EPPEI Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute - 2018-2019 Programme
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Eskom Power Plant
Engineering Institute
EPPEI
2018-2019 Programme
Eskom Academy of Learning
Driving towards Engineering Excellence
How to join EPPEI
Acknowledgements Are you interested in advancing your engineering career in
Eskom through EPPEI? Below are the minimum requirements
Prof Alison Lewis – University of Cape Town and how to apply.
Prof Ian Jandrell – University of the Witwatersrand
The minimum requirements to apply for admission into the EPPEI programme for 2018 are:
Prof LJ Grobler – North-West University
Prof Sunil Maharaj – University of Pretoria • an Engineering or BTech degree (BSc or BEng)
• must be interested in obtaining an MSc degree or MTech or MEng in one of the specialisation areas
Prof Cristina Trois – University of KwaZulu-Natal listed in this document either at a University or a University of Technology (UoT)
Prof Hansie Knoetze – Stellenbosch University • an overall average final year mark of 60% and above
Candidates need to attend a short preparatory program at the Eskom Academy of Learning during
August/September in 2017 prior to registration at a University or UoT. Candidates will be allowed to
register at the University or UoT after successful completion of the screening exams.
The process for the intake of students for 2018 will start during June 2017. Keep an eye out for the
advertisements primarily on Eskom’s intranet! Candidates are also invited to apply for the Postgraduate
Qualification (PG-Q) stream to commence in 2018. Different courses are on offer at universities across
the country which result in Postgraduate qualification relevant to the power industry.
In preparation for the application prospective students are required to submit the following documentation:
• certified copies of ID, degree and academic record
• short description of your responsibilities and main outputs over the last six months
• short resume and motivation for admission into the programme
• a single colour passport size photo
• a research topic title and description and possible industrial mentor
For further information and to apply online, please visit our website at http://www.eppei.co.za/how-
to-apply.html
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd Reg No 2002/015527/30
Issued by Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute – July 2018
EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme
Contents Foreword by Dr Titus Mathe 1
1 Foreword by Dr Titus Mathe 1 Nelson Mandela said that education is a powerful weapon that can be used to change the world. We
2 EPPEI Eskom management team 2 currently find ourselves in challenging times and it is imperative that we equip our staff to adapt and deal
with the challenges that we are faced with now, and those that may present themselves in the future.
3 Universities consortium management team 5
The Eskom Power Plant Engineering institute (EPPEI) is a partnership between Eskom and academia
4 Specialisation Centre academic representatives 6 to improve the skills and knowledge of the electric power industry and more specifically, Eskom’s
5 Completed project summaries 18 workforce. EPPEI has grown from strength to strength since it was first launched in 2012. Despite the
6 Current students – research topics 29 many challenges, the unwavering support from Eskom management and our academic partners have
ensured that EPPEI continues to grow to serve Eskom’s needs. Last year, we had 42 graduates, bringing
7 Student workshop 54
the total number of master’s and doctoral graduates to 154 since EPPEI’s inception, and the numbers
are expected to increase significantly. We currently have more than 200 masters and doctoral students
registered on the programme, all of whom are working closely with industrial mentors and academic
supervisors on Eskom-specific challenges.
EPPEI leverages the classic benefits of close collaboration between industry and academia to provide
Eskom’s employees with opportunities to study towards a masters or doctoral degree whilst
simultaneously addressing Eskom-specific technical challenges. Skills and knowledge can be improved
by participating in the master’s programme, post-graduate qualification programme or the engineering
practitioner programme. This year, EPPEI seeks to build on the co-operation we have in place with
our Universities of Technology and Previously Disadvantaged Universities who will be involved in
research and the development of specialised training courses for Eskom’s engineering practitioners.
Communication platforms between Eskom specialists, academics and students will be strengthened
through established EPPEI governance structures and relevant Eskom technical forums. This will serve
both to share and grow the body of knowledge that can ultimately be utilized to improve Eskom’s
technical performance.
Dr Titus Mathe
EPPEI Programme Director
“This year will no doubt bring new, significant
challenges for the industry but I am confident
that the EPPEI team will continue to support
Eskom, as we adapt to tackle these challenges.”
EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 1
2 EPPEI Eskom Management Team
Name Dr Titus Mathe Name Andrew Johnson
Position EPPEI Programme Director Position Chief Learning Officer
Email MatheZT@eskom.co.za Email JohnsoAJ@eskom.co.za
Name Ouma Bosaletsi Name Sumaya Nassiep
Position EPPEI Research Lead Position General Manager: Research Testing & Development
Email MotaleOE@eskom.co.za Email NassieS@eskom.co.za
Name Riekie Swanepoel Name Ravi Moodley
Position EPPEI Research Lead Position Senior Manager: Eskom Academy of Learning
Email SwanepHF@eskom.co.za Email Moodleru@eskom.co.za
Name Morakanele Thipe Name Roman Pietrasik
Position Project Manager Position Contracts Manager
Email ThipeM@eskom.co.za Email PietraWR@eskom.co.za
2 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 3
EPPEI Eskom Management Team continued... Universities consortium management team 3
Name Louis Jestin
Name Abré le Roux
Position Technical Advisor – Tx/Dx Position Interim Consortium Director Mechanical Engineering
(UCT)
Tel +27 43 703 5484
Tel +27 21 650 3239
Email abre.leroux@eskom.co.za
Email louis.jestin@uct.ac.za
Name Carolynn Koekemoer Name Bradley Oaker
Position Senior Advisor Position EPPEI Consortium General Manager
Tel +27 13 693 2032 Tel +27 21 650 1932
Email koekemCI@eskom.co.za Email bradley.oaker@uct.ac.za
Name Sara Booley
Position Consortium Administrative Officer
Tel +27 21 650 2043
Email sara.booley@uct.ac.za
Name Bernadene Minnaar
Position Consortium Administrative Officer
Tel +27 21 650 2037
Email bernadene.minnaar@uct.ac.za
4 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 5
4 EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives
EPPEI specialisation centre in Energy Efficiency Partner Universities:
at University of Cape Town
Nelson Mandela University
Name A/Prof Wilhelm Fuls
Position Coordinator, Senior Lecturer
Dept Mech. Eng. (UCT)
Education PhD Nuclear Eng. (NWU) Name Igor Gorlach
Tel 021 650 2600 / 083 417 7494 Position Professor & Chair
Email wim.fuls@uct.ac.za Dept Mechatronics (NMU)
Interests Engineering design and Thermo-fluid Tel 041 504 3289
process modeling Email Igor.Gorlach@nmmu.ac.za
Name Priyesh Gosai
Position Programme Manager Vaal University of Technology
Dept Mech. Eng. (UCT)
Education MSc (UCT)
Name Prof Alfayo Alugongo
Tel 021 650 5720
Position Head of Department
Email Priyesh.gosai@uct.ac.za
Dept Mechanical Engineering
Interests Power Plant Condition Monitoring
Education PhD
Tel 016 950 9302
Email AlfayoA@vut.ac.za
Interests Condition monitoring and vibrations
Name Pieter Rousseau
Position Professor
Dept Mech. Eng. (UCT)
Education PhD Mech. Eng. (UP)
Tel 021 650 5822
Email pieter.rousseau@uct.ac.za
6 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 7
EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives continued...
