Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment
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Item The prospect of floating photovoltaic in clean energy provision and net-zero-emissions(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024) Ebhota, Williams S.; Tabakov, Pavel Y.This study emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change challenges, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the central importance of solar photovoltaic systems. While recognizing South Africa’s progress in renewable energy deployment, the study notes that substantial efforts are still needed to meet the country’s renewable energy targets. The study’s primary aim is to enhance the understanding and deployment of solar photovoltaic systems by critically examining the photovoltaic potential and performance of different sites. To achieve this, two scenarios—land photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic systems—were considered, focusing on hypothetical 10 MWp-installed capacity systems. The results indicate that the 10-MWp land photovoltaic system has a global tilted irradiance of 2184.7 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 18 GWh, and an average yearly performance ratio of 81%. The economic parameters for the land photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $9.0 million, an operational expenditure of $157,500 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04089/kWh. In contrast, the 10-MWp floating photovoltaic system reports a Global Tilted Irradiance of 1797 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 16 GWh, and a performance ratio of 76%. The economic parameters for the floating photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $10.6 million, an operational expenditure of $176,250 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04936/kWh. Both scenarios’ econo-technical parameters fall within acceptable ranges. However, the land photovoltaic system shows better performance, indicating some efficiency loss in the floating photovoltaic system possibly due to harsher offshore conditions. Based on the data from the reports, the study concludes that the econo-technical feasibility of floating photovoltaic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is high.Item Renewable energy technologies in the global south : Sub-Saharan Africa trends and perspectives(IJETAE Publication House, 2022-01-01) Ebhota, Williams S.; Tabakov, Pavel Y.Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and other parts of the Global South are richly endowed with renewable energy resources (RERs) that are grossly untapped. The integration of these resources, such as hydro, wind, solar, and biomass will facilitate the desired net zero-CO2-emissions economy. If these RERs are adequately harnessed, the perennial power supply challenges in the region will be resolved, and the negative power supply narrative changed. Presently, a greater percentage of the population without access to electricity live in the Global South with SSA having the highest share. This inadequacy has been attributed to many factors, which include lack of connection to the national grid; lack of adequate technical capacities to design and manufacture efficient power generation and transmission components and systems; insufficient funds; unreliable, limited, and poor energy data. A comprehensive study of the renewable energy potential (REP) and technologies in the Global South is imperative to the management, regulation, and policies concerning energy, in this era of energy transition (ET). This study presents - a summary of REP of SSA; statistical analysis of the proposed and installed RE capacity across the region; and discussion on the pressing need for renewable energy integration (REI) to mitigate climate change. In addition, to develop RE schemes to facilitate greater access to clean, affordable, and adequate energy supply. Actualization of the integration of RERs into the national portfolio will promote CO2 reduction and improve the socio-economic benefits to the populace in both rural and urban areas of SSA and the Global South generally. Keywords— Renewable energy system; Net-zero-CO2 emissions, renewable energy in Global South; hydro; wind; solar; biomassItem Biopolymer composite materials in oil and gas sector(Hindawi Limited, 2024-02-21) Abdulrahman, Jibrilla; Ebhota, Williams S.; Tabakov, Pavel Y.In the oil and gas industry, the demand for alternative materials is rising due to corrosion and the desire to reduce costs through weight reduction. Polymer composites are gaining attention for their corrosion resistance, favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness. The biopolymer composite is projected to have an output worth $4.95 billion between 2021 and 2025 and growth at a 5.38% compound annual growth rate. This review focuses on exploring the potential of natural fibres as reinforcement for biofibre polymer composite pipes in oil and gas, highlighting their ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and cost-efficiency. The paper assesses biopolymer composite pipes’ development, challenges, and applications, particularly those using continuous basalt and banana fibres. While basalt fibre has found field applications, banana fibre-reinforced polymer composites are still in the early research stages. Despite significant oil and gas industry players already endorsing polymer composites, further research is needed for biopolymer composites to address challenges like compatibility, environmental impact, standardisation, long-term durability, production processes, and regulatory acceptance. Advancing biocomposite research and exploring new research opportunities are essential for engineering advancements and advanced materials.