“Load shedding”, “depletion of non-renewable resources”, “global warming”- these are all terms that we have unknowingly learned and understood over the years simply because they are becoming severe social and environmental problems on a global level. Thus the hunt for an energy source that is independent of the above problems is the prime of the day in the 21st century. The most promising alternative, especially in a sunlight-rich climate like South Africa’s, seems to be the sun’s radiation or what’s commonly known as “solar power”.
Living in a developing country, like South Africa, poses more immediate problems that need to be solved. The betterment of the lives of those living in areas outside the national grid (in non-electrified areas) should be top priority. Therefore, any method of improvement would be immensely appreciated by those affected and will also point our country in the direction of progression.
A way of tackling both the energy crisis and aiding the lives of our citizens will truly be a revolutionary feat. The solar cooker an example of such a product which has the potential to form the foundation for new technologies that will lead us into a more energy efficient and eco-friendly era.
RESEARCH INTO THE IMPACT OF THE SOLAR COOKER IN SOUTH AFRICA
The solar cooker already has a history in South Africa dating back to the 1970s when Willi Sureman, pioneer in solar Cooking, identified the opportunity for a solar cooking device in South Africa( Wentzel, 1997). With South Africa being dubbed “Sunny South Africa”, it’s evident that solar energy has the potential to be the norm for reducing high costs of living, eradicating load-shedding and developing rural areas in terms of access to electricity and broader, new-ag...
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...are almost perfect for our target audience.
Parabolic cookers
These cookers are funnel-shaped. They work on the principles of the above two designs making it almost ideal. However, it is much more expensive than other models, a strong support is needed, and it also requires periodic realignment to the sun with can prove to be dangerous, the reflective nature of the device can damage the eyes which is a major concern in rural communities where children are often delegated cooking chores.
Our device
Our device will therefore have a box type shape. It will ideally be completely made from recycled materials, with a cardboard frame. It will also be more resistant against water in the form of steam making it more durable and painted black because black absorbs energy (heat) while white reflects energy (McLaren C, Physical Sciences grade 11) thus increasing efficiency.
Solar power in Canada is gaining attention to many people. You will be informed about what solar energy is and how it works, the environmental impacts of solar energy, why you should care about it and what you and others can do to help promote it. You will have a better understanding of solar energy and why you should take the switch.
Wanting to address the everyday consumer needs of safe cooking and electricity for those live in provincial societies, Bright Light Innovations of Colorado State University have developed a new product in which their management team of Business and Engineering students’ have considered as a definite solution through their revolutionary product—called the Starlight Stove. From identifying the everyday issues that people face in third world countries, the Bright Light Innovations team then identifies Nepal as their opening target market; in hopes that the Starlight Stove can improve the quality of life and well-being for those less fortunate. To benefit the lives of Nepalese, the Starlight Stove features the unique ability to convert heat from
good emitter of heat radiation so a lot of heat will be lost to the
In this modern fast paced world that we live in, there are many issues that are looked over, energy is one of these. As a world, we are dependant on dwindling fossil fuel supplies and take for granted electricity, oil, and gas. There are four completely renewable sources of energy around us that should be used and developed, they are: wind, growing plants, flowing water, and the sun. These sources of energy are the ones we should be tapping, because they are reliable and renewable. Harnessing the suns energy is the most certain and ultimate energy source. Looking at a brief history and some facts about solar energy, a glimpse of the future can be seen, a future not dependant on fossil fuels.
Air lite, for example, represents an eco-friendly technology advance by purifying the air around working like leaves on the trees, eliminating bacteria, mold, and functioning as a filter that eliminates toxic substances. It also reduces the energy consumption in about a 15-50% as it reflects the hot component of sunlight, avoiding that rooms overheat (EASME, 2017).
... reduce natural gas consumption. Long-term I am committed to installing new energy efficient windows to truly reduce energy consumption. To help reduce the family’s water consumption we recently installed an energy efficient washing machine that uses over 60% less water than the previous model that was installed. As an additional means in which to help conserve water I will be installing a rain barrel in the summer to water our outdoor plants. While these actions might not seem significant, they can make a significant difference. According to Energy Star, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL, in just one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes. That would prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of about 800,000 cars.
Preview: Today I will discuss the potential that solar power has to become this country’s main supply of energy and the latest research that can make solar power more efficient and cost effective. I will also present the environmental benefits that come with using solar power over other and more harmful forms of energy.
The handle of the kettle look simple and is curved with balance” (Abdulaziz . par 5). These unique design elements that Bernhs created combined gave the kettle a industrial design look to them, balanced yet very modern and trendy during that time period. The last design standard of industrial design was the use of technology in this product. This technology used inside the kettle was a very innovative design; there was no product like it. In fact, according to collections.com, in the Inside of the kettle there was electric wiring, and it ran along the inside of the kettle. This technology heated the liquid up (either tea or coffee) in the kettle just by plugging it into the wall (collections .par 1). This innovative industrial technology made it possible for people’s lives to be easier, it allowed people to use this appliance anytime and anywhere. Looking at this invention, this was a unique industrial artifact because it was not only a household appliance that convenient to use anywhere, it was also a stylish statement piece in any household. This is an example of form follows
Saini, Keshav. "Solar Thermal Energy Pros and Cons | Environmental Issues." Environmental Issues Blog. N.p., 6 Jan. 2012. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. .
When picking an energy resource for the topic of this paper, I bounced around a lot of ideas. Then it occurred to me that I should write about what I will be living with in about a month. My mom just finished designing and building our earthbag, solar, off-grid house, a four-year endeavor. I will soon live in a place powered by one of the most common alternative energy resources, solar energy, so I should learn more about it. At our new house, we have two stand alone pedestals with six 170W panels on each pedestal, making for a 2040W or 2kW solar system.
...mful diseases, cleaner environment, last but not the least, saving the planet for our future generation.
Prevent dangerous climate change by phasing out fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) and replacing them with clean renewable energy such as solar.
I am certain that all have heard of the terms greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, and global warming. Have you ever questioned what will happen if nothing is done about the environmental problems facing the world today? What if I answer you that, we can merely use the power from the sun to power up our entire planet without the use of harmful energy sources, which affect our atmosphere? The power from the sun is what we call solar power. Solar power is the energy that comes from the sun as light and heat energy, and then it is later converted into electrical energy through solar panels (Nelson, 2008).
The Earth captures around 342 W/m2 of energy from the sun. This energy is in the form of solar radiation, which the atmosphere reflects about 77 W/m2 and will absorb around 68 W/m2 of solar radiation annually. Therefore, the Earth’s surface is receiving, on average, about 197 W/m2 of solar radiation annually. This amount of energy received is roughly more than 10,000 times the amount of all energy humans consume per year. This energy can be used to produce electricity or heat. This energy source is not being used to it’s potential considering how much effort would come into effect to store and transport this energy.
Wind and solar power are small contributing factors to South Africa’s energy supply, but over the next few years they may become big major energy contributors because we have vast open areas of solar panels and the coastal areas can get really w...