Energy
Kindergarten
Oprah Orphanage Home Kindergarten
The Oprah Orphanage Home Kindergarten is located in Katutura, Windhoek.
The kindergarten is the primary care centre for over 70 small children
and is run almost entirely by volunteers from the community. The
kindergarten does not have access to electricity. In mid 2007 the
DRFN completed the construction of an electricity generating merry-go-round
which will now be installed at the kindergarten to power a refrigerator,
lights and a number of other small 220V appliances. The project
was financially supported by the Namibia Environment Fund, the Rotary
Club Windhoek, Namdep Diamond Corporation and other sponsors.
The Technology
The Energy Merry-go-round is based on a common playground item.
The unit weighs about 500 kg and is free-standing, meaning that
it does not require on- site installation. An electric generator
is installed beneath the rotating platform
and is turned via a set of cogs and gearbox. Electricity is produced
during play and is transferred via a 10 meter cable to the Electricity
Access Centre (EAC). The EAC is located in a classroom and comprises
a battery, a 600 VA inverter
for 220 Volt appliances and a socket.
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