Winners 2023
Student: Musfirah Obaid
Study Leader: Prof Mahabubur Chowdhury
Final Year Project Title: Investigating the impact of contact time on antioxidant activity in rooibos tea
Project Summary:
The study investigates the impact of tea brewing time on the antioxidant properties of various teas, focusing on rooibos tea, utilising Total Polyphenol Content and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assessments. Extended brewing increases polyphenols and antioxidant potential, allowing individuals to tailor tea preparation for specific health goals, contributing to tea’s health benefits understanding.
Student's future plans:
I aspire to deepen my academic knowledge in chemical engineering, by pursuing postgraduate studies and exploring postgraduate funding options. Concurrently, I am committed to acquiring relevant field experience while awaiting the opportunity to further my education. This dual approach aims to enrich my understanding and contribute to my professional development.
Student: Bradford Gavin van der Sandt
Study Leader: Dr Frikkie Conradie
Final Year Project Title: Implementation of a deep neural network to estimate the total bound moisture of gypsum
Project Summary:
The focus was on predicting the total bound moisture (TBM) of gypsum in real-time using artificial neural networks. While the current TBM analysis is effective, it is time-consuming. The study explored training both single- and multi-hidden layered topologies to determine the effectiveness of a deep neural network.
Student's future plans:
In February 2024, I will be employed by SASOL in Secunda within the process control and optimisation section. Additionally, I will pursue a part-time M.Eng. to address shortcomings in my final year project. Furthermore, I will continue exploring the efficacy of deep neural networks, building on my prior investigations.
Student: Mahima Maharaj
Study Leader: Dyllon Garth Randall
Final Year Project Title: Growing bio-building material from bacteria and car
Project Summary:
Concrete is one of the most used construction materials, but its production is not sustainable. This project investigated a natural process that utilizes bacteria to convert carbon dioxide into bio-cement. The results showed that it was technically feasible with a 92% increase in calcium utilization with bacteria.
Student's future plans:
I plan to conduct experiments with different aggregate material to enhance the properties of bio-building materials, increase sustainability and enhance its application in the construction industry. In 2024, I will either work for a few months and thereafter pursue my masters abroad or I will pursue my masters at UCT.
Student: Lucas Tinotenda Mukucha
Study Leader: Emmanuel Bakaya-Kyahurwa
Final Year Project Title: Design & Evaluation of Cooling Systems for Photovoltaic Modules to Increasing Electrical Efficiency
Project Summary:
Enhancing photovoltaic module efficiency is pivotal for sustainable energy. However, their electrical efficiency is decreased due to increased operating temperatures. Hence, various cooling systems have been designed and evaluated to improve the electrical efficiency and performance of PV modules by dissipating excess heat, thereby maintaining lower operating temperatures.
Student's future plans:
I plan to further optimise and refine the cooling system design by integrating simulations with experiments. I will also explore methods to convert excess heat collected into electricity. Additionally, I will seek postgraduate funding to pursue research in sustainable energy and aspire to expand the research into industrial solar farm.
Student: Jonathan Byamungu
Study Leader: David Lokhat
Final Year Project Title: An investigation of the storage characteristics of metal oxide nanoparticles
Project Summary:
Metal oxide nanoparticles are frequently used in biomedical and water treatment applications. Storage conditions may affect the composition and stability of the nanoparticles. This project assessed the effect of dry and wet storage methods on the performance of iron and copper nanoparticles for commercial applications.
Student's future plans:
I am interested in pursuing a masters degree in chemical engineering in Canada, particularly in the water treatment area. I am also interested in innovation and product development, which I intend pursuing after my studies.
Student: Natalie Hanekom
Study Leader: Prof. Pieter de Villiers
Final Year Project Title: Speaker localisation, tracking and speech enhancement using beamforming
Project Summary:
An eight microphone array was used for noise reduction, interference cancellation and speaker localisation in a noisy and reverberant room. A camera was automatically steered to different speakers in a conversation. Removing noise from the speech markedly improved the quality and intelligibility of a conference call.
Student's future plans:
I want to continue with the work on speech enhancement and speaker localisation and tracking, especially using microphone arrays. This work has many applications including in hearing aids and cochlear implants. For this reason, I am going to pursue postgraduate studies in the bioengineering group in the next few years.
Student: Nicholas Watt
Study Leader: Christo Nicholls
Final Year Project Title: Smart Demand Response: Development of an NRS048-9
Project Summary:
This project produced an NRS048-9-compliant, fully functional and low cost alternative load shedding solution which can be deployed in SA households, and subsequently, directly contribute towards a future where electricity is always available, despite emergency reduction of it. The outcome will now directly assist a national load shedding curtailment initiative.
Student's future plans:
My future plans are to pursue my masters and in the process assist in producing the first national smart demand side management blue print for SA, which will allow electricity distribution licence holders in activating a smart alternative load shedding method.
Student: Simone Singh & Tsematse Thabo Tsematse
Study Leader: Prof. Adesola Ilemobade
Final Year Project Title: Use of coal bottom ash as a partial replacement of cement
Project Summary:
The project was centered around investigating the effects of replacing cement with an alternative waste material pozzolan (coal bottom ash-CBA). The results were rather positive and it was found that the replacement of cement with CBA, improves the durability performance of concrete.
Student's future plans:
Simone: I will be an engineer in training at SAPPI Forestry.
Tsematse: I plan to contribute to society through further research in construction materials, specifically concrete. This will be done through an MSc degree in 2024.
Student: Ritshidze Mavhungu
Study Leader: Dr Benton Otieno
Final Year Project Title: Effects of the Level of Road Infrastructure Maintenance on Road Users in the City of Johannesburg.
Project Summary:
Road infrastructure maintenance facilitates economic activities. The current study investigated the effectiveness of the maintenance efforts in the city of Johannesburg (CoJ). The maintenance falls short of the key performance indicators leading to significant costs.
Student's future plans:
After successfully completing his postgraduate diploma in Civil Engineering, Ritshidze plans to pursue further studies by enrolling for a Masters in Engineering Degree. His ultimate goal is to be registered professional Engineer.
