Likonge Makai | Micro-hybrid renewable energy | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms . Likonge Makai | Micro-hybrid renewable energy | Women Researcher Award 

Manager Energy , Tshwane University of Technology , Zambia

Likonge Brenda Mulenga Makai is a dedicated Zambian engineer specializing in power systems and renewable energy technologies. With over two decades of experience, she has made significant contributions to the energy sector, particularly in rural electrification and energy management. She is a recognized leader, serving as the Manager of Energy at Konkola Mineral Resources Limited and has been actively involved in various engineering initiatives across Zambia and internationally.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic and Professional Achievements: Likonge Brenda Mulenga has a solid academic background with a Master’s in Energy Systems and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Engineering, focusing on power systems and renewable energy. Her work on developing cost-effective micro-hybrid power plants for rural areas is highly relevant to global energy challenges, especially in developing regions.
  2. Publications and Presentations: She has published several papers in international conferences, such as the Power Africa Conference and IEEE AFRICON. These publications highlight her active engagement in the research community and her contributions to addressing energy issues in Africa, particularly in Zambia.
  3. Leadership Roles and Recognition: Likonge has held significant leadership roles, including being the Board Chairperson for the Rural Electrification Authority and receiving the PUSH Woman in Engineering Award. These roles demonstrate her influence and leadership in the field of energy systems and her commitment to advancing women’s roles in engineering.
  4. Community and Mentorship Involvement: Her involvement in mentoring undergraduate students and her participation in various community-oriented organizations, such as the Girls Brigade and Zambia National STEM Foundation, show her dedication to empowering the next generation of engineers, particularly women.
  5. Technical Expertise and Industry Experience: With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, working on projects that enhance power reliability and energy efficiency, Likonge brings a wealth of practical knowledge that bridges the gap between academia and industry.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader International Collaboration: While Likonge has significant experience and recognition in Africa, expanding her collaboration with international research teams outside the continent could enhance her global research impact.
  2. Publication in High-Impact Journals: Although she has presented at conferences, increasing her publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals would further solidify her research credentials and visibility within the global scientific community.
  3. Funding and Grant Acquisition: Securing more competitive research grants, especially from international bodies, would not only support her ongoing research but also demonstrate her ability to attract funding for significant projects.

Education

Likonge earned her Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) from Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa (2019-2023), where she developed cost-effective micro-hybrid power plant schemes for rural areas. She holds a Master’s in Planning and Operations of Energy Systems from Kathmandu University, Nepal (2014), with a focus on renewable technologies, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Copperbelt University, Zambia (2005), specializing in Electrical Power Systems.

Experience

Likonge has a rich history of working in Zambia’s mining sector. Since 2022, she has served as the Manager of Energy at Konkola Mineral Resources Limited. Previously, she held roles such as Head of Electrical and Instrumentation at Nchanga Concentrator and Tailing Dams (2018-2021), and Project Support Office Coordinator at Konkola Copper Mines Plc (2008-2017). Her experience includes energy management, electrical maintenance, and leading strategic projects in the mining industry.

Research Interests

Likonge’s research interests lie in the development of sustainable and renewable energy solutions, particularly for rural communities. Her work focuses on optimizing micro-hybrid power plants, renewable energy technologies, and energy management systems that aim to reduce energy costs and improve reliability in off-grid areas.

Awards

Likonge’s achievements are numerous, including receiving the PUSH Woman in Engineering Award (2018) and being appointed Board Chairperson for the Rural Electrification Authority (2021). She was also recognized for her contributions to the IEEE Smart Village initiative and her leadership in various energy-saving projects.

Publications

Likonge has several publications in prestigious journals and conferences:

  • “A Review of Load Assessment and Load Prioritization for Micro-Hybrid Power Plants in Rural Communities” (2022, Power Africa Conference) – Cited by Article
  • “Modeling of a Cost-Effective Implementations and Utilization Scheme for Micro-Hybrid Plants in Rural Areas: A Case of Mayukwayukwa” (2020, Power Africa Conference) – Cited by Article
  • “Biomass-Solar PV Micro-Hybrid in Zambia” (2019, UNESCO 6th African Engineering Week) – Cited by Article
  • “Energy Solution of Zambia from Micro Hybrid Biomass – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plants” (2017, IEEE AFRICON) – Cited by Article
  • “Biogas – An Alternative Household Cooking Technique for Zambia” (2013, Global Humanitarian Technology Conference) – Cited by Article

Conclusion

Likonge Brenda Mulenga is a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive experience, leadership in the energy sector, commitment to community service, and dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions in Zambia position her as a role model for women in engineering. While there are opportunities for her to expand her influence through broader international collaboration and high-impact publications, her current achievements make her highly deserving of recognition through this award.

