Abstract: Finding faults and partial shadow conditions are the key challenges for photovoltaic (PV) system. Furthermore, by being aware of how many broken modules and strings there are, the power loss can be averted. Some studies are conducted in this project to address these issues in order to distinguish between faults and partially shaded conditions as well as the quantity of mismatched modules and strings for a dynamic change in irradiation. Based on a straightforward observation ...
This paper assesses the effect of direct and indirect factors on the shear performance of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete beam containing coarse aggregate (UHPFRC-CA) using four point loading arrangement. The obtained results were used to categorize UHPFRC-CA beam's failure mode, establish the influence of key factors on shear performance, and develop UHPFRC-CA beam's compression zone resistance and first shear cracking load equations whose results were compared with those fr...
Abstract/Overview Virtual learning systems are becoming an increasingly common form of education due to the need for a platform that provides ability to connect people with required sets of skills, regardless of their location in the world. However, user satisfaction has always been a major factor in the success of software, regardless of whether the software is proprietary or freeware (such as open source software). Although user-centred designs are gaining recognition among virtual lear...
Abstract Arc-welding coatings are extensively employed within the informal sectors of many African countries to repair various machine components, such as gear teeth, machine shafts, bushings, and many others. In the pursuit of advancing steel component repair techniques, this study investigates the surface properties of mild steel plates coated with alumina using the Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding process. Mild steel wire of diameter 1.6 mm, alumina particles of size 1 µm, and mild steel pl...
Abstract Access to safe water and sanitation is a basic human right and is enshrined in the sustainable development goal 6. Consequently, resources have been channeled towards development and improvement of water sources. Unlike surface water, the demand for groundwater is increasing due to its preserved quality, affordable development capital and drought resilience. Population density has resulted into entry of pollutants into aquifers because of reduced distance between the pollutants and ...
Abstract Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a novel and environmentally friendly type of concrete that eliminates the use of cement, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions and a more sustainable construction material. Alkaline activators are used in GPC to achieve rapid strength development. The most popular alkaline activators are sodium/potassium silicate and sodium/potassium hydroxide, which are known contributors to carbon emissions, hence limiting the advantages of GPC; ther...
Abstract Designing foundations, particularly highway pavements, on black cotton soil has consistently posed a delinquent for engineers, as structures supported by this type of black cotton soil are prone to unexpected cracking and settlement. The issue this study aims to solve is the lack of appropriate performance materials for use as road subgrade in regions with black cotton soil. This study aims to inspect if a mixture of silica sand and lime can be used to advance the mechanical propert...
Abstract In this research, comparative investigation of the effect of selected natural polymers with the chemically synthesis imported polymer on threaded assemblies was carried out. The investigation involved the extraction of rubber and cashew resin using the continuous tapping method and ackee aril resin by the soxhlet extraction method, respectively. Stabilization of resin density, pH and viscosity was carried out by the addition of ZnO in different weight percentage of 3, 5, 7, and 10% ...
ABSTRACT The use of solar energy through photovoltaic systems has seen rapid growth in recent years due to its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. However, one of the main challenges that PV systems face is the accumulation of dust and debris on solar panels, which can significantly reduce their efficiency. To address this problem, we propose the design and development of a solar cell cleaning robot. This project aims to create an autonomous robot capable of cleaning solar panels e...
Remote areas that are not within the maximum breakeven grid extension distance limit will not be economical or feasible for grid connections to provide electrical power to the community (remote area). An integrated autonomous sustainable energy system is a feasible option. We worked on a novel multi optimization electrical energy assessment/power management system of a microgrid network that adopted combined dispatch, load-following, and cycle-charging strategies (control system) that acted a...
COVID-19 outbreak has rapidly disseminated across the globe, with severe consequences on humanity. Personal protective polymeric materials (PPPM) or personal protective equipments (PPE) are effective barrier protection against bodily fluid penetration and is compulsory for medical personnel to wear during medication of highly contagious COVID-19 patients in varying hospital wards across the globe to ensure protection against contraction. Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in textiles have avail...
2-D nanomaterials (NM) including graphene as well as transitional metallic dichalcogenides exhibit great prospects to enlarge the scope of materials utilized by the military. Specifically, they demonstrate importance in electrical energy storage uses. Due to sheet-like architectures and elevated electronic dissipation, 2-D NM can utilize efficient techniques of energy storage for defense applications. Emerging from medium (vehicles) towards miniature electronic sizes, gadgets such as batterie...
Abstract/Overview Tea, produced from the evergreen plant, Camellia Sinensis, is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Although tea processing has now diversified into various speciality end products such as instant, white, oolong, iced, flavoured, and various blends, the most abundantly produced tea product in the world is fermented black tea. Black tea production is essentially a “dry” process, as no water is used at any of the production process steps. However ...
Abstract The element of risk taking in entrepreneurial orientation reflects calculated and manageable risks. Risk taking is a dominant attribute of entrepreneurship as the higher the risk-taking orientation, the higher a firm’s profitability and growth. This purpose of this paper was to establish the influence of entrepreneurial risk taking and firm performance of agro processing small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study findings revealed that risk taking has a positive impact on fi...
Abstract The evaluation of research and indeed any aspect of science and engineering is a complex process. Engineering research encompasses a wide range of creative, theoretical and practical activities involving many communities within a country and beyond. Such diversity, both in the communities of interest that science and engineering serves, and in the character of the research itself, poses a number of challenges to the assessment of excellence. All those responsible for the funding of ...