EPPEI specialisation centre in Combustion Partner Universities:
Engineering at University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
Name Walter Schmitz
Position Coordinator, Professor
Dept School of Mechanical Industrial and
Aeronautical Engineering (Wits) Name Dr Daniel Madyira
Education PhD Mech. Eng. Tel 076 029 8563
Tel 011 717 7047 Email dmadyira@uj.ac.za
Email Walter.Schmitz@wits.ac.za Interests Fluid Mechanics, Heat transfer and
Interests Computational Fluid Dynamics Strength of Materials
Name Reshendren Naidoo
Position Lecturer/Researcher Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Dept School of Mechanical Industrial and
Aeronautical Engineering (Wits)
Education MEng Eng. Man. (UP)
Tel 072 246 4233 Name Prof Stephen Bosman
Email Reshendren.naidoo@wits.ac.za Position Co-ordinator of Postgraduate Studies
Interests Numerical Combustion Tel 061 406 5065
Email bosmans@cput.ac.za
Interests Industry 4.0, Risk, Systems Engineering
8 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 9
EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives continued...
EPPEI specialisation centre in Emission Control at
North-West University Partner Universities:
Name Stuart Piketh
Position Coordinator, Professor Vaal University of Technology
Dept Unit for Environmental Science & Mngmnt
& Chemical Resource Beneficiation
Education PhD (Wits)
Tel 018 299 1582 Name Dr Hilary Limo Rutto
Email Stuart.Piketh@nwu.ac.za Position Senior Lecturer
Interests Atmospheric and environmental impacts Dept Chemical Engineering (VUT)
Tel 016 950 9598
Email hilaryr@vut.ac.za
Name Hein Neomagus
Position Professor
Dept School of Chemical & Minerals Engineering
Education PhD (University of Twente, NL)
Tel 018 299 1535 University of Venda
Email Hein.neomagus@nwu.ac.za
Interests Coal conversion and characterisation, reactor
modelling, membrane processes
Name Prof John Ogony Odiyo
Position Professor and Dean
Dept School of Environmental Sciences
Name Louis le Grange
Position NWU EPPEI Adminstrator Tel 015 962 8511
Dept School of Chemical & Minerals Engineering Email John.Odiyo@univen.ac.za
Education M. Eng. Mech. (NWU)
Tel 018 2991664
Email 10066578@nwu.ac.za
Interests Multiphase flows
Tshwane University of Technology
Name Dr Dawie Branken
Position NWU EPPEI Researcher Name Dr Aloys O. Akumu
Dept School of Chemical & Minerals Engineering Position Senior Lecturer
Education PhD Chem. NWU Dept Electrical Engineering
Tel 018 299 1953 Tel 013 655 3232
Email dawie.branken@nwu.ac.za
Email akumuao@tut.ac.za
Interests Emissions control, electrostatics, reaction kinetics,
computational modelling
10 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 11
EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives continued...
EPPEI specialisation centre in Materials and EPPEI specialisation centre in Asset Management
Mechanics at University of Cape Town at University of Pretoria
Name Robert Knutsen Name Stephan Heyns
Position Professor, Head of Department Position Coordinator, Professor
Dept Mechanical Engineering (UCT) Dept Mechanical and Aeronautical
Education PhD (UCT) Engineering (UP)
Tel 021 650 4959 Education PhD (UP)
Email Robert.knutsen@uct.ac.za Tel 012 420 2432
Interests Materials microstructure, electron Email Stephan.heyns@up.ac.za
microscopy Interests Machine and structural health monitoring
Name Dr Richard Curry Name Prof Johann Wannenberg
Position Senior Research Officer Position EPPEI Curriculum Committee
Dept Mechanical Engineering (UCT) Dept Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering
Education MSc. Eng. (UCT) Tel 012 420 3695
Tel 021 650 2744 Email johann.wannenburg@up.ac.za
Email rj.curry@uct.ac.za Interests Life cycle management, condition
Interests Mat characterisation, structural monitoring, maintenance engineering
response, DIC, numerical modelling
Partner University: Partner University:
Nelson Mandela University Tshwane University of Technology
Name Dr Johan Westraadt
Position Senior Researcher Name Dr Dawood A Desai
Dept Centre for HRTEM Position Acting Section Head Mechanical
Education PhD (NMMU) Dept Mechanical Engineering (TUT)
Tel 041 504 2301 Tel 012 382 5886
Email Johan.westraadt@nmmu.ac.za Email desaida@tut.ac.za
12 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 13
EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives continued...
