Pumping water using solar energy

Principle

So-called hydro-electric power stations have large water reservoirs up high that store water prior to use. The water is pumped up to them from coal-burning power stations or nuclear power stations etc. using electric energy. Waste products such as CO₂ gas or radioactive material are hereby generated. This experiment shows that this could be a possible application for renewable energy.

A pump that is driven by electric energy supplied by a solar battery is used in this experiment. The effect of the light intensity on the pump performance is to be examined.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of a complete solution set with a total of 26 experiments for Renewable Energy solar cells, wind power, water power
• Safe experimentation: the lamp is protected against touch, the housing is well ventilated with the aid of holes and is only slightly heated
• The power supply used is versatile and is particularly suitable for pupil tests for all ages

Tasks

How high can water be pumped by light?