GC-311 SINGSINGMARKETPLACE.COM: E-commerce marketplace for remote vendors

American residents in the (Nigerian, Liberian, Indian, Ghanaian, etc.) Diaspora have strong ties back home and as such support loved ones, back home, on a regular basis, by sending cash remittances through Western Union, MoneyGram, etc. Remittances are expensive. Remitters have no control over how funds are spent once received. Remitters cannot send small amounts because the fees cannot be justified. We built a marketplace platform that allows the Diaspora to remit goods and services, instead of sending money to relatives back home in. The objectives are to remove or greatly reduce the cost of remittances, give more control to the remitters, and facilitate the spending of small amounts to sustain loved ones back home

Analysis of a stand-alone hydraulic offshore wind turbine coupled to a pumped water storage facility

The concept of wind turbines operating with hydraulic transmissions is gaining popularity. With the promise of improved energy density and lower maintenance costs, a number of manufacturers are evaluating such a novel concept. In the current study an offshore-specific hydraulic wind turbine design is proposed. This is based on the use seawater as the working fluid in a large scale, open-loop transmission system. The possibility of coupling such a system to an onshore pressurized water storage facility is also evaluated. Simulation results indicate the potential for such an energy storage system, to address a supply-demand mismatch without requiring intermediate conversion to electricity, as in current pumped storage facilities used in conjunction with wind turbines.Alternative Technologies Ltd., Energy Investment Ltd, JMV Vibro Blocks Ltd., Solar Engineering Ltd. and Solar Solutions Ltd.peer-reviewe

A preliminary computational study of flat roof convective thermal resistance in the presence of photovoltaic panels

The effect of roof mounted photovoltaics on the heat transfer performance of roofs has primarily been investigated in the context of the resulting shading effect. The convective heat transfer coefficient will change as a result of the blockage caused by the photovoltaic panels. In this work, a quantification is given of the differences between heat transfer coefficients on a bare roof and a roof with photovoltaic panels having a specified configuration. A computational fluid dynamics approach is used. The study is only preliminary and hence a standard k-e turbulence model is used. The presence of photovoltaics is found to increase the convective heat transfer coefficients by around 26% for a north wind. The influence on the U-Value depends on the type of roof construction but for summer conditions an increase in U-value is observed which has positive cooling effects.Bajada New Energy, Bitmac ltd., Econetique, Energy Investment, JMV Vibro Blocks, Solar Engineering.peer-reviewe

Analysis of a novel offshore platform with integrated energy storage operating in Central Mediterranean waters

A thermodynamic model of a novel energy storage device is described and simulated in the context of a central Mediterranean climate. The device uses a hydro-pneumatic concept to store energy as compressed air. It is designed to be integrated into an offshore floating platform. The thermodynamic model illustrates the behaviour of the compression process and the heat exchange with the surrounding environment. Different rates of compression are simulated, and it can be observed that faster compression rates lead to higher gas temperatures and pressures. The sensitivity to climatic conditions is also investigated, however this effect was seen to be minimal. A simplified Black-Box Model is also developed, with its parameters obtained through a curve-fitting process. Finally, a stochastic input is fed to both models and a comparison is made. The simplified model results in a minor over-prediction of the efficiency.peer-reviewe

Analysis of a novel offshore platform with integrated energy storage operating in Central Mediterranean waters

A thermodynamic model of a novel energy storage device is described and simulated in the context of a central Mediterranean climate. The device uses a hydro-pneumatic concept to store energy as compressed air. It is designed to be integrated into an offshore floating platform. The thermodynamic model illustrates the behaviour of the compression process and the heat exchange with the surrounding environment. Different rates of compression are simulated, and it can be observed that faster compression rates lead to higher gas temperatures and pressures. The sensitivity to climatic conditions is also investigated, however this effect was seen to be minimal. A simplified Black-Box Model is also developed, with its parameters obtained through a curve-fitting process. Finally, a stochastic input is fed to both models and a comparison is made. The simplified model results in a minor over-prediction of the efficiency.peer-reviewe

Preliminary studies on an innovative vertical axis wind turbine concept : SATVAWT

Vertical axis wind turbine concepts are particularly attractive for the urban environment for various reasons including adaptability to varying wind directions. On the other hand, these types of turbines suffer from various disadvantages including prohibitive costs. In this paper, we present an innovative concept of a Self Adjusting Lift Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (SATVAWT) being developed by the a consortium of local academia and industry. Although the project is still in its infancy some insight of the design is presented, particularly the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the blades which are being optimised for highest possible efficiency. Some results from numerical analysis tools are also presented. To provide easy start up, the turbine blades are at first retracted. Due to the accelerating motion, momentum is conserved by means of an increase in the polar moment of inertia about the axis of rotation. This causes the turbine blades to flex. In this position, advanced aerodynamic calculations using vortex methods have shown that the turbine should operate at a higher efficiency for the rated condition. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools have also been used to assess the structural feasibility of the turbine. The preliminary results presented here are encouraging and will form the basis for further computational and experimental analysis.Bajada New Energy Ltd., CD Power Saving Co. Ltd., Energy Investment Co. Ltd., Solar Engineering Ltd. & Solar Solutions Ltd.peer-reviewe

