Roof-top power generation
Traditionally, when we talk of wind power generation; we automatically think in terms of wind farms. Here a large number of very tall wind turbines convert natural breeze to wind power, connected to the electricity supply grid. Now small rooftop wind turbines have been developed and is available from Europe or USA.
These wind turbines can be installed on the roof-tops of independent residences, or multi-storied flats; which are today common in many urban areas of Bangladesh. It is particularly more suited for the roofs of high rises; where these small wind turbines can be installed coupled to traditional battery back-up and inverter to provide household power at normal supply voltage.
This is a cost-effective and pollution free power source. Though the capital cost per installed KW of power is high, the operating cost is zero; as no traditional fuel is needed. A combination of wind turbine and high yield voltaic panel, is an ideal solution of independent power source for residences, offices, public buildings, hospitals, educational institutions and shopping centres, usually located in high rise buildings; over three or four floor high. It may also be an option to incorporate voltaic panel glass panes now available in California, USA. These can replace all our glass window and other decorative panels; and provide us with a free source of power to boot! Given the tremendous power and gas shortage that we are facing daily, and the situation going from bad to worse, day by day, we have no choice but to go for this fuel free alternative source of power supply. Gestation period for these projects is also reasonable. It may take from ten to twelve months from the time orders are placed to power at the finger tips! There is also no government funds involved!
The set-up can be a part of building the high rise; and the cost can be shared by all the co-owners. However, to make this venture effective and attractive; the government has an important motivating role to play. In the overall national interest of overcoming power and natural gas shortage; this cannot be ignored as it is a viable and pragmatic technical solution that can be easily utilised and taken advantage of!
Firstly, all wind and solar power installations including the storage batteries, inverters and necessary accessories must be allowed to be imported, on duty free basis, without any VAT or other taxes imposed. Also financing at very liberal rates must be allowed for implementing these projects, as it will save the country both power and natural gas and the imported fuel needed for power generation! This will encourage the people to go for it in most urban areas of Bangladesh, now totally dependent on PDB and REB for all its power requirements.
To illustrate its possibilities, let as assume that we install the wind and voltaic combination in say twenty lakh buildings in the country. Each installation should generate at least 300 watt; though even 400 to 500 watt can also be possible, depending on roof size and height of the building. On this basis we should be easily capable of generating 600MW of power, a virtual power plant!
In a sense, we are installing a 600MW power plant, at no cost to the exchequer and with no imported fuel needed to run it! Should not such an attractive option be grabbed with both hands by the government?
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