Low Cost Power Supplies for Developing Countries - Repurposing Computer Power Supplies (RECOMPS)

This project is developing a simple, low cost, renewable energy power supply for use by people that have no

access to grid electricity. Millions of tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment are disposed of each year

across Europe. In many cases the products are still fully functional, yet they are consigned to rudimentary

smelting operations to recover their metals. A far more beneficial approach is to refurbish and repurpose

products for use in new applications where higher value can be maintained and a product's useful life

extended. This project is studying the feasibility of removing power supply units from end of life computers so

that they can be modified to work with solar cells to provide portable energy sources for use in third world

countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, less than 25% of the population has access to a domestic

electricity supply, but they still need power for charging mobile phones and providing basic lighting. The project

is adopting a sustainable approach to the energy trilemma and aims to convert a waste product into a valuable,

low cost unit that can provide electricity where it is currently not available.