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University in pioneering third-world thermoacoustic project

11/05/2007

The University of Manchester has announced its involvement in a £2 million project that aims to reduce poverty in the third world, it has emerged.

It has set itself the task of designing a biomass-powered all-in-one generator, cooker and fridge for use in poor rural communities in Africa and Asia.

The project brings together four universities, an international charity, a US research centre, a multi-national electrical goods manufacturer and an international charity.

Dr Artur Jaworski, an expert in thermoacoustic engineering at the university, is leading the research into the engine design for the appliances.

He said: "A multi-purpose thermoacoustic device such as this, powered by biomass, has never been attempted before.

"The benefits could be huge, ranging from better health due to the correct storage of medicines, to improved education through electricity for computers and lighting."

Researchers are committed to designing a product that can be built easily and cheaply by local labourers using indigenous materials, according to the university.

It is thought the project will take five years to complete – the first three of which will focus on conducting social and scientific research.




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