Pumping water using solar energy with Cobra SMARTsense Code

Principle

In this experiment, a water pump is powered by a solar cell, and observations are made on how high the water can be pumped. Based on this, conclusions are drawn about the characteristics of energy conversion.

Tasks

1. Supply the pump with electrical energy from a solar battery.
2. Program the Cobra SMARTsense code to monitor the electric current.
3. Investigate how light intensity affects the pump’s performance.

Learning Objective

Students learn about the method of pumped-storage power plants, which make it possible to store renewable energy. They are also introduced to basic programming of a device for current monitoring and relay switching.

Benefits

• Teaching with a focus on the future: Integration of sensors (Cobra SMARTsense) into digital science education
• Introduction to programming using the Cobra SMARTsense code
• Illustrates key contemporary topics such as energy conversion and renewable energy
• Safe experimentation: The lamp is protected from direct contact, the housing is well ventilated through drilled openings, and only slightly heats up
• Versatile power supply: The included power unit is highly adaptable and particularly suitable for student experiments across all age groups