The move towards the month's theme, which is mainly focused on solar-powered lighting systems, has brought Ultech Engineering an idea to dive deeper into solar-powered lighting systems. Considering sustainable energy and practical learning, members of the IEEE Student Branch of Curtin University Malaysia have embarked on an innovative project. Collaborating closely with university management, they have designed, built, installed, and now maintain a solar-powered lighting system for the campus soccer field.
The project not only illuminates the soccer field with renewable energy but also serves as a beacon of awareness for the benefits of sustainable practices within the campus and the larger community. It offers students a hands-on opportunity to deepen their understanding of renewable energy and its practical applications.
A solar-powered lighting system is a setup that utilizes energy from the sun to generate electricity. It typically consists of solar panels, inverters, mounting structures and sometimes battery storage. When sunlight hits the solar panels, the PV cells generate DC electricity. This electricity flows to the inverter, which converts it into AC electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and other buildings. Any excess electricity generated can be fed back into the grid or stored in batteries for later use.
Solar-powered lighting systems are a renewable and sustainable energy source, producing electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions or pollution. They have become increasingly popular for both residential and commercial use as the technology has improved, costs have decreased and awareness of environmental issues has grown.
Curtin University Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Ir. Pieter Willem Pottas, highlighted the efficiency and economic benefits of solar energy, aligning with the university’s commitment to sustainability. With the campus sprawled across 1,200 acres of sun-kissed flatlands, the location proves ideal for energy harvesting.
The solar-powered lighting systems, boasting an output of approximately 6 kilowatts, powers six floodlights that can illuminate the field for up to four hours each day. Opting for floodlights over conventional spotlights provides wider coverage with nearly identical power consumption, optimizing efficiency.
While the current focus is on the soccer field, Pottas envisions extending this initiative to other sporting facilities like tennis courts, rugby fields, and basketball courts. The goal is to validate the system's performance on a larger scale and explore its potential for campus-wide outdoor lighting solutions.
Pottas emphasized the project's educational value, particularly for students. By involving them in every stage, from planning to execution, Curtin University Malaysia aims to foster a culture of sustainability and innovation. The decreasing cost of solar panels combined with ample campus space and expert guidance from faculty members promises a future of ambitious, sustainable projects.
This visionary project was conceived by Curtin University Malaysia Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan, who recognized the untapped potential of student expertise. Seed funding of RM100,000 from Dr Chan kickstarted the endeavour, with additional support from sponsors like EPC Synergy Sdn. Bhd., Kai Nguong Nursery Sdn. Bhd., and LONGi (Kuching) Sdn. Bhd.
Howard Hu, a third-year electrical power engineering student and technical head of the IEEE Curtin University Malaysia Student Branch, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Working under the guidance of technical advisors from Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Hu and his team gained invaluable technical skills and industry insights.
Among other faculty members, Associate Professor Lenin Gopal and Associate Professor Garenth Lim provided crucial guidance throughout the project. Their involvement not only ensures the success of the solar-powered lighting systems but also enriches students' learning experiences.
Associate Professor Lenin lauded the students' dedication to this industrial-grade project, noting their pivotal role in the university's research activities. The Green Energy Electrical Park (GEEP), established with a RM250,000 grant from the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), will continue this legacy of research and development in green energy.
Since 2016, the IEEE Curtin University Malaysia Student Branch has been spearheading the ‘Light Up Borneo’ project, creating portable solar-powered lighting systems for rural communities without electricity. Villages such as Long Wat, Long Panai, and Long Sobeng have benefited from this initiative, receiving nearly 1,000 lamps.
This outreach not only promotes renewable energy but also sparks interest in STEM fields among rural students. By showcasing the practical applications of science and technology, the project aims to inspire the next generation of innovators.
In conclusion, the solar-powered lighting systems illuminate the campus soccer field, symbolizing Curtin University Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and student-led initiatives. This pioneering project brightens the nights and illuminates the path towards a greener, more sustainable future for all.
In addition, Ultech Engineering has a strong relationship with Curtin University Malaysia, and this connection has led to various enriching events. Some notable examples include the Siemens PLC workshop and the Diesel Application and Control sessions hosted by Ultech Engineering at Curtin University Malaysia. In addition, our active participants in two Career Fairs during 2023 aimed to discover new talents among Curtin University students, fostering a closer bond between our company and the university.
In a testament to this growing relationship, two outstanding students from Curtin University Malaysia’s engineering faculty, Howard Hu and Allan Shearer David, have joined Ultech Engineering full-time. Their impactful contributions have significantly propelled our company’s growth throughout the years. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate further expansion and the prospect of more students from Curtin University Malaysia joining our ranks.
