Tshwaraganang Construction

O.V. Diphoko 10510649 (Group leader)

R.A. Mwaka 14216681

G. Monyepao 15132740

S. Mfeka 12238253

Lecturer: ALL 122 – Prof. A. Carstens

Light of my life

The number of South Africans without homes is astonishingly high and the government’s solution to this is RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) housing. This solution, however, means more electricity will be used by each house that is built, thus increasing the demand for electricity. Eskom has introduced the CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs shown in figure 1 - which they said saves/use less electricity than the current incandescent light bulbs shown in figure 2.

CFL light bulbs are fluorescent bulbs designed to replace incandescent bulbs. CFLs create light differently than incandescent bulbs. An incandescent bulb is created in such a way that an electric current runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until its starts to glow (Energy star, 2010). In CFL light bulbs, however, an electric current is driven through a tube that contains argon and some mercury vapour. This creates ultraviolet light that energizes a fluorescent coating (phosphor) on the inside of the tube which then emits visible light (Energy star, 2010).

CFL light bulbs are a great choice in decreasing the electricity usage and they are far more environmentally friendly. There are many benefits financially and environmentally to installing CFL light bulbs. Firstly CFLs use less energy (75% less energy) than incandescent light bulbs (Energy star, 2010). A standard 60-watt bulb can be replaced with a 13-watt CFL bulb and save about R300 over the life of the light bulb (General electric, n.d.). This saves the user plenty of money as the CFL lasts about 10 000 hours, whereas the standard bulbs last 800-1500 hours (Johnson). By using CFL light bulbs the user also decreases the amount of electricity being used so less coal is used to create electricity and as a result the environment is less impacted by emissions created from burning coal.

There are many types of CFL light bulbs and the size(s) and mass of CFL light bulbs may vary to the average incandescent light bulb depending on the type of CFL light bulb that is purchased (1000 bulbs, n.d.).

THE CFL light bulbs are a bit more costly than the incandescent bulb. The CFL light bulb costs used to be high in the past - at between R60.00-R80.00 per bulb, but have been significantly reduced to about R16.00 per bulb as compared to the incandescent light bulb that sits at around R10.00 per bulb (100 bulbs, n.d.).

The advantage of CFL is thus that you save more time and money over time; the packaging is almost identical to the packaging of incandescent light bulbs; and they are also easy to install so there will be little to no confusion while changing from incandescent light bulbs to CFL light bulbs.

There is, however, a disadvantage to CFL light bulbs as they are fragile and contain mercury vapour within them which is toxic. Therefore, if it is not handled carefully, it could be hazardous to human health (how stuff works, 2015).

It is recommended that CFL light bulbs be used wherever possible as the saving of electricity would have a high positive impact not only on the environment but financially as well. CFL light bulbs save money and the environment simultaneously so they would be a smart investment to anyone who wants to put money back into their pockets.

REFERENCING

ACS Publications. 2015. Potential Environmental Impacts from the Metals in Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs. n.d. [Online]. Availble: <http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es302886m>

Eartheasy. 2014. Energy efficient lighting.n.d. [Online]. Available:<http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm>

Eskom. Eskom procurement/ CFL specifications.n.d. [Online]. Avaialble: <http://www.eskom.co.za/sites/idm/Residential/ResidentialTechnologies/SafeDisposalOfCFLs/Pages/Eskom%20Procurement%20CFL%20Specifications.aspx>

Harris, W. 2015. How CFL bulbs work. [Online]. Available: <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/cfl-bulb1.htm> [Accessed 10 May 2015].

Layton, H. 2015. Is the amount of mercury in CFLs more dangerous than the amount in fish?. n.d. [Online]. Avaiable: <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/cfl-mercury.htm>

SouthAfrica.info. 2011. South Africa goes for 'green' lighting. 20 January. [Online]. Available: <http://www.southafrica.info/about/sustainable/energy-180111.htm#.VTLj5vnF-H4>

Works Cited

Energy star. (2010). learn about CFL's. Energy star.

Solar power from the sun

Solar geysers are more widely used around South Africa than before and more specifically in RDP houses. The purpose of using solar geysers is to save both electricity and money. Solar geysers are mainly used in RDP houses as a way to reduce costs in the household. Solar geysers are predominantly used in less affluent areas of South Africa.

There are 3 types of solar geysers: the direct solar geyser system, the indirect solar geyser system and the closed couple or split solar system. (Saving Energy, 2015)

The Direct Solar system, shown in figure1, uses evacuated tubes, where the warm water is transported from the panel to the geyser - driving the cold water into the panel for heating. The geyser is mainly used for keeping the water warm. The system needs to be installed on a North facing roof. (Saving Energy, 2015)

The indirect solar system, shown in Figure 2, uses flatbed panels and is also placed on a North facing roof. It uses a Duel tank where the water remains within an inner water tank, Glycol known as anti-freeze flows from the outside panel to the outside tank which heats the water within the inner tank.(Saving Energy, 2015)

The split solar system uses reinforcement of the roof as the tank is located inside the roof and not on top. This type of geyser allows for the tank and the panel to be separate. (Saving Energy, 2015)

Whereas the closed couple system doesn’t use reinforcement of the roof, because the tank and solar panel are installed as a unit. (Saving Energy, 2015)

Traditionally the indirect solar system is more successful nationwide than the direct solar system and split solar system because of their resistance to cold and it being a low pressure system.

The three systems differ and compile of different salient characteristics like the weight and pricing. The Split solar system is known to be the most expensive ranging from R16929 (Including VAT) as the installation process requires a high level of understanding combined with expensive material. (Solar Guru, n.d.) The Split Solar system also has its benefits; it is a quality, long-life and durable system making it a once-off installation requiring no replacements or maintenance.

With the Indirect Solar system being less than the Split Geyser which costs an approximate amount of R8127.00 (Including VAT) - depending on the size of the tank used and the weight (standard tank of 150L 400kpa-5150D) (Solar Guru, n.d.). The installation process for the Indirect System is made difficult by the additional pump needed to circulate the fluids through a closed-loop system, making it require regular maintenance and replacement of the pipes. This is accompanied by additional electricity power usage and more expenses. The main advantageous component of the Indirect Solar system is its Anti-Freezing system, making it adapt without temperature disturbance when it comes to the required water in areas that are prone to freezing and also saves on costs. (Dakko Power, 2008)

The system used in most small households or RDP houses is the Direct Solar System. It is easier to install than most solar systems and is the cheapest amongst the three at an approximate amount of R6749.00 (Including VAT). (Solar Guru, n.d.) The low cost of the system results in the system requiring plenty of maintenance. Water softeners are sometimes required in areas with poor or hard water conditions, making it not as durable compared to the other systems. The tanks used for this system differs in size and weight making it more expensive if the two are increased.