Abstract:
Oxygen is a vital medical gas used to manage hypoxia resulting from various diseases, trauma,
and health conditions. Oxygen concentrators extract oxygen from the air, providing essential
support to patients with low blood oxygen levels. However, access to these devices in primary
healthcare facilities remains limited, particularly due to power requirements and insufficient
oxygen production capabilities. This study aims to optimize the power efficiency and oxygen
output of oxygen concentrators for use in primary healthcare settings. A preliminary assessment
in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, employed surveys, interviews, and observations to evaluate the
existing infrastructure, patient load, oxygen demand patterns, and power supply constraints. The
study explored the feasibility of solar-powered systems and low-pressure oxygen reservoirs as
reliable oxygen sources in areas with limited electricity. Using the Hybrid Optimization of
Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, we designed an optimal hybrid renewable energy
system combining solar photovoltaics and a diesel generator. The simulation demonstrated that a
12 V, 83.4 Ah lead-acid battery and a 1 kW solar panel system could power the oxygen
concentrator for up to 21 hours, generating 19,684 kWh of electricity annually. The total net
present cost (NPC) for the solar system was $17,400.57, compared to $223,038 for the diesel
generator over 25 years. System 1, featuring a 12.6 kW PV and 19 kWh battery, is fully renewable
with significantly lower operating costs. Additionally, a low-oxygen storage system using an
oxygen concentrator can store 2,400 liters of oxygen per minute for 8 hours. This study highlights
the potential of solar energy to sustainably power oxygen concentrators in low-resource settings,
offering cost-effective solutions, environmental benefits, and improved healthcare outcomes
