CAPE Peninsula University of Technology Mechanical-Marine Engineering student Nkosithandile Vuke believes he can produce mechanical energy from natural forces.
Vuke, from Cambridge Location, said his invention would eliminate the use of expensive coal used by Eskom.
Internationally, coal is the most widely used primary fuel, accounting for approximately 36% of the world’s electricity production.
About 77% of South Africa’s primary energy needs are provided by coal. This is unlikely to change significantly in the next decade, due to the relative lack of suitable alternatives to coal as an energy source.
Vuke believes he has found an alternative to coal but he needs assistance to create a sample of his idea.
The youngster initially applied to study geological science but got a space in mechanical-marine engineering instead. He said even though it was not his first choice, he loves it now.
After researching hydraulics on his own at a library, Vuke came up with the idea to produce energy from natural forces.
“I studied the properties of liquids and the forces they exert. I combined that with my knowledge of other forces from mechanics – one of my modules in the first semester – and I came up with this energy plant,” he said.
Vuke said the energy plant would convert buoyancy force (force exerted by liquids that keeps objects afloat) and potential energy (force due to gravity) into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy could be converted into various forms of energy, especially electrical energy.
“I did my in-service training with Transnet National Port Authority in the first semester of the year and I would really like to make a sample of this plant as I believe it would work.
“I just do not have the funds to do that and am appealing to businesses and individuals to support me.”
To fuel Vuke’s dream, contact him on 083-371-0059.
