School project with RWU: Self-sufficient power supply in the biotope

Weingarten - As part of a collaboration between Weingarten Grammar School and RWU, Year 11 pupils are working on an off-grid system to supply the biotope on the school grounds. RWU professor Dr. André Kaufmann provided the students with technical support.

The project is anchored in the subject of science and technology and is based on the education plan of the state of Baden-Württemberg. This provides for the teaching of how regenerative stand-alone systems work. Matthias Metzler, NWT teacher and project manager, welcomes the involvement: "Such topics also come from universities and industry. They demand more enthusiasm for implementation - and by anchoring them in the curriculum, we are meeting this demand. This is a positive development."

Learning through practice

In addition to theory, the focus was particularly on practical implementation. Among other things, the students learned how solar modules are aligned, what types of wiring are possible and what tasks charge controllers perform. They also made the necessary cables themselves, supported by Matthias Metzler and under the supervision of André Kaufmann.

The project not only imparts technical knowledge in a practical way, but also raises awareness of renewable energies and sustainable action. "It's great that we've been able to work independently on the project since the start of the school year," explains Chiara. Her classmate Sarah adds: "Maybe we'll come here in ten years' time and it will still be maintained."

As the biotope previously had no connection to the public power grid, the new system will supply various electrical consumers in future, including lighting, microscopes and a radio relay link. It also enables the operation of a pond pump, which increases the oxygen content in the pond and thus improves the ecological conditions.

To the reel on Instagram.

Text: Professor Dr. André Kaufmann / Kathrin Wöhrle