EPPEI specialisation centre in High Voltage Alternating EPPEI specialisation centre in High Voltage Direct
Current (AC) at University of the Witwatersrand Current at University of KwaZulu-Natal
Name John van Coller Name Dave Dorrell
Position Coordinator, Senior Lecturer Position Coordinator, Professor
Dept School of Electrical and Information Dept Eskom CoE HVDC and FACTS (UKZN)
Engineering (Wits) Education PhD (Cambridge), MSc (Bradford),
Education PhD BEng (Leeds)
Tel 011 717 7211 Tel 031 260 2730 / 7024
Email John.vancoller@wits.ac.za Email dorreld@ukzn.ac.za
Interests Power system modelling, high voltage Interests Electrical machinery, renewable energy,
power systems
engineering
Name Hugh Hunt Name Andrew Swanson
Position Lecturer Position Senior Lecturer
Dept School of Electrical and Information Dept Electrical, Electronic and Computer
Engineering (Wits) Engineering
Education MSc(Eng) Education PhD (Wits)
Tel 011 717 7254 Tel 031 260 2713
Email hugh.hunt@wits.ac.za Email swanson@ukzn.ac.za
Interests High voltage, lightning Interests High voltage engineering
Partner University: Partner University:
University of Johannesburg Durban University of Technology
Name Dr Wesley Doorsamy
Education PhD (Electrical Engineering) Name Mr Eamon Bussy
Tel 011 559 6094 / 072 570 9629 Position Senior Lecturer
Email wdoorsamy@uj.ac.za Dept Steve Biko Campus
Interests Condition monitoring on electrical Tel 031 373 2062
machines, intelligent diagnostics Email eamonb@dut.ac.za
14 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 15EPPEI Specialisation Centre
academic representatives continued...
EPPEI specialisation centre in Renewable Energy
at Stellenbosch University Partner Universities:
Name Bernard Bekker Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Position Coordinator, EPPEI Research Committee Chair
Education PhD (Electrical Engineering)
Tel 021 808 4041 / 082 581 5004
Email bbekker@sun.ac.za Name Dr Naim Rassool
Interests Power system studies Position Director SARETEC (CPUT)
Tel 021 959 4231
Email rassooln@cput.ac.za
Name Karin Kritzinger
Position Programme Manager, Senior Researcher
Tel 021 808 3605 / 082 412 4466
Email karink@sun.ac.za Central University of Technology
Interests Electricity tariffs, energy modelling
Name Herman Vermaak
Position Professor
Dept Electrical, Electronic & Computer Eng.
Name Ndamulelo Mararakanye Tel 051 507 3898
Position Research Engineer Email hvermaak@cut.ac.za
Education BSc (Eng), MSc (Eng) (UCT)
Tel 021 808 3605 / 072 338 2142
Email ndamulelo@sun.ac.za
Interests Power system studies
16 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 17C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student
Nikki Basson (Energy Efficiency)
Email: nicol.rous@gmail.com
5 Completed projects Industrial mentor
Russell Tarr
Academic supervisor
Wim Fuls
The following students have Studying water-wedging as a cause for short term overheating in the
completed their studies boiler of a coal-fired power plant
through EPPEI over the
last year. The purpose of this study was to investigate the root cause of the failure known as short term overheating,
which is usually attributed to a water blockage formed within the tube due to over-attemperation, and to
verify the validity thereof. A transient flow model was constructed and verified by comparing its results with
a numerical model developed from fundamental principles. Once the simulation modelling methodology
was confirmed, the model was modified to resemble the geometry of a final superheater outlet leg setup
to facilitate direct comparison with a pendant boiler component as found on a power plant. A number of
scenarios were executed in transient state on the model at different boiler loads. The results showed that
short term overheating is unlikely to occur. The stresses exerted over the tube wall and throughout the tube
length is not enough to overcome the yield stress of the superheater tube material. Thus, the claim of over-
attemperation as the root cause of a short term overheating failure is improbable.
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Dr Arif Arif (Emissions Control) Leslie Borrill
Email: arifnwu@gmail.com
Industrial mentor
Industrial mentor Richard Candy
Mr Naushaad Haripersad
Academic supervisor
Academic supervisor Prof CT Gaunt
Prof Raymond Cecil Everson
The simulation of an industrial wet flue gas desulfurization absorber Duality derived topological model of single phase four limb
transformers for GIC and DC bias studies
The modelling of the slurry droplets injectors was successfully accomplished with a numerical model based
on an optimised number of parcel streams per injector to ensure uniform distribution of the slurry droplets Geomagnetic disturbances brought about by solar activity cause geo-electric fields in the earth that drive
in the absorber.The droplet and gas velocities were found to be within the ranges appropriate for controlling geomagnetically induced currents through the earthed neutrals of transformers and through power
conditions to avoid carryover of the smaller droplets in the outlet gas stream, and thus to ensure effective transmission networks. The flow of these currents cause the magnetic cores of transformers to half-wave
operation of the mist eliminator. The distortion of slurry droplets was found to be insignificant with the saturate. Saturated transformers pose problems for power system operators since they can cause harmonics,
largest effect occurring near the flue gas inlet to the tower. The addition of the effect of evaporation in the transformer heating, mal-operation of protection relays, generator heating and vibration, and consume a
model proved to be important to precisely describe the temperature and moisture concentration profiles large reactive power that can cause voltage collapse. Network studies of slow transient phenomena such as
within the absorber. The chemical model was successfully developed and implemented in the CFD software transformer half-wave saturation require appropriate models to be developed. In this study a novel duality
by user defined coding, which couple the hydrodynamic model with SO2 mass transfer and related aqueous derived reversible model was developed of a single phase four limb transformer that included the non-step
phase equilibrium reactions. The model is able to predict the desulfurization efficiency, pH, enhancement lap butt type core joints. The pi model parameters and saturation characteristics were determined through
factor and species concentration at every droplet position in the absorber. laboratory testing and a complete pi model was presented.
