Southern Africa expanding over 471,445 square miles is a hub of unique biomes. From Johannesburg’s bustling streets to the Serengeti’s rolling savannas, Southern Africa is as diverse as it is dynamic. However, besides its beauty, it often gets affected by numerous challenges that threaten its economy, prosperity, and stability.

If you like reading NEWS of various countries and want to know how we played our part, then you are at the right place. WHC is always there for its clients across the world. Read this article to understand the current situation in Zambia and get to know how we entertain Zambia with our services. Without any further delay, let’s begin with our article!

1. What is Currently Going on in Zambia?

Recently, one issue has risen to the forefront in Southern Africa. Doubtlessly, this disaster (which we will mention in the upcoming part of the article) can cast a long shadow over the countries located in Southern Africa, particularly Zambia.

Sadly, countries like Zambia are suffering from temperature sores, droughts, and irregular weather patterns. And is experiencing a national disaster. A lack of rainfall has devastated the agricultural sector, affecting more than a million households. Zambia is currently grappling with the effects of El Niño. El Niño is a climate phenomenon that occurs every few years in an irregular pattern.

El Niño events can last for 9-12 months. However, the El Niño events can vary in duration and intensity. They can last for 9 months with varied intensity or they can last for 12 months or even years.

As we know rain is crucial for agriculture and farmers are completely dependent on rain water if no other source of water is found for cultivation. According to a report, Zambia had not had rain for five weeks, just when farmers needed it most. How terrible it would be, to have no water and already suffering from drought and your new crops are also affected due to insufficient water supply.

According to a news reporter in Zambia,

“The damage caused by a prolonged drought is enormous. The drought has affected 84 of the country’s 116 districts.”

Climate change and the effects of El Niño are affecting weather phenomena. Besides affecting, the changing climate conditions have also exacerbated the crisis, threatening national food security and water and energy supplies. As we know Zambia is one of the water-rich countries in Africa. It is highly dependent on hydroelectric power. Due to the lack of water, the country is not able to generate power, and the economy of the country is affected badly.

How is Electricity Supplied in Zambia? What Impact Does the Current Drought Have on Local Life and Production in Zambia?

The country is highly dependent on its water resources for energy production. Hydroelectric power plants play an important role in the generation of electricity in Zambia. However, the current drought is causing a significant impact on hydroelectric power generation due to reduced water levels in rivers and reservoirs. This has led to electricity shortages, disrupting daily life and industrial production, especially in sectors like mining that heavily rely on electricity.

The current drought in Zambia is having significant impacts on both local life and production in the country. Some key effects are listed hereunder:

1. The country is suffering from a lack of rainwater which is affecting their agricultural sector badly, affecting more than a million households. Doubtlessly, Zambia relies heavily on agriculture for livelihoods and food security. The failure of crops due to the drought directly impacts the incomes and food availability of rural communities.

2. Crop losses due to the drought contributed to widespread food insecurity. With a significant portion of cultivated land destroyed, there is a shortage of staple crops like maize, leading to higher food prices and limited access to nutritious food for many Zambians.

3. Zambia is highly dependent on hydroelectric power for its energy needs. The drought has reduced water levels in reservoirs, leading to decreased electricity generation capacity. This power shortage disrupts daily life, affects industries, and particularly impacts sectors like mining, which rely heavily on electricity.

4. The drought-induced electricity shortages and agricultural losses have broader economic implications. Reduced agricultural productivity affects the income of farmers, disrupts supply chains, and may lead to job losses in related sectors. Furthermore, the energy deficit hampers industrial production and overall economic growth.

5. The drought exacerbates existing humanitarian concerns, such as access to clean water and healthcare. Limited water availability and sanitation facilities increase the risk of waterborne diseases and health complications, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is already lacking.

What are the Ways to Solve the Problem of Solar Power Systems in Zambia?

We cannot stop what is happening but we can try some methods to solve the problems related to solar power systems in  Zambia. The problem of power supply can be solved by using various battery technologies including the following:

1. Gel Batteries:

Gel batteries fall in the category of valve-regulated lead acid batteries. Gel batteries are one of a kind that have been used in numerous industries. They are preferred over other batteries because they possess various advantages such as a very low discharge rate, which makes them a superior option for all types of emergency applications. For example; they can be found in the generators of hospitals and industries.

