SERC Scholarly Articles

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11071/3964

Browse

Browsing SERC Scholarly Articles by Author "Bakkabulindi, G."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    A heuristic model for planning of single wire earth return power distribution systems
    (Power and Energy Systems and Applications, PESA, ) Da Silva, Izael; Da Silva, I. P; Bakkabulindi, G.; Mohammad, R. H.; Amelin, M.; Lugujjo, E.
    The planning of distribution networks with earth return is highly dependent on the ground's electrical properties. This study incorporates a load flow algorithm for Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks into the planning of such systems. The earth's variable conductive properties are modelled into the load flow algorithm and the model considers load growth over different time periods. It includes optimal conductor selection for the SWER system and can also be used to forecast when an initially selected conductor will need to be upgraded. The planning procedure is based on indices derived through an iterative heuristic process that aims to minimize losses and investment costs subject to load flow constraints. A case study in Uganda is used to test the model's practical application.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Rural electrification practicalities of using single wire earth return for low cost grid extension - the case of Ntenjeru Uganda
    (International Conference on Energy and Sustainability, 2009-08) Bakkabulindi, G.; Da Silva, I. P.; Lugujjo, E.; Da Silva, Izael
    The fact that the vast majority of Uganda’s rural areas remain un-electrified makes it imperative that low cost distribution technologies be implemented in order to provide affordable electricity to rural households. Such low cost technologies include the Shield Wire System (SWS), Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) and appropriate engineering techniques. The SWER technology is presented in this paper as well as the implications of its proposed implementation for electrification of the village of Ntenjeru in Uganda. While SWER can reduce the costs of electrification by more than a third compared to conventional high tension transmission lines, there are stringent grounding and safety issues as well as load capacity constraints involved. Furthermore, with the earth used as a current return path, soil resistivity analysis is important in these systems. Since soil resistivity can vary sharply over varying terrain and in different weather conditions, robust SWER systems have to be carefully designed. An analysis of the financial and electrical load implications of this technology in Uganda’s local conditions will be presented and its viability as a sustainable method for electric energy distribution in the chosen case study area.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Small scale carbon sequestration using solar powered LED Lanterns: A case study in Uganda
    (Small PV-Applications Rural, ) Da Silva, Izael; Silva, I. P.; Sendegeya , A.; Bakkabulindi, G.
    The quest for reducing GHG emissions has got a great deal of opportunities in Africa. From the energy forests, short rotation coppice, to reducing paraffin use for lighting purposes we find a wide field of initiatives with the power to greatly impact climate change and global warming. The present study is one of the said initiatives. In Uganda 7 out of 10 people use paraffin for lighting. It is not surprising in a country where less than 10% of the population has access to electricity and more than 85% of the population still cooks with firewood and charcoal. A sample of 100 households in an area with no electricity was chosen to purchase at subsidized price the solar lanterns and a logbook system were put into place to check how much paraffin were spared. A monitoring, verification and evaluation system was followed to assess also other issues apart from carbon sequestration such as change of behavioural patterns, use of saved money, product improvement, etc. Another 100 households with no LED lanterns were used as control sample. The study was done in cooperation with Uganda Carbon Bureau. This institution provides support to such initiatives. Lessons learned and best practices are included.