EWB Zimbabwe project wins TechSpark Best Design Award

The Engineers Without Borders (EWB) group at CMU has won the TechSpark's Engineering Exposition’s Best Design Award for their innovative biogas digester project at a primary school in Zimbabwe. This accolade recognizes the team's commitment to thorough engineering analysis, achieved through extensive physical experimentation and theoretical simulation.

While CEE senior Judy (Shiyu) Zhu played a pivotal role in leading the project during its implementation and monitoring phases, focusing on project logistics and internal communications, she emphasized the collaborative nature of the endeavor.

"This project is the culmination of the persistent efforts of many EWB members over the years, and I am merely one part of this incredible team," says Zhu.

In response to the health hazards posed by using firewood for cooking, which releases harmful air particles, the team constructed a biogas digester that utilizes manure from on-site animals to produce biogas for cooking while also generating fertilizer for agricultural use. This sustainable solution not only reduces health issues but also supports the school's agricultural activities.

The award celebrates the project’s design, which was perfected over six years by multiple years of EWB members. Their approach involved both experimental and simulation techniques to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the biogas system.

EWB at CMU continues to focus on providing sustainable engineering solutions to communities in need. The group is currently gearing up for a new project with the partnering community and is actively seeking involvement from interested students. Those looking to make a tangible impact through engineering are encouraged to contact the team at cmuewb@gmail.com.