Battery Solutions for Healthcare Facilities in Low Resource Settings

This research provides technical guidance in
selecting an appropriate Battery Energy Storage
System (BESS) to complement renewable energy
(solar PV) integration in health facilities in resource-
constrained settings.
The global challenge of quality healthcare provision,
particularly in marginalized communities, and
associated ramifications, such as alarming mortality
rates, impede sustainable development. Build Health
International (BHI) is committed to an equitable
health future, providing infrastructure to deliver high-
quality care that can be operated and maintained in
resource-constrained settings, contributing to
achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). In
pursuance of its mission, BHI, in collaboration with
Engineering for Change (E4C), conducted research to
present a cross-section of appropriate Battery
Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to guide and inform
decision makers within BHI on efficiently integrating
renewable energy generation (solar PV) at health
facilities in marginalized communities globally with
unreliable or no access to grid electricity.
A detailed analysis of contemporary battery
technologies compared technical details, merits and
demerits, and ranked technologies, to guide in
selecting a suitable battery technology.
Featured technologies included various types of
LeadÔÇôAcid, LithiumÔÇôIon, NickelÔÇôCadmium, NickelÔÇô
Metal Hydride, SodiumÔÇôSulfur, and Redox Flow
Batteries. Several emerging battery technologies were
also highlighted for future consideration, including
ZincÔÇôAir, LithiumÔÇôSulfur, LithiumÔÇôAir, Solid-State,
Lead-Acid Carbon and Saltwater batteries. Based on
interviews with battery manufacturers, industry
professionals, and case studies, suitable
commercially available batteries were suggested.
Quantitative and qualitative data were distilled into a
graphic, comparable framework to assist BHI in
selecting the most suitable battery solution.
Electricity is vital in delivering quality healthcare.
Clean electricity from solar PV, coupled with battery
storage, is essential in reaching global sustainability
targets: achieving a net-zero carbon emission future
(SDG 7) and quality healthcare (SDG 3). This study
contributes to sustainable development by assisting
BHI in selecting clean energy storage solutions.
Outcome: Technical battery solutions for health
facilities in resource-constrained settings