Exploration of the Use of Solar Thermal Energy for Faecal Sludge Drying

摘要

Solar energy is gaining increased attention as a power source. This is due to the increasing cost of primary energy sources, depletion of unrenewable energy reservoirs, and an increase in environmental protection legislation. Access to decent sanitation and clean water is a basic human right. In terms of sanitation, governments have moved towards the provision of centralised, semi-centralised and stand-alone sanitation systems. The use of ventilation improved pit (VIP) latrines results in the gradual filling of the toilets and generation of faecal sludge. Current faecal sludge treatment methods include the use of drying beds, deep trench disposal, and the black soldier fly. Drying of faecal sludge results in the decrease of total volume of the sludge and assists in pasteurisation. In this study a solar dryer was designed, constructed and tested for the drying of faecal sludge. An analysis of the solar irradiance was also carried out.