Learners of Soshanguve Township School Build a Solar-Powered Train

• A group of learners from the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation created a solar-powered train that can reach 60km/h
• Another group of learners from Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialization built a solar-powered car
• The groups showed their projects at the recent Sasol Innovation Expo held in Brakpan in early September

Several learners from the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation used their engineering know-how to build a train and car powered by the sun.

According to a post by Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi, the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation was opened on 18 August 2022. Several learners from the institution have also created a solar-powered car.

Lesufi posted a video of him riding shotgun in the car, while one of the learners who created the vehicle drives.

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Solar-powered train

According to Toko Masemola, a Business Applications Tester at DOJCD_ZA, the solar-powered train uses four solar panels, and inverter that converts direct current from the solar panels to alternating current which powers the 48-volt battery.

The train can reach a speed of 60km/h and there's a bespoke railway line at the institution.

According to Kaya959.co.za, the tertiary education students showcased their projects at the Sasol Innovation Expo. The event was held at Carnival City in Brakpan.

Brilliant Lebanese repairman transforms car to run on solar power, doesn’t worry about expensive petrol cost

Briefly News reported that Ahmad al-Safadi converted his old small petrol-powered car to run on sunshine in response to Lebanon's reduction in fuel subsidies for its citizens.

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The 31-year-old Lebanese fitted motorcycle batteries to the car as well as a solar panel to supplement power when the batteries run low on charge reports The Star. It means Al-Safadi is able to charge the car while he drivers.

He made the decision to ditch paying for petrol when the Lebanese government began phasing out state fuel subsidies in September 2021.

In the event of driving longer distances, Al-Safadi can replace the motorcycle batteries with larger ones to increase the electric range. At the moment larger batteries aren't necessary for the repairman because the car is only driven for short distances in the city of Sidon.

In addition, the batteries in the car serve as a mobile generator for his business.

Source: Briefly News