18 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 19C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Jacques Brits (Asset Management) Colin Francois du Sart (Energy Efficiency)
Email: u11004623@tuks.co.za Email: dsrcol001@myuct.ac.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Michael Hindley Pieter Rousseau
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Stephan Heyns Pieter Rousseau
Probabilistic fatigue crack life estimation of a turbomachinery blade Design and prototyping of a dilute phase pneumatic conveying test
during resonance conditions facility
In this study, an approach has been developed to probabilistically estimate the fatigue crack life of a This project involved the design, development, prototyping, construction and commissioning of a dilute phase
turbomachinery blade during resonance operating conditions. The developed approach makes it possible pneumatic conveying test facility. The facility allows for accurate online monitoring and control of the particle
to assess the sensitivity of the life prediction to input parameters and calculate the probability of failure at and gas mass flow rates through a SCADA system developed using LabVIEW. A conceptual system layout for
a predefined crack length. A finite element model was used to create a reference database of cracks with a final test facility was also developed.This facility may be implemented and used to obtain accurate empirical
associated stress intensity factors of representative cracks within the blade under cyclic loading. To stimulate data associated with the pneumatic conveying of pulverised fuel and/or fly ash.
crack growth in the test specimens, a base excitation, at resonance, was applied and digital image correlation
was used to measure the crack growth. Raju-Newman formulations were employed on a simplified blade
geometry with a semi-elliptical crack to characterize the Paris Law material constants. A Monte Carlo
simulation was performed to estimate numerous fatigue crack lives taking material variations and modelling
uncertainties into account, which correlated well with experiments.
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Nicolas Cardenas (Materials and Mechanics) Ronald Graham du Toit (Asset Management)
Email: nicolas.cardenas@eskom.co.za Email: dutor06@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Mark Newby Dr DH Diamond
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Robert Knutsen Prof Stephan Heyns
Feasibility study into the use of digital image correlation (DIC) for A stochastic hybrid blade tip timing approach for the identification and
creep strain monitoring of fossil power plant welds classification of turbomachine blade damage
Within Eskom, creep damage is primarily quantified by way of metallographic replication (replicas). Although Blade Tip Timing (BTT) has been in existence for many decades as an attractive vibration based condition
well-known and used extensively, replicas, as with any technology, have their shortcomings including subjectivity monitoring technique for turbomachine blades. The technique is non-intrusive and online monitoring
during extraction and analysis, and cumbersome management of large quantities of physical replicas. These is possible. For these reasons, BTT may be regarded as a feasible technique to track the condition of
challenges can potentially be addressed by a technology known as digital image correlation - a non-contact, turbomachine blades, thus preventing unexpected and catastrophic failures. The processing of BTT data to
full field, deformation measurement technique. This study looks into the feasibility of setting up a DIC system, find the associated vibration characteristics is however non-trivial. In addition, these vibration characteristics
optimised for measuring strain, in an area of the pipework welds known as the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) – are difficult to validate, therefore resulting in great uncertainty of the reliability of BTT techniques. This study
the weakest part of the weldment. The achievable accuracy of this technique was established and the major proposed the use of a hybrid approach comprising of a stochastic Finite Element Model (FEM) based modal
parameters that affect DIC accuracy were investigated. Additionally, DIC’s potential to be used online, where analysis and a Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR) based BTT technique. The use of this stochastic hybrid
elevated temperatures are foreseen to introduce measurement errors, was investigated and conclusions on approach was demonstrated for the identification and classification of turbomachine blade damage and it has
its applicability in such a scenario established. shown many short- and long-term benefits for the practical implementation of this technique.
20 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 21C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Arnold J.J. Hayes (Asset Management) Ian Kuiler (Renewable Energy)
Email: ajjhayes@gmail.com Email: kuilerian@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Lukas J. Haarhoff Dr Nad Moodley
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Stephan Heyns Dr Marco Adonis
Characterisation of the core and winding vibrations of power Condition monitoring of squirrel cage induction generators in wind
transformers with regulator windings turbines
This study involved the characterisation of the core and winding vibrations of power transformers with regulator Eskom constructed Sere Wind Farm with a rated capacity of 100 MW in 2015, which is its largest renewable
windings by measuring the tank vibrations. The experimental tests were performed in the manufacturing energy power plant. Sere Wind Farm has 46 Siemens wind turbines with an individual capacity of 2.3 MW.
plant whilst the transformers under investigation were subjected to the standard factory acceptance tests. Due to a lack of skills and knowledge within Eskom, Siemens was offered an operating and maintenance
The test results show that the characteristics of the core and winding vibrations of transformers with and contract until 2020 to ensure the power facility provides reliable and cost effective power. Siemens uses its
without regulator windings are very similar, but in the case of transformers with regulator windings, the Turbine Condition Monitoring System to perform optimum maintenance using vibration monitoring, which
winding vibrations have a few more dependencies. Thus this research and experimental work provide is the most common condition monitoring technique for modern wind turbines. Vibration monitoring has
key insights into how the core and winding vibrations of power transformers with regulator windings are certain limitations such as the detection of electrical failures in components like the generator. To ensure
influenced by the regulator windings, how the tank vibrations of transformers with regulator windings should all forms of failures related to the generator are detected in advance, this study investigated a condition
be measured and the difference between the vibrations of transformers with and without regulator windings. monitoring technique for generator stator windings. This method can be used in conjunction with existing
Siemens maintenance strategies to provide optimum life cycle management of the wind turbines.
