A Brackenfell young scientist has caught the attention of the science and engineering community after constructing an automated pool chlorinator with a feedback control loop, which was showcased at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair.
The cutting-edge device by Jessica Visser (15), a learner at Protea Heights Academy (PHA) in Cape Town, offers a practical solution for pool owners, aiding them in efficiently maintaining their pools by regulating chlorine levels.
The system employs a calibrated probe to measure the pool’s chlorine content, and if levels fall too low, it automatically dispenses the required amount of chlorine. With minimal human intervention required, pool owners only need to install the system and ensure the chlorine container is replenished as needed.
She was awarded a silver medal for her project and received a R10 000 voucher from RS South Africa. “I was ecstatic to see that my hard work paid off, and I really appreciate all the recognition that I received for my project. I was hoping to get a gold medal, but I realise that the competition in the engineering category was really intense,” said Visser.
“I really enjoy doing physics at school, and understanding how things work. My school also encourages us to be innovative and to think outside of the box. I am a member of the school’s robotics team where I learnt how to put together various electronic components and to programme them. I used that knowledge to design and build my project,” she said.
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Visser, who enjoys playing hockey, doing arts and crafts, reading and coding, plan on studying further after completing school.
“I hope to get entrance at a university to study engineering, but I am not yet sure which engineering field I want to study – possibly mechanical, electronic or even mechatronic engineering,” she said.
Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty, cheered PHA for encouraging their learners. “In our experience, when schools support and appreciate their learners, then not only do the learners see the value of their own efforts but they become an inspiration for their peers. Jessica’s innovation may be the ground breaking invention that does Protea Heights Academy and the Brackenfell community proud.”
