Winners 2022
Student: Nkululeko Ntsukwana
Study Leader: Dr Ali Almaktoof
Final Year Project Title: Smart walking stick for visually impaired people
Project Summary:
The smart walking stick is a stick that consists of GPS and GSM Modules that will be used to locate a blind person's location should they be lost by sending an sms to any close relative. It also consists of two ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles in front of the blind person by sending signal via a buzzer and vibrating.
Student's future plans:
Continue with my studies, and finish my Bachelor of engineering technology Honors in electrical engineering. When it comes to the project I seek to do more research and add more variables to the project such as a smart backpack with live GPS tracking for school children for the safety of small children by alerting the parent.
Student: Slindile Shongwe
Study Leader: Sbongiseni Masondo
Final Year Project Title: Solar Powered Advertising Board
Project Summary:
Solar-powered advertising boards are a low-cost way to broadcast your company's brand or an important event, and solar energy is a sustainable source of electricity that is free and has no negative environmental impact. Solar energy is a clean form of energy since it produces no pollutants into the atmosphere.
Student's future plans:
My main future plan is to further my studies and my main primary goal in five years is to obtain a master's degree in Electrical Engineering so that I can contribute to furthering my country's research technical potential so as to improve the economy and raise the living standards of my fellow citizens.
Student: Keagan M Velde
Study Leader: Prof. John Bunt
Final Year Project Title: Biochar substitution of anthracite in ilmenite smelting
Project Summary:
Ilmenite (FeOTiO2) is smelted in a furnace, whereby the FeO is reduced to Fe. Reduction occurs through the addition of anthracite. Biochar samples were characterised and compared with anthracite to help predict their suitability as a substitute for anthracite. The motivation was to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Student's future plans:
I am studying further and will begin my MEng degree in January 2023. I will likely be attempting to resolve the shortcomings found in my BEng project by blending biomass and anthracite, and investigating the use of natural binders. After my MEng I will probably try to find a graduate chemical engineering position.
Student: Alice Godlonton & Candice Borain
Study Leader: Adeniyi Isafiade
Final Year Project Title: Synthesis and optimisation of an integrated renewable energy and greenhouse network
Project Summary:
Growing crops in greenhouses is an energy-intensive process. This project investigated the feasibility of using energy from biomass and solar power to run greenhouses in South Africa. A multi-layered network was synthesised and optimised to minimise costs and emissions and thus promote implementation of such networks.
Student's future plans:
Alice: "I plan to join a Master’s programme next year with a focus on the sustainability of our current and future energy systems. This will further develop my engineering knowledge and skills which I hope to use to address challenges around access to affordable and clean energy in southern Africa."
Candice: "I plan to study a master’s degree focusing on accelerating environmental sustainability and socioeconomic prosperity in South Africa. I aim to further explore and understand how to build skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable growth, from policy design and management to development and effective implementation."
Student: Neftal Hlavangwani
Study Leader: Prof. Lagouge Tartibu
Final Year Project Title: Design, manufacturing and testing of a dehulling machine
Project Summary:
Traditional dehulling techniques consumes time and energy. However, this technique is undertaken by a motorised dehulling machine for agricultural industries. The machine is limited to be applicable in rural areas, where small scale dehulling is very common. It is economical, easy to control, and produce better yield.
Student's future plans:
In the upcomming year I hope to enter the industrial working world as a Mechanical Engineer Graduate whilst pursuing a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. I then intend to earn a Professional Engineering qualification while accumulating as much technical expertise and experience in both industry and academia.
Student: Yasthiel Kemraj
Study Leader: Dr Joy Tuoyo Adu
Final Year Project Title: Implementing effective wastewater management processes for securing sustainable water supply in the domestic household
Project Summary:
To curb water wastages a greywater treatment system was built to channel, treat, and store greywater from a domestic kitchen. This treatment system yielded positive results as the greywater constituents reduced in concentration. The results show the treated greywater effluent can be used for non-potable purposes.
Student's future plans:
I plan to pursue my masters in Civil Engineering through UKZN. I also intend to apply for graduate programmes and employment opportunities for the companies that I completed my vacation work at.
Student: Thomas Bernd Kabutz
Study Leader: Prof. Schalk Els
Final Year Project Title: Steering of a Baja SAE vehicle
Project Summary:
Offroad Baja SAE vehicles have large steering and suspension ranges. Thus, typical CV joint operating angles are the limiting factor when designing 4-wheel-drive capable vehicles. The project found a suitable compromise in limiting the ranges. Front-drive train components were designed, manufactured, and implemented into a vehicle to prove the concept.
Student's future plans:
I plan to do designing, manufacturing and testing of precision parts for prototypes or small series production. I intend to go into research and development-focused areas of work. Thus, I am pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering to further develop my skills and understanding of various engineering fields.
Student: Beatrice Walelu Mwamba
Study Leader: Zwonaka Mapholi
Final Year Project Title: Soap production from waste cooking oil and additives derived from citrus peel waste - a green perspective
Project Summary:
Soap production was investigated as a valorisation route for waste cooking oil. Additionally, D-Limonene extracted from citrus peel waste was investigated as an antibacterial soap additive. Soap was formulated experimentally and a techno-economic study assessed the industrial-scale feasibility.
Student's future plans:
I was fortunate enough to be funded by Zutari throughout my undergraduate studies and will participate in their graduate programme in 2023. I hope to join Zutari's Water Treatment team and work alongside dedicated process engineers. I look forward to growing as an engineer under the mentorship of industry experts.
Student: Ryan Nicholas van der Merwe & Nikhil Ratilal Lad
Study Leader: Prof. Adesola Ilemobade
Final Year Project Title: Automation of the Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines
Project Summary:
The rainwater harvesting guidelines developed by Ndiritu, Ilemobade, and Kagoda in 2021 were automated by developing a tool application in an Excel file. This tool is developed to be used by residential, educational, industrial, agricultural, and business/commercial facilities. In addition to the guidelines, the tool also selects optimised tank sizes and carries out a life cycle cost analysis for a user's rainwater harvesting system.
Student's future plans:
Ryan: Pursue a career in civil engineering consulting.
Nikhil: My plan for the future is to pursue a career in water conservation, which includes rainwater harvesting. I intend to develop my knowledge and skills in this area by pursuing a Masters in Civil Eng, a postgraduate in Business Administration, and establishing my own Civil Engineering company.
Student: Abramo Ndlovu
Study Leader: Dr Benton Otieno
Final Year Project Title: The Effects of Aggregate Sizes on Concrete Strength
Project Summary:
Course aggregates make up about 70% of the volume of concrete, however, the effect of aggregate sizes on the strength of concrete is not well understood. Extensive concrete tests were carried out for 5 different aggregate sizes in order to investigate the effects of the sizes on the concrete strength.
Student's future plans:
This project has inspired me to further my studies as I am planning to enrol for my postgraduate studies. I intend to further my research in construction materials in order to find ways to develop or modify them for future uses.
