Look inside IHFI's comprehensive generator maintenance training. Over several days, Haitian hospital energy technicians attend classroom lectures and gain hands-on experience, learning the ins and outs of diesel generator maintenance. |
English subtitles |
How to Properly Use, Install and Program a Typical Battery/Inverter/PV System A twelve-minute training video for electrical technicians explaining the technical points of wiring, installing and programming a typical battery/inverter system, including regular maintenance tips. This video is intended to complement a more detailed training course on how to install a battery/inverter back-up power system for hospitals and clinics. |
Creole, English subtitles |
Improving Energy Systems in Haitian Hospitals USAID is working to improve the energy situation in Haitian hospitals by bringing rigor and consistency to power back-up system installations. Access to reliable electricity has improved the quality of health services in Haitian hospitals. |
French, English subtitles |
How to Properly Use Your Health Facility's New Power Back-Up System A nine-minute training video for health facility managers and employees to ensure that power back-up systems are used properly, cared for, maintained, and respected. This video covers the basic explanation of the battery/inverter system and includes a helpful "DOs" and "DON'Ts" list. |
Creole, English subtitles |
Haitian Technician Training December 2011 Highlights from the Improving Health Infrastructure (IHFI) project's December 2011 training workshop in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. |
English subtitles |
Tetra Tech, July 15-19, 2013
July 2013 Level I training participants outside the UPG training center. |
IHFI is conducting a Level 1 training course for hospital energy technicians. Participants are trained battery, inverter and generator mainenance as well as in wiring to the National Electric Code (NEC) and environmental management concepts.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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The course agenda, as well as a brief introduction to the IHFI project and its training program. |
French |
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482K |
Training module covering the maintenance and operation of batteries and inverters. |
French |
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1,520K |
Basic aspects of the National Electric Code regarding desing and installation requirements. |
French |
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541K |
Principles of generator operation and maintenance. |
French |
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626k |
Environmental Management Module Training module on the environmental impacts and mitigation measures for batteries and generators. |
French |
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235k |
Quick reference sheets for battery mainenance and inverter programming. |
French |
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7,391k |
Daily and monthly battery and generator logs. |
Creole |
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608k |
Tetra Tech, May 6-10, 2013
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May 2013 Level II training participants. |
IHFI conducted a week-long advanced training course for 30 previously trained hospital technicians from 19 facilities. This Level II training expanded on the basic battery, inverter and generator mainenance training that the participants had already recieved. The trainng covered advanced concepts in inverter and generator mainenance, such as inverter programming using the new Outback MATE3 or replacing internal components. Participants were also trained in wiring to the National Electric Code (NEC) and in environmental management concepts. Training consisted of a mix of classroom lectures, group activities, hands-on practice and written and oral quizes.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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Battery/Inverter Course Notebook Training presentations on battery and inverter mainenance, sample log sheets and an inverter programming reference guide. |
Creole |
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8,549K |
Presentations and resources for advanced generator maintenance. |
Creole |
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1,000K |
A presentation on environmental management of hazardous materials and waste such as batteries, fluorescent lamps and generator fuel and components. |
French |
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1,201K |
Battery and inverter maintenance log templates and inverter programming reference materials. |
Creole |
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18MB |
Generator maintenance logs. |
Creole |
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1,048k |
Tetra Tech, May 2-3, 2013
May 2013 installer training participants. |
IHFI brought 11 local private energy system installers into the MSPP UGP training facility for a two-day workshop on proper battery and inverter installation. The battery portion of the session was led by James Surrette of Surrette Batteries, used in many IHFI installations, who trained the installers on battery preparation prior to installation and performed a "battery autopsy" on several failed batteries to demonstrate the reasons for and modes of battery failure. Inverter training covered wiring to NEC standards as well as concepts in inverter design and operation.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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Inverter/Charging System Advanced Training A training presentation on proper inverter and battery wiring, in accordance with the National Electric Code. |
English |
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7,091K |
Tetra Tech, April 8-12, 2013
IHFI held a standard, Level I training workshop at the UGP training center in Port-au-Prince. The training session saw the participation of 33 technicians from hospitals around the country. The program covers basic operational practices and maintenance for batteries, inverters and generators.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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Training presentation and reference materials for battery, inverter and generator maintenance and operation. |
Creole |
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13MB |
Tetra Tech, December 5-9, 2011
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December 2011 training participants. |
The IHFI project's training efforts continued in December with another training workshop in Port-au-Prince. 13 hospital technicians, 1 administrator and 2 technical staff from the Ministry of Health Project Management Unit (UGP) were trained on operation, maintenance and data logging on battery, inverter and diesel generator systems. This workshop also featured additional training materials in Creole which will be expanded upon for future trainings.
