As well as the technical risks explored in the previous article: PowerPath’s Technical Risks relating to the reliability and authenticity of data collected remotely, delayed pilot deployment and the difficulty of interconnecting electronic and mechanical modules, there are other risks related to the inability to meet the full range of at-scale test conditions for validation, caused by testing requirements that are not fully defined or difficult to access in the field for deployment. This could result in incomplete validation trials. Mitigations include the clarification and logistics set at the beginning of the project. The partners’ previous experience in the IMPHORAA project and the involvement of an end-user in the project will enable communication to appropriately set the requirements.
Additionally, difficulty in re-creating the coatings previously produced in laboratory conditions is another risk caused by missing initial requirements, thereby affecting the end users who will not be able to adapt the technology in Madagascar. Mitigation put in place lies in a technology transfer document that will be developed to include guidelines on the materials’ safety and handling, as well as risk assessments. This will allow end users to replicate the coating. The fabrication process will be designed to ensure ease of production and availability of resources in partner countries.
Finally, coatings not performing as expected is another technical risk causing incompatibility in coating formulation and the environment, therefore impacting the performance and reducing the life of nanogrids. In terms of mitigation, efforts are being spent on the development super-hydrophobic coatings. Multiple tests are being carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the coating by measuring its water contact, adhesion and environmental performance.