see the vuwani science centre

TEACHING ENERGY

WE HEAD TO THE VUWANI SCIENCE CENTRE TO SEE THEIR CURRENT PROJECTS.

By: Mukosi Fulu

The primary objective of a science centre is to communicate science to its surrounding towns and villages. In South Africa, there are several centres in each province. They feature different projects and fun exhibitions that help visitors enjoy the simplicity and applications of science.

Today, the world is focused on finding ways to reduce climate change. There is more funding being put towards studies and research on this topic. This is because society understands the importance of finding efficient, accessible and viable solutions and alternatives to the problem of climate change. Studies have argued that switching to clean renewable sources of energy will reduce this effect. Dr NE Maluta from the University of Venda is the manager of the Vuwani Science Centre that is an entity of the university. His extensive work on renewable energy has brought about the projects at the centre that serve the community for educational and research purposes.

What renewable energy projects can be found at the centre

Dr Maluta was happy to talk about four projects hosted at the centre that monitor the environment and use renewable energy. These projects have been great tools to communicate to the community – including learners, teachers and the centre visitors – about climate change, renewable energy and opportunities in the field. The projects are: a PV plant (5kW) which produces electricity; PV technology comparison station; Mini Weather Station (SAURAN); Eddy Flux Covariance measurement tower.

Project 1: The PV plant

Ever heard of a Photovoltaic (PV) cell? It's just a fancy (or rather, scientific) name for a solar cell. A PV plant uses solar energy to generate electricity. The PV system uses cells to convert solar energy directly into electricity. A single photovoltaic cell typically only generates about two watts, however, an array of solar panels connected can generate hundreds or even thousands of kilowatts of electric power. Consequently, the 5kW PV plant at Vuwani Science Centre (made up of six solar panels) generates enough electricity to support the centre.

Projetc 2: PV technology comparison station

To find the most efficient of technologies, comparison is necessary. If electricity generation through PV is to replace

the energy source we are currently using, it must be efficient and so comparison is necessary. The technology comparison stations compare the outdoor performance of the Cadmium (Cd) and Silicon (Si) Solar cells in the inland region. The station is meant for research in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University, where they compare the performance of this technology in the coastal region. The PV at Vuwani Science centre is Silicone-based which is currently the leading technology on the market.

Project 3: SAURAN mini weather station

A mini weather station does virtually what a regular weather station does, just on a micro-scale. The Southern African Universities Radiometric Network (SAURAN) mini weather station at Vuwani Science Centre measures different atmospheric parameters, such as temperature, rainfall, solar radiation and wind speed. The station is meant for research on climate change and monitoring the changes related to different parameters. Some students from the University of Venda have used data from SAURAN mini weather stations for their research projects.

Project 4: Eddy covariance flux measurement tower

To monitor the carbon cycle from human activities and a few animals around Vuwani, the science centre is equipped with an Eddy covariance (EC) flux tower. The tower in Vuwani is one of the six Eddy covariance flux towers that form the central observation sites to the interdisciplinary ARS AfricaE (20142018) and EMSAfrica (2018-2021) projects. The towers perform long-term monitoring of carbon and water cycles along an aridity gradient and under different conditions.

Solar energy is currently the best alternative to fossil fuels. However, more studies and research for improvement must still be done to get us to the point where we can completely topple over electricity generation from coal and other fossil fuels. This makes renewable energy a great career field with plenty of opportunities. Through science communication from entities like Vuwani Science Centre, we can spread the information about renewable energy and get more young minds to join in on a venture that will serve our planet well.