Research has shown that there is currently a chronic shortage of engineers in South Africa. Mathematics and science education is a vital driver to ensure future viability and social development in South Africa. Already in its third year, the Siemens Junior Cyber Junkyard Competition is a legacy initiative aimed at Technical High Schools and FET Colleges across the country. Through a pre-defined project and donation of Siemens automation equipment, the Junior Cyber Junkyard Competition is assisting to develop the skills of young learners whilst encouraging them to pursue further studies in science, engineering and mathematics at university level.
Energy generation, usage and its associated costs are a hot topic in South Africa, and indeed around the world. As we enter the winter months, demand on the national energy grid will continue to rise as power producers scramble to meet this need. One way to help lessen the strain on the grid is to institute good energy management practices at home. As an industry leader in energy saving and optimisation, this is the challenge Siemens has issued to the Junior Cyber Junkyard entrants. In this edition of the Junior Cyber Junkyard Challenge, learners will have to design, build and program a fully functional energy management and optimisation system. Principles of load balancing, power usage calculations and basic logic control, along with the principles of cost management, must be implemented.
Students will be tasked with constructing a house: the exact dimensions and design, while left to the team, must comply with the project specifications outlined in the brief. The house should feature the following – three bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, bathroom, garage and a swimming pool.
“Learners from technical high schools and colleges are the main source for new and upcoming technicians and engineers because of their skills obtained in practical subjects at high school. Siemens recognises and realises how important engineers are for the future of South Africa, the Junior Cyber Junkyard Challenges aim to secure the future of South Africa’s manufacturing industries by introducing these young students to the principles, training and technologies found in these environments,” says Mary-Ann Paul, project manager Junior Cyber Junkyard, Siemens Talent Acquisition.
The Challenge incorporates the following:
* Electrical design and manufacture of an energy management system.
* Programming of the logic control system.
* Presentation of the completed project at regional and national competitions.
Regional competitions are set to take place at the end of July. The project is run through partnering with various universities such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, Durban University of Technology and Northlink College. Each university will have five schools participating and the winners from each of the regions will participate in a national competition which will take place in September at Siemens in Midrand.
For more information contact Mary-Ann Paul, Siemens Talent Acquisition, Siemens, +27 (0)11 652 2585, [email protected], www.siemens.com
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