Services

Municipal Solid Waste Management e-System

Municipal Solid Waste Management e-System (MSWMeS) is an integrated technology that combines the power of artificial intelligence through machine learning of Convoluted Neutral Network (CNN) to classify waste streams into different types and make use of actuating sensors to provide real time control of a smart bin over the internet. This combination of Machine Learning and Internet of Things (IoT) is monitored through a progressive web application that is designed to be cross-platform (able to execute on different operating systems). As of June 2022, we have successfully conducted training of a CNN model that can classify organic waste and recyclable waste. We are in the process of data preparation to conduct training of  a model for object detection of waste in images. We have successfully set up HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor to measure the levels of smart bins and report to the transfer station. This information can be displayed on a map using API key. (Map box is being used as a free but less powerful alternative to Google Maps during prototype development). The web application also provides the ability for Municipalities and private players to organize and view details of clean up campaigns meant to reduce or eliminate waste from the open environment.

E-waste

Technology is constantly being upgraded and Zimbabweans and continually renewing their electronic equipment and gadgets. The useful life of electronic equipment is relatively short due to rapid changes in equipment features and capabilities, consequently creating a large waste stream of obsolete electronic equipment known as e-waste and is becoming a growing problem in Zimbabwe and the whole world. When disposed of to the environment, there is a high risk of rainfall leaching these toxic elements into the ground water, leading to its contamination which is a threat to humans and animals utilising such intoxicated groundwater.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Renewable energy provides reliable power supplies and fuel diversification which secures energy with lower emissions and low fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels. Renewable energy minimises carbon pollution and has a much lower impact on the environment. Storage batteries offer a viable solution for storing intermittent energy supplies associated with renewable energy. Lithium ion batteries are a family of rechargeable batteries in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. Compared to other battery option, lithium ion batteries have the characteristic of high power density, long life, low self-discharge, low maintenance cost, light weight, and low environmental impact. From the above discussion, this work focuses on the design of an effective E-waste recycling and precious metal recovery.

Green Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen is a clean and flexible energy source to support Zero-Carbon Energy Strategies. Hydrogen fuel cells provide an inherently clean source of energy, with no adverse environmental impact during operation as the byproducts are simply heat and water.

EMRECC conducted a case study on Sable Chemical Company on the need for hydrogen to produce ammonium fertilisers bearing in mind that Zimbabwe is an agro-based nation. The production of hydrogen gas using the electrolysis-based process at Sable Chemicals Company was energy intensive requiring the utilisation of 105MW of electricity at its peak with 14 Electrolytes. An additional 10MW were required for the rest of the plants, making 115MW the total requirement for the entire facility.

To respond to the growing demand for renewable-based hydrogen, an extraordinary expansion of the market for electrolysers is needed. Making use of the high levels of solar irradiance and using solar energy for powering the electrolysis of water in conjunction with hydro-electricity will also reduce the burden on the power grid. Electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity, is the sustainable option to produce green hydrogen as an attractive low-carbon energy carrier. Upon production of green hydrogen using solar energy, we will conduct further studies and experiments on a lab scale to look into the production of green ammonia from the green hydrogen. This will be a great benefit to the country since ammonia is being imported.

Ultimately, we will research and conduct experiments on the production of a green fertiliser from the ammonia obtained from the green hydrogen. The success of this project will mean fertiliser can be produced locally making use of local resources whilst also being sensitive to the environment. This will boost the agricultural sector, cut down on imports, reduce the burden on the power grid, reduce green-house gas emissions and ultimately boost the economy of the country.

Polypropylene recycling

Kneebowe Trading (Pvt) Limited is a Zimbabwean company located at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Depot in Msasa, Harare which is into manufacturing of poly-woven bags. The company was created by GMB and Afrochine Energy Corporation (AEC) of China on 50:50 ownership ratio. The overall objective was to embark on large scale commercial production of poly bags in Zimbabwe. The company manufactures polypropylene bags for any storage of grains such as flour, mealie meal including minerals and fertilisers. The bags come in various sizes according to the company specifications or can be tailor made according to customer specifications. The bags can also be plain or printed. They also produce slatted sheets in various sizes. For mealie meal bags, the company manufactures coated bags with biaxial oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film and customises printing according to customer preferences.

Kneebowe Trading (Pvt) Ltd is committed to supplying the best quality products to its customers in a timely manner. Their manufacturing process is anchored on a robust quality management system to ensure customer expectations. The sourcing of their raw materials is strictly monitored in order to guarantee value for money to its customers.

GMB is importing polypropylene (PP) resins from a company called SASOL based in South Africa, as a raw material in packaging production. This is weighing their production economics due to the high importation cost. As a result, the company is failing to meet their demand. They need to increase their production capacity, reduce expenses associated with the production to improve their profits and also find another alternative source for virgin raw materials. Therefore, they approached HIT for technical solutions and also as a research development center.

Objectives

• To deduce the best ratio for the recycled to virgin polypropylene blends for the poly- woven bags manufacturing.
• To develop an automated manufacturing system for the production of poly- woven bags
• To give specialist guidance on the laboratory set up for research and quality check for the poly-woven bags
• To provide a local sourcing for the virgin poly-propylene.

Waste Characterisation Software

Waste characterisation is one of the most significant aspect of waste management. Waste characterisation provides quantifiable data to municipalities so that they can prepare their waste management plans properly. Due to lack of technology the City of Harare is struggling to provide funds for waste characterisation since it requires huge amounts of labour. EMRECC has successfully developed a mobile based software which can characterise waste with minimum human involvement leading to low cost.

Flue gas capture and efficiency improvement of coal fired thermal power plants

Coal power plants are primary sources of power but at the same time are the most drastic environmental hazards. They emit methane and carbon dioxide which are worst greenhouse gases. Mitigation process design for flue gas capture to extract these gases is developed by adjusting the CCS technology. The results of the process include zero flue gas emission, increased plant capacity and reduction of resources consumption.

 Landfill Gas—Power Project

The project involves the capture of landfill gas from engineered sanitary landfills for use as a substitute for fuel wood and wood fuels. The gas is purified and used for domestic use and generation of electricity as a green technology in the renewable energy sector.