Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DEAN’S REPORT

Prof Marshall Sheldon

The Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (FEBE) research activities are aligned to the CPUT RTI 10-year Blueprint as well as the CPUT Research Focus Areas. The faculty aims to apply and localise research with a focus on technology transfer, innovation and commercialisation, in order to have a positive impact on economic and social development.

FEBE covers a broad range of research disciplines across various entities, institutes, technology stations, research centres and units, all equipped with state-ofthe-art facilities and technology. As such, the faculty is well-positioned to actively contribute to the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Researchers strive towards creating an enabling environment for the improvement and effective delivery of quality research and innovation.

The faculty’s research entities are currently:

Entity type Name

Institutes Energy Institute French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI)

Centres African Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) Centre for Distributed Power and Electronic Systems (CDPES) Centre for Real-Time Distributed Systems (CRTDS) Centre for Substation Automation & Energy Management Systems (CSAEMS) Centre for Water & Sanitation Research (CWSR) Flow Process & Rheology Centre (FPRC) Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre (PLMCC) South African Renewable Energy Centre (SARETEC)

Technology Stations TIA Technology Station in Clothing & Textiles TIA Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory

National Centres Technology Station South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC)

FOCUS AREAS

2 Space Science & Technology

Research Institute: French–South African Institute of Technology Research Centres: Africa Space Innovation Centre Centre for Instrumentation Research

Research Group: Quantum Physics Research Group p 117

p 121 p 122

p 123

The technology and innovation in the faculty has led to the registration of three spin-out companies: • Amaya Space (Space technology) • Aequorea (Buoy technology) • Promerops (UAV technology)

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2020

• The French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) is the region’s premier nanosatellite programme. The institute pioneered the development of

Africa’s first nanosatellite ZACUBE-1 in 2013, and the second most advanced

SA CubeSat in 2018. During 2020, F’SATI continued to work on the MDA Sat (South African Marine Domain Awareness) in support of Operation Pakisa, towards a constellation of satellites that aims to provide international maritime communication services. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this mission faced many challenges but is still on track for launch next year. In addition, F’SATi secured a 3-year special grant award for postgraduate student bursaries to the value of R7.5 million from 2021 to 2023

• F’SATI secured an NRF/SAASTA grant to the value of R875 000. This was in response to a call from the Department of Science & Innovation (DSI) and in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Eastern

Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) to develop a new science centre built in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape’s Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The science centre aims to be a platform for the introduction of innovative technologies or technologies that have been tested in other contexts, in order to improve the quality of learning and teaching in the Cofimvaba school district. • The Energy Institute promoted the Smart Energy research focus areas via niche areas. During 2020, research students received a boost in that a R2.9 million student bursary fund was secured for the year.

• New Postgraduate qualifications i) The well-established Master of Engineering in Energy commenced for the first time in the Centre for Distributed Power & Electronic Systems (CDPES) this year. Over 80 students registered and a record number are expected to complete their mini-thesis projects during 2021-2022. ii) A Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (in Smart Grid) commenced in the Centre for Substation Automation and Energy Management Systems (CSAEMS) this year, as part of the Erasmus + K2 Capacity Building in Higher Education. A collaboration agreement for work and financial support of South African postgraduate CPUT students by Eskom bursary funding was signed with the Eskom Power Plant Energy Institute and the Centre for Renewable Energy at the University of Stellenbosch.

3 Energy

Research Institute: Energy Institute Research Centres: Centre for Distributed Power & Electronic Systems Centre for Research in Power Systems Centre for Real-Time Distributed Systems Centre for Substation Automation & Energy Management Systems Centre for Mechanics & Technology p 126

p 129 p 133 p 136 p 138 p ??

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

During 2020 the following faculty staff successes were achieved:

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS Doctorates: Dr IJ Akinyede, Dr M Aziz, Dr A Brandt, Dr P Bukenya, Dr B Groenewald, Dr DV Jaftha, Dr T Ngonda and Dr L Valentine. Master’s: Mr D Adams

FOCUS AREAS

4 The Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability

Research Centre: Flow Process & Rheology Centre Research Groups: Bioresource Engineering Research Group Nanomaterials Research Group

[Note: This research group is also involved with projects in FA 5] p 149

p ?? p 152

5 Human, Health & Social Dynamics

Technology Stations: Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory Clothing & Textiles Technology Station

[Note: This technology station is also involved with projects in FAs 4 & 6] p 173 p 176

More information about this faculty’s 2020 research activities can be found in the Focus Areas section of this Research Report

ENGINEERING LECTURERS OBTAIN DOCTORAL DEGREES

Dr Desiree Jaftha and Dr Lucrecia Valentine with Cranefield College Principal Prof Pieter Steyn Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering lecturers, Dr Desiree Jaftha and Dr Lucrecia Valentine both recently graduated with PhDs in Commerce and Administration from Cranefield College of Project and Programme Management.

