Faculty of Engineering

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Browsing Faculty of Engineering by Author "Al-Mas, Sendegeya"

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    Performance analysis of a hybrid of solar photovoltaic, genset, and hydro of a rural-based power mini-grid: case study of kisiizi hydro power mini-grid, Uganda
    (MDPI- Processes, 2023-01) Richard, Cartland; Al-Mas, Sendegeya; Jean de Dieu, Khan Hakizimana
    The power sector in Uganda has increased steadily, focusing majorly on rural electrification to increase the proportion of the rural population accessing electricity using grid extension and isolated mini-grid approaches. Hydropower mini-grids implemented in rural communities have issues regarding system failures leading to shutdowns and load shedding. A study on an existing isolated hydropower mini-grid was made to find the possible causes. A review of published articles and reports, and an analysis of enrollment patterns, energy sales, and load demand was carried out. A field survey with a guided questionnaire to collect information about real energy demand data was carried out. The performance of the system was accomplished through simulation using HOMER pro × 64 software. The findings from the study show a reduction in customer enrollment, a reduction in energy sales, and a reasonable number of system shutdowns. Hybridization of the existing hydropower was modeled with different options. The hybrid system proposed indicates that, when implemented, it would reduce fuel consumption from 222 to 23.2 L/day and emissions from 82.5 to 8.3 kg/year on average and increases system reliability. Simulated values of NPC, LCOE, and operating costs are appreciable. Despite mini-grid shortfalls, there is notably improved livelihood due to improved social and economic services.
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    A study on the design and financial viability of solar pv plants in Rwanda
    (IEEE, 2023-07) Morris, Kayitare; Gace, Athanase Dalson; Al-Mas, Sendegeya
    Solar PV systems are believed vital to provide reliable and eco-friendly energy to remote villages. However, a lack of information on the load demands, lack of information on factors of energy loss, and scarcity of information on the potential financial benefits of PV plants in rural areas hinder the optimal development of PV plants and investments in PV plant development. This study addresses these issues by assessing the load requirements for electrification and farming activities in remote areas in Rwanda, identifying energy loss factors for PV plants, and estimating the financial gains from such systems. The study shows that despite factors such as temperature-induced energy losses, the regions have enough solar resources to meet the villages' load demands. The economic evaluation reveals that solar PV plants can be beneficial to investors, with the cost of energy dropping significantly and benefiting consumers.