​UTP Shares its New Technology with the Local Community (17 November 2011)

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has donated its own designed mobile solar electricity generator to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Iskandar as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility projects that are focusing on the latest technology for the betterment of the community and nurturing innovative minds. UTP’s Vice-Chancellor,  YBhg Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Hj Kasim handed over the mobile solar electricity generator to the school's principal, Puan Mashitah Ismail on 17 November 2011 at the school and it was witnessed by district education officers, UTP staff, teachers and students.

 

Giving back to the community through research and innovation is always emphasised by UTP, as it aspires to be a Leader in Technology Education and Centre for Creativity and Innovation and to produce well-rounded graduates who can become the pillars of national development in the future. Nurturing of an innovative and resilient charisma with the high moral values ​​amongst its students will be able to prepare them for the demanding challenges ahead.

 

The mobile solar electricity generator was developed by a team of students and lecturers headed by Associate Professor Dr Balbir Singh Mahinder Singh from UTP's Academic Central Services. The mobile generator is designed in such a way where the users can get a first-hand experience of utilising the electricity generated by harnessing solar energy. The mobile generator will serve the purpose of providing awareness related to the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy. The SMK Seri Iskandar would be strategic for the dissemination of information regarding how solar electricity can be generated, to the students, teachers, parents and other members of the surrounding community.

 

According to Dr Balbir Singh, the solar powered electricity generator can provide up to 500 Watts of electrical power. During the day, the electricity generated can be utilised directly and battery is used for storing the electrical energy to be used at night. The amount of energy that can be stored in the battery is approximately 1.2 kWh.  A fully charged battery can light up to six 14 watts energy saving bulbs, throughout the night. The mobile generator can be used to supply electricity to power up the school’s Science Garden. Students, teachers, parents and member of the public can utilise the solar electricity to power up their appliances via the power outlets available at the mobile generator. The school is also planning to utilise the mobile generator for teaching of Physics and Living skills subjects.

 

The Mobile Solar Electricity Generator project team consists of :