Academic submissions (CEDAT)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/4085

Browse

Browsing Academic submissions (CEDAT) by Issue Date

Jump to a point in the index:
  • Item
    An investigation into the barriers and facilitators of walkability in the eastern part of Kampala Central Business District
    (Makerere University, 2017) Katureebe, Apollo
    Walking is seemingly a forgotten mode of transport and consequently few analytical techniques are available to help practitioners identify low standard walking environments. Providing accessibility to the transport network for all groups of the community is vitally important. For most groups of the community severed from easy accessibility i.e young, old and mobility impaired, walking provides the first, last and often the only mode of transport. Other functions that walking aids include community involvement, health, and recreation are all affected by low quality walking environments. In Uganda, walking is the oldest and basic form of transportation as it provides mobility to over 70 percent of the population (Ministry of transport), especially the poor who are unable to meet other alternatives, however the transport infrastructures are more biased to motorized traffic rather than part of the public realm for pedestrian experience. This calls for an investigation into the barriers and facilitators of walkability. The general objective of the study was to assess the barriers and facilitators of walkability in the Eastern part of Kampala CBD. The specific objectives included; investigating attitude and perception of people towards walking, identifying the importance of walking as a mode of transport and developing strategies and recommendations to enhance walkability. The researcher collected data from 47 respondents of whom 2 were purposively selected and 45 were randomly selected from pedestrians along the three networks of Jinja road, Wampewo avenue and Old port bell road. Data was collected using a combination of in-depth interviews and questionnaires as well as analysis of secondary data sources. The study concludes that walking should be given much attention as another mode of transport which has to be incorporated in the resultant designs since it consumes no fuel, very cheap, helps to promote physical exercises and above all helps to reduce traffic congestion in the city. ABSTRACT Walking is seemingly a forgotten mode of transport and consequently few analytical techniques are available to help practitioners identify low standard walking environments. Providing accessibility to the transport network for all groups of the community is vitally important. For most groups of the community severed from easy accessibility i.e young, old and mobility impaired, walking provides the first, last and often the only mode of transport. Other functions that walking aids include community involvement, health, and recreation are all affected by low quality walking environments. In Uganda, walking is the oldest and basic form of transportation as it provides mobility to over 70 percent of the population (Ministry of transport), especially the poor who are unable to meet other alternatives, however the transport infrastructures are more biased to motorized traffic rather than part of the public realm for pedestrian experience. This calls for an investigation into the barriers and facilitators of walkability. The general objective of the study was to assess the barriers and facilitators of walkability in the Eastern part of Kampala CBD. The specific objectives included; investigating attitude and perception of people towards walking, identifying the importance of walking as a mode of transport and developing strategies and recommendations to enhance walkability. The researcher collected data from 47 respondents of whom 2 were purposively selected and 45 were randomly selected from pedestrians along the three networks of Jinja road, Wampewo avenue and Old port bell road. Data was collected using a combination of in-depth interviews and questionnaires as well as analysis of secondary data sources. The study concludes that walking should be given much attention as another mode of transport which has to be incorporated in the resultant designs since it consumes no fuel, very cheap, helps to promote physical exercises and above all helps to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
  • Item
    Suitability of the C-RAN model for future dense networks
    (Makerere University, 2017) Sanyu, Immaculate
    C-RAN is an acronym for Cloud Radio Access Network which consists of a Centralized baseband pool, real-time Cloud computing, Collaborative radio and a clean system. The main idea is of a system architecture that can cope with the rapid development of mobile networks and accommodate next-generation networks advanced features, as well as the increasing demands for capacity and coverage. This report provides a comprehensive analysis on the suitability of a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) model for future dense networks. The objectives of the report are to analyze the Capacity, Coverage and Energy Efficiency of a C-RAN model in comparison to that of the Traditional Network (T-RAN). This analysis focuses on the results obtained from simulation of the models using MATLAB software, comparing the results obtained from the T-RAN implementation to those of the C-RAN. This report offers a complete and objective view about C-RAN in order to assess how suitable it could be for the expanding Radio Access Network.
