MSc Dissertations

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Planning, Optimization and Efficiency Improvement of Telecommunications Solar Plants

2023

Maama Ronny Seeiso

Economic Comparison of Solar-PV and Diesel-operated Pumping Systems for Irrigation Applications in Lesotho

2023

Mafa Tukula

Design and economic analysis of a Solar Thermal Pre-cooling System for Agro-Produce Cold Chain in Lesotho

2023

Mpho Lucas Yengane

The gender perspective of socioeconomic determinants of household cooking energy consumption in Lesotho

2023

Palesa Nkaile

Analysis of the categories of the sustainability dimensions to achieve sustainable mini-grids

2023

Tanki Alfred Maema

GIS-Based Electrification Planning for Lesotho using OnSSET/GEP

2023

Tšepo Letebele

Design and analysis for a feasibility study of a floating solar PV power system for Metolong Dam

2022

Rorisang Christopher Moqulo

An optimization approach for the economic dispatch incorporating renewable energy resources into the LEC power sources portfolio

2022

Thato Nchakha Rateele

Rehabilitation of Katse Dam Mini- Hydropower Plant
The Katse Dam Mini-Hydropower station was designed to generate and supply electricity to auxiliary systems without connecting to the grid. This would increase the dam power supply and reliability thereby reducing the electricity bill incurred on the Lesotho Highland Water Project (LHWP) for operations. However, to date, the Mini-Hydropower station is not fullyoperational. In this study, the decommissioned Katse Dam Mini-Hydropower plant’s rehabilitation is evaluated. Three significant activities characterized this rehabilitation process. The upgrading of electro-mechanical equipment or damaged parts, using condition assessment filters. Uprating is explored by flow duration plots for the possibility of increasing plant capacity. Lastly, the capacity dispatch (Integration) is studied intensively with computer software package (DigSilent Power Factory), for grid integration alternatives. In general, electrical equipment is the plant's most vulnerable to fatigue. Mechanical equipment is moderately damaged, with governor and guide bearing systems standing out. Assessment of the potential of the plant’s capacity increase revealed that the reservoircompensation flow regime resulted in minimum design values of head and discharge being fulfilled 96% of the time. The Katse Dam load capacity is met 90% of the time, while the maximum single machine power is exceeded 84% of the time. The Mini-Hydropower stable response to dam load growth and decline without a grid was shown in the grid integration option. However, there was a substantial deviation to a sudden loss of grid without load shedding, and the local bus voltage dropped below 6% tolerance. The findings of this investigation demonstrated the need for this plant to be rehabilitated. All the necessary tests on relevant components point to the goals of the plant and the necessity for restoration. According to the economic study, implementing this project will result in a 9-year return on investment and a 2.02 MWh annual energy guarantee, which is 54% of the yearly energy consumption of the auxiliary systems.

2022

Ntoampe W. Thamae

Feasibility study of micro-hydropower resources at three selected mini-grids sites for potential integration of micro-hydro with solar mini-grids.

2022

Mamokhomo Mateboho Sekaleli

Estimating hydropower generation potential of the Metolong dam.

2022

Mokhothu Emmanuel Moerane

Determining Cost Effective Integrated Renewable Energy Resource Plan for Lesotho (2022-2040)

2022

Tsoarelo Nelson Nzemene

Modelling and optimization of micro grids for rural areas in Lesotho (component sizes for technical and economic feasibility)

2021

Thabo Samuel Fonya

Tracking SDG7 progress for Lesotho using energy indicators for sustainable development

2021

Mamontsi Kolobe

Investigating viability of using solar thermal energy for optimizing the gas yields for biogas in Lesotho

2021

Tabempe Edgar Lesenyeho

Analysis of the viability of using solar thermal energy for Maluti Mountain Brewery

2021

'Malillane Lillane

Development of time-of-use tariffs

2021

Lebohang Mohasoa

Techno-economic analysis and policy design for PV electricity net-metering systems in Lesotho

2021

Lebohang Albert Moleko

ACE One cook stove: Determination of optimal feedstock and performance of integrated home charging system

2021

Thato Qoola

Optimized network planning of electrification projects in remote areas of Lesotho

2021

Thuso Stephen Motiki

Development of solar radiation database and its integration into solar process applications in Lesotho

2020

Lebohang Bulane

Construction of a long-term hourly electricity demand curve and peak load using MAED-EL for Lesotho

2020

Leana Kente

Formulating Short-Term Electricity Demand Forecasting For Lesotho

2020

Lereko Lefela

Optimization of Mantsonyane and Semonkong mini hydro power stations by hybridization

2020

Bahlakoana David Lepheana

The Impact of Intermittent Renewable Energy Generators on Lesotho National Electricity Grid

2020

Sebota Mokeke

Development of charcoal briquettes using Sehalahala (Seriphium plumosum and Felicia filifolia)

2020

Kanono Thabane

Energy Supply Management System for Lesotho: User Interactive System

2020

Tsepo Phineas Mololo

Analysis of Quthing River and Letseng-la-Letsie for Hydropower Potential

2020

Liteboho Lekhanya

Determination of Cost-Reflective Feed-in Tariff for Grid Connected Solar PV Systems in Lesotho

2020

Limpho Kokome

Optimization of the Choice of Solar Minigrid Architecture and Management in Lesotho

2020

Moruti Clement Kao

Energy Audit and Management Opportunities for a Diamond Mine: A case for Lets’eng Diamond Mine

2020

Masiane Ntelekoa

Optimal sizing, performance prediction and economic appraisal of off-Grid Solar PV hybrid power systems in Lesotho: A reliability–cost approach

2020

Selone Augustinus Lepolesa

Evaluation and optimisation of solar water pumping systems for Lesotho

2020

Itumeleng Moses Moholo

Determinants of choice of household energy fuel in Lesotho

2020

Matsoso Mothala