The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, recently released the results of the latest survey on research and experimental development (R&D) spending in South Africa at a media briefing on 12 April 2017. The survey pertains to the 2014/15 period and is conducted annually by the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators […]
The South African national committee of the international council on large electrical systems, Cigré, held its annual general meeting at the premises of Aberdare Cables in Elandsfontein, Gauteng, recently. The chairman, Prince Moyo, who replaces Rob Stephen in this role, welcomed Stan Bridgens, the CEO of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) […]
The article considers the spatial distribution and settlement type characterisation based on spatial layout and dwelling types for various low-income settlements found on dolomite in Gauteng and surrounding areas (Gauteng City Region). Settlement types that were considered, based on aerial photography, cadastral information and field verification, include informal settlements, formal housing with backyard structures, […]
This interview with Scott Chatterton, international Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration leader for HDR Digital Design Group, provides useful insights for companies wanting to investigate BIM implementation standards. Some would argue that South Africa’s local industry’s conservatism is holding us back from implementing new and improved digital construction technologies. Case studies and experience also support […]
This article provides an overview of recent applications of computational modelling to the design of electric furnaces. The aim is to illustrate that computational modelling can more comprehensively represent the component physics, chemistry, and kinetics of the processes being evaluated. While the smelting process is understood in general terms, a fundamental and detailed understanding […]
An upgrade of the water treatment and water supply system in Samara, Russia has improved operational efficiencies, reduced leaks and reduced total cost of ownership. The optimisation and control solution, which was implemented in 37 pumping stations, used a software-driven, process optimising, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system with remarkable results. Samara is […]
Co-generation has been understood to mean the use of surplus process heat to generate electricity, or combined heat and power (CHP). The meaning has expanded to include combined power and heat (CPH), where power production is the primary purpose. With the increasing use of fuel cells, the options of fuel cell based CHP is […]
One of the main drivers in photovoltaics (PV) has been increasing conversion efficiency. Solar PV is limited by the fact that it cannot use the full spectrum of energy available in sunlight. Thermal PV was originally developed to overcome this limitation, but has also found an application in the conversion of high temperature stored […]
The Department of Energy (DoE) released a draft update (Draft IRP 2016) to its earlier Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity (IRP 2010-2030) in November 2016, and invited comments and input through a public participation process. The deadline for this feedback was 31 March 2017. This review provides a summary of five major submissions made, […]
The Water Research Commission (WRC) has launched the South African Mine Water Atlas, apparently the world’s first such atlas, in partnership with consulting firm, Golder Associates. The launch was part of the World Water Day Celebrations that saw the global launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2017, “Wastewater: The untapped resource”, at the […]
