SELCO

Placements

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SELCO
Food dehydration and paddy de-husker tool
Karnataka, India
1st July 2010
3 months
2
No Prior Experience Needed

A 3-month research and development placement working in SELCO’s Innovations department.

Project a): Improve a current food dehydrator design, making it fully functional and efficient in solar and biomass-combustion modes

Project b): To help produce a portable paddy de-husker, either manually operated or using small 1HP motor

What work will I be doing?

Specific activities will include:

Project a):

Assess current food dehydrator design and test under solar & biomass modes
Improve performance through design changes
Investigate optimal food drying conditions
Increase cost effectiveness of design
Conduct market research in local community

Project b):

Evaluate current paddy de-husker design
Research methods of de-husking paddy
Improve or re-design tool for full functionality
Manufacture tool using local materials

Who will I be working for?

SELCO is a profit making social enterprise which aims to “empower the lives of under-served populations throughout the world by selling, servicing and financing services that improves their quality of life in a holistic manner”. It was founded in 1995 to sell and service solar electric home lighting systems in areas of India lacking access to reliable electricity. Through 25 branches nationwide it now provides a range of sustainable energy services to under-served households and businesses across India.

In 2005, SELCO won an ‘Ashden Award’ for its success in providing affordable solar home systems across southern India. They used part of this cash award to set up the Innovations department, which assists start-up businesses and explores new products, services and partnerships; this is the department the volunteer will be working in. For more information http://www.selco-india.com/

What skills or experience do I need?

Required:

Be enthusiastic about current development issues and have a good understanding of realistic constraints they may encounter
The ability to develop multiple approaches to solving a problem
Being able to engage well with local community members and colleagues alike
Have a track record of leadership skills, project management and successful team work
For the food dehydrator project – knowledge of fluid mechanics and heat & mass transfer
For the paddy de-husker project – experience of metalworking

Desired: