Jaxx

When u say "gas" you are talking about fuel/petroleum etc right? Sorry i am from South Africa, but i'm aware that ppl from the states use the words gasoline (gas). So, if my understanding is correct, then i'd say that that option is to expensive. The petrol (fuel) price is way to expensive over here to be sustainable for poor communities as many of them cannot even have proper access to water. Man powered is the option I am looking for yes. Solar power generation is still a relatively expensive option commercially, many industries here are changing to solar power as an additional source and we'll be commisioning a solar power station by 2011, i've heard. But yes, man powered is what i'm looking for...

I'm looking for good designs for power generation for a rural community in Africa. I've seen see-saw designs and a bicycle design. Using the bicycle to inductively transfer power between the back wheel (primary coil), and two secondary coils on either side of it. Then to convert this into DC and supply lights etc. Therefore you would use people to actually peddle to the meddle to energise lights. Any other designs/ideas? Comments about this idea i mentioned above? - Jaxx

I think you are asking q's that doesn't have a nicely wrapped up answer. All the engineers that have given you input all have valid answers, and u'll see a common denominator in all of them. There is no definitive formula for success in engineering. As long as you know that the reason for you going into the engineering field is a good one, the only thing that can stop you from graduating is yourself. No tests, courses or exams can get in your way if you are determined enough to get that degree. If you not determined and wholly committed, then maybe engineering is not for you... I graduated 2 years ago with a BSc in Electrical engineering in South Africa, and i am very happy to be in the coolest profession (my opinion of course). As an engineer you work in a very high pressure (no pun intended for the chemical eng's) enviornment and maybe (speculation) all they are doing is preparing you at uni for these circumstances that you'll be put under.