Showing papers by "Kanzumba Kusakana published in 2014"

Status of micro-hydrokinetic river technology in rural applications: A review of literature

Abstract: Apparently, most hydrokinetic literatures mainly concentrate on large-scale technologies such as waves, tides and ocean current applications. This could be one of the reasons delaying the utilization of small-scale hydrokinetic river technology in rural areas. This paper therefore critically reviews the current status of micro-hydrokinetic river (MHR) technology for rural applications. Relevant research literatures based on developments, applications, design, operation as well as different MHR technologies involved in rural electrification projects have been reviewed. After conducting these reviews it has become clear that one of the key barriers hindering the employment of MHR technology in rural areas with access to flowing water is the lack of research demonstrating the technical, economic and environmental benefits of this technology compared to other rural electrification techniques. Studies that look towards the long-term perspective of techno-economic analysis inclusive of capital, maintenance and running costs computations need to be carried out promoting the interest in utilizing this technology. This paper will aid researchers to identify areas that need to improve as well as encourage public bodies to implement proper energy policies regarding the MHR technology usage in rural areas. It will also create awareness among site owners, investors, project developers and decision makers regarding the potential benefits of using this technology in rural areas especially in countries with little or no elevation.

A survey of innovative technologies increasing the viability of micro-hydropower as a cost effective rural electrification option in South Africa

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide a survey of different innovative technologies that can be applied to the micro-hydropower system to make it cost effective for rural energy supply. Electrical, mechanical, civil or electronic technologies that can increase the viability of micro-hydropower as a cost-effective energy source for remote and isolated communities in rural South Africa are presented. The motivation behind this study is that there are a significant number of potential sites in South Africa where micro-hydropower is a viable energy option to provide reliable and low cost energy and where conventional schemes are not appropriate.

Micro-Hydrokinetic for Remote Rural Electrification

Abstract:  Abstract—Standalone micro-hydrokinetic river (MHR) system is one of the promising technologies to be used for remote rural electrification. It simply requires the flow of water instead of elevation or head, leading to expensive civil works. This paper demonstrates an economic benefit offered by a standalone MHR system when compared to the commonly used standalone systems such as solar, wind and diesel generator (DG) at the selected study site in Kwazulu Natal. Wind speed and solar radiation data of the selected rural site have been taken from national aeronautics and space administration (NASA) surface meteorology database. The hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software was used to determine the most feasible solution when using MHR, solar, wind or DG system to supply 5 rural houses. MHR system proved to be the best cost-effective option to consider at the study site due to its low cost of energy (COE) and low net present cost (NPC). Keywords—Economic analysis, Micro-hydrokinetic system, Rural-electrification, Stand-alone system. I. INTRODUCTION

Hybrid System Configurations and Charging Strategies for Isolated Electric Tuk-Tuk Charging Station in South Africa

Abstract: — The success of renewable powered electric vehicle charging station in isolated areas depends highly on the availability and sustainability of renewable resources all year round at a selected location The main focus of this paper is to discuss the possible charging strategies that could be implemented to find the best possible configuration of an electric Tuk-Tuk charging station at a given location within South Africa The charging station is designed, modeled and simulated to evaluate its performances The techno-economic analysis of different feasible supply configurations of the charging station using renewable energies is simulated using HOMER software and the results compared in order to select the best possible charging strategies in terms of cost of energy consumed Keywords — Electric Tuk-Tuk, Renewable energy, Energy Storage, Hybrid systems, HOMERI I NTRODUCTION OUTH AFRICA’s population as well as the economy has grown significantly in recent years, so the demand for passenger transport, electricity as well as private vehicle, water and sanitation has also increased And it is a well-known factor that the countries transportation sector is facing significant challenges, with the vast majority of rural and township occupants relying on public transport, making this form of transport a critical tool for getting the workforce to and from work Transportation sector is one of the largest consumers of energy in South Africa and it is vital for economic development, hence making the provision of affordable, safe and reliable transportation of goods and people critical to the development of the country [1], [2] However traditional ways of transport with combustion engines that rely on fuel will prove to be unsustainable in future because of their carbon foot print and the country’s economy, due to the ongoing reliance on imported fuel since most of country’s imported fuel fossil is used mainly in the electricity generation and transportation sector [3] Tuk-Tuks are portable and reliable three-wheeled vehicles which have been used for over 60 years in Asian, European, Central American, South American and in some African countries, and where introduced to South African roads due to their efficiency, stylistic simplicity, low oil consumption,