Powering Health

A spreadsheet tool and guide designed to be an overall off-grid energy information package to help energy experts and procurement officers collect and analyze information, plan PV and generator systems in off-grid health centers, and develop specifications and bidding documents.

This online software tool is designed to assist health care providers in designing appropriate power systems for their rural health clinics. The software is designed to evaluate hybrid power systems that include generators, utility power grids, batteries and photovoltaic arrays. The software uses the optimization program tool called HOMER to determine the most cost effective options for delivering continuous electrical energy to the health facility.

A resource for health professionals seeking to make better use of limited energy supplies. This guide assumes your health care facility already has electricity access, but presumes that more effective management of this limited resource will improve your ability to provide routine, quality health services on demand.

The inspiration for this website, this brochure lays out information in a logical and easy to follow manner with the same goal of electrifying rural health centers. It also provides a case study on the Kalungi Hospital Water and Electrification Project in Uganda.

A how-to-guide that addresses the most common problems observed in the field and discusses practical field applications necessary for proper installation of the inverter/charger and battery equipment.

This assessment of 8 medical laboratories in Mozambique determines appropriate backup power systems based on audits of laboratory equipment, the identification of "contact" and "no-contact" loads, and a review of power quality and availability. Different backup power options are compared based on their economic and technical feasibility in Mozambique.

Under the IHFI project, 5 medical laboratories in Zambia were assessed for their backup power capabilities and needs. This report outlines the technical approach to laboratory audits as well as specific recommendations for each laboratory visited.

The schematics provide technical installation drawings for inverter/battery power backup systems at health clinics in Haiti.

In Haiti, USAID is implementing the Improving Health Facility Infrastructure (IHFI) project, focused on providing reliable electrical power to hospitals and clinics throughout the country.

The Zanmi Lasante hospital in Boucan Carré, Haiti serves at least 100 patients daily. To meet its energy needs, the hospital relied largely on a diesel powered generator with an undersized inverter/battery back-up system. The hospital's fuel costs were high and there was no back up system to supply its power needs.

USAID provided a two week hands-on training for real world installations of inverter / battery / PV systems in Boucan Carré, Haiti in September 2009. The hands-on training costs were underwritten by USAID.

The Energy for Health Fund (EfHf) is an innovative funding mechanism that arises from the collaboration of Sun Energy Power International (SunEPI), an NGO with significant developing country solar PV installation experience, and Tetra Tech, an established infrastructure development company under contract to USAID. This partnership brings together international experience and local installation capability.

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. (In Haitian Creole with English subtitles.)

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. (In French with English subtitles.)

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. (In Haitian Creole with English subtitles.)

A quick reference card for battery maintenance.