Gel batteries are so-called because they utilize sand or silica to turn the acid present inside the battery into a thick liquid. This type of fluid does make it spill-proof. They are maintenance-free (do not require any type of maintenance) and can be used virtually in any position.

Gel batteries are considerably lower in weight than standard batteries. To keep the acid stationary, this approach simply employs a minimal amount of solidified electrolyte. Gel batteries last longer than conventional batteries because the gelled solution can maintain a charge for a longer period. The durability and ability to endure wide temperature variations of this battery type.

Principle and Configuration of Gel Battery into a Solar Power System:

Let’s briefly talk about the principle, and then talk about configuring the gel battery into a power supply system.

Gel batteries are highly efficient batteries that provide power via a chemical reaction that takes place between lead dioxide, lead, and a gelled electrolyte. When the battery is discharging, the following reaction occurs in plates of gel batteries:

1. At the anode (negative plate), sulfate ions from sulfuric acid react with lead. This results in the formation of lead sulfate and releases electrons. Similarly, if we talk about the other side of the gel battery which is the cathode (positive plate), hydrogen ions from the sulfuric acid react with lead dioxide, the sulfate ions, and the electrons coming from the external circuit to form lead sulfate and water.

This movement of electrons from the negative plate to the positive plate through an external circuit provides the electric current that powers devices. Similarly, when the battery is charging, the above reaction between the cathode and anode is reversed.

During the day, the solar panel absorbs sunlight and produces DC. The direct current is adjusted by the controller. After that, the inverter plays its role by converting DC into AC which is used to run our everyday appliances. The excessive current is then stored in the gel battery. Gel batteries are an important part of any photovoltaic system. Because, during the night when there is no sunlight and solar panels are resting, the gel battery provides stored current to run the appliances. If you need more power, you need to configure more gel batteries and solar panels. At WHC, we can configure scientific systems for customers.

2. Lithium Batteries:

Lithium-ion or simply lithium batteries are a type of battery that is increasing in demand due to their numerous perks. It is a type of rechargeable battery that is specifically designed to handle repeated charges and discharges. It is lightweight, has enhanced energy density, and a relatively low self-discharge rate.

Principle and Configuration of Lithium Battery into a Power Supply System

Lithium batteries work by moving lithium ions back and forth between positive and negative battery electrodes. The battery electrodes can be made up of lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, or lithium manganese oxide. Lithium batteries provide power through electrochemical reactions. Just like gel batteries, when the lithium battery is discharging, the following process occurs:

1. When the battery is used to power any equipment, the circuit is completed. This allows the flow of electrons. Lithium ions move from the anode back through the electrolyte and separator and reach the cathode. Similarly, electrons flow from the anode and reach the cathode through the external circuit, providing the necessary electric power to the device.

和胶体电池一样，我们也可以配置锂电池。整个过程是一样的。我们要做的就是将胶体电池替换为锂电池。

逆变器和控制器在胶体电池和锂电池供电中的作用

Inverters and charge controllers are essential, hardworking components in renewable energy systems, ensuring efficient and safe power delivery from gel and lithium batteries.

Inverter:

Inverters magnificently convert the direct current (DC) power stored in the batteries into alternating current (AC) power, which is the standard form of electricity for most household appliances.

Charge Controller:

Charge controllers expertly regulate the voltage and current from solar panels to the batteries, preventing overcharging and ensuring efficient, safe battery charging.

它们调节电压和电流以防止电池过度充电。

WHC向赞比亚人民传达关爱。

Many countries in southern Africa are facing serious problems due to El Niño. It has caused serious problems resulting in droughts in countries including Zambia. These droughts make it hard for people to perform agricultural and other weather-related activities.

The situation is tough, and it’s not just about numbers, it’s affecting the lives of millions of people. But there are organizations like the United Nations and others trying to help. Even though things look tough now, there’s still hope. People in Southern Africa are strong and resilient. By working together and taking action, we can make things better for everyone in the region.