(AGENPARL) – gio 29 agosto 2024 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 August 2024
ENCATUS CUT crowned the 2024 Schneider South Africa Electric Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge winners
The Enactus CUT team has once again proven its excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship, securing first and third place in the hybrid 2024 Schneider Electric Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge, where six highly competitive Enactus teams participated in the competition, showcasing their innovative skills in battery technology to a panel of technical expert adjudicators from industry. The competition not only demonstrated the team’s technical ingenuity but had to align with global sustainability goals, underscoring the critical role of young innovators in shaping the future of energy.
During the practical segment of the competition, the Enactus CUT team was tasked with implementing a comprehensive plan of developing an innovative battery technology solution. Their mission was to reach out to a minimum of 200 youths aged between 14 to 35, from high schools, colleges, universities, and communities. The team not only innovatively delivered fundamental training on electricity efficiency, battery technology, and energy transition but also engaged the youth in a design thinking project-based activity. This activity focused on developing low-carbon batteries, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
Over a period of three months, the team meticulously tracked their progress and the engagement of the participants, ensuring that the impact of their project was both measurable and meaningful.
In the first phase of the challenge, three enterprises from CUT were among the Top 12 teams selected to receive a R12,000 grant, which was subsequently allocated to support their project-specific needs. Two Enactus CUT enterprises- Kratos Batteries and Airnergy and Tech Solutions earned a spot in the final round of the competition, where they were invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges.
The Kratos Batteries project took home the top prize for their innovative approach to sustainable energy storage. The team developed a battery that utilizes recyclable materials, such as polyethylene and polycarbonate, for its separator and casing and were awarded 2,000 Euros and a trophy. A standout feature of their design is an AI-powered battery management system, which employs machine learning models to optimize charging cycles, extend battery lifespan, and monitor the state of charge and health in real time.
Airnergy and Tech Solutions secured third place on their hybrid energy system, which combines hydrogen and solar power to charge lithium phosphate ion batteries. The system features an electrolyzer, storage tanks, a fuel cell, solar panels, and a web platform for real-time monitoring of solar panel positioning, voltage, current, and temperature. This project highlights the potential of hybrid energy solutions in advancing sustainable energy technologies. The team was awarded 1,000 Euros and a trophy.
Faculty advisor Prof. Crispen Chipunza and Co-faculty advisors Prof. Patient Rambe and Miss Maraka Lefera expressed their excitement towards the student’s success in the competition citing passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. “This serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that our dedicated youth can have on creating a brighter and more sustainable future, making meaningful impact in addressing energy challenges in our communities,” said Chipunza.
Captions: The Kratos Batteries project winners took home the top prize for their innovative approach to sustainable energy storage. They walked away with 2,000 Euros. They are from left: Kananelo Khutlane, Andrew Okene, Mabota Makhakhe and Lebohang Nthama.
About CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier Hotel School and leading research and innovation platforms, e.g. world-class medical product development through 3-D printing technology.
For more information about CUT, visit http://www.cut.ac.za.
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