Answer to the (1976) energy crisis?

Over the past few years load shedding and rolling blackouts have become part of South Africans’ daily life and alternative energy sources seem to be the only solution to the crisis.  It is interesting to note that researchers at the University of Pretoria have been looking into the possible uses of such energy sources as far back as 1976, as this article published in 1977 in the university publication Tukkiewerf entitled “Answer to the energy crisis?” shows.

Conventional energy sources such as oil and coal will be available for only a short period and therefore considerable attention is given to alternative sources such as sun energy, tidal energy, wind energy etc.  The harnessing and use of these energy sources, however, pose several problems and research is necessary to develop methods to ensure to optimal use thereof.

Through its research group for energy use, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University is actively engaged in making a contribution to this field.  Research started in 1976 with the emphasis on the use of sun energy and specifically the conversion of sun energy to mechanical energy. 

The possibility of using sun energy in a direct cooling system is also investigated.  When this system becomes operational, it will be the first direct sun cooling system in South Africa.  A direct working sun pump that pump has no moving parts and works automatically has been developed and is in the testing phase. 

One of the most important and promising applications of sun energy is water heating for house hold use.  The aim is to develop affordable sun water heating systems and a simple prototype has been developed which can be built at a low cost.  It delivers 200 litres of water at a temperature of 45˚ C and the aim is to decrease the cost involved even more. 

A sun energy laboratory has been constructed on the roof of the Speech Therapy Building where experiments on different apparatus can be done.  A team of lecturers of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is leading this research, with the CSIR giving financial support.  The study is valuable not only from a research point of view, but also with the training of under graduate as well as post graduate students who are actively involved in the project.  The work done here could form part of a national project to investigate all possible sources of energy.