The workshop generated good will and a sense of empowerment among technicians, something that has typically been lacking in many health facilities in Haiti. Moreover, the workshop helped build relationships among the technicians, and more importantly, between technicians and the UGP.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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Energy Backup Systems Maintenance Training for Hospital Technicians - December 2011 Report The final report for the December 2011 training session. The report summarizes the course content, introduces the trainers and gives participant evaluation feedback. |
English |
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1,891K |
Custom log book cover for IHFI training workshops. |
French |
Word |
1,190K |
A brief summary of technician maintenance duties, developed as a reference for health facility technicians in Haiti. |
English, Creole |
Word |
19K |
Updated from previous workshops. A daily log sheet template designed for health facility technicians in Haiti. Information on the battery bank's voltage and state of charge, as well as generator and grid operating hours are recorded on a daily basis to ensure proper system monitoring. |
Creole |
Excel |
26K |
Updated from previous workshops. A daily energy system log template. Includes an illustrated guide to determining energy system performance with an OutBack MATE system monitor. |
Creole |
Excel |
1,113K |
Instructions for testing and logging electrolyte specific gravity for battery banks. Specific gravity tests tell technicians when the battery bank needs and equalization charge. |
Creole |
Word |
93K |
Equalization - Hydrometer Diagram An illustration showing how to correctly use and read a hydrometer when testing the specific gravity of battery cells. |
English |
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662K |
Equalization - Battery Diagram Exercise An exercise asking participants to accurately diagram their facility's battery bank. |
English |
Word |
30K |
A log and questionnaire designed to help Haitian facility technicians track specific gravity in their battery banks. |
Creole |
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59K |
A log and questionnaire designed to help Haitian facility technicians track specific gravity in their battery banks. |
Creole |
Excel |
23K |
Tetra Tech and Haiti Tec, March 28-31, 2011
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Training participants displaying their certificates of completion. |
USAID's Improving Health Facility Infrastructure (IHFI) project designed and implemented a training workshop for hospital technicians in the maintenance and monitoring of key power backup systems (batteries, inverters, diesel generators) being installed in Haitian health facilities. IHFI worked with the Ministry of Health Project Management Unit (UGP) which sponsored and co- funded the training, including bringing 21 hospital technicians and some administrative and other technical staff from facilities throughout Haiti to Port-au-Prince for four days of training.
Workshop materials and basic electrical tools were provided to each technician, and interactive, hands-on sessions were designed to meet the training objectives. In addition, participants were taught how to measure and log readings in logbooks and sheets designed for this purpose.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
Energy Backup Systems Maintenance Training for Hospital Technicians - March 2011 Report The final report for the March 2011 training session. The report summarizes the course content and introduces the trainers. Also included are participant evaluation feedback and participant follow-up reports. |
English | 3,257K | |
Course schedule for the four-day training session held at Haiti Tec in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 28-31, 2011. |
French | 27K | |
Developed by SunEPI. Grid Only System, Grid plus Generator, Add Inverter/Charger-Battys, Different Generator Wiring, Remove Generator, Off-Grid, Generator Only, Off-Grid: Generator and Inverter/Charger, Off-Grid: PV/Inv/Batteries, Off-Grid: Hybrid. |
English | 420K | |
An easy to understand example schematic of a health facility energy system and an illustrated guide to addressing a "Low Battery" alarm. |
Creole | 1,767K | |
An easy to understand example schematic of a health facility energy system and an illustrated guide to addressing a "Low Battery" alarm. |
English | 1,761K | |
A quick reference card for battery maintenance. |
Creole | 958K | |
An example health facility load calculation for reference by facility technicians. |
English | Excel | 109K |
Technician System Size Example Example health facility energy system documentation, including: system components, system size, facility power sources, and commissioning and inspection dates. |
English | Excel | 104K |
A daily log sheet template designed for health facility technicians in Haiti. Information on the battery bank's voltage and state of charge, as well as generator and grid operating hours are recorded on a daily basis to ensure proper system monitoring. |
Creole | Excel | 26K |
A brief summary of technician maintenance duties, developed as a reference for health facility technicians in Haiti. |
Creole | Excel | 24K |
An example energy system log, showing daily energy usage and battery bank state of charge for one month. |
English | Excel | 12K |
A daily energy system log template, similar to the Example Logging. Also includes an illustrated guide to determining energy system performance with an OutBack MATE system monitor. |
Creole | Excel | 930K |
An illustrated quick reference guide to troubleshooting energy system warnings and errors using an OutBack MATE system monitor. |
Creole | 5,888K | |
An illustrated quick reference guide to troubleshooting energy system warnings and errors using an OutBack MATE system monitor. |
English | 5,896K | |
Developed by SunEPI. Typical Back-up Generator Configuration, Emergency Loads Only, Add Inverter/Batteries, Add other Emergency Loads, Whole facility generator plus the inverter/batteries, Stand-by vs. Primary Power. |
English | 350K |
SunEnergy Power International, May 12-23, 2008
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Training participants at the Haiti National Reference Laboratory. |
The two week training course held in May 2008 was sponsored by the USG PEPFAR program and the Haiti National Reference Laboratory. The training was targeted at health facility managers and laboratory specialists and the agenda covered options for providing health facilities with continuous and high quality power needed for effective operation.