Dr Jaftha’s research title was ‘A quality-based risk framework for the clothing and textile industry in South Africa’. It focused on developing a quality-based explicit risk framework for compliance with the ISO9001:2015 standard. This standard requires an organisation to specifically plan actions to mitigate various kinds of risks. The concept of risk-based thinking is aimed at mitigating current and future risks.

The former factory worker said, “There were a number of factors that presented challenges along the way. My PhD journey was a trying experience but at the same time one of much joy, learning and enlightenment. It was one of the milestones in my career that needed to be reached.”

Dr Valentine’s research title was ‘An approach to quality management to stimulate growth and competitiveness for small fresh produce farmers in the Western Cape, South Africa’. She said small fresh produce farmers in the Western Cape and SA could not compete on equal footing for commercial contracts with large retailers, as they did not comply with the set quality and food safety standards.

“The research objective was to develop a quality management framework to serve as a performance management approach for small fresh produce farmers, to facilitate competitiveness on an equal basis with large commercial farmers. It was rather challenging to find a traditional university which understood my mix of qualifications and therefore acceptance was not that easy.”

FOCUS AREAS

6 The Digital Society

Research Centre: Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre p 183

Please note that more information about this faculty’s research activities for 2020 can be found in the Focus Areas section of the Research Report

NRF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR EARLY CAREER/EMERGING RESEARCHER NOMINATIONS Dr M Basitere, Dr M Chowdhur and Dr V Msomi

NSTF SOUTH32 EMERGING RESEARCH CATEGORY NOMINEE Dr M Chowdhury

NESP The faculty was awarded two NESP positions for next year (Electrical Communication & Satellite Technology and Nautical Science)

FUTURE PROFESSORS PROGRAMME This year, three FEBE candidates were selected and nominated as part of the institution’s five submissions to DHET for the 2021-2022 programme: Dr B Swartz, Dr M Basitere and Dr B Godongwana

NRF RATINGS 2020 Seven faculty staff applied for NRF rating. Four have been successful: Dr A Patnaik C3; Prof R van Zyl C2; Dr B Ncube C3; and Dr V Msomi Y2. Two submissions are pending. Two applicants were unsuccessful but the faculty will continue to support them to become rated.

GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD) UNILEAD SCHOLARSHIP Dr Sweta Patnaik received the award as the first CPUT recipient (for next year)

WORLD ENGINEERING EDUCATION FORUM 2020 Five faculty staff members participated in the first virtual Engineering Education Conference. This would originally have been the first on the African continent, but it was changed to online format due to the pandemic.

NSTF-SOUTH32 AWARD NOMINATION FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LECTURER

Department of Chemical Engineering senior lecturer Dr Mahabubur Chowdhury said he is honoured to find himself among the nominees for the NSTF-South32 Awards. Prof Chowdhury has been nominated in the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher category for a second consecutive year. He was also finalist in the category last year.

Reacting to his nomination, Prof Chowdhury said, “It is an extraordinary honour to be nominated, given the quality of the nominations NSTF receives every year, the fierce competition that nominees face, and growing interest from the community over the years. CPUT’s vision is to be at the heart of cutting-edge science, and this nomination to me is like a stamp of approval of the quality of my research from my institution.”

One of this lecturer’s research interests is biosensor or point of care diagnostics. “My research aims to develop a low-cost biosensor which will improve the health management of the people in Africa.”

Before his nomination, Prof Chowdhury’s output also earned him an NRF Y2 rating, awarded to researchers younger than 40. He has been recognised as having the potential to establish himself as a researcher of considerable international standing on the basis of the quality and impact of his recent research outputs.

When he is not busy with his academic work, Prof Chowdhury runs an NGO called Science for Welfare International Foundation Trust (SWIFT). “One of the main projects of SWIFT is to donate laboratory apparatus to high schools in impoverished areas,” he said. SWIFT also arranges science talks for primary school learners to motivate them to take an interest in science and engineering.

For his achievements, the academic credited his mentors, Prof Veruscha Fester and Prof Tunde Ojumu, as well as Prof Marshal Sheldon, Prof Dina Burger and his postgraduate students for making this happen.

