Electricity consumption in learning institutions: The case of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Abstract
Learning institutions consume a significant portion of the total tertiary electricity and hence
could contribute to energy saving in Kenya if the right energy saving measures are put in place.
For evidence-based design of such policies, it is important to understand the reasons behind the
dynamics of the electricity consumption and its structure. According to the researcher's
investigation, there has neither been a research-focused targeted project aimed at monitoring
electrical energy consumption nor an economical level of per capita consumption in learning
institutions in Kenya
The main purpose of this survey was to determine overall energy consumption in learning
institutions, a case study of KMTC and to explore modalities of ensuring reduced energy
consumption for such institutions. The research focused on five campuses as a representative
of all the 30 campuses.
Results from this study show that the five sampled institutions consumed a total of 2,158,799
KWh which cost the college approximately KSh. 35,836,063. The total number of students in
the sample population was 7130 giving a per capita consumption of electrical energy of 302.78
KWh/student.
To reduce the per capita consumption in KMTC, the study examined various energy saving
modalities which include design and implementation of a micro controller based power
monitoring system. The monitoring system was constructed using a single chip MC68HC908
micro controller to control the switch ON/OFF of lights depending on the level of illumination
in the room. Approximately 27.7% power savings in electricity consumption was achieved
by the use of this system. The study also experimented on the use of high efficiency lights
instead of the conventional ones. Results showed that 6% energy saving was achieved.
Other energy saving opportunities were explored in the study and recommendations presented.
Citation
Master of science in EnergyPublisher
University of Nairobi