From June 24-28, 2024, the 2iE Institute organised a capacity-building session for local technicians and engineers in Kombissiri and Léo, Burkina Faso. The training provided participants with an in-depth understanding of sizing techniques for solar cooling systems based on natural refrigerants, as well as skills in servicing and maintaining filter-based water treatment systems and solar heat processes.
2iE’s trainers, supported by SophiA’s partners, delivered theoretical and practical training following a well-structured programme:
- Day 1: Participants explored refrigeration techniques using natural refrigerants and water purification technologies in rural areas, including ultrafiltration and capacitive deionisation.
- Day 2: Training covered photovoltaic equipment such as PV modules, solar inverters and lithium batteries, as well as solar heat technologies such as Scheffler reflectors and solar water heaters.
- Day 3: Participants learned about high-temperature thermal energy storage with the PVSteamCube and supervisory control and monitoring (SCADA) systems.
- Days 4 and 5: Practical work was carried out at the Dr Sedogo Clinic in Léo, including measuring the electrical characteristics of photovoltaic modules, the use of cold rooms, and solar heat and thermal storage processes.
The training was a valuable opportunity for local professionals to become familiar with SophiA’s innovative technologies and to suggest improvements for future iterations. Participants received certificates at the end of the session, marking their new expertise in these advanced technological areas.
