permaculture

334 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

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Presentation : Natural methods of generating electricity

Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images, physical examples, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 12 - Appropriate Technology

Objective : Participants learn about natural methods of generating electricity

Note: If any physical examples of natural electricity generation are available for the

participants to view this will very much help to explain how it works.

Natural electricity production is very important for the future of Indonesia, especially in

rural areas. It produces very little pollution and can be used by individual houses or a

small community.

Some natural methods of generating electricity are:

• Hydro-electric systems - Use flowing water to create electricity. These
  systems come in many different sizes with small micro-hydro systems being the
  cheapest, most efficient, most environmentally friendly, and the best for rural
  communities.


• Biogas systems - Collects methane gas, a flammable gas that can be used
  as a cooking fuel, to run gas lights, to run internal combustion engines, and to
  make electricity. Methane gas is made naturally when animal manure, human
  manure, rice husks, leaves, water plants, and grass decompose. It has many
  benefits including creating very high quality fertilizer from the left over materials.


• Solar systems - Use the light from the sun to create electricity.


• Wind systems - Can also be used for generating electricity using a propeller
  that turns when the wind blows.

These methods are explained in more detail in the “Electricity” section of PC Book MOD

12 - Appropriate Technology. However, these explanations are still very simple.

There are many other forms of natural electricity generation such as using waves, thermal

energy, and industrial waste, and more are being created all the time.

The facilitator can decide on the types of systems to explain and the detail of the

explanations depending on the focus of the workshop, the location, the technical ability

of the participants, and most importantly the needs of the participants.