  • Item
    Assessing the role of spatial planning in conserving public green spaces in Bugiri Municipal Council, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2017-02) Okongo, Boneventure
    This study explores the roles of spatial planning in conserving public green spaces. An estimation survey has been conducted on public green spaces within Bugiri Municipality, to find out public perceptions toward public green spaces. This research seeks to stimulate discussions as well as to provide a survey of both existing and depleted public green spaces within Bugiri Municipality, and it would also hope to serve as an indicator for planning a new public green space development program to provide aesthetically magnificent physical and psychological environment for the urban dwellers. The research has revealed the current usage of public green spaces, reasons leading to encroachment and people's perception towards conservation of public green spaces. A total of 70 randomly selected respondents were surveyed. Interviews with semi-structured questionnaire were conducted with visitors in prominent public green spaces within Bugiri Municipality.
  • Item
    Investigating the impact of lack of maintenance on gravel roads in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2017-04) Kiiza, Bernadetta
    In Uganda today, 80 % gravel (unpaved) roads of the estimated 21,000 km of national road network are in the state of disrepair due to the outmoded maintenance practice combined with minimal funding leading to progressive decline in stock of good roads. Out of the UGX 3 Trillion allocated to the road sub sector in the financial year 2015/16, only a total budget of 417 billion was allocated for road maintenance and the remaining UGX 50.8 billion was not released by the URF disrupting and constraining progress of the road maintenance work plan leaving UNRA with an outstanding debt of UGX 30.25 billion on the road maintenance Programme by the close of the year to be catered for in the new financial year (FY). Because of the amount of money given to UNRA by the Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Uganda Road Fund (URF) for road development and maintenance being insufficient given the ever-increasing need for road maintenance (UNRA,2017) has led to many of the gravel roads remaining in the category of fair to poor condition (UNRA, 2016). Poor geometric designs, increasing traffic volumes, poor quality materials and lack of implementation of road maintenance intervention are some of the factors that have contributed to poor gravel road conditions. Therefore there is need to determine the extent to which lack of maintenance affects gravel road deterioration hence the need for this study.
  • Item
    Challenges of physical planning; a case study of kanoni town council
    (Makerere University, 2017-05-15) Nakajja, Irene
    This research is a partial fulfillment for the award of a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional planning at Makerere University. And it was carried by the researcher under the guidance of the supervisor. The research was carried out in the Central Region of Uganda, Kanoni Town Council is in Gomba District and the research was mainly in Kanoni ward. The research was looking at the challenges of Physical planning in Kanoni Town Council right from the initial stage of the process, to the final stage of implementation. Recommendations have been listed basing on the research findings on how best physical planning challenges can be tackled.
  • Item
    Assessing the livelihoods of slum dwellers in old, upgraded and new informal settlements in Kampala city and their impact on physical planning: A case study of Kisugu-Namuwongo area
    (Makerere University, 2017-09) Niwahereza, Anna
    The report also constitutes study findings of a field research carried out in March 2017 guided by these central questions: -1. How the residents ended up living in Namuwongo upgraded slum Kisugu old slum and the new slum Soweto? ; 2. What are the sources of livelihood for the slum dwellers in the study area? ; 3. What are the livelihood challenges of households in the Namuwongo, Kisugu and Soweto slums? ; 4. What are strategies and approaches for improving slums and preventing their formation in the study area? The study employed secondary data from literature review for theoretical framework development and field study tools. Purposive sampling and Stratified random sampling techniques were used in the case of physical planning department staff in