Dr Mahabubur Chowdhury

RESEARCH OUTPUT

During 2020, FEBE compiled and reported on 2019 DHET-accredited research output. It produced 79.72 accredited subsidy units, which is the most per CPUT faculty. Details are provided below. FEBE is currently in the process of collating 2020 accredited research output for reporting.

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

Despite the challenges faced in 2020 during the pandemic, the faculty successfully graduated a total of 36 postgraduate students: (i) nine at the December Summer Graduation (eight master’s and one doctorate) and (ii) 27 at the April Autumn Graduations (23 master’s and four doctorates).

NINE DOCTORAL DEGREES FOR FEBE

Prof Marshall Sheldon, Dean of FEBE The Dean of FEBE Prof Marshall Sheldon said she was “immensely proud” of the nine doctoral graduates within the faculty on the inaugural digital graduation held on 25 June 2020.

Two of the nine graduates were CPUT staff members. One was the HOD of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering (DEECE), Dr Ben Groenewald. His research topic was ‘Sustainable off-grid electricity supply using an LTE communication model for rural towns in South Africa’. The other was Dr Mujahid Aziz, a lecturer within the Department of Chemical Engineering, whose research topic was ‘Removal of natural steroid hormones using nanofiltration/reverse osmosis membranes in the treatment of municipal membrane bioreactor effluent’.

“I have had long-standing working relations with both of them and I am excited to see both of them receiving their degrees,” said Prof Sheldon. She added that their achievements contributed to the faculty and institutional staff development plan.

The other seven doctoral graduates were: • Dr Khild Hamad, ‘Fuel cell power conditioning multiphase converter for 1400VDC Megawatt stacks’ • Dr Vernon Davids, Design and implementation of an integrated solar panel antenna for small satellites’ • Dr Ucrecia Hutchinson, ‘Biochemical processes for balsamic-styled vinegar engineering’ • Dr Ncumisa Mpongwana, ‘Metabolic network modelling of nitrification and denitrification under cyanogenic conditions’ • Dr Mahomet Njoya, ‘Anaerobic digestion of high strength wastewater in high rate anaerobic bioreactor systems’ • Dr Abiola Taiwo, ‘Application of bioprocess-supercritical fluid extraction techniques in the production and recovery of selected bio-products’ • Dr Maxwell Ngongang, ‘System design for production of biopreservatives from non-Saccharomyces yeasts for reduction of fruit and beverage spoilage’

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES TO MAKE HOUSING MORE AFFORDABLE

Dr Imisioluseyi Akinyede was awarded his PhD degree in Civil Engineering during CPUT’s December graduation. Dr Akinyede’s research topic was ‘Framework for effective management of cost toward sustainable housing delivery’. The purpose was to investigate influencing factors and then develop a framework for effective cost management toward sustainable housing delivery, to make housing available and affordable for all people irrespective of their income. His aspiration was to create construction techniques that would make housing affordable for the poor people in Africa. Dr Akinyede has twice been a recipient of the VC’s Prestigious Achievers Award.

Dr Imisioluseyi Akinyede

NEW POSTGRADUATE HEQSF-ALIGNED QUALIFICATIONS

The faculty is concluding its Higher Education Qualification sub-Framework curriculum process and has developed five postgraduate diplomas, four bachelor honours and one new master’s qualifications. These have been submitted to DHET for PQM clearance and are awaiting CHE accreditation outcomes. Should these qualifications be approved in time, then implementation will commence in 2021 as part of the DHET approved enrolment plan.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

During 2020, the faculty embarked on signing agreements with key partners that align with the new vision and strategy. Some of the agreement highlights in this space include: • The French Embassy and Dassault Systems extended the support of the

PLMCC to train staff and students on their software that provides a complete 3D design experience • The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is providing for the establishment of a Centre for Sustainable Heritage Materials

RESEARCH FUNDING AND GRANTS

The faculty was successful in attracting funding to the value of R16 627 616.

THE WAY FORWARD

During 2020, the FEBE embarked on a draft faculty strategic plan that aligns with the CPUT new Vision 2030 of being ‘OneSmart CPUT’. During this process, the faculty identified the following shifts in the research and innovation niche areas: (i) digital communications (including satellite engineering), (ii) smart energy, (iii) smart water; (iv) smart cities; (v) advanced manufacturing materials; (vi) engineering education and engineering management.

FUNDING

SOURCE

National Research Foundation (NRF): Grant-Holder linked Postdoctoral AMOUNT

2 045 679

2 705 895

Postgraduate Internal Bursaries Publication 2018 Faculty Contribution Publication 2018 Chapter in Book Contribution Publication 2018 Conference Contribution

Publication 2018 Journal Article Contribution 6 749 120

948 938

156 679

546 610

756 688

Research & Innovation Fund for Teaching & Learning (RIFTAL) 200 000 Research Technology and Innovation (RTI): CPUT Prestigious Project 1 000 000 Top up grants (UCDG) 946 739 University Research Fund (UCDG) 572 266

TOTAL 16 627 616

RESEARCH OUTPUT

2020 PUBLICATIONS (SUBMITTED TO THE DHET IN MAY 2021)

Book chapters (submitted)

Conference proceedings (submitted)

Journal articles (audited)

TOTAL UNITS

1.08

9.21

41.80

52.09

PHYSICS LECTURER’S OUTSTANDING RESEARCH PERFORMANCE RECOGNISED

Dr Velaphi Msomi has earned a nomination for the 2020 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers who are NRF grant holders. The FEBE physics lecturer’s research deals with material processing with the purpose of enhancing its performance. Two other FEBE researchers, Dr Moses Basitere and Dr Mahabubur Chowdhury, have also been nominated for the same award.

Dr Msomi said that the award was one of the strategies that the NRF uses to develop and enhance the research stature of Early Career/Emerging Researchers. Prioritising black and female researchers and people with disabilities forms part of its transformation agenda which aims to redress historical imbalances in the South African researcher cohort.

“My research focus deals with materials processing with the purpose of enhancing their performance. We are using a newly discovered technology called friction stir processing. We are also doing a lot of work on dissimilar joints processing. We aim to use this knowledge in the construction of thermal desalination systems.”

He regards his first nomination as an inspiration. “To be nominated for such an award, I feel so honoured and motivated with my research. This means that I must keep on pushing so that I keep on growing and keep CPUT on the global map,” Dr Msomi remarked. “My main objective is to produce knowledge that is valuable and also to be of assistance in solving the problems facing our country… I see my work being identified as something that can be useful in solving some societal problems.”

The leader of a research group, the Friction Stir Technology Group, is also a founder of the Masibuyele Eskolweni project. “This project encourages township-based youth to continue with their schooling, with more focus on drop-outs,” said Dr Msomi. “We give all the necessary academic information that they need to continue with school.”

Dr Velaphi Msomi

POSTGRADUATE DEGREES OBTAINED BY STAFF

DEng in Chemical Engineering CPUT Aziz M Removal of natural steroid hormones using nanofiltration/ reverse osmosis membranes in the treatment of municipal membrane bioreactor

DEng in Electrical Engineering CPUT Groenewald BBJ Sustainable off-grid electricity supply using a LTE communication model for rural towns in South Africa

PhD in Civil Engineering University of Cape Town Bukenya P Structural performance evaluation of concrete arch dams using ambient vibration monitoring and GNNS systems

PhD in Commerce & Administration Cranefield College Jaftha DV A quality-based risk framework for the clothing and textile industry in South Africa

PhD in Commerce & Administration Cranefield College Valentine L An approach to quality management to stimulate growth and competitiveness for small fresh produce farmers in the Western Cape of South Africa

PhD in Electrical Engineering University of Cape Town Brandt A Auto-bandwidth control in dynamically reconfigured hybridSDN MPLS networks

PhD in Mechanical Engineering University of Cape Town Ngonda T An exploration of mechanical engineering students’ perceptions of the influence of their work placement experiences on their employability

DEng in Civil Engineering CPUT Akinyede IJ Framework for effective management of cost toward sustainable housing delivery

MTech in Industrial Engineering Tshwane University of Technology Adams D Smart manufacturing concept for an agri-processing plant in the Western Cape

LECTURER ENCOURAGES TOWNSHIP PUPILS TO BECOME SCIENTISTS

Dr Moses Basitere promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in communities Senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering’s extended curriculum programme (ECP), Dr Moses Basitere, together with Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi from UWC, delivered over 200 study guides in two schools in Khayelitsha. The academics’ objective was to equip township pupils with STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and maths) through on-site training. They distributed materials for Grade 11 and 12 to learners at Joe Slovo Engineering High School and Luhlaza High School. Dr Basitere said one of their mandates as a working committee was to “feed the pipeline and communicate the importance of science to our community”.

