(ABOVE) ESIL’s 5kW mobile UPS prototype.

The UWC Energy Storage Innovation Lab (ESIL), led by Professor Bernard Bladergroen, is achieving notable success with its one-year Energy Storage Programme, tailored for electrical and mechanical engineering graduates. This marks the second consecutive year of triumph, with six out of seven graduates in 2022 securing employment opportunities (while one student chose to continue his studies) and a promising cohort of fifteen graduates entering the programme in 2023, with four already securing job placements.

Generously funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and the EW-SETA, this initiative is spearheaded by the SA Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). It addresses the increasing demand for expertise in advanced battery development, manacturing, and validation, with a particular focus on Lithium-Ion technology. As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates, batteries have emerged as a crucial component for storing and utilising clean energy, catalysing substantial growth in the battery industry. ESIL recognises the importance of preparing South Africa's workforce to excel in this evolving landscape.

(ABOVE) Ridaa Manuel, ESIL Programme Coordinator.

Lithium-ion batteries are particularly in demand due to their high energy density, rechargeability, and low self-discharge rate. They find applications in various sectors, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage systems, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) devices.

ESIL's dedication to cultivating local expertise in energy storage extends to enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses. This effort not only supports emerging energy storage sectors, such as Li-ion batteries but also ensures the sustainability and competitiveness of the established lead-acid battery industry by providing skilled graduates and effective succession plans.
The realm of battery manufacturing requires a diverse skill set encompassing materials science, chemical engineering, advanced automation, and quality control techniques. Proficient battery manufacturing not only enhances efficiency and longevity but also significantly contributes to the overall sustainability of the energy ecosystem, optimising resource utilisation and minimising waste while advancing energy storage systems and promoting a greener and more resilient future.

(ABOVE) ESIL’s in-house-designed E-trike.

Ridaa Manuel, the top performer in the 2022 Programme, has now taken on the role of Programme Coordinator for the 2023 class. Ridaa's dedication to knowledge, innovation, and empowerment is evident in his exceptional work ethic. He is also the visionary behind Green New World, a company dedicated to educating African communities about constructing self-sustained, off-grid energy systems using affordable and recycled materials. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in engineering with a specialisation in Energy at CPUT, Ridaa is enthusiastic about the potential of renewable energy to address Africa's energy access challenges and mitigate global warming. For Ridaa, integrating various renewable energy systems, such as wind, solar, water, battery, and other energy storage systems, is the key to ensuring reliability and consistency.

ESIL's practical training empowers graduates to apply their engineering knowledge to battery component manufacturing and assembly, resulting in the creation of valuable and innovative technologies. Among these innovations is a compact 5kW mobile UPS prototype designed to power small household appliances during power outages. These UPS units offer up to 5 hours of 1kW output, providing a reliable solution for maintaining essential power supply and potentially alleviating load-shedding concerns.

Locally designed E-bike incorporating an ESIL 1kW battery pack.

The "Lunch Box," a power consumption monitoring device, is another pioneering creation by ESIL's graduates. This handy device, equipped with a built-in SD card, is invaluable for monitoring and storing information on energy consumption trends across residential, commercial, and industrial domains. It empowers informed decision-making regarding the installation of appropriately sized and well-balanced combinations of renewable energy generation and energy storage systems.

A custom-designed 1kW battery pack for E-mobility applications is another notable creation by ESIL's graduates. This battery has been employed to power an in-house E-trike and is currently being adopted for a locally designed E-bike, contributing to sustainable transportation.

As part of the 2022 Energy Storage Programme, an Educational Green Hydrogen prototype was constructed. This tangible illustration demonstrates the transformation of water into hydrogen through an electrolyser, a process fueled by solar energy. Subsequently, the generated hydrogen is converted into electricity via a fuel cell, all in real time. Notably, the prototype's catalyst-coated membrane was produced by UWC’s Chemistry students, offering a cost-effective alternative to international models. The system vividly demonstrates the disassembly and reassembly of water, along with the resulting fuel and electricity production. ESIL has partnered with the UWC Education Faculty to trial these educational kits in schools, providing hands-on education about renewable energy, with a specific focus on green hydrogen.

The ESIL power consumption monitoring device dubbed the "Lunch Box"

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at UWC is dedicated to assisting UWC in promptly and innovatively meeting South Africa's requirements. The TTO's mission is to protect and optimise the influence of pioneering research and training outcomes, ensuring their full utilisation for the advancement of society. As part of this commitment, the TTO is actively supporting the dissemination of ESIL's innovative achievements for the betterment of society.

ESIL’s pioneering contributions to the field of energy storage are showcased in episode 1 of season 2 of UWC On Air.  You can witness their remarkable work in action here:

For more information about the ESIL Graduate Energy Storage Program, please contact Prof. Bernard Bladergroen, Head of the Energy Storage Innovation Laboratory, via bbladergroen@uwc.ac.za or on 021 959 9309.