Makindye Division and Soweto, Namuwongo, Kisugu residents whose sample sizes were 2 and 60 respectively. The study also employed case study design and the data was analyzed descriptively and presented in tables and figures. Improving livelihoods in Soweto, Namuwongo and Kisugu slums has various stakeholders including tenants, resident and non-resident structure owners, land owners, public authorities, civil society, private sector and international development agencies. Despite of the efforts to address the slum issue through formulation of the National Slum Upgrading Strategy which prescribes measures to improve conditions as well as prevent emergency of new slums, the upgrading of slums in Namuwongo in Kampala, Masese in Jinja, Malukhu in Mbale, and Oil in Aura, the profiling of slums with a view of generating basic data and information necessary for planning ,the preparation of structure (Master) plans for 73 towns, formulation of the National Land use Policy and review of the Town and Country Planning Law, there is still emergence of new slums like Soweto slum even after the upgrading of Namuwongo slum
  • Item
    Concept and techniques: sustainable design techniques in the Langi traditional architecture. a case study of the Langi traditional housing
    (Makerere University, 2017-10) Okello, Daniel
    The characteristic of traditional architecture generates a congenial place through a sympathetic design of its cultural environment and local people. The study demonstrates how the characteristic of traditional architecture accumulates and embodied its significant of traditional values in the traditional architecture. Studies have indicated on a common thought of supporting the concept of tradition, and its related features. This dissertation examines the sustainable design techniques through a study addressing issues such as social, cultural identity, tradition and sustainability. Traditional case studies within Lango sub-region community built by the local people clarify the reintroduction of the local traditional techniques to strengthen the sustainability of the built environment moreover improving the cultural identity of the people. The research promotes the implementation of traditional building techniques and indigenous knowledge into contemporary or modern architecture through a participatory approach to community development. Following the findings, the knowledge concerning a local tradition cannot be irrelevant to contemporary or modern architecture which may play an essential role in guiding architects through the past in order to navigate to the present and sustainable future.
  • Item
    Assess the possibilities of promoting cycling
    (Makerere University, 2017-12) Ssemusu, Umar
    This research is about assessing the possibilities of promoting cycling. It is a relatively old mode of active transport that has been used for more past years, and therefore there’s need for planners and responsible authorities to work concomitantly to come up with the ways on how to emphasize this mode of transport especially in the cities and towns
  • Item
    Assessing the impact of clay particles in fine aggregates on the compressive strength of concrete in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kwikiriza, Didas
    In the present day construction, concrete has emerged as the most common building material in Uganda as well as the world at large therefore imperative consideration must be given to factors that affect its strength. The research work aimed at assessing the impact of clay particles in fine aggregates on the compressive strength of concrete in Uganda. Concrete cubes of mix 1: 2.2: 2.9 with a water/cement ratio of 0.58 for different percentage replacements of clay (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) was used throughout the experiment while keeping other parameters constant. Among the tests performed were particle size distribution, sieve analysis, slump and compressive strength tests. Concrete cubes of 150mm X 150mm X 150mm were cast and tested in triplicates at 7 and 28 days at each percentage for compressive strength and the slump done on the fresh concrete. It was observed that as the clay content increases, the compressive strength of concrete decreases. The results reflected that slump increased with increasing percentage replacement of clay. For sand having above 3.8% of clay content used in a 1: 2.2: 2.9 (C25) mix of concrete, resulted in the production of concrete with target compressive strength less than the desired one.