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Richard Huchzermeyer (Materials and Mechanics) Hendrik Frederik Laubscher (Renewable Energy)
Email: rlhuchzermeyer@gmail.com Email: hflaubscher@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Marthinus Bezuidenhout Prof Frank Dinter
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Dr T Becker Prof Theodor Willem von Backström
Measuring mechanical properties using digital image correlation (DIC): Developing and testing a cost effective thermal rock bed storage system
Extracting tensile and fracture properties from a single sample
In the concentrating solar power industry, thermal energy storage (TES) is an attractive solution for storing
A combined approach to extracting multiple material properties from in-plane (two-dimensional) surface excess energy for the periods with insufficient solar resource. The goal of a more cost effective TES for
displacements, measured on a single sample through DIC, has been developed assuming an isotropic linear concentrating solar power is to decrease the levelized cost of electricity. With thermal energy storage, a
elastic material. This approach utilizes the virtual fields method to obtain Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio renewable energy electricity production plant can deliver electricity on demand. The development of a
for a material. These tensile stiffness properties are in turn used as input to a non-linear least squares field novel cost effective TES for air at 600 °C with a unique system layout was covered in this project. The test
fitting approach, which is then used to obtain the critical stress intensity factor associated with a crack or facility has a scalable design of a specific concept of a packed rockbed TES system. A cost effective layout is
notch in a material. presented, with each component and subsystem optimized to reduce the installation cost of the TES test
facility. The experimental results show that the TES concept can be used for short term energy storage with
a usable energy recovery efficiency of 60 %. The overall performance of the TES system indicates that the
concept under consideration in this project still needs to be adapted to find an improved solution that is a
viable option to utilize in industry. Current challenges to improve the volume efficiency of the packed bed of
rocks and the energy recovery efficiency are identified in this project for future research.
22 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 23C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Matthew Molteno (Materials and Mechanics) Geoff Raikes (Energy Efficiency)
Email: mattmolteno@sun.ac.za Email: geoffraikes@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Marthinus Bezhuidenhout Prof Louis Jestin
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Thorsten Becker A/Prof Hennie Mouton
Measuring fracture properties using digital image and volume Temperature reconstruction and acoustic time of flight determination
correlation: decomposing the J-integral for mixed-mode parameters for boiler furnace exit temperature measurement
The degradation of material properties over time is one of the core constituents of structural integrity Acoustic pyrometry, a technique that measures temperature based on the travel time of an acoustic wave
monitoring. For this purpose, the materials’ resistance to brittle fracture is the most widely used property in a gas, has been identified as a viable solution for direct measurement of the furnace exit gas temperature.
in the determination of safe operation and predicting component life. Measuring such properties by This project focused on the use of acoustic pyrometry to reconstruct the temperature profile at the furnace
conventional methods presents challenges: large numbers of samples are needed, accounting for mixed- exit and methods for determining the time of flight of acoustic waves. An improved reconstruction technique
mode loading. Non- contact measurements by digital image correlation shows promise in extracting such using radial basis functions for interpolation and a least squares algorithm was simulated. Its performance was
parameters from in situ loaded structures, accounting for their complex geometry and loading. This thesis compared to cubic spline interpolation, regression and Lagrange interpolation by evaluating its reconstruction
developed a framework that allows for the extraction of mixed-mode brittle fracture properties, using three- accuracy in terms of mean and RMS error when reconstructing set temperature profiles. Various parameters
dimensional (3D) image correlation techniques: multi-camera Digital Image Correlation (stereo-DIC), and were investigated in terms of how they inform the acoustic pyrometry implementation. In addition to this, a
Digital Volume Correlation (DVC). low-cost experimental set-up was constructed to measure the TOF. The various signal processing methods
were applied to determine TOF and their accuracy was evaluated in the presence of noise.
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Seeralin Nayager (HVDC) Trisha Rasiawan (Materials and Mechanics)
Email: nayages@eskom.co.za Email: RasiawT@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Adesh Singh Marthinus Bezhuidenhout
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Andrew Swanson Prof Robert Knutsen
Transformer design considerations utilising natural ester oils The influence of prior creep damage on the fracture localisation in
X20CrMoV12-1 cross-weld creep tests
A multiphysics model that couples thermal performance and fluid performance was developed in COMSOL
for part of a typical transformer winding. The results of the model displayed the expected results, with the This study investigated the microstructural changes of X20CrMoV12-1 (X20) at various stages of creep
highest temperature occurring at the top of the winding. The boundary conditions were shown to be of high exposure.The severity of creep exposure renders the pipe exhausted and requires replacement, this involves
importance as changing the inlet velocity altered the performance of the winding. The difference between welding of new X20 pipe onto the creep exposed X20 pipe. In this study weldments comprising of new X20
mineral and ester oils is minimal in this particular study. However, it must be noted that the full transformer welded to creep-exposed X20 were creep tested until rupture. The weakest part of microstructure created
needs to be considered to have more accurate movement of fluid. The results from the FEM simulations by the welding was identified using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron
show that the electric field stresses are higher in the paper for ester oil than mineral oil. Due to the long gap backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The microstructural results show that the failure always occurred in a fine-
and streamer propagation in natural ester oil, high electric fields must be minimised as far as possible. Results grained section within the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the creep exposed X20, showing concentrated creep
of the model was used to make design suggestions for the transformer. cavitation in this area. This result is consistent with several observations made in previous studies.
24 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 25C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Christine Schutte (Emissions Control) Nicole Seumangal (Materials and Mechanics)
Email: schuttcr@eskom.co.za Email: SeumanN@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Naushaad Haripersad Thobeka Pete
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Prof Hein Neomagus Robert Knutsen
Value added utilisation possibilities of coal combustion products in Influence of the heat treatment procedure on the stress corrosion
South Africa cracking (SCC) behaviour of low pressure turbine blade material FV566
To reduce the environmental and economic impacts of the disposal of the coal ash and future Flue Gas In this study the SCC behaviour of LP turbine blade material (FV566) treated to different temperature
Desulphurisation (FGD) gypsum, alternative utilisation of these products was investigated. The proposed conditions was evaluated. For the 480°C tempered specimen, the failure mechanism was IGSCC by hydrogen
quality of FGD gypsum that can be expected from different South African limestone sources were evaluated. embrittlement. Intergranular SCC or sensitisation was observed for samples treated to temperatures 550 –
A Polish limestone and corresponding FGD gypsum sample was used as a base case in creating synthetic 620 °C.The 480°C and 550°C temper specimens were the most sensitive to SCC.There was limited success
gypsum samples from three South African limestone samples. It was found that the gypsum quality correlates in determining the threshold stress intensity for the different temper specimens. A change in tempering
well with the limestone purity. Samples of ash from both Poland and South Africa were studied and compared temperature resulted in a change in the quantity and type of precipitates formed. No chromium-rich
to the South African legislation parameters. A comparison was drawn between the legislation regulating Coal precipitates were observed in the matrix of the 480°C temper specimen. Isolated areas of chromium-rich
Combustion Products (CCP) in both South Africa and the European Union. The classification of European precipitates were observed for the 550°C temper specimen. Chromium-rich precipitates were observed for
Union CCP as by products enables the utilisation of it in a bigger spectrum of applications, whilst the South the samples tempered above 560°C. The material’s resistance to SCC improved with increasing tempering
African classification hinders this development. temperature.
