A’LEVEL PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT
TITLE: Power cuts or shortage of electricity at Mt Selinda High
School
STAGE 1 : Problem identification
Description of the problem
Mt Selinda High School frequently experiences power cuts and electricity
shortages ,disrupting learning activities ,especially practical lessons and use of
electrical equipment
Statement of intent
This project aims to investigate the causes of power cuts at Mt Selinda High ,
assess their effects on the school community ,and propose practical and
sustainable solutions to reduce electricity shortages
Design Brief
Investigate the frequency and duration of power cuts at the school
Identify technical and environmental causes of contributing to electricity
shortages
Propose feasible solutions suitable for the school’s resources
STAGE 2 : Investigation of related ideas
Idea 1 :Load shedding by electricity providers
Power companies intentionally cut power supply during peak usage to prevent
overloads
Advantages
Protects the grid from damage ,manages demand
Disadvantages
Causes disruptions at school ,affects learning and safety
Ideal 2 : Faulty electrical infrastructure
Old or damaged wiring ,transformers or meters may cause frequent outages
Advantages
Fixing infrastructure improves reliability
Disadvantages
Repairs can be costly and require skilled technician
Idea 3 : Use of alternative power sources [ eg .. solar energy
Installing solar panels can provide independent electricity supply
Advantages
Renewable ,reduces dependence on grid ,cost-saving long-term
Disadvantages
High initial costs ,requires maintenance and technical knowledge
STAGE 3: Generation of ideas / possible solutions
Solution 1 : Installing a solar power system
Advantages
Sustainable energy , reduces power cuts
Disadvantages
Expensive upfront , weather dependent
Solution 2 : Scheduling power-intensive activities during off peak hours
Advantages
Reduces load on the grid , fewer cuts during critical times
Disadvantages
Limited flexibility in scheduling
Solution 3 : Regular maintenance of the school’s electrical system
Advantages
Reduces outages caused by internal faults
Disadvantages
Require budget and skilled personnel
STAGE 4 : Development / refinement of chosen idea
Chosen idea : Installing a solar power system
Justification
Provides sustainable and clean energy
Reduces dependency on unreliable grid supply
Refinements
Assess school’s average energy consumptions to size of the system
properly
Source solar
Source solar panels and batteries that are durable and sustainable for
local climate
Train school maintenance staff on basic solar system upkeep
Materials needed
Solar panels
Batteries [for energy storage
Charge controllers
Inverters
Wiring and mounting equipment
STAGE 5 : Presentation of final solution
Experimental setup [ point form
Measure current energy consumption at Mt Selinda High School
Install a small-scale solar panel system on the school roof
Monitor electricity availability and power cuts over 1 month
Record data in tables ( hours of electricity per day before and after
installation
Present results using graphs comparing power availability before and
after
Sample results table
Day Hours of electricity (before Hours of electricity ( after
solar) solar)
1 4 8
2 3 8
3 5 9
…. ….. …..
Sample graphs
(Bar graph showing power hours before and after solar installation )
Chart title
10
5 Series 1
Series 2
4
0
day 1 day 2 day3
STAGE 6 : Evaluation and recommendations
Relevance to statement of intent
The solar power system significantly reduced the impact of power
cuts ,improving electricity availability for school activities
Challenges encountered
High initial installation costs
Limited technical knowledge on solar maintenance
Weather conditions occasionally affected power cuts
Recommendations
Seek funding or partnerships for solar installations
Train staff on solar system maintenance
Combine solar with energy-saving practices for best results