  • Item
    Investigation into estimation of building projects variation period
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mwanje, Henry
    In Uganda, the construction industry contributes to national economic growth to a certain extent and therefore the improvement in efficiencies of the industry through of effectiveness in timelines that would certainly contribute to an overall cost savings for the industry and the country as a whole. The aim of parties in a given construction project is to obtain a constructed facility within the specified time, budget and specifications, ¬¬¬¬ (Kivaa, Titus Peter, 2000). In developed countries of United States of America, United Kingdom and Germany, (Mobbs G. N., 1982) document that ‘construction time’ is well achieved as it is well planned at the commencement of a project. In a ¬¬¬developing country case in point Nigeria, the performance of the construction industry time wise is poor leading to increased costs, (Odeyinka, H, A. and Yusif, A , 1997). It was also found out at that seven out of ten projects surveyed had delays in their execution. Documentation of quality and budget as a measure of success in construction has been documented by (Chan, D. M. & Kumaraswamy, M. M, 1993) to show that delivery of projects within time, budget and expected quality standard as specified by the client is an index of for measuring successful project delivery. However, project variations aspects have been found to be a major contributing factor to non-delivery of on time, cost and quality. Variations however do occur on the project and a cost is factored at the beginning of the project but time is not. Contract time is thus extending in the project and the objective of this project to find out how the time for carrying out the variations is calculated and by who and of those methods are effective and to satisfaction of the parties involved. The study employed descriptive survey design while the target population consisted of developers, consultants and contractors of construction projects in Kampala. The study relied on primary data source and used purposive sampling technique. The study generated qualitative and quantitative data in which quantitative data was coded and entered into Microsoft excel for analysis using descriptive statistics. The conclusions of the study were that estimation of time for carrying out variation work is done by the contractor. Non-mathematical method is the most popular method used in calculating the time for carrying out variation work. Mathematical methods, like the Bromilow’s Time Cost (BTC) model is not applied in the Ugandan construction industry as a model of estimating project construction time. Many projects experience extensive delays thus exceed initial set time. This leads to impairing the economic feasibility of capital projects and extensive delays provide ripe grounds for costly disputes and claims. According to the contractors and project supervisors, errors and omissions in design are a major cause of project variations that lead to delays as well as unavailability of new equipment introduced in variation since procurement problems affect the project completion, while owners ranked delays decision making process as hindering subsequent construction activities. Delays were noted to occur due to external factor like change in government, regulation and location. The study recommended Variation issued should always be accompanied by variation period and that the design consultant should always cater for impacts which cause extension of time and/or increase in cost are frequent occurrences in project construction. At the commencement, contractors should regularly try to identify and to bring to the attention of the client project risks such as an ill-defined scope in the early stages (tender clarification meetings) of a project. Whereas there is use of mathematical and non-mathematical methods of estimating time, the current methods applied do not satisfactorily achieve the expectations and it is recommended as an area of further research that a model of estimating time should be developed to act as a guide for the Ugandan construction industry.
  • Item
    A low cost wireless TV audio transceiver
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mirugwe, Alex
    Wireless communication is rapidly growing, making it possible to design wireless network systems that can constantly collect, analyze, evaluate and validate our environment to get more control of the factors that influence it. With over a decade of intensive research and development, wireless sensor network technology has been emerging as viable solution to many innovative applications. Various audio wireless consumer devices have been developed over years. But these wireless TV headphones use Bluetooth technology which comes with a number of drawbacks; high power consumption, high cost, short distance coverage and limited number of users at time. In this project, we have developed a wireless TV audio transceiver (transmitter to multiple receivers) using Arduino and nRF24L01 module. The nRF24L01 transceiver module uses the 2.4 GHz band and it can operate with band rates from 250 kbps up to 2 Mbps. If used in closed space and with lower band rate its range can reach up to 100 meters. The Wireless audio system operates at Radio Frequency (RF) signals. Specifically, it utilizes IEEE802.15.4 standard to transmit the audio signals. The system is designed to transmit and receive the audio signal about 2.4Ghz frequencies. The system is powered using a 9Vdc battery. The Wireless audio system utilizes IEEE802.15.4 Radio Frequency (RF) standard to transmit the audio signals. IEEE standard 802.15.4 offers the fundamental lower network layers of a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) and focuses on low-cost, low-power communication between devices. The system will be designed to transmit and receive the audio signal using 2.4Ghz band. The transmitter converts the input analog signal from the TV audio socket to digital signal using the microcontroller. The digital signal will then be sent to the nRF24L01 module which modulates it using Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation scheme and transmits it at 2.4GHz. The receivers use GFSK modulation to demodulate the digital signal received and convert it to an analog signal using the microcontroller. The analog signal is amplified by LM386 circuit where users can individually modulate the volume of sound of their preferences. LM386 is a low voltage audio amplifier and frequently used in battery powered music devices. Overall system architecture and the design of hardware and software components are presented in details in this paper.