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student Student
Peet Schutte (HVAC) Lavhelesani Oliet Tshamano (Materials and Mechanics)
Email: schuttpj@eskom.co.za Email: tshamalo@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Chris van der Merwe Phillip Doubell
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Dr John van Coller Prof Robert Knutsen
Voltage uprating of existing high voltage substations when transient Development of the small punch test platform to evaluate the
voltage stress and available withstand strength are coordinated embrittlement of power plant materials
When uprating is considered to increase the power transfer capability, the withstand levels of existing external This research work assessed the practicality of employing the Small Punch Test (SPT) technique as
insulation demands an optimization to find a new stress versus strength balance that allows reliable operation an alternative option to assess the remaining life of ageing and prolonging safe operation of the critical
of substations at higher voltages. The research involves primarily an investigative simulation study to evaluate components within power plants as compared to traditional mechanical tests which are impractical due to
the current Eskom available design clearances in terms of their withstand capability when subjected to over- large amount of specimen required to carry out the tests. An ex-service low-pressure steam turbine rotor
voltage transients. Two voltage range classes were evaluated and the results were discussed. For voltage (NiCrMoV steel) was tested in three varied states, namely; as received (AR), heat treated at 600°C (de-
range 1, it was found that the over-voltage stress was low enough to allow for a higher nominal operating embrittled, DE) and 700°C (hardened, HD) to assess the difference in damage using the SPT technique.
voltage while maintaining the existing clearances. For voltage range 2, existing clearances were also found to Standard mechanical tests (tensile, Charpy-V-Notch and fracture toughness) of AR samples were performed
be conservative and smaller safety margins will most likely be acceptable. From a transient analysis evaluation, at various testing temperature to validate the adopted modified Ramberg-Osgood model from EPRI using
voltage uprating is considered as a very attractive option to increase the power transfer capability of existing a Finite Element Model (FEM). The SPT produced repeatable test. The SPT test data successfully estimated
substations. Current Eskom clearances for 88 kV and 275 kV are expected to perform well during transients tensile test properties (within ±5% error band), CVN test properties (within ±5% error band) and KIC
generated in uprated systems. properties (within ±25% error band).
26 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 27C O M P L E T E D P RO J E C T
Student
Rikus van Niekerk (Asset Management)
Email: vniekjo@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor
Christiaan Erasmus New Projects 6
Academic supervisor
Stephan Heyns
Degradation estimation of high energy steam piping using hybrid The following students are currently studying
recurrent neural networks through EPPEI. These are summaries of
their research topics.
A hybrid recurrent neural network was created that consists of a combined recurrent neural network and
a feed forward neural network. The hybrid model is trained on historical data that has been captured over
a six-year time period. The adaptive movement estimation optimization algorithm, called Adam, is used to
optimize the machine learning model. The model was successful in recognizing patterns within the data and
offers an automated way to parse large data sets that consist of a temporal and static data mixture. This
suggests a generic approach to make objective decisions on similar complex data driven problems and its
application is not limited to this particular problem. The methods applied in this research are expected to
perform even better on problems where the frequency of data collection is higher than what is used in this
research.
Student
N E W P RO J E C T
Devan Atkinson (MSc, Materials and Mechanics)
Email: 17732913@sun.ac.za
Industrial mentor
Mark Newby
Academic supervisor
Thorsten Becker
Unifying Framework for Gradient- Descent, Subset Based Digital Image
Correlation
This project focuses on the development of DIC, in specific, an open source DIC framework that can be
utilised for future research projects.
Applicability to Eskom
Successful completion of the project aims to establish an open source DIC framework that can be utilised
for future research projects, as well as for other Eskom-related investigations the require disablement and
strain measurements.
28 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 29Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Alida Auret (MSc, Asset Management) Andrew Bryce (MSc, Renewable Energy)
Email: u17380546@tuks.co.za Email: Andrew.Bryce@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Phuti Ngoetjana Zoe Lincoln
Academic supervisors Academic supervisors
Prof Stephan Heyns & Prof Johann Wannenburg Bernard Bekker
RAM analysis of water treatment plant at Grootvlei Power Station Evaluation of utility scale battery storage for ancillary service
under life extension and varying load conditions applications (network support)
To develop a reliability, availability and maintainability model for a water treatment plant at a coal fired power Eskom has already invested significantly in renewable energy, mainly through the IPP Procurement Programme.
station. The model will be used to analyse the effects on the performance of the water treatment plant of The benefits of renewable energy can be further enhanced using various storage technologies, so this project
running the units under varying load conditions. will provide an in-depth investigation into using large utility scale battery storage technologies effectively in
the electrical network.
Applicability to Eskom
Optimised reliability, availability and maintainability for the Water Treatment Plant at Grootvlei Power Station Applicability to Eskom
specifically under life extension and varying load conditions. Renewable energy is relatively new in South Africa and when renewable energy is added, it often requires
substantial network upgrades and reconfiguration. Energy storage facilities could provide a variety of support
functions, potentially saving on upgrade costs, reducing losses and even providing voltage or frequency regulation,
but further research is required to investigate the viability, applicability and effectiveness of these supporting functions.
Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Warren Brandt (MSc, Combustion Engineering ) David Delekoa (MSc, Combustion Engineering)
Email: 1968035@students.wits.ac.za Email: delekomd@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentors Industrial mentor
Mike Lander & Willy Garnett-Bennett Sharlene M’builu Ives
Academic supervisors Academic supervisor
Walter Schmitz & John Sheer Walter Schmitz
Prevention of dew point related air heater fouling Improvement of tube mill coal level measurement accuracy, reliability
and control
Through focusing on the dew point conditions of flue gas along with the regenerative air heater steel matrix
metal temperatures, the research objective aims to prevent dew point related fouling. a Modeling tool will be The project entails improving the current coal level measurement systems used in Eskom site that uses tube
used to generate the steel matrix metal temperatures, and to calculate the dew point conditions for flue gas mills and also to explore new technologies that can be utilized. The project will ultimately provide assurance
to identify where fouling will occur. The results will be verified by means of measuring the steel matrix metal that mills are optimized and operate at their best optimal level.
temperatures and the flue gas dew point temperatures at Matimba Power Station.
Applicability to Eskom
Applicability to Eskom The research will be applicable within Eskom’s Generation Business and it will mostly benefit the milling plant.
The research aims to increase boiler Efficiency, reduce maintenance cost expenditure and production losses. This research will benefit tube milling plants by ensuring that the new coal level control systems are explored
Prevention of dew point related fouling will increase the life expectancy of the air heater elements and that can be used in future, optimizing and better the reliability of the current installed coal level control
draught group components. The knowledge base of draught group system engineers can also be improved systems to achieve the best optimum mill performance. Achieving that will reduce the likelihood of the units
to change maintenance and operating strategies to prevent the occurrence of dew point related fouling. booking loadlossess and improves the UCLFs.
30 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 31Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Jeanssy Brunel Diankouika (MTech, Combustion Engineering) Louise-Marié Dreyer (MSc, Emissions Control)
Email: jeanssydiankouika@gmail.com Email: dreyerlm@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Louis Jestin Gabi Mkhatshwa
Academic supervisors Academic supervisor
Michael Petersen & Walter Schmitz Gabi Mkhatshwa
Enhanced process performance measurement in coal fired boilers Coal combustion modelling in a semi-continuous coal stove
(Kusile)
The study aims to evaluate the performace of a semi-continuous coal stove in terms of heat distribution,
The objective of this project is to improve means of measurement of key parameters of flue gas and air flow mass transfer and emissions.
embedded in mass energy balance equations in order to calculate accurately the amount of coal burnt on a
daily basis. This will help to forecast the price at which the electricity will be sold the day ahead. Applicability to Eskom
Eskom implemented air quality offset programmes as a result of some power stations’ non-compliance to the
Applicability to Eskom minimum emission standards. The proposed study addresses the contribution of air pollution from informal
This project will benefit Eskom by helping to control and master the amount of coal consumed everyday. settlements in the vicinity of Eskom power stations.
Knowing that coal represents 60% of cost of generation, the current project will help Eskom to predict the
price at which the electricity will be sold the day ahead. This in turn will help to get the power cost under
control. It will also help engineers working on the plant to have a keen spatial awareness of where the
subsystems are and how they interface.
Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Ayanda Goodness Dlamini (MTech, HVAC) Philip du Toit (MSc, Emissions Control)
Email: 201331677@student.uj.ac.za Email: dtoitpt@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Kevin Kleinhans Ken Galt
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Wesley Doorsamy Prof Percy van der Gryp
Condition monitoring of surge arresters Investigation into the poor rejection rates of reverse osmosis (RO)
membranes for low total dissolved solid (TDS) water
The proposed study will contribute by providing insight to leakage current mechanism of monitoring and a
means of better harnessing this method for ensuring reliable operation of the arrester. The rejection rates for RO membranes are relatively low (97.5%) for feed water with a low TDS. This
necessitates the use of a second filtering stage, where the rejection rates drop even further (Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Ockert Fourie (MSc, Emissions Control) Dirk Human (MSc, Asset Management)
Email: fourieockert@gmail.com Email: humandc@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Jacques Calitz Steve Barnard
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Jan-Hendrik Kruger Gazi Mahmood
Fatigue strength of a long rod composite insulator under simulated Parametric modeling of site based compressors using package
loading instrumentation
Create a model using fundamental material characteristics to accurately predict the life expectancy of a A parametric model of a centrifugal compressor that allows system engineers to benchmark their
composite insulator before it mechanically fails under loading. compressors’ performance will be created.
Applicability to Eskom Applicability to Eskom
The results of this study will be important to line design engineers to use as it will assist to increase the The compressor model will allow system engineers to make informed decisions with regards to maintenance
safety of transmission lines when composite insulators are used, improve selection of insulators from various and operation of the compressors on their plant. This will result in less plant down time and reduced
manufacturers, help workers to identify mode of failure more clearly, help to create a clear maintenance plan maintenance costs.
for the local grids to follow and improve the predicted maintenance cost in the life cycle cost of the line
during the design stage.
Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Liezl Hugo (MSc, Asset Management) Enitan Ibironke Titilayo (PhD, Emissions Control)
Email: hugoli@eskom.co.za Email: ronkmodel2003@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Houston Carstens Gabi Mkhatshwa
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Johann Wannenburg John Odiyo
Assessment of KNPS supply chain for lessons for new build Air pollution modelling and human health risks in urban, semi-urban
and rural areas of the Capricorn and Vhembe district, Limpopo province
Assess the KNPS Nuclear Supply Chain Processes using the core SNPM process, detailed in AP-908 Rev 3
“Materials and Services Process Description”, for lessons for Nuclear New Build. This research will contribute to improvement of air quality monitoring, develop comprehensive baseline data
and provide more knowledge on projecting impact of future changes in human activities on air quality and
Applicability to Eskom to be able to forecast air pollution.
The benefit to Eskom is twofold, firstly for potentially improving Nuclear Supply Chain processes at Koeberg
Nuclear Power Station through the identification of gaps within the materials and services process as well as Applicability to Eskom
gaps within the interfaces to the Work Management (AP-928) and Equipment Reliability processes (AP-913). This study will provide more knowledge and comprehensive data for Eskom on possible solution to air
Secondly, lessons learned from KNPS can be used to set up a more effective and efficient organization for pollution. It will provide more knowledge on projecting impact of future changes in human activities on air
Nuclear New Build. quality, most especially semi urban and rural of the study area.The study will further establish a possibility of
health risks awareness from the air pollution data.
