SunCare Hub: A Solar-powered Portable Basic Healthcare Facility for Rural Areas
Typ
Projektarbete, avancerad nivå
Project Report, advanced level
Project Report, advanced level
Program
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Hedström, Erik
Sundbye, Caroline
Urbanos, Gonzalo
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Rural communities are globally faced with depopulation challenges caused by urbanization,
jeopardizing their role in preserving national heritage. This case study investigates the feasibility
and impacts of the SunCare Hub, a solar-powered mobile healthcare facility in the context
of rural areas in Spain and Sweden. The integration of monocrystalline solar panels forms
the focal point, with the study undertaking an assessment of technical, social, economic, and
environmental aspects.
The technical analysis examines solar panel area requirements, factoring in variables like energy
consumption, solar irradiance, and efficiency. Findings indicate fluctuating panel surface needs
across seasons, presenting an opportunity for energy backup through battery systems. In Spain,
the societal impacts concentrate on mitigating rural depopulation, aligning with Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) such as Good Health andWell-being (SDG 3) and Sustainable Cities
and Communities (SDG 11). The SunCare Hub emerges as a solution to enhance healthcare
accessibility, uphold cultural identity, and contribute to the revitalization of rural areas.
In Sweden, the project strategically addresses service inequalities between urban and rural regions,
placing a notable emphasis on providing healthcare updates for elderly populations. Environmental
considerations include the life cycle of solar panels, battery recycling processes, and
solar photovoltaic (PV) recycling. Despite the energy-intensive nature of solar panel manufacturing,
the short energy payback time favors their adoption over their extended lifespan. Battery
recycling underscores sustainable practices, while PV recycling mitigates material depletion and
toxic emissions.
Economically, the study envisions a positive impact on rural repopulation, anticipating favorable
outcomes for local economies, employment rates, and industry growth. The SunCare Hub’s
potential to offer accessible healthcare aligns with socioeconomic benefits, reinforcing SDGs
related to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). The study highlights the diversity of the SunCare
Hub’s impact, emphasizing the imperative for holistic planning, further research, and validation
to enhance sustainable healthcare solutions tailored for diverse rural communities.