George Alex Thopil

Electricity load management potential based on the behaviour of consumers in the South African residential sector

The South African residential sector contributes significantly to the total energy and demand of electricity. Load shifting can reduce the demand for electricity in the residential sector during peak demand periods. This paper focus on residential consumer behaviour and the effect of this behaviour on load management potential in the South African electricity sector. The paper investigates utility load shift potential, consumer awareness towards energy consumption and energy management, consumer willingness and ability to respond to power system requirements and consumer needs and preferences towards utility controlled appliances. The paper also provides information for future demand management projects in the residential environment. Findings show that utility control has declined and that consumers are switching loads on and off for financial, security of supply and environmental reasons. It also shows consumers are better informed and satisfied when intelligent load management devices are used.

Enablers towards establishing and growing South Africa’s waste to electricity industry

In South Africa the electricity generation mix is relatively un-diverse whereas globally the transformation of the sector is advancing rapidly. Coal remains the predominant fuel source and limited success has to date been achieved in the renewable energy sector. The electricity generation sector is therefore hindered from moving towards an electricity generation landscape where alternative fuel sources is utilised. This research is aimed at gaining insight into the enablers that led towards an increasing trend (observed globally) in exploiting waste as a fuel for electricity generation, and to outline the presence of obstacles that hinder separation of waste for electricity use in the South African context. Furthermore it is an attempt at informing what appropriate interventions (operational and policy) may be considered suitable for South Africa to overcome these barriers in order to enable a sustainable South African waste to electricity (WTE) Industry. Findings show that numerous barriers to a WTE exists in the South African context, however overcoming these barriers is not as simple as adopting the European model with the aim to modify the electricity generation mix and waste management landscape. Selected enablers deemed appropriate in the South African context are adapted from the European model, and are greatly influenced by the prevailing socio-economic status of South Africa. Primary enablers identified were, (i) government support is needed especially in the form of subsidisation for green energy, (ii) increase landfill costs through the implementation of a landfill tax, (iii) streamline the process for Independent Private Power Producers (IPPPs) to connect to the national grid with off-take guaranteed and the inclusion of WTE into an electricity roadmap (effectively governments strategy). The proposed enabling interventions would help in overcoming the barriers for a South African WTE industry.

A control system analysis for a potential small geostationary satellite for South Africa

The availability of an indigenous communications satellite helps in driving down communication and entertainment costs of services obtained through such a satellite. The design and implementation of a small GEO satellite will also act as a stepping stone for missions of greater complexity and stringent specifications [2]. This paper presented is based on a simulation study with real world and worst case scenarios modelled as accurately as possible keeping in mind the trade-off between computational burden and accuracy. An overall control system analysis comprising of the Attitude Control and Determination system is performed, keeping actuator failure in mind. An analytical Orbit Control evaluation is also performed which gives an estimate of the propellant requirement for an average GEO lifetime of 10 years.