Les systèmes technologiques actuels comprennent une composante sociétale due àl’impact des utilisateurs. Ces systèmes, dits complexes, comportent des sous-systèmesdont les acteurs ont des objectifs divergents voire antagoniques.Considéré comme une évolution du réseau énergétique actuel, le Smart Grid est unparfait exemple de système complexe. Ce terme désigne en particulier un réseau électriqueoptimisé intégrant le comportement et les actions des utilisateurs (producteurs,consommateurs, consommacteurs, etc.). L’étude de la dynamique du système a pourobjectif d’améliorer sa qualité et sa sécurité et de réduire son impact environnemental.Cependant, les simulations de Smart Grid actuelles sont généralement basées sur destechnologies spécifiques, limitant l’évolution du modèle proposé.Les défis liés au Smart Grid sont l’hétérogénéité des actions et de leurs intérêts divergeant,et une complexité à toute échelle, que ce soit spatiale ou temporelle. En effet, lesentités du Smart Grid sont en compétition pour l’obtention de la ressource commune.Par exemple, les consommateurs ont des besoins énergétiques à un cout minimal tandisque les producteurs doivent contrôler la consommation, les pics de demande tout enmaximisant leur profit. Les comportements et les relations entre les entités sont doncdifficiles à modéliser. Des pressions externes et internes comme la dynamique des prix oules productions erratiques des énergies renouvelables ont une influence sur la structure,l’organisation et le comportement des sous-systèmes et donc du système global. De plus,une mauvaise gestion peut provoquer de nombreuses défaillances du système telles quedes brownouts, des blackouts ou des ruptures de lignes du réseau.Nous proposons une modélisation intégrative pour aborder le concept de Smart Grid :chaque composante de notre modélisation prend en compte un aspect de ce dernier et leurintrication mène à une modélisation efficace à toute échelle. Les relations entre entitésprennent en compte le caractère dynamique et un superviseur global surveille le réseaupour détecter les seuils critiques ou pour planifier les schémas de consommation future.Cependant, le modèle est impossible à appréhender tel quel et de nombreux scénariostesteront l’influence des divers paramètres, calibreront les algorithmes et ajusteront lagestion locale et globale pour une configuration donnée. Nous proposerons de nouvellesthéories pour améliorer ce modèle au niveau de la structure, de la dynamique des prixou une approche mathématique dans le but de rendre le modèle le plus efficace possible / Current technological systems include a societal component due to the impact of users.These complex systems contain numerous sub-systems which actors have conflicting evenantagonist objectives.Considered as the evolution of the current Power Grid, the Smart Grid is a perfectexample of complex system. This term refers to an electrical optimized network integratingthe behavior and actions of users (generators, consumers, consumactors, etc.).These Power Grid’s upgrades aim to improve quality and security, to reduce environmentalimpact. But current simulations are done on a specific technology and with alimited evolution.Challenges of Smart Grid are related firstly to the heterogeneity of actors with differentinterests and secondly to a spatial and temporal multiscale complexity. Smart Gridactors are in a competitive access to a shared resource. For example, consumers expressenergy requirements with minimal cost while producers have to manage consumption,peaks and to maximize their profits. Dynamics behaviors and relations between entitiesare difficult to model. External and internal pressures as energy pricing, energy losses orthe erratic production of renewable energies influence on the structure, the organizationand the behavior of the subsystems and the overall system. Moreover, a bad managementcauses various structural problems like brownout, blackout, or partial failures.We propose an integrative model to solve the Smart Grid: each component of ourmodel allows to consider one aspect of the grid and it is their intricacy that achieves anefficient modeling. Relations between entities take into account the complex dynamicsand an overall supervisor allows network monitoring to detect critical thresholds or toplan consumption schemes. However, the model is impossible to apprehend like this anddifferent scenarios test the influence of parameters, calibrate algorithms and adjust globaland local monitoring for a specific case. We also propose some theories to enhance thestructural model, to integrate dynamic pricing or to help to calibrate by a mathematicalapproach of the global problem