  • Item
    Analysis of the accuracy of different commercial GPS network adjustment software packages
    (Makerere University, 2018) Ochen, Ronald Keddy
    The surveying and geomatics community is currently faced with a wide range of commercial proprietary GPS network adjustment software to choose from. Each of the software package is however unique in some functions, with different data processing algorithms applied. The difference in mathematical models adopted by the software packages influences the adjusted coordinates and therefore leads to differences in final coordinates. Surveyors however continue to use these software without knowing their comparative efficacy hence the need for congruity analysis. This research therefore aims at assessing the accuracy of four commercial GPS network adjustment software packages in the user market namely; Carlson SurveyGNSS 2016, CHC Geomatics Office (CGO) version 1.0.1, GNSS Solutions (3.80.8) and Trimble -Business Center (TBC) version 3.50. Using 6 control stations, the evaluation method involves the comparison of coordinate residuals obtained as deviations of the final (adjusted) coordinates, from the software, from the “known” station coordinates. The station coordinates obtained from the Surveys and Mapping Department, Entebbe, were considered as the ‘known coordinates’ in the residual computation. The average residual values in the Northing, Easting and Orthometric height were below 10 cm in CGO, GNSS Solutions and TBC in both Cases 1 and 2 while SurveyGNSS produced average residual values ranging between 10 cm to 20 cm in the North, East and Height components. Since the adjusted coordinates were compared with their ‘known’ values, the software package that produced the least deviations was considered the most accurate amongst the four software packages. The one that produced the highest deviations was however the least accurate. Further analysis was conducted basing on the mean residual values, 2D and 3D residual errors, Standard Deviations and Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE). The RMSE of 0.043 m in Case 1 confirmed TBC as the most accurate amongst the test software packages while SurveyGNSS produced the highest RMSE of 0.170 m implying that it is the least accurate. CGO however performed slightly better that TBC in Case 2 with RMSE of 0.071 m compared to 0.093 m of TBC. This could be partly attributed to the proprietary CHC N7 GNSS receivers used at the Survnet CORS base stations. A similar research should be conducted to incorporate the effect of varying the proprietary GNSS receivers during observations on the accuracy of the software packages.
  • Item
    Design and construction of a bean threshing machine
    (Makerere University, 2018) Namagembe, Samalie Kisuule Ritah
  • Item
    Boosting inverter power output: Case study - Solar system
    (Makerere University, 2018) Muweesi, Crasiolo
    The solar system consists of an inverter whose size is determined by the Photovoltaic array maximum power. In order to raise the power out from the inverter, it is recommended to increase the battery array and solar panels. This method is not cost effective. The main objective for this project is to raise power from the inverter output in order to meet the desired current demand without increasing battery array and solar panels. Other objectives include: To develop a circuit that will boost power from an inverter system in order to meet the needs of the client’s sudden current requirements without shutting down the inverter system. To formulate a cost effective means of achieving maximum power output from an inverter system and also to enable clients monitor the operating conditions of the system. The boosting unit is composed of a High voltage (step-up) transformer. This increases current by a very high factor. It also consists of a toroid (step down) transformer which steps down the current. In order to raise current while keeping the voltage constant, we customized the toroid transformer through manually winding copper wires to the iron core. To regulate the power output, we added a charge regulator at the output to the loads. This helps to protect the loads against excess current by filtering it to the desired value. We also included a current sensor to measure the current through the output connecting to the loads and displays its value on the LCD screen. This was achieved by using a microcontroller. We first connected two bulbs of 100w each in series directly to an inverter rated 100w. The inverter showed a fault by lighting red and bulbs were lighted dimly. The current displayed on LCD screen was 0.33Amps and the voltage measured by the multi-meter was 240V. After connecting the boosting unit to the output of an inverter, the bulbs lighted brightly and the inverter remained in normal operation. Current displayed was 0.56Amps and the voltage remained 240V. The above results imply that current increased and voltage remained constant, therefore power was boosted to meet the required demand. We recommend house hold users of the solar system to connect the boosting unit to the output of the inverter in case they want to add more loads other than increasing battery array and solar panels.
