Pupil makes hydro-powered excavator

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

WEBSTER Tadiwanashe Sinamane, an A-Level student at Gwanda High School, has developed a remarkable hydro-powered excavator model.

What sets this young inventor apart is his ambitious plan to integrate lithium batteries and solar energy, potentially revolutionising traditional fuel-powered engines.

By combining both hydraulic power and solar energy, his excavator model not only offers a cost-effective way to operate heavy machinery but also addresses the environmental damage caused by gas emissions.

Webster’s vision for an eco-friendly excavator could spell the end of polluting industrial machinery.
His motivation stems from his desire to find a solution for polluted environments in the mining and construction industries.

With recent discoveries of lithium deposits in Zimbabwe, Webster believes that there is an urgent need to harness the potential of lithium batteries in conjunction with solar energy.

Webster’s work first gained recognition at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April and more recently the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show in Gwanda.

His hydraulic excavator model, made from basic materials such as cardboard boxes, syringes, drip pipes, and zinc sheets, operates using water and electricity. The gear system, powered by a rechargeable battery, uses water to move the excavator’s arm.

Through experimentation, Webster recently upgraded the excavator’s movement capability from a limited 45-degree turn to a full 360-degree rotation by adding a DC motor to control the motion. His passion for invention has been a lifelong journey.

“I’ve always been fascinated by creating things, even before I started school,” said Webster.
He plans to supplement his studies with pure sciences after completing his A-Level studies to be able to pursue his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.

He’s currently majoring in Biology, Crop Science and Geography, as he did Combined Science at O-Level.

“I wish to study mechanical engineering, but unfortunately I’m not studying pure sciences at A-Level. At O-level, I studied Combined Science which made it difficult for me to pursue pure sciences at A-Level,” said Webster.

“I want to develop this invention into a practical tool where we can have excavators running on hydro power. With the rise of lithium mining in Zimbabwe, it’s my dream to see locally manufactured lithium batteries powering these machines.”

He envisions future excavators equipped with solar panels to recharge batteries during operation, contributing further to sustainable development.

Beyond excavators, Webster’s next project is to design small robots that can perform manual tasks. His first invention, a windmill model that drew water from an underground source, was an early indication of his potential. The windmill utilised a simple bottle buried underground, with water dispensed through a tap on the surface.

He has conducted extensive research on the feasibility of using water in hydraulic systems, considering the implications of water’s boiling and freezing points.

He concluded that Zimbabwe’s moderate climate makes water an ideal hydraulic medium.
Webster believes that combining hydraulic water power with lithium batteries could lead to ground-breaking and cost-effective innovation for the country.

“Hydraulic power using water is far more cost-effective than hydraulic oil,” Webster explained.
“Hydraulic power is ideal for Zimbabwe as we don’t have severe cold weather which can cause water to freeze in the cylinders. I also considered the use of lithium batteries to generate power.”

Webster believes it is critical to nurture innovation from an early age through the establishment of innovation hubs.
“Some learners have brilliant ideas, but they lack the platform to bring their ideas to life,” he said.

Webster’s innovation embodies the essence of the Education 5.0 model, which emphasises practical application and focuses on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation, preparing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle real-life problems and contribute to national development.

Webster’s ingenuity is an example of how young minds can drive Zimbabwe’s technological advancement with the right support from the Government and all sectors of the economy.