Gloria V Odo

Clustering historical electricity consumption data is very important for creating representative demand profiles for the planning and operation of the power grids. This paper investigates a multi-dimensional framework for data clustering, which takes scattering and separation metrics, as well as the number of clusters into account. A combination of wavelet mutation with the Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO) method for clustering features is proposed. One notable advantage of the IWO method over other metaheuristic optimization algorithms is its ability to dynamically adapt the number of weed colonies during the search process, resulting in improved exploration and exploitation of the search space. The proposed strategy is applied to cluster the electricity consumption data from a large municipal government center in Perth, Western Australia. The suggested method is then evaluated by comparing it with the well-known method in the literature, namely, the k-means technique. After the data clustering, the obtained results are implemented in the design of a multi-microgrid system under two different scenarios of cooperative and noncooperative modes. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the proposed method is implemented on the operational planning of a real multi-microgrid distribution system in Western Australia using linear programming to take the advantage of the mathematical-based solvers. After performing some investigations, the cooperative mechanism, where the microgrids have participated in supplying the demand of microgrids was found to yield to greater operational and investment cost minimimzation. In terms of numerical comparison, the total cost in the cooperative model is 6.5% lower than that in a non-cooperative situation.

Energy is a key enabler in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as energy plays the pivotal role in ending poverty and hunger, providing healthcare, education, and water, as well as sustaining economic growth and protecting the environment. Consequently, since the SDGs are executable only at local and national levels, mainstreaming the SDGs into local/national development planning will put pressure on the country’s energy sector. Considering the broad scope of the SDGs, countries will prioritize different SDG targets based on their urgencies, resources, and capabilities. However, energy linkages with the SDGs and their targets are complex, with direct and indirect connections, synergies, and trade-offs. More importantly, there is a lack of capacity among policymakers to be able to develop an SDGs-responsive energy plan, as there is no guidance on how the impact of linkages can be translated into local/national energy planning. This study aims to examine the complexity of the interconnections between energy and the SDGs, as well as give examples of how these linkages can be quantified. Twenty-five SDG targets with direct links to energy are identified in this study, and a map of the multidimensional interaction between them are presented. The study also provides examples of quantification of the targets/indicators into their energy requirements. The results of the study will help energy planners and policymakers forecast energy demand more accurately for energy planning and policies under the SDGs regime.

The optimal biogas system design model (OBSDM) described in this paper is intended to be used as a decision-making tool to increase awareness of the potential of biogas technology for different applications in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The decision-making tool identifies the most suitable biodigester design based on user defined inputs, including energy and fertiliser requirements; feedstock (type, amount, and rate of supply); water supply; land use (area, soil type, ground water level); climate (temperature and rainfall); construction materials available locally; and the priorities (based on sustainability criteria) of the intended biogas user. The output of the model provides a recommended design with estimates of the expected costs, energy and fertiliser production, and links to contact biodigester suppliers. In order to test the model, data from household surveys conducted in rural regions of Kenya and Cameroon were used as inputs to the model. An innovative fixed dome biodigester design, which uses stabilised soil blocks instead of bricks, was identified as optimal for both Kenyan and Cameroonian rural households. The expected performance of the optimal biogas system design from the model output was consistent with survey data on existing biogas systems in the region.

Optimising voltage levels to a controlled stable level at a facility can not only reduce the cost of energy but also enhance equipment performance, prolong equipment life, reduce maintenance costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Voltage optimisation (VO) technology has been widely used in a number of different industries locally and internationally, but not to a large extent within the red meat processing sector in Australia. To determine whether VO technology can be implemented, and whether it is technically and economically viable for red meat processing sites, this study investigated, through case study analyses, the potential effectiveness of VO technology in Australian abattoirs. Through an extensive literature survey, the study initially explored the need and considerations of deploying VO technologies at a typical red meat processing plant. To determine the advantages of using VO technology the study then performed site analyses to investigate power quality (PQ) issues, such as voltage regulation, harmonics and power factor, at two typical medium-sized abattoirs, one in Western Australia and another in Queensland. Finally, an economic assessment of the use of VO in the red meat processing industry was undertaken to identify the potential electricity savings and payback periods. From the case study analyses, it is evident that power quality issues, such as under voltage, overvoltage, and harmonic distortion, can be reduced and significant energy savings can be achieved with the optimum selection of VO technology and voltage level. The outcomes of this study will enable engineering and operations staff to be better informed about the economic and technical benefits of (and possible issues with) using VO technologies in an abattoir.

Biogas technology has been recognised as a suitable technology for improving energy access, waste management, and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Uptake of the technology in the region has been sporadic and currently dissemination programmes are limited to five countries. The main barriers hindering larger dissemination include high installation costs, inadequate user training, insufficient servicing, and inappropriate designs. Poor design choices, mainly due to overlooking the user energy needs and local conditions, contribute to the short lifespan of many installed biogas systems. This research aims to address the gap in appropriate designs of biogas systems through the development of a model that identifies optimal designs for particular applications in SSA based on user defined priorities of sustainability criteria. TOPSIS, a multi-criteria decision making method is used in the model to identify the optimal system based on the priority rating of the criteria and the designs that are feasible according to the main parameters. The model was applied to a typical Kenyan household where a 9 m3 modified CAMARTEC solid state digester was identified as the optimal biogas system.

This paper aims to provide a broad review and assessment of the feedstocks and applicable biogas technologies that are feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Biodigesters and feedstocks available in SSA were identified according to scale and application – household, community, institutional, and commercial. Aside from livestock manure, suitable feedstocks for household, community, and institutional biodigesters include crop residues, night soil/domestic sewage, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Significant untapped feedstocks exist from SSA agro-processing and food production industries. Biodigesters available in SSA for household, community, and institutional installations include variations of fixed dome, plug flow, and floating cover digesters. Commercial digester designs applicable to the region include continuously stirred tank reactors and fixed film digesters. The key factors that need to be considered in selecting suitable biodigester designs for specific applications include: feedstock availability, water supply, energy demand, local materials and labour, and the level of commitment to operate and maintain the biodigester effectively.

Biogas technology has the potential to provide benefits to three priority areas in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): energy supply, sanitation, and food security. Despite this, uptake of biogas systems has been slow and sporadic in the region. This review paper investigates what has prevented widespread dissemination of the technology in SSA by looking at the key barriers in the region, as well as identifying the main opportunities and the lessons that can be learned from successful biogas dissemination experiences in Rwanda, Tanzania, China, India, and Nepal. Installation costs, limited awareness and training for biogas users and insufficient follow-up services were recognised as being among the key barriers. SSA has favourable conditions for biogas technology, namely a suitable tropical climate in most parts of the region, a dominance of agricultural activities, and interest in alternatives to expensive conventional energy services. The region's favourable conditions therefore provide opportunities for increasing uptake of the technology. Experiences in other regions highlighted the importance of the government in supporting the biogas sector through suitable policies and incentives. Collaboration between research institutions, governmental departments, and biogas users, both current and future, was also recognised as being vital to improve the technology's dissemination and appropriate, long-term use.