  • Item
    Investigating the influence of rental prices and location of retail real estate on the increasing vacancy rates in Kampala. A case study of Kisenyi 1 and the Central Business District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Ojok, Michael Ocan
    Rent is the economic return to land resources. Key property market participants such as investors and developers often use rental value as an indicator to appraise the viability of their real estate development and investment schemes. Due to the high demand for retail spaces, landlords take undue advantage of tenants and increase rent without adhering to rent regulations. This leads to frequent movement of retailers from one location to another, especially to urban areas which are more affordable and accessible. This study investigates the influence of rental prices and location of retail real estate on the increasing vacancy rates in Kisenyi 1 and the CBD. Data from Kisenyi 1 and the CBD were analyzed and the results show that; most retail properties which are in a more accessible location tend to attract more occupants compared to retail real estate constructed in a poor location (i.e. a location which is inaccessible, where tenant’s products are not visible, not in a prime spot etc.). These vacancies were observed to be available in mostly the upper/top floors. Retail properties which pays very high rent tend to chase occupants away looking for a more affordable unit though some occupants will stay as long as the location is favourable to them even though the rent is high. Reduced sales, highest and best use, urban poverty, imbalancement of supply and demand of retail properties and demographics of occupants were among other factors apart from location and rental prices that influence vacancy rates of retail real estate. Government lowering taxes on construction materials, landlords charging rents in shillings, proper advertisement of the properties and knowledge of market by property owners were among the possible solutions suggested to reduce the increasing vacancy rates.
  • Item
    Evaluation of bio-gas potential from water hyacinth
    (Makerere University, 2018) Masiko, Wike
    Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the world making it the source of the River Nile which plays host to many dams. Since it has fresh water, it is vested with lots of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Its rapid proliferation on Lake Victoria has been as a result of space, fresh water nutrients, and solar energy. Tons of Water hyacinth are harvested regularly from the Nalubaale dam to prevent it from clogging the water intakes to the turbines. This harvested weed is dumped at a waste site in Buyikwe district. It is costly to transport the harvested waste hyacinth and maintain the waste site where it is dumped. The dumped water hyacinth also pollutes the environment with a foul smell. This project aims at finding an alternative use for the water hyacinth instead of dumping it. This is through using the water hyacinth as biomass for biogas generation and exploring its potential to generate electricity. The research is to be carried out first by studying water hyacinth characteristics as a suitable waste or feedstock for biogas generation. This involves determining the total solids, volatile solids and PH of water hyacinth. There after biogas generation is carried out on a lab scale under different generation conditions in order to ascertain the most suitable digestion conditions which yield the most gas volume and best gas quality. Gas analysis is then carried out to determine the gas quality. This involves finding out the biogas composition. The research also involves calculating the amount of electricity which can be generated from the gas and also selecting the most suitable energy conversion system. Finally, the research involves designing of a large-scale production unit and carrying out a cost benefit analysis to ascertain the economic acceptability of the project. The research carried out highlights the positive results of water hyacinth as a useful weed or waste that can be used for biogas generation to produce electricity of 63.3MWh which can service about 810 households with and average energy consumption of 78.1kWh monthly bringing in a revenue of about Shs40m monthly. This value exceeds the Shs15m cost incurred by ESKOM Uganda Limited on water hyacinth management monthly.
  • Item
    A study to investigate the cost versus quality of already mixed concrete and on-site mixed concrete in the central region
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kitenda, Daniel
    With increasing cost of construction projects in the country, there is need to diverse means of cost reduction without compromising quality of the final product. This research takes an in-depth investigation at one of the most cost consuming items on most projects which is concrete in terms of the cost and quality of on-site mixed and Ready-Mix Concrete. The study took into account random sites within the central region using either types of concrete putting into consideration three class of concrete which were Class 15, Class 20 and Class 25. It was evident that at low intended class of concrete considered to be Class 15, the intended strength was achieved at all the sites and as the class of concrete increased the reliability that on-site mixed concrete would achieve the intended strength varied from site to site as compared to the sites which used Ready Mix Concrete where all the sites attained their intended strength irrespective of the class. As regards cost incurred per cubic concrete, the research showed that with low quantities of concrete to be cast on a specific site, onsite mixed concrete was cheaper to use as compared to Ready Mix Concrete however with increase with volumes the use of Ready Mix Concrete provided cheaper relative to the other type. This study recommends the use of on-site mixed concrete on sites where the intended strength of concrete is low and expect low quantities to be cast but with increase in intended strength and volumes to be cast it would be better to use Ready Mix Concrete.
