Hybrid renewable energy used to power computer laboratory: A project by University of Cape Town IEEE Student Branch

Through its IEEE EPICS-High (Engineering Projects in Community Service with High School learners) initiative, the IEEE aims to bring real engineering solutions to challenges facing communities worldwide. IEEE EPICS-High empowers IEEE student members and high school learners by bringing them together to solve community problems. The University of Cape Town IEEE Student Branch has taken up this initiative through its Projects Committee, executing successful projects in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, the Projects Committee embarked on a landmark project. After the success of the 2009 project, 2010 found the Projects Committee implementing a much larger project: The installation of a computer laboratory partially powered by a hybrid renewable energy installation. The ongoing project will not only increase computing capacity for Oaklands High School in Cape Town but also reduce its usage of grid supply. The first year of the project has provided learners with a firm introduction to electrical engineering. The 11 high school learners involved in 2010 gained exposure to renewable energy theory, design and implementation. To test their new knowledge, the learners were tasked with building two model wind generators, which were completed and presented in December 2010.