Durch den Ausbau an Wind- und PV-Anlagen in Deutschland wird der Flexibilitätsbedarf im Stromsystem steigen. Der Flexibilitätsbedarf kann zum einen durch verschiedene Technologien, z.B. Speicher oder Netze, und zum anderen durch die Stromnachfrage bereitgestellt werden. Eine gezielte Steuerung der Stromnachfrage wird als Demand Side Management (DSM) bezeichnet. Der zunehmend wetterabhängigen und fluktuierenden Stromerzeugung in Deutschland steht jedoch eine bis heute weitgehend unelastische Nachfrage gegenüber. In der Literatur sind verschiedene Arbeiten zu finden, die das Potential zur Lastabschaltung und verschiebung in Deutschland untersuchen. Hierbei liegt der Fokus auf absoluten Werten. Saisonale oder tageszeitliche Unterschiede bleiben dabei häufig unberücksichtigt. Die vorliegende Dissertation greift an dieser Stelle an und untersucht das Potential ausgewählter DSM-Anwendungen in stündlicher Auflösung. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das verfügbare Potential starken saisonalen und tageszeitlichen Schwankungen unterliegt. Dementsprechend wird das DSM-Potential überschätzt, wenn nur absolute Werte betrachtet werden. Darüber hinaus zeigt die Autorin, welche Entwicklungen in den nächsten Jahren hinsichtlich der Verfügbarkeit des DSM-Potentials zu erwarten sind. Basierend auf der Potentialermittlung wird in der Dissertation die Rolle von DSM in einem EE-geprägten Stromsystem modellbasiert untersucht. Hierfür wird das lineare Optimierungsmodell ELTRAMOD, das den deutschen und europäischen Strommarkt abbildet, weiterentwickelt. Anhand verschiedener Szenarien wird zum einen der Beitrag von DSM zur Systemintegration von erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland und zum anderen die Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Flexibilitätsoptionen (z.B. Speicher) untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die DSM-Kategorien Lastabschaltung und verschiebung nur kurzzeitig auftretende Schwankungen der Einspeisung aus erneuerbaren Energien ausgleichen können. Zum Ausgleich großer Überschussmengen aus erneuerbaren Energien sind hingegen Power-to-X-Technologien, z.B. Power-to-Heat, besser geeignet.

Durch den Ausbau an Wind- und PV-Anlagen in Deutschland wird der Flexibilitätsbedarf im Stromsystem steigen. Der Flexibilitätsbedarf kann zum einen durch verschiedene Technologien, z.B. Speicher oder Netze, und zum anderen durch die Stromnachfrage bereitgestellt werden. Eine gezielte Steuerung der Stromnachfrage wird als Demand Side Management (DSM) bezeichnet. Der zunehmend wetterabhängigen und fluktuierenden Stromerzeugung in Deutschland steht jedoch eine bis heute weitgehend unelastische Nachfrage gegenüber. In der Literatur sind verschiedene Arbeiten zu finden, die das Potential zur Lastabschaltung und verschiebung in Deutschland untersuchen. Hierbei liegt der Fokus auf absoluten Werten. Saisonale oder tageszeitliche Unterschiede bleiben dabei häufig unberücksichtigt. Die vorliegende Dissertation greift an dieser Stelle an und untersucht das Potential ausgewählter DSM-Anwendungen in stündlicher Auflösung. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das verfügbare Potential starken saisonalen und tageszeitlichen Schwankungen unterliegt. Dementsprechend wird das DSM-Potential überschätzt, wenn nur absolute Werte betrachtet werden. Darüber hinaus zeigt die Autorin, welche Entwicklungen in den nächsten Jahren hinsichtlich der Verfügbarkeit des DSM-Potentials zu erwarten sind. Basierend auf der Potentialermittlung wird in der Dissertation die Rolle von DSM in einem EE-geprägten Stromsystem modellbasiert untersucht. Hierfür wird das lineare Optimierungsmodell ELTRAMOD, das den deutschen und europäischen Strommarkt abbildet, weiterentwickelt. Anhand verschiedener Szenarien wird zum einen der Beitrag von DSM zur Systemintegration von erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland und zum anderen die Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Flexibilitätsoptionen (z.B. Speicher) untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die DSM-Kategorien Lastabschaltung und verschiebung nur kurzzeitig auftretende Schwankungen der Einspeisung aus erneuerbaren Energien ausgleichen können. Zum Ausgleich großer Überschussmengen aus erneuerbaren Energien sind hingegen Power-to-X-Technologien, z.B. Power-to-Heat, besser geeignet.

