Browsing by Author "Afful, Joyce Asante"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Optimal domestic energy mix- a case study of the Kumasi Metropolis
    (2010-08-14) Afful, Joyce Asante
    Background— Many homes make use of different energy sources without taking into an account the cost involve and the health hazards they might have on the people especially children. The study sought to investigate into Optional Domestic Energy Sources mix in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Aim - The aim was to construct a mathematical model for the determination of an optimal domestic energy mix in Kumasi Metropolis and also to analyze the solution of the model in the light of safety, environmental and socio -economic issues. Method- In all, two hundred (200) respondents were used for a preliminary survey and secondary data on the unit cost of the energy sources and ratings of energy consuming domestic devices was collected from the Mechanical Engineering Department, KNUST. Excel Solver was used to solve the optimal domestic energy problem formulated as a Transportation Problem of linear programming. Results- The model came out with a certain mix of energy and this was the rational choice for the consumer. The study revealed that an amount GH¢90.10, GH¢45.015and GH¢22.713 would be spent monthly in the home by the high, middle and low income groups respectively. It also revealed that, solar energy (which is not widely utilized by people) could be economically be combined with other common domestic energy sources except the Generator which the model indicated as not being cost effective for any activity. Conclusions- Among the recommendations offered was that since the market economy tends to compel people to use those sources of energy which are not good for the environment, the government of Ghana could come out with policy which would subsidize PV panels so that more people can make use of the solar energy in their homes. Again, charcoal makers should be made to pay tax to be used for improving the environment directly through forestation programmes. LPG should also be made affordable and accessible in the communities through the application of appropriate incentives.