Electrical & Electronic Engineering Department (Stellenbosch University)

Dept of E&E Engineering Alumni’s Space Legacy Endures With Launch of the Vanzyl-1 Satellite 🌍🚀Stellenbosch University alumnus Dr. Japie van Zyl's legacy in space science continues with the launch of Hydrosat’s VanZyl-1 satellite aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission. Van Zyl, a former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory leader, played a crucial role in this project. VanZyl-1 will provide high-resolution thermal imagery to help monitor agricultural water stress and enhance climate models. This achievement not only honours Dr. van Zyl's extraordinary contributions but also strengthens Africa’s role in global space advancements. More launches are planned, with VanZyl-2 set for 2025. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dyrEnJHG #SpaceTech #StellenboschAlumni #Hydrosat #SpaceX

On Eigendecomposition-based Algorithms as Feature Extraction Techniques Used with Hidden Markov Model for the Detection of Whale Vocalisations Whale vocalizations are vital for understanding their behaviour and communication. Dr Ayinde Usman, under supervision of Professor Jaco Versfeld, introduced a new approach that could transform how we detect these sounds. By integrating advanced algorithms like Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) into Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), Dr. Usman's research offers a more accurate and efficient way to analyze whale sounds. Read our blog post to learn more, and you can also download Dr. Usman’s full research. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dsef66QF #WhaleVocalizationDetection #HiddenMarkovModel #Eigendecomposition #PassiveAcousticMonitoring

Studying Neurodegenerative Diseases on a Cellular Level and in 3D Discover how researchers from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Department of Physiological Sciences are advancing the study of neurodegenerative diseases by assessing cellular health and mitochondrial function in 3D. Learn about the groundbreaking MEL tool, the impact of memantine on Alzheimer's, and the potential for new treatment strategies. Read more https://lnkd.in/drb2cjsN #NeurodegenerativeDiseases #mitochondria #autophagy #3Danalysis

Techno-Economic Optimization and Assessment of Solar-Battery Charging Station Under Grid Constraints With Varying Levels of Fleet EV Penetration This paper introduces a new method to optimize solar-battery charging stations, particularly in areas with grid limitations. The research highlights the integration of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle challenges in grid reliability, energy efficiency, and carbon emissions. The study explores how grid constraints and EV adoption levels affect the performance of solar-powered charging stations. Key insights include timing investments with electrification plans, factoring in grid constraint frequency during planning, and leveraging trickle charging to boost economic viability, especially when EV adoption is low. These findings provide valuable guidance to fleet owners, aiding effective decision-making in the shift towards sustainable and economically viable transportation. Read more https://lnkd.in/dEhtWRSk #paratransit #electricvehicles #transportationdevelopment

Skin Tone Estimation under Diverse Lighting Conditions Learn how Katlego Mbatha's groundbreaking research is revolutionising facial recognition technology. This study, sponsored by MTN South Africa, addresses a critical issue: the bias against individuals with darker skin tones in current facial recognition systems. By focusing on accurate skin tone estimation under diverse lighting conditions, Mbatha's work is paving the way for more inclusive and equitable technology. Read more https://lnkd.in/e4Mfacj3 #skintoneestimation #skintoneclassification #machinelearning #LightingConditions

Stellenbosch Engineering Grads Triumph in FNB DataQuest Competition Stellenbosch University engineering graduates triumph in the FNB DataQuest competition, showcasing their expertise in data science with a hybrid recommender system. Learn how they tackled real-world challenges and presented their innovative solution to industry leaders in this prestigious event. Read more https://lnkd.in/dYx3WhqA #FNBDataQuest #DataScience #DataAnalysis

Lifting the Unseen Smokescreen on Indoor Air Quality Due to Amenity Indoor Fireplaces in South African Homes South African research reveals harmful indoor air pollution from fireplaces, even with infrequent use. The study measured particulate matter in upscale homes, finding unhealthy levels in both open and closed fireplaces. The findings underscore the need for awareness and behaviour change to mitigate health risks associated with wood burning. Read more https://lnkd.in/dJaEW4yr #indoorairquality #indoorenvironment #particulatematter

Loadshedding-Induced Transients Due to Battery Backup Systems and Electric Water Heaters Doctor Michael Ritchie and Professors Japie Engelbrecht and Thinus Booysen investigate the impact of electric water heaters and battery backups on Eskom's loadshedding. Discover how solar power integration can mitigate these effects and contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy grid. Read more https://lnkd.in/dzHcajuX #loadmodelling #solarphotovoltaics #loadshedding

Engineering Carbon Nanotubes as Therapeutic Nanocarriers to Target Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cancer is a devastating disease responsible for millions of deaths globally each year. It arises from abnormal cell growth, where cells multiply too quickly and lose their normal function. Traditional cancer treatments can lack specificity, harming healthy tissues, and often struggle to reach all the cancerous cells. Nanotechnology provides a revolutionary way to target cancer cells directly, increasing drug delivery and potentially reducing side effects. In his research, Dr Zvikomborero Gwanzura, under supervision of Professors Willie Perold and Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, specifically focuses on developing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) carrier combined with plant-based bioactive compounds to deliver targeted cancer therapy. Read more https://lnkd.in/dneQpFEf #nanocarriers #cancertherapy

Revolutionise Mining Safety Through AI and Robotics Enaex Africa and Stellenbosch University have partnered to revolutionize mining safety using AI and robotics. This initiative will develop local expertise and prioritize the safety of deep underground operations. Enaex Africa is funding a research chair at the university to drive this innovation. The company plans to automate mining, removing the dangers of underground work and creating new tech-focused jobs. This partnership is poised to transform the mining industry through a commitment to safety, sustainability, and technological advancement. Learn more about this groundbreaking collaboration by reading the full article: https://lnkd.in/d5PY9KKH #robotics #deepundergroundmining #artificialintelligence #AI