Fourah Bay College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields. Our Continuous General Civil Engineering program leads to a Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.) degree, followed by recognition and the opportunity to pursue a Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) degree.
In addition to engineering, we emphasize the importance of water and sanitation initiatives. Our curriculum includes assessments of the role of NGOs in providing essential water and sanitation facilities to rural populations in Sierra Leone. This program, titled 'Water for Survival,' focuses on local strategies for sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
Furthermore, the Arts Department at Fourah Bay College is committed to fostering creativity through the establishment of a comprehensive Theater Arts Program. Our faculty is dedicated to developing strategic plans that enhance artistic activities and promote cultural engagement within the community.
Join us at Fourah Bay College to explore our diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life, where education meets community impact.
Evaporative Cooling at Home: An Engineering View for Freetown
Evaporative air coolers, sometimes sold as "air chillers", appear in a crowded home market with brands such as Seeley, Brivis, Airgroup, Aolan and others. For engineering students, they are a useful case study because they apply a simple physical principle. Air is drawn through wet pads, water evaporates and absorbs heat, and the air leaving the unit is cooler. Unlike refrigerant-based air conditioners, there is no compressor, so power use is usually much lower. The main draws on electricity are a fan and a small water pump.
Why climate matters
The weakness of evaporative cooling is humidity. The process works best in hot, dry air, where water evaporates readily. In very humid conditions, such as much of the rainy season along Sierra Leone's coast, the air is already close to saturation. Little extra evaporation can take place, so the cooling effect shrinks and indoor air can feel damp. The drier Harmattan months tend to suit these units better. Anyone weighing a purchase in Freetown should consider the local climate across the whole year, not just the figures in a brochure.
Practical points for households
- Water supply and quality: the units need a steady supply of clean water. Hard or dirty water clogs the pads faster.
- Ventilation: evaporative coolers need fresh air flowing through the room. An open window or door helps stop humidity building up.
- Hygiene: standing water can grow bacteria and mould. Drain the tank regularly, clean it, and replace the pads as the manufacturer recommends.
- Power reliability: the low power draw makes some models workable with solar or battery backup. This matters where the grid supply is unreliable.
Links to study and research
These topics overlap with themes in civil and environmental engineering, including:
- energy-efficient building design
- passive cooling
- water management
- the trade-off between water use and electricity use
Students interested in these questions can explore related courses on the programs page. Wider work on sustainable infrastructure is covered in the research section.
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