34 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 35Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Bertie Jacobs (DTech, Asset Management) Chantelle Janse van Vuuren (MSc, Renewable Energy)
Email: bertie.jacobs@eskom.co.za Email: 18306500@sun.ac.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Dr Qingbo Cai Keith Bowen
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Dawood Desai HJ (Johan) Vermeulen
The development of a numerical methodology for optimised erection Development of an optimisation strategy for designing regional time of
of guyed V-towers without cranes use feed-in pricing signals for optimising grid support from renewable
energy (RE) sources
The purpose of this study is the development of a numerical methodology for optimised erection of guyed
V-towers without cranes by analysing the critical parameters required and presenting an optimised numerical The national utility is responsible for maintaining energy balance in the power network. Flat feed-in tariffs
model. encourage IPPs to concentrate the renewable energy plants, with high output variability, in highly localized
geographical regions in order to optimise cumulative annual yield, which increases the variability of the
Applicability to Eskom cumulative RE generation profile. This has negative implications for the conventional power fleet.
Occasionally terrain conditions make it difficult to deploy mobile cranes for the erection of towers. This
proposed alternative method will eliminate the use of mobile cranes for guyed V-towers resulting in among Applicability to Eskom
others cost and time savings. An optimal geographical distribution of the RE fleet will deliver improved grid support and will also provide
to a more equitable geographical distribution of economic benefits of RE.
Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Preshaan Jaglal (MSc, Renewable Energy) Landry Mbangu Katende (MTech, Combustion Engineering)
Email: jaglalp@eskom.co.za Email: landrymkeng@gmail.com
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Kurt Dedekind Louis Jestin
Academic supervisor Academic supervisors
C.T Gaunt Michael Petersen & Walter Schmitz
Data engineering for MV load modelling in an uncertain environment Enhanced process performance measurement in coal fired boilers
(Lethabo)
The project aims to achieve a data engineering process, to enable the effective and efficient statistical
modelling of medium voltage loads. This will provide the platform for the statistical analysis of these loads on The main focus of this project is to improve means of measurement of key parameters of flue gas and air flow
our networks, by incorporating the behavioural influence introduced by disruptive technologies and external embedded in mass energy balance equations in order to calculate accurately the amount of coal burnt on a
factors. daily basis. This will help to forecast the price at which the electricity will be sold the day ahead.
Applicability to Eskom Applicability to Eskom
This project will benefit Eskom by creating the platform that will enable the statistical analysis of loads on the The project aims to develop a coal flow determination system to predict electricity cost and production
network, incorporating the behavioural influence of disruptive technologies and external factors into load capacity that will benefit ESKOM plant engineering personnel substantially in ensuring the accuracy of
models. This will effectively lead to more informed investment making decisions for the business. measured parameters. Additionally, the goal of the project is to determine coal consumption at different
loads and improve way of measuring of parameters influencing coal flow calculation by analysing every
parameters individually like flue gas and air flow that will be useful to Eskom coal power plant to operate
more efficiently.
36 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 37Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Lawrence Koech (PhD, Emissions Control) Letsabisa Lerotholi (PhD, Emissions Control)
Email: lawrencek@vut.ac.za Email: letsabisal@vut.ac.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
N/A Preeya Sukdeo
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Prof H. L. Rutto Ray Everson
Flue gas desulphurization by lime spray drying CFD modelling of a semi-dry FGD in a spray dry scrubber
The project entails experimental evaluation of the performance of a typical flue gas desulphurization (FGD) In this work computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to provide a comprehensive model of semi-dry
by lime spray drying using a laboratory scale spray dyer. The experimental data obtained shall be used to FGD occuring in a spray dry scrubber (SDS). The main advantage of using CFD is that it can model complex
determine optimum operating conditions as well as absorber performance modelling which is crucial in the flow patterns whilst incorporating chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, thereby making it easier to study
design of a spray dryer. detailed phenomena without installing actual expensive prototypes.
Applicability to Eskom Applicability to Eskom
The adoption lime spray drying FGD process plays a significant role in emission control in coal-fired power Eskom has to comply with the Minimum Emission Standards in all its operating power plants by the 1st of
plants through: April 2020. South Africa is a water-stressed country, with some provinces more water-scarce than others,
• Reduced environmental pollution through scrubbing of SO2 Eskom is therefore challenged to come up with FGD techniques that require minimum or no use of
• Propagated knowledge on SO2 sorption processes water while achieving high desulphurisation efficiencies, hence the need to explore and optimise semi-dry
Selection of appropriate FGD technology for respective coal-fired utility plants desulphurisation techniques.
Student Student
N E W P RO J E C T
N E W P RO J E C T
Carl Kohrs (MSc, Energy Efficiency) Mpai Letebele (MSc, HVAC)
Email: kohrsc@eskom.co.za Email: Mpai.Letebele@eskom.co.za
Industrial mentor Industrial mentor
Francois du Preez Sipho Zulu
Academic supervisor Academic supervisor
Francois du Preez John van Coller
Experimental and numerical investigation of multiple cooling tower fills Examining alternative energy efficient and cost effective options for
obtaining auxiliary supplies at transmission substations
Testing and characterizing cooling tower fills to enable commercial comparison of their thermal performance.
This research is a technical feasibility study and cost benefit analysis of a range of energy efficiency solutions
Applicability to Eskom that can be implemented in the substation for auxiliary supplies. This is in comparison with the existing
Reduced risk associated with cooling towers not meeting performance guarantees after repacking. Cost techniques.
benefit for cooling tower repack contracts since no performance guarantee may be required.
Applicability to Eskom
The main benefit to Eskom is the reduction of costs of supplying auxiliary supplies in transmission substations.
This will also help Substation Design Engineers to choose which components they should use when designing
a substation in order to have an energy efficient substation. This includes both primary and secondary plant
design engineers.
38 EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme EPPEI 2018-2019 Programme 39You can also read
