Supported by a (NSF) grant, researchers from USF鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics have been engaged in a multi-year project to develop a portable, renewable energy source specifically designed for the needs of rural African communities.
USF 猫咪视频apps demonstrating the solar cell enhancements with BIUST 猫咪视频apps. (Photo courtesy of Madison Orr)
鈥淢ost rural villages in Africa lack basic infrastructure to bring electricity to their
villages. Portable sources are the best solution for them and they welcome these efforts
to improve their lives,鈥� Dr. Sarath Witanachchi, chair and professor, explained.
鈥淭he primary goal of this NSF-sponsored project is to explore a new concept that combines
solar cells and waste heat to develop a portable, renewable energy source [for rural
Africa].鈥�
Waste heat is produced as a byproduct of energy-using processes. With coal being one of Botswana鈥檚 primary energy sources, Witanachchi and his team dedicated their spring semester to learning how to convert heat into thermoelectric energy. This would boost the power output of the solar cells, enhancing the efficiency of these clean energy sources.
After the spring semester concluded, the researchers packed their bags to apply their knowledge in the real world and share their insights with 猫咪视频apps at the (BIUST), creating an unforgettable learning experience.
鈥淥ne primary objective was proving the concept of combining solar energy and thermoelectric energy to increase the effectiveness of renewable energies in rural areas 鈹� which were highly prominent in the areas we visited,鈥� Joshua Townsend, PhD 猫咪视频app and lead researcher of the group, explained. 鈥淥ur other objective was to facilitate these research objectives in a multicultural and multidisciplinary setting. This allowed USF 猫咪视频apps to learn the project and use this knowledge to teach and collaborate with 猫咪视频apps in Botswana while being submersed in their culture and day-to-day activities.鈥�
In addition to establishing daily goals and gathering data in the lab, the 猫咪视频apps were able to spend a lot of free time with BIUST colleagues to learn more about life in Botswana.
Biology 猫咪视频app Madison Orr (left) with BIUST 猫咪视频apps Boitumelo Gaolape and Kago Mashabe. (Photo courtesy of Madison Orr)
鈥淭he highlight of my time at BIUST was definitely building a rapport with the BIUST 猫咪视频apps. I immediately bonded with another 猫咪视频app, Kago, over volleyball, and after that first interaction, we became good friends,鈥� said biology major Madison Orr.
This experience left 猫咪视频apps with respect for their Batswanan colleagues鈥� flexibility in applying their research with limited resources and an appreciation for the resources we have available to us stateside.
鈥淎t U.S. universities, we take advantage of the quick and easy Amazon Prime delivery or shops that are just down the street for materials, but in Botswana, there was no quick and easy access, so it brought up additional problems to solve,鈥� Orr explained. 鈥淲e had to learn the importance of delegation and to find a role for everyone that suits their niche.鈥�
Students also returned home with a new understanding of applied physics.
鈥淭he most rewarding part of working on this project was being able to teach the 猫咪视频apps
at BIUST with hands-on experience. I had never realized how much USF offers 猫咪视频apps
important teaching tools such as lab experiments and connecting physics theory back
to physical representations,鈥� physics 猫咪视频app Spencer Hernandez said.
鈥淲orking on this project has given me a better understanding of the expectations and setbacks that come with physics research,鈥� said Kevin Gorgey. 鈥淎s a physics major, we rarely get the opportunity to work with electrical systems in a practical sense outside of brief lab work so I feel like this experience has given me invaluable experience that will undoubtedly help with future career opportunities.鈥�
Though this is the final phase of the four-year NSF grant, Witanachchi hopes to continue the tradition of instilling a deep respect for other cultures in a meaningful and applicable way for his 猫咪视频apps.
鈥淪o, we鈥檒l continue,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l go back to Africa, or maybe another country. I really look forward to providing these international research experiences for USF 猫咪视频apps. They really benefit from it.鈥�
BIUST 猫咪视频apps applying the enhancements to the solar cell(s). (Photo courtesy of Sarath Witanachchi)
Dr. Witanachchi (right) instructing 猫咪视频apps testing solar cells outside ISA weeks before their trip to Botswana. (Photo by of Corey Lepak)