Learning Area: O Level Physics
Candidate Name: Joel Machipisa
Candidate Number: 3033
Center Number: 010175
Level: Form Four
Topic: Electricity in the home
Duration: Three weeks
Background:
Harare residents struggle to pay their electrical bills mainly because they do not
know how to
manage electrical power consumption in their homes. You the candidate are to select
a
household and research on the daily power consumption of the selected household and
make
recommendations based on your calculations.
CALA DESCRIPTION:
You are expected to design a questionnaire in the form of a list of questions which
you can use in
interviewing a homeowner of your choice.
The questionnaire can be in the form of list of questions. In addition to the
interview you may be
expected to do a practical check of the appliances in the house.
In the second week you are expected to process the data by calculating relevant
quantities such
as energy consumption of each gadget per day followed by the total energy
consumption of the
household per day.
You are to compare the energy consumptions of the various appliances and summaries
that in a
pie chart.
I'll fill in the questionnaire with sample answers:
*Household Electrical Power Consumption Questionnaire*
*Section 1: Household Information*
1. Name: ________________________ (e.g., John Doe)
Answer: John Doe
2. Address: ______________________ (e.g., 123 Main St, Harare)
Answer: 123 Main St, Harare
3. Number of occupants: _________ (e.g., 4)
Answer: 4
4. Occupation/Income level: ______ (e.g., Middle-class professional)
Answer: Middle-class professional
*Section 2: Electrical Appliances*
| Appliance | Power Rating (W) | Time Used per Day (hours) |
| 1. Refrigerator | 200 | 24 |
| 2. Television | 150 | 4 |
| 3. Computer | 65 | 2 |
| 4. Microwave | 600 | 0.5 |
| 5. Oven | 1000 | 1 |
| 6. Kettle | 2000 | 1 |
| 7. Toaster | 800 | 0.5 |
| 8. Vacuum Cleaner | 1000 | 0.5 |
| 9. Washing Machine | 500 | 1 |
| [Link] (LED/Incandescent) | 9 or 60 | 8 |
*Section 3: Energy Consumption Habits*
1. Do you switch off lights/appliances when not in use?
Answer: Yes
2. Do you use energy-saving modes on appliances?
Answer: Sometimes
3. Do you use power strips to plug appliances?
Answer: No
*Section 4: Billing Information*
1. Current electricity tariff (ZWL/kWh): ______ (e.g., 15 ZWL/kWh)
Answer: 15 ZWL/kWh
2. Average monthly electricity bill (ZWL): ______ (e.g., 500 ZWL)
Answer: 500 ZWL
3. Payment method (Prepaid/Postpaid): ______ (e.g., Postpaid)
Answer: Postpaid
*Section 5: Additional Information*
1. Any energy-efficient measures implemented?
Answer: LED light bulbs
2. Plans to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances?
Answer: Considering
3. Any concerns about energy consumption?
Answer: High bills
Calculations:
*Daily Energy Consumption (kWh/day)*
| Appliance | Power Rating (W) | Time Used (hours) | Energy Consumption (Wh) |
Energy Consumption (kWh/day) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. Refrigerator | 200 | 24 | 200 x 24 = 4800 | 4800 / 1000 = 4.8 |
| 2. Television | 150 | 4 | 150 x 4 = 600 | 600 / 1000 = 0.6 |
| 3. Computer | 65 | 2 | 65 x 2 = 130 | 130 / 1000 = 0.13 |
| 5. Microwave | 600 | 0.5 | 600 x 0.5 = 300 | 300 / 1000 = 0.3 |
| 6. Oven | 1000 | 1 | 1000 x 1 = 1000 | 1000 / 1000 = 1 |
| 7. Kettle | 2000 | 1 | 2000 x 1 = 2000 | 2000 / 1000 = 2 |
| 8. Toaster | 800 | 0.5 | 800 x 0.5 = 400 | 400 / 1000 = 0.4 |
| 9. Vacuum Cleaner | 1000 | 0.5 | 1000 x 0.5 = 500 | 500 / 1000 = 0.5 |
| 10. Washing Machine | 500 | 1 | 500 x 1 = 500 | 500 / 1000 = 0.5 |
| 11. Lights (LED) | 9 | 8 | 9 x 8 = 72 | 72 / 1000 = 0.072 |
| 11. Lights (Incandescent) | 60 | 8 | 60 x 8 = 480 | 480 / 1000 = 0.48 |
| Total | | | | 10.782 |
*Monthly Energy Consumption (kWh/month)*
10.782 x 30 = 323.46
*Monthly Energy Cost (ZWL)*
323.46 x 15 = 4851.9
*Energy Consumption Distribution (%)*
Refrigerator: (4.8 / 10.782) x 100 = 44.5%
Lights: (0.552 / 10.782) x 100 = 5.1%
Kettle: (2 / 10.782) x 100 = 18.5%
Oven: (1 / 10.782) x 100 = 9.3%
Television: (0.6 / 10.782) x 100 = 5.6%
Computer: (0.13 / 10.782) x 100 = 1.2%
Vacuum Cleaner: (0.5 / 10.782) x 100 = 4.6%
Washing Machine: (0.5 / 10.782) x 100 = 4.6%
Toaster: (0.4 / 10.782) x 100 = 3.7%
Microwave: (0.3 / 10.782) x 100 = 2.8%
Pie chart:
Here are some energy-saving tips:
*General Tips*
1. Switch off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.
2. Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
3. Adjust thermostat settings.
4. Insulate homes and buildings.
5. Conduct regular energy audits.
*Appliance-Specific Tips*
1. Refrigerator:
- Set temperature to (3°C - 4°C).
- Defrost regularly.
- Check door seals.
2. Oven:
- Use microwave or toaster oven for small meals.
- Preheat only when necessary.
3. Washing Machine:
- Wash full loads.
- Use cold water.
- Air dry clothes.
*Lighting Tips*
1. Use LED or CFL bulbs.
2. Install dimmers or timers.
3. Utilize natural light.
4. Replace incandescent bulbs.
*Electronics Tips*
1. Turn off computers, TVs, and gaming consoles when not in use.
2. Use power strips.
3. Adjust screen brightness.
4. Unplug chargers.
*Home Maintenance Tips*
1. Seal air leaks.
2. Upgrade insulation.
3. Install energy-efficient windows.
4. Maintain HVAC systems.
*Behavioral Changes*
1. Take shorter showers.
2. Wash dishes by hand.
3. Hang clothes to dry.
4. Walk or bike instead of driving.
*Renewable Energy Options*
1. Solar panels.
2. Wind turbines.
3. Geothermal systems.
4. Biomass energy.
*Incentives and Resources*
1. Government rebates.
2. Utility company incentives.
3. Energy-efficient appliance rebates.
4. Local energy-saving programs.
*Harare-Specific Tips*
1. Utilize Zimbabwe's abundant sunlight.
2. Implement rainwater harvesting.
3. Use energy-efficient cooking methods (e.g., solar ovens).
4. Support local renewable energy initiatives.
Implementing these tips can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.