Children’s canteens and food insecurity: Emergencies and adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tucumán

Es conocida la situación de Argentina respecto a su seguridad alimentaria y sus problemáticas nutricionales, principalmente en la niñez, lo cual se expresa en las elevadas prevalencias que alcanza la malnutrición infantil. En este contexto estructural, la pandemia por Covid-19, ha profundizado los niveles de pobreza y las desigualdades existentes, componentes que, a su vez, habrían incidido en el acceso a los alimentos, comprometiendo así la seguridad alimentaria, principalmente en la infancia. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre el protagonismo que habrían tenido instituciones extra-familiares, como comedores comunitarios, para atenuar dicha condición. La provincia de Tucumán, particularmente, presenta distintas evidencias que han demostrado la persistencia de la pobreza y de los problemas nutricionales, entre los que se incluye la inseguridad alimentaria. Constituye, por tanto, un adecuado caso para analizar la problemática, considerando -mediante un abordaje cuali-cuantitativo- cambios y continuidades ante la irrupción de la pandemia.The situation in Argentina regarding its food security and nutritional problems, mainly in childhood, is known, which is expressed in the high prevalences of child malnutrition. In this structural context, the Covid-19 pandemic has deepened poverty levels and existing inequalities, components that in turn have had an impact on access to food, thus compromising food security, mainly in childhood. However, little is known about the role that extra-family institutions such as community children’s canteens would have had to mitigate this condition. The province of Tucumán, in particular, presents different evidences that have demonstrated the persistence of poverty and nutritional problems, among which food insecurity is included. Therefore, it constitutes an appropriate case to analyze the problem considering changes and continuities in the face of the outbreak of the pandemic.Fil: Longhi, Hugo Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Estudios Sociales. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Estudios Sociales; ArgentinaFil: Cordero, Romina Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social. - Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social; ArgentinaFil: Ise, Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; ArgentinaFil: Maldonado Moyano, Juan Lucas. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social. - Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social; ArgentinaFil: Luna, Adrián. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentin

Children’s canteens and food insecurity: Emergencies and adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tucumán

Es conocida la situación de Argentina respecto a su seguridad alimentaria y sus problemáticas nutricionales, principalmente en la niñez, lo cual se expresa en las elevadas prevalencias que alcanza la malnutrición infantil. En este contexto estructural, la pandemia por Covid-19, ha profundizado los niveles de pobreza y las desigualdades existentes, componentes que, a su vez, habrían incidido en el acceso a los alimentos, comprometiendo así la seguridad alimentaria, principalmente en la infancia. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre el protagonismo que habrían tenido instituciones extra-familiares, como comedores comunitarios, para atenuar dicha condición. La provincia de Tucumán, particularmente, presenta distintas evidencias que han demostrado la persistencia de la pobreza y de los problemas nutricionales, entre los que se incluye la inseguridad alimentaria. Constituye, por tanto, un adecuado caso para analizar la problemática, considerando -mediante un abordaje cuali-cuantitativo- cambios y continuidades ante la irrupción de la pandemia.The situation in Argentina regarding its food security and nutritional problems, mainly in childhood, is known, which is expressed in the high prevalences of child malnutrition. In this structural context, the Covid-19 pandemic has deepened poverty levels and existing inequalities, components that in turn have had an impact on access to food, thus compromising food security, mainly in childhood. However, little is known about the role that extra-family institutions such as community children’s canteens would have had to mitigate this condition. The province of Tucumán, in particular, presents different evidences that have demonstrated the persistence of poverty and nutritional problems, among which food insecurity is included. Therefore, it constitutes an appropriate case to analyze the problem considering changes and continuities in the face of the outbreak of the pandemic.Fil: Longhi, Hugo Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Estudios Sociales. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Estudios Sociales; ArgentinaFil: Cordero, Romina Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social. - Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social; ArgentinaFil: Ise, Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; ArgentinaFil: Maldonado Moyano, Juan Lucas. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social. - Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo Social; ArgentinaFil: Luna, Adrián. Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Facultad de Humanidades Cs.sociales y de la Salud. Instituto de Linguistica, Folklore y Arqueologia.; Argentin