Design and modelling of a solar gel energy system for sustainable power in rural health facilities and teaching hospitals
Ndejje University Journal Of Interdisciplinary Studies,
Volume 2, Conference Papers
eISSN: 3079-7683
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64080/ndujis.2026.Cof.Pro.Oct006
1.David Kibirige, Faculty of Engineering and survey, Ndejje University, Kibirigedavid06@gmail.com, dkibirige@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug,
ORCID: 0009-0005-3357-5606
2.Bob Rich Mwecumi, Faculty of Engineering and survey, Ndejje University, abooki2014@gmail.com, ORCID: 0009-0009-44998-9888
3.David Makumbi Faculty of Engineering and survey, Ndejje University, makumbidavid92@gmail.com, ORCID: 0009-0002-0129-6096
4.Ruth Kanyana, Kampala International University, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, kanyanaruth@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0002-5353-5047
5.Edison Tindiwensi Faculty of Engineering and survey, Ndejje University, etindiwensi@ndejjeuniversity.ac.ug, ORCID: 0009-0003-4455-3993
Abstract
Reliable electricity underpins safe healthcare delivery, yet an estimated 675 million people worldwide, over 80% in Sub-Saharan Africa, lack it, forcing rural health facilities in Nigeria and Uganda onto costly diesel generators (IEA, IRENA, UNSD, World Bank, & WHO, 2023). This study designs and models an integrated Solar Gel Energy System combining a Solar Gel Pond (SGP) thermal store with a hydrogel-cooled photovoltaic (PV) array and battery storage for a reference rural facility. The SGP replaces the salt gradient of conventional solar ponds with a transparent polymer gel layer of 98% water and 2% polyethylene glycol, and a rear hydrogel coating passively cools the PV modules. The system was modelled in MATLAB/Simulink and COMSOL Multiphysics under Ugandan tropical conditions. Results show stable thermal storage of 5664°C, a 78% cut in convective heat loss versus a free water surface, a 12.9% gain in annual PV yield, and an electrical Loss of Power Supply Probability of 1.8%, within the healthcare reliability threshold. The system cuts diesel-linked emissions by about 89% and achieves a 6.5-8.5-year payback. The study recommends outdoor pilot validation, gel life-cycle assessment, and a simplified sizing guide for rural healthcare facility managers across Sub-Saharan Africa.


























