GEOGRAPHY PROJECT 2
#PROJECT TITLE: INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEMS OF POWER CUTS AT HIGHFIELD HIGH
SCHOOL AND EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
: A CASE STUDY AT HIGHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
CHAPTER 1
PROBLEN IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Problem background
Highfield 1 High School has been experiencing frequent power cut due to load shedding and
inconsistent electricity supply from the national electricity grid. This disrupts lessons,
particularly those involving computer science, science labs and technical workshops.
1.2 Brief Statement Of Intent
The purpose of this project is to investigate the impacts of power cuts at Highfield High
School and identifying sustainable and practical solutions with a focus on renewable energy
particularly reliable and reduces reliance on the national electricity grid.
1.3 Design Specifications
The project :
Should investigate alternate power sources used in similar institutions
Propose a sustainable energy solution for the school
Evaluate the sustainability of the potential solutions
Present findings using charts and photographs
CHAPTER 2
INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS
2.2 Analysis of Ideas
1. Idea 1 : Use of diesel generators - (Hghfield High 2)
A diesel generator is connected to the school’s electrical system and provides backup power
outages.
Advantages
Instant backup power
Provides sufficient power to most school equipment
Reliable power suply
Disadvantages
Noisy
Polluting
High running costs due to fuel costs
Idea 2 Government Load Shedding Compliance(Most government schools eg Mbare high
and Harare high)
School activities are scheduled around the electricity availability with adjustments made
based on known blackout times
Advantages
No extra cost to the school
Easy to implement with planing
Disadvantages
Unreliable due to sudden outages
Disrupts learning and practical lessons
Limits the flexibility of teaching
Idea 3 connection to a private poer supply - (Falcon High School)
Partnering with independent electricity suppliers who provide alternative grid access or
backup services
Advantages
Offers more reliable power
Potential for better service
Offer sufficient power for all school facilities
Disadvantages
Expensive installation and monthly fee
Not available in all areas
Still relies on non renewable sources
CHAPTER 3
GENERATION OF RELATED IDEAS
3.2 Analysis of Ideas
Hubrid Systems (SOLAR + GENERATOR)
Advantages
Covers both day and night power needs
Solar reduces fuel use in generator
Greater reliability
Disadavantages
Expensive setup and maintenance
More complex to manage
Expensive material like panels and batteries
2. Scheduling classes around power supply
Advantages
Zero financial cost
Can be implemented immediately
Allows lesson schedules
Disadvantages
Reduces learning time
Not feasible during exam preparation
Difficult during unpredictable outages
3. INSTALLING A SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Renewable and clean energy
Reduces electricity bills
sustainable long term solutions
Disadvantages
High upfront cost
Depends on sunlight availability
Requires battery storage for night use
CHAPTER 4
DEVELOPMENT OF SOLUTIONS
3.1 Final solution from chapter 3
Installation of a solar powered system
3.2 Justifications for chosen solution
The above solution was chosen because
Solar power is most sustainable and environmentaly friendly
Solar power is renewable
Zimbabwe receives high levels of sunlight throughout the year, especially Harare
making it a practical location for solar energy use
Once installed, solar energy has minimal running cost making it ideal for long term
benefits in a school setting
3.3 Refinements of solution
Putting up a hybrid system with a battery backup to provide power during day and night
Proposed a phased installation, starting with essential buildings such as computer labs
and administration block
Included rain proof housing for batteries
CHAPTER 5
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
How results will be presented
1 Photographs - proposed system and mock-up designs for solar installations
CHAPTER 6
EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Relevance to statement of intent
According to the statement of intent in Chapter 1, the project successfully archived its
intention of investigating impacts of power cuts at Highfield High School and to implement a
sustainable, reliable and renewable power supply source which is the installation of a solar
energy to the school’s facilities to improve independence on the government’s electricity
grid
6.2 Challenges Encountered
As I had to go through the project, I came across the following problems
The problem of acquiring a detailed school consumption data for phased installation to
most prone areas at the school
Difficulties in accessing technical information on the solar system
6.4 Recommendations
Using power saving gadgets and equipment
Appointing specific staff to mange and maintain and supervise he use roof electricity in
the school
Reducing electrical use in the school