Debela Alema | Wind Energy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Debela Alema | Wind Energy | Best Researcher Award 

M.sc., | Jimma university | Ethiopia

Research for Best Researcher Award: Debela Alema Teklemariyem

Strengths for the Award:

Debela Alema Teklemariyem demonstrates a robust and diverse research profile that highlights significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. With a solid educational background, including a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Wollega University and an MSc in Thermal System Engineering from Jimma University, Debela has showcased excellence both academically and professionally. His research includes notable publications in reputable journals, such as Heliyon and Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, where he has explored advanced topics like CFD analysis of wind turbine diffusers and pyrolysis for energy recovery. These publications reflect his expertise in innovative energy solutions and thermal systems, which are highly relevant in today’s research landscape.

Additionally, Debela’s involvement in various projects, such as the design and fabrication of a floor cleaning, washing, and drying machine, demonstrates his practical application of research and engineering skills. His certificates, including those in optimization methods and online teaching pedagogy, further underline his commitment to ongoing professional development and pedagogical excellence. Furthermore, his diverse language skills and proficiency in a range of software tools, including SolidWorks, ANSYS, and MATLAB, equip him with the versatility needed for cutting-edge research.

Areas for Improvement:

While Debela’s achievements are commendable, there are areas where further growth could enhance his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. Expanding his research impact could involve increasing the number of high-impact publications and pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations to address broader and more complex challenges. Strengthening the visibility of his work through presentations at international conferences and engaging in more collaborative research projects could further elevate his profile.

Moreover, enhancing his involvement in research grants and funding opportunities would enable him to undertake larger-scale projects and contribute more significantly to his field. Developing a comprehensive research agenda with clear long-term goals and aligning his projects with emerging trends in mechanical and thermal engineering could also provide additional strategic direction to his work.

Conclusion:

Debela Alema Teklemariyem is a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his substantial contributions to mechanical and thermal engineering. His research achievements, practical project implementations, and commitment to professional development highlight his potential and dedication to advancing his field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing research impact and pursuing interdisciplinary and funding opportunities, Debela can further solidify his position as a leading researcher. His continued focus on innovative solutions and high-quality research will undoubtedly enhance his candidacy and contribute significantly to his field and beyond.

Short Bio 🌟

Debela Alema Teklemariyem is a prominent Lecturer and Researcher at Jimma University in Ethiopia. With a career spanning from July 27, 2018, to the present, he has established himself as a significant contributor to the field of mechanical and thermal engineering. His work, characterized by a blend of teaching excellence and innovative research, underscores his commitment to advancing engineering solutions. Debela’s expertise and dedication have made a notable impact in both academic and practical domains, reflecting his passion for engineering and education.

Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Debela Alema Teklemariyem pursued his undergraduate studies at Wollega University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2018, graduating with a remarkable GPA of 3.90 out of 4. Following this, he continued his academic journey at Jimma University, obtaining a Master of Science in Thermal System Engineering in 2022 with an exceptional GPA of 3.98 out of 4. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his research and teaching endeavors, highlighting his academic prowess and dedication to his field.

Experience 🛠️

Debela’s professional experience includes a tenure at Wollega University from July 27, 2018, to October 9, 2023, where he served as an Assistant Researcher, Assistant Lecturer, and Lecturer. During this period, he taught courses in power plant engineering, engineering drawing, engineering mechanics, and thermodynamics, and provided guidance on undergraduate mini-projects. Since October 10, 2023, he has been a Lecturer at Jimma University, focusing on preparing teaching materials for heat transfer courses and advising community-based mini-projects. Additionally, he contributes as a volunteer with Youth Education Support Service Ethiopia, engaging in educational support activities.

Research Interest 🔬

Debela Alema Teklemariyem’s research interests lie in the realms of thermal systems and energy solutions. His work involves conducting detailed CFD analyses for wind turbine efficiency, simulating energy recovery from waste materials, and investigating performance enhancements in heat exchangers. Through his research, Debela aims to address pressing challenges in energy management and mechanical engineering, utilizing innovative methodologies to advance the field and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Awards 🏆

Throughout his career, Debela has been recognized with several awards and certifications. He received a Certificate of Achievement for completing the “Optimization Methods for Energy System Studies” course in April 2024. His project on the “Design and Fabrication of Floor Cleaning, Washing, and Drying Machine,” completed between February and June 2018, earned him a Certificate of Recognition. He also attended the Africa International Conference on Clean Energy and Energy Storage in November 2023, and was awarded a medal for his outstanding performance during his BSc studies in 2018. These accolades reflect his excellence in both academic and practical aspects of his profession.

Publications 📚

Parametric Study of an Empty Diffuser Geometric Parameters and Shape for a Wind Turbine Using CFD Analysis – Heliyon, Vol. 10, No. 5, 2024.

Modeling and Simulation of Khat Waste Fast Pyrolysis for Energy Recovery – Heliyon, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2024.

Effects of Multi-Spring Wires on Hydrothermal Performance of Double Tube Heat Exchanger – Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, Vol. 60, 2024.

A CFD Parametric Investigation on Velocity Increment Induced by an Empty Diffuser with Circumferential Holes for Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Applications – Cogent Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2024.