Because of a continuous increase in the demand for electricity in South Africa the country’s largest electricity utility (Eskom) has been under strain to provide electricity. An expansion programme to generate more electricity has caused a continuous increase in utility costs. Steep electricity tariff increases have forced large electricity consumers, such as the mining industry, to focus on energy efficiency and demand side management (DSM). More recently, large industrial action has affected the marginality of the mining industry in such a way that mining groups were forced to cut down on production cost and even sell mining shafts. A solution has to be found to improve the marginality of these mines. DSM intervention on mine water reticulation systems has shown great promise in the past and has been implemented on many South African mines with great success. Many mines with smaller systems have not been optimised because the priority of DSM intervention was to achieve the largest saving; therefore, larger systems enjoyed priority over smaller systems. This only added to the increased financial pressure on already marginal mines. In this study the operation of a mine water reticulation system will be studied to identify the most efficient DSM interventions to implement. DSM intervention on dewatering-, refrigeration- and water distribution systems will be investigated to get a better understanding of the functions of these operations. Previous project data will be analysed to create tools that would assist in the decision-making process for DSM intervention regarding saving potential, cost benefit and cost implication. This data would ultimately assist in determining a project’s payback period that is used to prioritise DSM intervention applications. A mining group will be analysed to identify possible DSM intervention potential. The systems will be investigated and the best strategy for DSM intervention will be selected. This study will conclude that it is financially feasible to implement DSM interventions on marginal mines’ dewatering systems. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

An ever-expanding global industry focuses attention on energy supply and use. Cost-effective electrical energy production and reduced consumption pave the way for this expansion. Eskom’s demand-side management (DSM) initiative provides the opportunity for reduced electricity consumption with cost-effective implementation for their respective clients. South African gold mines have to extend their operations to up to 4000 m below the surface to maintain profitable operations. Deep-level mining therefore requires large and energy-intensive cooling installations to provide safe working conditions. These installations generally consist of industrial chillers, cooling towers, bulk air coolers and water transport systems. All of these components operate in unison to provide chilled service water and cooled ventilation air underground. In this study the improved energy efficiency and control of a South African gold mine’s cooling plant is investigated. The plant is separated into a primary and secondary cooling load, resulting in a cascading cooling system. Necessary research was conducted to determine the optimal solution to improve the plant’s performance and electrical energy usage. Variable speed drives (VSD) were installed on the chiller evaporator and condenser water pumps to provide variable flow control of the water through the chillers, resulting in reduced motor electricity usage. Potential electricity savings were simulated. Proposed savings were estimated at 600 kW (13.6%) daily, with an expected saving of R 2 275 000 yearly, resulting in a payback period of less than 9 months. Results indicated are based on total savings, as VSD savings and control savings were combined. The VSDs that were installed, were controlled according to an optimum simulation model’s philosophy. A real-time energy management program was used to control the VSDs and monitor the respective systems. The program’s remote capabilities allow for off-site monitoring and control adjustments. A control strategy, which was implemented using the management program, is discussed. Energy efficiency was achieved through the respective installations and control improvements. The results were analysed over an assessment period of three months to determine the viability of the intervention. A newly installed Bulk Air Cooler (BAC) added to the service delivery of the cooling plant post installation of the VSDs. Focusing on service delivery to underground showed a savings of 1.7 MW (33.6%) daily and a payback period of 3.6 months (0.3 years). The overall implementation showed an average energy saving of 2.3 MW (47.1%) daily, with the result that a daily saving of R 23 988.20 was experienced, reducing the payback period to 2.3 months (0.2 years). Through the installation of energy-efficiency technology and a suitable control philosophy, a cost-effective, energy-efficiency improvement was created on the case-study cooling plant. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Major energy-consuming countries implemented new laws on energy-efficiency during the course of 2013. The new energy-efficiency law make provision for a 16% reduction in energy intensity by 2015 in China. New law in the United States of America requires new fuel-economy standards. European Union law aims for a cut of 20% in energy demand for the countries forming part of the European Union. Japan, with the country's new energy strategy aims to decrease electricity demand with 10% by 2030 as stipulated in the new energy strategy. South Arica is currently experiencing a shortage in electricity generating capacity and operates within its reserve margin. The construction of new power stations is in process to address the shortage but Eskom must finance these assets by increasing the electricity tariff. Electricity prices are predicted to double from 2013 to 2017. In addition to the tariff increases, the Energy Conservation Scheme (ECS) is also planned by Eskom whereby all electricity consumers have to reduce their electricity consumption by 10% or face penalties. Energy efficiency initiatives in South Africa will help meet some of the country's social, economic, and environmental goals. These initiatives are important as they immediately tackle the problem of electricity shortages and are a cost-effective way of increasing available electricity supply. The aim of this study was to determine the need for businesses in the Vaal Triangle to be resource efficient and practice clean production in order to be able to capitalise on that need. With the current knowledge and technology available, Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) will prove to be a future necessity for industry. To determine the perceived readiness towards a green economy contribution is thus of importance. The study did a review on RECP, energy efficiency, supply of energy in South Africa, focus areas for energy efficiency and the benefits thereof. The study discussed energy efficiency incentive schemes and subsidisation funds available in South Africa. The study assessed the primary fields for RECP, the drivers and barriers to RECP and the willingness to participate in RECP initiatives in the Vaal Triangle. The study concluded that there exists a need in the Vaal Triangle for RECP initiatives and that there exists potential for the start of a green economy in the region. The research indicated the reaction towards RECP initiatives to be very positive in the studied region. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Energy services companies (ESCOs) typically implement energy management systems (EMSs) as part of Demand-Side Management (DSM) projects on South African mines. After DSM project completion, the mine becomes responsible for maintaining the performance of the EMS. Due to a lack of experience in using specialised EMSs, mines typically contract ESCOs for EMS maintenance. However, maintaining a large number of EMSs remotely is a resource-intensive task because of time wasted on daily monitoring and travelling to perform on-site maintenance. For the same reason, remote maintenance technologies have become widely used to maintain cellular devices, vehicles and industrial equipment. Mine EMSs typically control production-critical systems that in turn ensure safe working conditions underground. EMSs execute highly specialised control philosophies to achieve electrical energy management, while ensuring safe and productive system operation. None of the work done on remote maintenance, however, provides an integrated solution to maintain the performance of a growing number of these specialised EMSs. As part of this study, a supervisory system was developed to optimise remote maintenance of different EMS technologies. The supervisory system builds on the fundamentals of existing remote maintenance technologies, complemented by comprehensive diagnostics of specialised EMS technologies. This is possible through automated diagnostics of EMS components, the control philosophy and overall EMS performance. Maintenance management forms part of the supervisory system to ensure that maintenance is performed with optimal efficiency. A system implementation was executed to prove the feasibility of the supervisory system. The functional operation of the system was verified with pre-set scenarios that simulated day-to-day operation and common fault diagnostic events. As part of the case studies conducted for this thesis, the supervisory system was integrated with three distinct EMS technologies implemented on South African mines. To support the results of these case studies, the system validation was extended through integrations with seven additional EMSs. For the first time, a supervisory assessed the condition of the EMS components, the control philosophy and DSM performance comprehensively. The results (obtained over a period of more than six months) indicated that the average operational availability of EMS components improved from 90% to 97%. The average EMS performance improved from 1.8 MW to 2.5 MW, an improvement of 39%. The resulting electricity cost reduction achieved on the case studies accumulated to approximately R6 million during the respective assessment periods. The supervisory system facilitated efficient EMS maintenance, thus reducing the risk of unsafe working conditions and production interruptions. The system also allowed maintenance personnel to improve the diagnostic process continually, thus aligning with the standards documented in ISO 50001:2011 (ISO, 2011) regarding continual improvement of electrical energy management initiatives. The new supervisory system is scalable, thus an ESCO can maintain the performance of a growing number of EMSs remotely. Results of this study support further supervisory system integration with compatible EMS technologies, and expansion to new EMS technologies. The modular design of the supervisory system provides a basis for the development of a cross-industry platform for maintaining EMS performance. / PhD (Computer and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) supply potable water which is transferred by pumps to various end users. WTPs and other sub-systems are energy intensive with pump installed capacities varying between 75 kW – 6 000 kW. It has therefore become important to optimise the utilisation of WTPs. Cost savings can be achieved and the load on the national grid can be reduced. The aim of this study is to develop and implement load management strategies on a municipal WTP. In this investigation the high lift pumps are deemed to be the largest