The first week of training covered key concepts and design issues while the second week focused on hands-on application of the material as the class retrofitted a health facility. The training course manual covered the design, installation, and operation of back-up power systems (inverters, batteries, generators, power conditioners and solar). Several trainees and private sector energy service providers made presentations throughout the training course.
During the second week of training, students designed and installed an energy system for a nearby health facility. The students trained the health facility manager on the operation and basic maintenance of the system and a contract was signed with a local service provider to maintain the energy systems.
Course materials are available below:
Name and Description | Language | File Type | File Size |
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The schedule for the two-week training program. |
English | 66K | |
A short manual from USAID that addresses the most common problems observed in the field and discusses practical applications regarding inverter / charger and battery equipment. This manual is based on the Xantrax Model SW inverter, which is frequently found in Haitian health facilities. |
English | 1,091K | |
A schematic diagram of the energy system designed and installed by training participants. |
English | 53K | |
Typical Back-up Generator Configuration, Likely Health Center Load Profile, Sizing the Generator, Generator Alone Sizing Result, Power for Inverter / Batteries, Charging the Batteries, Generator Run Time with Batteries, Generator Fuel Consumption, The rising cost of Fuel. |
English | 438K | |
Grid Only System, Grid plus Generator, Add Inverter/Charger-Battys, Different Generator Wiring, Remove Generator, Off-Grid, Generator Only, Off-Grid: Generator and Inverter/Charger, Off-Grid: PV/Inv/Batteries, Off-Grid: Hybrid. |
English | 419K | |
Typical Back-up Generator Configuration, Emergency Loads Only, Add Inverter/Batteries, Add other Emergency Loads, Whole facility generator plus the inverter/batteries, Stand-by vs. Primary Power. |
English | 350K | |
PV Components Photos | English | 12.5MB | |
Inverter Installation and Operation The Inverter is just one piece, Elements of the Inverter/Charger, Applicability, Modes of Operation: AC IN Operational, When AC IN Power is lost, AC IN 1 and AC IN 2, Connections to the Real World, AC OUT Connections, AC IN Connections, AC IN 1 - Grid Supply, AC IN 2 - Generator, AC IN from both Generator and Grid, AC IN and OUT Connections, DC Connections, Connecting the DC Cables to the Inverter, Polarity, DC Cable - from Battery to Inverter, Battery Cable Sizing (use 4/0), Series Connections, Connecting Batteries, Paralleling Batteries, Keep the Battery Cables Together, Sum-UP. |
English | 874K | |
Generators Three Phase vs. Single Phase Power Generator Formulas, Amperage of 3 Ph Generators, Amperage of 1 Ph Generators, Compare 3 PH to 1 PH, Examples, The result, Other likely Scenarios, Discussion Topics. |
English | 301K | |
Strength of the sun, Orientation of the sun, Shading. |
English | 859K | |
Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Operation and Maintenance, Operations Situations, Daily Log, Logging the System Status, Battery Maintenance, Preventing Discharge, Load Management to Prevent Battery Discharge, Battery Charging, Maintain Electrolyte Level, Keep Batteries Clean, Battery Cut-Away, Equalizing the Battery (liquid filled ONLY), System Disconnects on low Voltage (or Frequency), Effect of too small AC IN Wire, Troubleshooting, Load Management and Alarms, Alarm Wiring. |
English | 535K | |
To Access Set-up Menu (Menu items 9 through 20), Menu 9: Inverter Setup, Notes on Search Function, Menu 10: Battery Charging, Sample Trojan Battery Voltage Recommendations, Charging Voltages, Battery Voltages, Menu 11: AC Inputs, Menu 18: Grid Usage Timer, Programming Caution. |
English | 344K |