His working group, ‘Feeding the pipeline’, focuses on promoting STEM education in the communities. Their mandate this year was to conduct roadshows to promote STEM education and to tutor mathematics and physics to high schools from disadvantaged backgrounds. “However, due to Covid-19, we were unable to do roadshows, and a new strategy to seek a donation for study materials was developed in response to requests. So delivering study materials and motivating the students during the current exams was the main priority for South African Young Academy of Science, in partnership with AmaQhawe ngeMfundo and the University of the Western Cape,” Dr Basitere explained.

He added that the Luhlaza High School requested assistance with mathematics and physical science, so they held Saturday classes in Khayelitsha. While this was arranged for Luhlaza’s Grade 12 learners, neighbouring schools were also allowed to attend.

SANITISER PROJECT SET IN MOTION

The shortage of sanitisers in retail shops and a spike in the price of the product by some stockists has prompted FEBE to produce sanitisers. Project co-ordinator and researcher, Prof Tunde Ojumu of the Chemical Engineering Department, said the university has about 33 000 students and about 3 000 staff members who would be needing large quantities of sanitisers when they return to campus.

“As an institution with the technical know-how, as well as the equipment and facilities required, it made sense for the Chemical Engineering Department to contribute to the fight against Covid-19. In addition, it is clear that the virus will linger in the community long after the lockdown. There is much that we can do as a community to protect each other from the pandemic. The production of sanitisers is one way of saying, ‘we care’,” Prof Ojumu said.

He has been working with project leader Mr Tafirenyika Madzimbamuto, Prof Mahabubur Chowdhury, Mr Alwyn Bester, Ms Hannelene Small and Mr Luvuyo Kakaza. The team aimed to produce 1 000 litres per month (50% hand sanitisers and 50% surface sanitisers). The product would be sent to the South African Bureau of Standards for testing and approval. In addition to supporting communities who could not afford it, the team also plans to get the product into retail stores.

Chemical Engineering Department is producing sanitisers

STUDENTS RESTORE HERITAGE STRUCTURES

Civil Engineering and Surveying students are thrilled to assist the Department of Arts and Culture and other heritage authorities to overcome common challenges facing structures that use incompatible materials during heritage conservation and restoration.

The research group consists of PhD candidate Ms Maphole Loke, under the supervision of Dr Pallav Kumar, and three master’s students, in collaboration with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). They are investigating heritage building materials and conducting surveys of the present condition of buildings. They are carrying out non-destructive testing to identify the material properties in order to analyse their present condition, with the goal of restoring and protecting these old structures.

Dr Kumar said, “The study is going to ensure authenticity in maintaining and on future maintenance projects and avoid the problem of repeated repairs and the re-painting and replastering on these heritage buildings.” The group is conducting applied research on various heritage sites such as the Castle of Good Hope, Robben Island and Dal Josafat in Paarl. At Dal Josafat, investigation is taking place into the mechanical properties of the materials used, deformation of the structure, and analysis the load-carrying capacity of the walls.

The project started with Ms Loke in 2018 when she was a master’s student, with research into characterisation of heritage and cementing. Her doctoral research topic is ‘Development and design of heritage cementing material for Robben Island and Castle of Good Hope’. Ms Loke plans to finish the pilot project this year, and the full work is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Dal Josafat in Paarl has buildings dating from the 18th century PhD candidate Ms Maphole Loke joins heritage conservation team

STUDENT ENRICHES SA HERITAGE

Doctoral candidate Ms Maphole Loke’s research has drawn international recognition by being accepted for publication at the 12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions in Barcelona.

The 29-year-old graduated with her MEng: Civil Engineering summa cum laude (91%) in June. Her research article ‘Standard protocols for restoring heritage cementing materials’, has been published in the Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering and presented at two international conferences, as well as at the 2018 and 2019 CPUT Postgraduate Conferences.

Ms Loke is being supervised by Dr Pallav Kumar, in joint supervision with adjunct Prof Rainer Haldenwang. Dr Kumar, a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, said Ms Loke’s determination and eagerness to learn has established a link with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)

Born in the rural village of Likhoele Ha Sebusi approximately 80km from Maseru in Lesotho, Ms Loke was trained to work hard at a very young age. She said that due to lack of development in her village, going to school was her mission. She was only able to attend pre-school at the age of six and “herded cattle and sheep… fetching water from the well, using horses and donkeys to fetch firewood.” Ms Loke added, “For the youth from the same background as myself, knowing and believing that your background does not have to determine who you end up becoming would be the best gift you could reward yourself.”