  • Item
    Modeling and analysis of organic car brake pad
    (Makerere University, 2018) Sekitoleko, Sharif
    The project was aimed at designing a frictional material that can replace asbestos in the manufacture of brake pads. Frictional material used in brake pads is made up of four subcomponents which play different roles. These are; abrasives materials to modify friction, lubricants to stabilize developed friction, binders to hold different constituents together and prevent disintegration and fillers to improve manufacturability as well as lower the cost. Brake pads are required to maintain; a sufficiently high friction coefficient with the brake disc, not decompose or break down at high temperatures and exhibit a stable and consistent friction coefficient. In this project the materials used included; powdered banana peels, calcium carbonate, aluminium oxide, powdered graphite and epoxy resins which were locally obtained. Hence three formulations were made, which had different percentage material composition. The mixtures were moulded by use of a locally made mould and cured before subjecting them to a temperature of 150⁰c in an oven for three hours. The samples were then tested for compression and tensile stress, oil and water absorption, density, coefficient of friction, hardness. The results showed that reducing filler content increased hardness, wear rate, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the composite brake pads; while density, coefficient of friction, water absorption and oil absorption increased with increased filler content. Based on the results banana peels are suitable eco-friendly replacement for asbestos and many agro-biomass friction materials in automotive brake pads.
  • Item
    Boosting inverter power output: Case study - Solar system
    (Makerere University, 2018) Wasswa, Vincent
    Solar energy can be defined as energy obtained from the sun. [1] Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of everevolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaic, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. [2] Solar energy has turned into a popular alternative energy source to meet certain demands around the world due to the instability of oil and coal prices with global warming issues. This source of energy is simple and cost-effective for the rural areas where grid electricity is not available. The main components of solar power system are photovoltaic (PV) cells, charge controller, battery, and inverter. The solar cells convert solar energy to electric energy that have many different cell configurations. The controller is the brain of the solar power plant that can manage and control the energy from the PV cells to the load and also from and to battery. The battery is the storage energy that can charge and discharge conveniently through controller. The inverter is a very important part of the solar consisting of power electronics components that can convert direct current (DC) to DC and DC to alternating current (AC). This project report discusses the design and implementation of a unit that boosts the power output of an inverter without increasing the number of battery array and solar cells. This boosting unit consists of two major parts to which inverter output is connected, a High voltage transformer, which steps up the current and a step down toroidal transformer which steps down the current. The result is an adequate power supply that can supply the added loads. This power rise comes about only when the loads connected to the inverter have exceeded the prior calculated minimum making the system automatic and self-switching. Because there are high tendencies of inverter overload in domestic solar systems, this power boosting unit can be used for households to run home appliances.
  • Item
    Spatial modelling of solar energy potential of Mbale District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Wagoli, Donald Francis
    Solar radiation mainly emanates as electromagnetic radiation from the surface of the sun (photosphere). It is originated by several nuclear fusion processes in the interior of the sun (Biira and kilama, 2014). The accurate estimation of the resource is essential for effective utilization. Some studies presented in the measure of solar radiation use the measured meteorological data to estimate solar radiation at unmeasured locations, for instance (Almorox, 2011) measured meteorological data to analyze the relationship between daily global radiation and other meteorological and geographical factors. Other studies use concepts and data from remote sensing to estimate solar radiation (Hena et al., 2013) and (Hammer et al., 2003). Analysis on the factors that influence solar radiation especially atmospheric transmissivity and topography provide estimates on the solar potential of the study area and these are analyzed in this research. In this work, publicly available meteorological data was processed and combined the same with estimated global radiation surfaces which were modelled within a GIS environment. The result was a raster surface and statistics on the monthly and annual solar energy potential in Mbale. The plausibility of the main results from the study was confirmed by comparing the model results with measured data in cases where measured data was available.