Labs & Equipment

Electrical Engineering Laboratories

These laboratories provide a comprehensive environment for students to gain practical skills, engage in research, and work on real-world projects. They offer valuable hands-on experiences in different areas of electrical engineering, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practicals.

We have 10 state-of-art laboratories namely.

Renewable And Alternative Energy

This is Renewable and Alternative Energy Laboratory

 Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing research and education in the field of renewable energy. We provide Photovoltaic (Solar) Smart Grid Trainer, Photovoltaic Trainer, Solar Panels, etc, where students can explore innovative ideas, conduct experiments, and develop solutions to address pressing energy challenges.

 Power Systems Laboratory

This is Electrical laboratory full of Electrical working stations, where different electrical equipment’s are found for example:

1. Direct on-line starters panel
2. Star Delta starters panel
3. Automatic Resistance starters panels
4. Dual Speed Motor Starters
5. VSD Starter panels
6. Transformer Trainer
7. Electrical Protection Relay Trainer
8. Synchronous Machine Exciter

Research Laboratory

The RTDS (Real Time Digital Simulator) is considered the world’s benchmark for conducting real-time simulations. Since worst-case power system conditions are rare and dangerous to induce in the real world, the RTDS Simulator is utilized to simulate them in a controlled and safe environment. Overall system performance can be optimized through closed-loop testing under the most realistic conditions possible. The RTDS enhances the way real-time studies and control testing are performed, providing larger systems and improved accuracy, thus offering numerous benefits to our research students.

Robotics Laboratory

This is a robotics lab where our students learn about robotics, from programming to making all the robots work depending on their tasks.

Electronic And Telecom Laboratory

This is the Electronic and Telecom Laboratory, where students apply what they have learned during their theoretical studies to practical applications.

Electrical And Electronics Laboratory

Electronics laboratory with all required equipment e.g. Functional Generators, Power Supplies (DC and AC), Computers, TCPIP Protocol trainers, PCB (print circuit boards) Design Machine etc.

The PCB Machine is used to print circuit boards, students can design their own circuit and then print it on this machine then after they can put components and solder them onto the printed circuit board. To build whatever electronic projects they want to build. 

Plant and Automation Laboratory

This is a plant and automation lab focused on brewery plant operations. Here, students learn about automation, brewery packaging, and all aspects of automation. We also provide training on boilers, packaging machines, and labelling machines. 

PLC’s (Programmable Logic Control) Training Laboratory

This is a PLC lab where students learn how to program, fault-find, design, and explore all other aspects of PLCs. 

              Practical Bookings Procedure

1. Schedule is posted online under "additional information" (practicals are allotted limited time to prevent scheduling conflicts with tests.
2. On my Unisa, a timetable is created, and students choose and reserve dates.
3. Afterwards a confirmation letter is sent to validate the reservation.
4. If you decide to use a mentor, you must locate someone with qualifications that are suitable.
5. This mentor should help with practical matters and submit a signed mentorship form to indicate they provided guide.

              Current Practical Modules Offered 

WIL offered at Florida Campus

1. Module Name: Work Direct Learning: Electrical Engineering
2. Module Code:               WDL3601
3. Mode of delivery
4. Simulated learning [SL]                          Portfolio 1
5. Project-based learning [PjBL]               Portfolio 2

This training provides the learners with an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to relevant problem situations in industry, and to gain exposure to typical organizational culture, human relations and working conditions.

The learners are assessed on 10 GA’s.

6. Graduate Attribute 1: Problem solving.
7. Graduate Attribute 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge
8. Graduate Attribute 3: Engineering Design
9. Graduate Attribute 4: Investigations, experiments, and data analysis
10. Graduate Attribute 5: Engineering methods, skills, and tools, including Information Technology
11. Graduate Attribute 6: Professional and technical communication
12. Graduate Attribute 7: Sustainability and Impact of Engineering Activity
13. Graduate Attribute 8: Individual, team and multidisciplinary working
14. Graduate Attribute 9: Independent Learning Ability
15. Graduate Attribute 10: Engineering Professionalism

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Sci-Bono Science Week Career Exhibition (27February 2023 – 02 March 2023)

Science Week at Sci-Bono focuses on teaching students all about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 

Mabothe Senior Secondary career expo (14 April 2023)

We visited Mabothe High School, a school located in the rural area between Mpumalanga and Limpopo, where we were teaching students about electrical engineering and helping them choose subjects and career paths.

Career exhibition at Rustenburg Mantserre Community Hall (05 May 2023)

An exhibition where the Rustenburg Mantserre community gathers to learn about engineering, and where we assist them in understanding how electrical engineering works. We ensure that they choose the right subjects to qualify for studying electrical engineering.

Sci-Bono Career Exhibition (01 August – 03 August2023)

Science Week at Sci-Bono focuses on teaching students all about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Sasol TechnoX (14-18 August 2023)

Sasol TechnoX is an event where various organizations gather to educate the community in Sasol about their specializations, with a focus on students and youth. They benefit greatly from learning about the organizations through the exhibitions.

Ezamazwe 1^st Career Expo (12 October 2023)

We visited First Career Expo or a launch at Ezamazwe  located in the rural in Limpopo, where we were teaching students about electrical engineering and helping them choose subjects and career paths. 

The Worldskills South Africa Career Festival (1-3 February 2024)

The WorldSkills South Africa Career Festival is a festival where students and young people participate in live competitions held at the exhibition centre. These competitions include welding, electrical installation, and others. The event also targets community members who want to learn about a variety of careers and how they can qualify to pursue them.

Sci-Bono Science Week Career (12-14 March 2024)

Science Week at Sci-Bono focuses on teaching students all about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Laboratory Student access for Projects

Access to the lab for research and project purposes are as follows.

A booking should be made to Mrs. Nhlapo at nhlapld@unisa.ac.za.

Access to the labs is during working hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 to 16:00).

The bookings are for research modules such as EEA1501, DPJ2601, EIP 3701, HMELE80 and HPELE81.

Students Activities

ABOUT US

Welcome to the Electrical & Smart System Engineering Department at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Our department plays a crucial role in modern society, impacting every aspect of technological progress and improving life quality today.

At UNISA, we are committed to providing top-tier engineering education that equips our students to become leaders in industry, research, and entrepreneurship. We strive to maintain a position of prominence in engineering education, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving technological landscape.

At UNISA, we place a strong emphasis on fostering innovation, creativity, problem-solving abilities, research skills, and design proficiency among our students. Through a range of project-based courses within the Innovation & Design Program, we aim to cultivate a culture of forward-thinking and practical application. These initiatives are geared towards equipping our students with the tools and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

             Join us at UNISA, where we help create future engineers and innovators, moving.

              forward and making a good difference in society.

Practical Sessions

Practical Session at Electrical & Electronics Laboratory

This is a practical session where a Lab Technical Officer assists students in applying the knowledge they gained from the theoretical part of their studies into practical applications. This helps students understand both the practical and theoretical sides better.

Practical Session at Electronic & Telecom Laboratory

This is a practical session where a Lab Technical Officer assists students in applying the knowledge they gained from the theoretical part of their studies into practical applications. This helps students understand both the practical and theoretical sides better.