http://hdl.handle.net/11189/1102 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:53:04 GMT 2026-08-12T08:53:04Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/10092 Title: Empowering distribution system operators: a review of distributed energy resource forecasting techniques Authors: Fose, Nande; Singh, Arvind R.; Krishnamurthy, Senthil; Ratshitanga, Mukovhe; Moodley, Prathaban Abstract: Effective management of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and optimization of grid operations are crucial responsibilities of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Hence, this comprehensive critical review aims to analyze the current state of DER forecasting practices for DSOs and their implications for achieving the SDG goals. These goals underscore the significance of clean and accessible energy, advancements in infrastructure, sustainable urban development, climate change mitigation, and collaborative partnerships. The review’s core focuses on the DER forecasting techniques employed by DSOs. It explores various aspects, including data collection methods, load forecasting models, DER generation forecasting, aggregation and integration techniques, and the role of advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. The review highlights the critical role of accurate DER forecasts in optimizing grid operations, managing energy flows, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the review examines the implications of DER forecasting for DSOs in achieving the SDGs. It discusses how DER forecasting facilitates the transition to affordable and clean energy, enhances industry innovation and infrastructure, builds sustainable cities and communities, drives climate action efforts, and fosters stakeholder partnerships. However, the review also identifies challenges and limitations in DER forecasting, including data availability, forecasting accuracy, uncertainty management, and regulatory barriers. It emphasizes further research and development in improved forecasting algorithms, advanced data analytics, and enhanced communication and coordination mechanisms. Finally, this comprehensive critical review highlights the importance of DER forecasting for DSOs in achieving the SDGs. Accurate forecasting can promote sustainable and clean energy practices, drive innovation, build resilient communities, mitigate climate change, and foster collaborative partnerships. The review emphasizes the necessity of advancing DER forecasting techniques and addressing associated challenges to fully realize the potential of DERs in contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future. This comprehensive critical review aims to analyze the current state of DER forecasting practices for DSOs and their implications for achieving the SDG goals. As Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) play an increasingly significant role in the transition to sustainable energy systems, accurate forecasting techniques are essential for optimizing grid operations and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. By effectively managing DERs, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) contribute to the advancement of several SDGs, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). This review explores the intersection of DER forecasting with the SDGs, highlighting how forecasting initiatives can support national and global efforts toward sustainable development by providing insights into energy demand, grid stability, and renewable energy integration. The goals and targets are derived from an analysis of current trends and the identification of potential development scenarios by 2030. Both optimistic and pessimistic projections are utilized for communicating with the general public and national governments concerning DSM network planning. Utilizing data from various nations enables the identification of effective strategies and the prediction of similar trends in other areas. Simultaneously, the magnitude of activities related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) enables the improvement and efficient organization of data gathering on a global basis. This, in turn, provides a foundation for future forecasting endeavours. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/10092 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/9043 Title: Trends in ethylene management strategies: towards mitigating postharvest losses along the South African value chain of fresh produce – a review Authors: Mabusela, Bongolwethu P.; Belay, Zinash A.; Godongwana, Buntu; Pathak, Namrata; Mahajan, Pramod V.; Mathabe, Patricia M.K.; Caleb, Oluwafemi J. Abstract: The management of ethylene during postharvest storage is of critical importance to fresh produce wholesalers and retailers. The management of ethylene is an important determinant of the quality and shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables. Ethylene blocking action and ethylene removal via potassium permanganate, photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation have been extensively researched and applied on a commercial scale to manage the impacts of ethylene postharvest. However, these techniques have certain inherent limitations that make them ineffective for long-term postharvest applications. This review therefore focuses on ethylene removal strategies during postharvest handling, and characterisation of the merits and demerits of such strategies. In addition, it provides an overview of emerging techniques such as photolysis, photocatalytic oxidation and ozone-assisted catalytic oxidation, as alternatives for ethylene management along the postharvest value chains. The intent of this review was to guide the development of more effective ethylene management technologies for long-term application in the South African fruit industry. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/9043 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8813 Title: The microstructure and mechanical properties of the friction stir processed TIG-welded aerospace dissimilar aluminium alloys Authors: Mabuwa, Sipokazi; Msomi, Velaphi; Muribwathoho, Oritonda; Motshwanedi, Sharon Saasebeng Abstract: The AA6082-T651 and AA8011-H14 dissimilar aluminium alloys were utilised in this study. The dissimilar aluminium alloys were joined using tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding technique. TIG welding is the most used welding technique for aerospace engineering applications. However, the joining of dissimilar alloys comes with its drawbacks. The friction stir processing technique comes as a microstructural modifying technique to improve the associated joint defects. The TIG-welded AA6082/AA8011 dissimilar aluminium joints were studied comparatively with the friction stir processed TIG-welded AA6082/AA8011 joints. This was done to investigate the impact of the friction stir processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the said TIG-welded joints. The results showed that the application of FSP on the TIG-welded joints resulted in a decrease of minimum grain size of 12.41 to 3.68 mm. The ultimate tensile strength increased from 86.9 to 90.2 MPa. The stir zone hardness also increased from 55 to 68 HV. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/8813 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/6953 Title: A review of current technology for biodiesel production: State of the art Authors: Aransiola, Elizabeth Funmilayo; Ojumu, Tunde Victor; Oyekola, Oluwaseun; Madzimbamuto, Tafirenyika Nyamayaro Abstract: This article reviews various technologies that have been used for biodiesel production till date, with a view to comparing commercial suitability of these methods on the basis of available feedstocks and associated challenges. This review shows that while emphasis is on the use of micro alga oil sources, the viability of the economics of the process is still in doubt. Homogenously catalyzed processes are the conventional technologies. However, their large-scale applicability is compromised due to their characteristic challenges. Batch processes and continuous processes are used for industrial purposes with typical capacity of 7.26e7.5 Gg y 1 and 8e125 Gg y 1 respectively, and heterogeneous catalysis may be sustainable for the continuous processes. Heterogeneous catalysts from renewable sources may be both environmentally and economically viable. Reactive distillation has the major advantage of combining the reaction and separation stages in a single unit, thereby significantly reducing capital costs and increasing opportunities for heat integration. This paper is a comprehensive overview of current technologies and appropriate options for scale-up development, providing the basis for a proposal for the exploitation of heterogeneous catalysts from natural sources to optimize biodiesel production. Description: Article Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/6953 2013-11-23T00:00:00Z