How to consume electricity correctly, without losing the usual comfort, but without harming nature and the family budget? Energy engineering students of Karaganda Industrial University presented the results of their research projects aimed at using renewable energy resources. Their ideas are simple but unique, and most importantly, they are already ready for implementation.
Many people, paying for utilities, probably noticed that the biggest expenses are for electricity. There is an opinion that reducing its consumption means giving up most of the benefits of civilization. But this is not the case. Very small changes are enough to save money.
"We have almost forgotten how to use a renewable source - sunlight," said Andrei Pavlov, the author of one of the projects, a second–year student. – I decided to experimentally determine how to change the room in order to turn on the electricity less often. In the process of research, I got so carried away that I tested even the most unusual theories. Of course, it is ideal if the windows in the room face south. But it turns out that the intensity of the room's lighting also depends on the color of the walls, the location of the furniture, and even the shape of the ceiling lights. In addition, I found out whether saving electricity is the only characteristic that distinguishes energy-saving lamps from traditional incandescent lamps, and what you should pay attention to when buying energy-saving lamps.
In another equally interesting project, the students suggested using wind, as this natural phenomenon occurs quite often in our region. As a result of the work, a mock-up of a mini-wind power plant appeared. It clearly shows how even a small stream of air can become an energy source that can improve the quality of life in remote areas.
"The project aims to show how natural resources can become a reliable source of energy in places where there is no centralized electricity supply," explained Beibarys Nursha, the author of the Green Kilowatt in Zhailau project, a second-year student. – We wanted to show the simplicity, accessibility and environmental friendliness of using wind turbines. Just one mini-power plant is enough for the owners of the farm to use all the necessary electrical appliances and household appliances.
In addition, there are other projects that have already been implemented. For example, computers in one of the university's laboratories are powered by solar panels. All these projects help to understand how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice, thereby consciously moving to resource conservation in the home, saving money on the cost of resources consumed, improving your life, and even achieving greater comfort.
"Today, universities play a key role in promoting the ideas of sustainable development," said Saule Kamarova, Head of the Department of Energy. - They not only provide a platform for the implementation of innovative projects, but also form a new generation of scientists and specialists capable of solving environmental and social problems. Taking care of resources should become one of the basic values, and environmental thinking should be one of the key skills.
