A CUT researcher has done research on a more cost-effective method to generate electricity for remote rural communities, using water.  Mr Sandile Phillip Koko, a Technical Assistant within the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology took part in the 25^th Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference (SAUPEC 2015) that was held in Johannesburg on 28-30 January 2015. He presented a peer-reviewed conference paper called “Modelling and Performance Analysis of a Micro-Hydrokinetic River System as compared to Wind System”. 

The aim of his paper revealed the economic viability of micro-hydrokinetic river (MHR) system for remote rural electrification. He presented a mathematical model and performance analysis of the MHR system which looked at ways rural communities could make use of the system to deal effectively with depleting electricity supply in the country. Based on the results, MHR system proved to be the most cost-effective rural electrification technique to consider as compared to wind generation system. He won an award at the conference for being able to source electricity from water. “I look forward to seeing more young electrical engineering researchers involved in energy research. I hope my award will inspire them to find solutions to escalating electricity costs and the advancement of renewable energy technology for the current energy crisis in our country.” Koko, is an active member of the Research Group in Energy and Manufacturing Systems (RGEMS) that has delivered numerous superb research projects over the years. 

Image 

Mr Sandile Koko (left) congratulated by the head of his department, Prof. Herman Vermaak, who is also the head of the RGEMS research group.