consumers of electricity. Strategies to safely implement load management on a WTP were researched. By optimising the operations of the pumps, significant cost savings can be achieved. Comparisons between different electricity tariff structures were done. It was found plausible to save R 990 000 annually, on a pumping station with four 1 000 kW pumps installed, when switching to a time-of-use dependent tariff structure. Strategies to optimise plant utilisation while attempting a load management study include the optimisation of filter washing methods and raw water operations. An increase of 34% in efficiency for a filter backwash cycle was achieved. To accommodate the effects of the load management on the WTP, the operation of valves that allow water to distribute within the plant was also optimised. The implemented control strategies aimed to accomplish the full utilisation of the WTP and sub-systems to achieve savings. An average evening peak period load shift impact of 2.21 MW was achieved. Due to filter modifications the plant is able to supply 5% more water daily. A conclusion is drawn regarding the success of the strategies implemented. Recommendations are made for further research. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Global energy constraints and economic conditions have placed large energy consumers under pressure to conserve resources. Several governments have acknowledged this and have employed policies to address energy shortages. In South Africa, the lacking electrical infrastructure caused severe electricity supply shortages during recent years. To alleviate the shortage, the government has revised numerous energy policies. Consumers stand to gain nancially if they embrace the opportunities o ered by the revised policies. Energy management systems provide a framework that ensures alignment with speci cations of the respective programs. Such a system requires a data consolidation platform to import and manage relevant data. A stored combination of consumption data, production data and nancial data can be used to extract information for numerous reporting applications. This study discusses the development of a data consolidation platform. The platform is used to collect and maintain energy related data. The platform is capable of consolidating a wide range of energy and production data into a single data set. The generic platform architecture o ers users the ability to manage a wide range of data from several sources. In order to generate reports, the platform was integrated with an existing software based energy management system. The integrated system provides a web-based interface that allows the generation and distribution of various reports. To do this the system accesses the consolidated data set. The developed energy information tool is used by an ESCo to gather and consolidate data from multiple client systems into a single repository. Speci c reports are generated by the integrated system and can be targeted at both consumers and governing bodies. The system complies with draft legislative guidelines and has been successfully implemented as a energy information tool in practice. / MIng (Computer and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

South African industries are challenged with above inflation electricity tariffs which may affect their competitiveness within their relative markets. In order to successfully manage these rising electricity costs and ensuing top market competition, a well organised demand side management (DSM) strategy must be implemented. Energy service companies (ESCos) have been assisting Eskom, South Africa’s leading electricity utility, in managing energy projects around the country. These DSM projects have introduced remarkable electricity and cost savings. However, the need for a sustainable energy management system (EnMS) within these projects does exist. This dissertation illustrates and discusses an EnMS designed to achieve maximum possible energy savings performances. The ISO 9 001 (quality management), ISO 14 001 (environmental management) and ISO 50 001 (energy management) standards were integrated for the development and implementation of this system. It provides a framework for project engineers and industrial clients to apply before, during and after project implementation. The use of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle will be applied throughout the dissertation. The PDCA cycle follows basic steps recommended by the relevant ISO standards. This cycle emphasises the concept of continual improvement. The developed EnMS was successfully implemented on various DSM projects. This selection includes previously maintained and new implemented projects. An analysis between the implementation and post- implementation performances supports the achieved results. The results of the case studies are presented in this dissertation. This dissertation illustrates that the continual improvement of an ISO based EnMS will result in a sustainable increase in electricity savings. An overall increase in project quality can be defined and measured according to the electricity consumptions and electricity cost savings. These electricity cost savings from the selected projects resulted to nearly R18 million during project implementation. A total amount of R52 million was already saved during the maintenance phase of 2014. This cost savings only reflect the results of the eight selected projects for the first eight months in 2014. The EnMS explained in this dissertation indicates that a continually controlled framework can improve the quality of DSM project implementation and sustainability. With the flexibility of changing the system according to impulsive constraints and client demands, the system can be used with various DSM projects. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015