"The intent of this Thesis is to study the potential of distributed resources to increase the efficacy of the electric system without decreasing the efficiency of the system. Distributed resources (DR) are technologies that provide an increase in power or a decrease in load on the distribution system. An example of DR is a storage device that uses electricity during low use periods to store energy and then converts the stored energy to power during high use periods. The energy storage being studied is for the purpose of peak shaving or the ability to shift small amounts of load to a more optimum time. In particular the concept of load curve leveling is explored. DR options are studied to determine how size, location, and storage losses impact the overall system efficacy and efficiency. This includes impacts on system losses, capacity utilization, and energy costs."

Thesis (M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Efficient control is often the most cost-effective option to improve on the running cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. However, the effect of changing the control strategy (i.e. on energy consumption) is usually difficult to predict. To obtain this information more easily, a new simulation tool, QUICKcontrol, was developed. This new tool was used to investigate the energy cost savings potential in a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. The influence of pump scheduling, dam level set points, control parameters and different combinations thereof was investigated. The simulation models were firstly verified with measurements obtained from the existing system to confirm their accuracy for realistic control retrofit simulations. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool it was possible to predict savings of R 195'000 per year with an average 3.8 MW of load shifted. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

A Residential Energy Management System (REMS) in smart grid provides capability to manage a daily load curve in order to reduce power consumption and energy cost. Consequently, (REMS) offers significant benefits for both the electricity suppliers and consumers in terms of control and schedule time of use of major appliances. In recent years, however, the rate of energy demand has increased rapidly throughout the world while the price of energy has been fluctuating. Numerous methods for (REMS) are used; this thesis analyzes many candidate scenarios during peak load periods comparing to the tariff to reduce the usage and its associated costs. It presents simulated results of proposed (REMS) to provide an automated least cost demand response. The main approach will be to ensure the satisfaction of the requirements with constraints on efficient use of energy. Multiphasic system behaviors of smart appliances in (REMS) with a realistic manner are proposed. / This thesis examines many mathematical models of home appliances in order to calculate the physical quantities that reflect the parameters’ impact and the system behavior. Main contribution determines the optimal solution of (TOU) problem to reduce energy cost and determine the best operation time by using (Linear optimization technique).

Efficient control is often the most cost-effective option to improve on the running cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. However, the effect of changing the control strategy (i.e. on energy consumption) is usually difficult to predict. To obtain this information more easily, a new simulation tool, QUICKcontrol, was developed. This new tool was used to investigate the energy cost savings potential in a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. The influence of pump scheduling, dam level set points, control parameters and different combinations thereof was investigated. The simulation models were firstly verified with measurements obtained from the existing system to confirm their accuracy for realistic control retrofit simulations. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool it was possible to predict savings of R 195'000 per year with an average 3.8 MW of load shifted. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the best alternative method of load shifting on clear water pumping systems in the mining industry. This can be done through a comparison analysis between manual and automated Demand Side Management (DSM) projects. The study holds benefits for Eskom and any client wishing to participate in the program. Eskom, by choosing the best method, will ensure sustainable load shifting while the client benefits financially through lower electricity costs. In order to perform this study, research was conducted on the requirements for additional electricity supply in South Africa. Research showed that there is an urgent requirement for additional electricity supply to ensure continued economical growth. DSM was identified as one of the most favourable methods that could be implemented to address the problem. A reason for this is DSM projects are economically viable and can be implemented in a relatively short time. The initiative would also decrease the need for increasing electrical generation capacity. During the research study important information regarding the computation process for load shifting and cost saving performance was gathered. Research was also conducted on the effect of DSM on labour and maintenance cost reduction, as well as economical engineering methods that can be used for alternative selection. The difference in performance between automated and manual systems was compared. The results showed that a 40% improvement of automated systems over manual systems were attainable and sustainable. This will realise a total saving of approximately 45% in electricity costs for the client. Savings in labour and maintenance costs are shown to be achievable through the automation of pumping systems. These saving results were used in the Engineering Economic alternative selection methods where applicable. Economic calculations confirmed that automated projects are the most viable control method. From the comparison study, it is shown that automated controlled systems are more advantageous than manually controlled systems. It will therefore be in the best interest of the client to automate a manually controlled pumping system, as it will result in additional load shifting and cost saving. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the best alternative method of load shifting on clear water pumping systems in the mining industry. This can be done through a comparison analysis between manual and automated Demand Side Management (DSM) projects. The study holds benefits for Eskom and any client wishing to participate in the program. Eskom, by choosing the best method, will ensure sustainable load shifting while the client benefits financially through lower electricity costs. In order to perform this study, research was conducted on the requirements for additional electricity supply in South Africa. Research showed that there is an urgent requirement for additional electricity supply to ensure continued economical growth. DSM was identified as one of the most favourable methods that could be implemented to address the problem. A reason for this is DSM projects are economically viable and can be implemented in a relatively short time. The initiative would also decrease the need for increasing electrical generation capacity. During the research study important information regarding the computation process for load shifting and cost saving performance was gathered. Research was also conducted on the effect of DSM on labour and maintenance cost reduction, as well as economical engineering methods that can be used for alternative selection. The difference in performance between automated and manual systems was compared. The results showed that a 40% improvement of automated systems over manual systems were attainable and sustainable. This will realise a total saving of approximately 45% in electricity costs for the client. Savings in labour and maintenance costs are shown to be achievable through the automation of pumping systems. These saving results were used in the Engineering Economic alternative selection methods where applicable. Economic calculations confirmed that automated projects are the most viable control method. From the comparison study, it is shown that automated controlled systems are more advantageous than manually controlled systems. It will therefore be in the best interest of the client to automate a manually controlled pumping system, as it will result in additional load shifting and cost saving. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Electrical energy has become a very important and integrated part of the current era. Electricity cost saving interventions, such as load shifting, form part of demand side management (DSM) interventions. DSM interventions have been successfully implemented in the past to ensure reliable supply of electricity during the Eskom peak periods. It has been established that there is a need to implement an electricity cost saving intervention on a large water distribution utility. This dissertation focuses on the integration of electricity cost saving interventions on a water distribution utility. An investigation methodology, as well as an integration strategy for implementing an electricity cost saving intervention were developed. This study expands on the importance of an integrated approach. It further discusses the shortcomings of the current control philosophies of a large water distribution utility in South Africa. A load shifting project was implemented as an electricity cost saving intervention on a large water distribution utility in South Africa. The proposed integrated strategy was simulated and an optimised approach developed. It was found that the implementation of the strategy was limited due to process constraints and increasing water demand. Utilising the large combined installed capacity of the pumps in the water distribution utility and the storage capacity, the strategy was implemented and cost savings obtained. It was concluded that load shifting was possible on individual pumping stations in the water distribution utility subsystems, and could, therefore, be quantified to an integrated approach. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Mathematical analyses indicated that significant possibilities exist for load shifting projects on a Large Potable Water Utility (LPWU) in South Africa. A primary concern remained, i.e. whether the load variation would have an effect on the water quality. Extensive simulation and testing were initiated in order to prove that the load shift will not affect the water quality. In South Africa, the highest standard for drinking water is the Blue Drop award. The LPWU has received this award multiple times and strives to maintain it. An investigation was launched to determine if this load shifting project would have an effect on the quality standards to which the utility holds (SANS 241 (2011)). The LPWU has over 3000 km of pipelines to supply potable water to the industrial heartland of the country as well as millions of domestic users. The LPWU network is the longest pumping network in the world and is still expanding. The investigation included a simulation of a pumping simulation package to determine how the system would react to the changes. In this simulation, the load reduction in terms of Mega litre per day (Ml/day) was established. Results were compared to the normal operating parameters of the Water Treatment Works (WTW). The mathematical analysis in this investigation concluded that an evening peak load shift of 24.5 MW is achievable. This dissertation will emphasise the necessity of a detailed investigation. The investigations and simulation will determine that the volume of water is well within the operating parameters of the WTW. Studies were done on each area of the plant. In-depth conversations with WTW personnel revealed that the reduction of the volume of water in question will not have an effect on the water quality. Further, it was established that it would be possible to use the sumps of the water treatment works to achieve the desired load shift. By using the sumps of the WTW, a load shift can be done without stopping any process in the WTW with the exception of disinfection at the Booster Pump Stations (BPS), where the balancing reservoirs were used as buffer capacity. The investigation shifted to establish whether stagnant water and a change in dosage would have an effect on the water quality in regard to the reduction and recovery load. As expected, the water never became stagnant at any moment due to the fact that only a small portion of the load was reduced. The water quality and dosage report of the water utility was used and compared to normal operations. The planned load shift had no effect on any aspects of the water quality. The project is feasible and will reach the set targets without affecting the water quality. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Electrical energy has become a very important and integrated part of the current era. Electricity cost saving interventions, such as load shifting, form part of demand side management (DSM) interventions. DSM interventions have been successfully implemented in the past to ensure reliable supply of electricity during the Eskom peak periods. It has been established that there is a need to implement an electricity cost saving intervention on a large water distribution utility. This dissertation focuses on the integration of electricity cost saving interventions on a water distribution utility. An investigation methodology, as well as an integration strategy for implementing an electricity cost saving intervention were developed. This study expands on the importance of an integrated approach. It further discusses the shortcomings of the current control philosophies of a large water distribution utility in South Africa. A load shifting project was implemented as an electricity cost saving intervention on a large water distribution utility in South Africa. The proposed integrated strategy was simulated and an optimised approach developed. It was found that the implementation of the strategy was limited due to process constraints and increasing water demand. Utilising the large combined installed capacity of the pumps in the water distribution utility and the storage capacity, the strategy was implemented and cost savings obtained. It was concluded that load shifting was possible on individual pumping stations in the water distribution utility subsystems, and could, therefore, be quantified to an integrated approach. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015