ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 15, 2023
Design and Construction of an Automatic Solar Panel Cleaning System
Eiche, J. F., Bamidele, O. O, Fadiji, E. A., Mogaji, T. S
Page no 293-299 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjet.2023.v08i12.001
PV panels are installed in an open-spaced setting and then exposed to dust, dirt, and debris which significantly reduce their power output, making regular cleaning essential. Therefore, this research developed an automatic cleaning system for solar panels to enhance their efficiency and performance. The developed system utilizes an Arduino microcontroller, a lead screw mechanism, and a cleaning arm to automate the cleaning process. The system is designed to automatically control the cleaning system wirelessly using a Wi-Fi module that has been integrated on the Arduino board, and when the solar panels require cleaning, it activates the cleaning arm to remove the accumulated dirt. This research project involves the design, development, and implementation of the automatic cleaning system. The components used in the system include a PC817 optocoupler, C815 limit switch, Nodemcu microcontroller, DC wiper motor (12V), screw mechanism, metallic frame, solar panels, and a DC power supply (12V). These components are carefully selected to ensure efficient and reliable operation of the cleaning system. The system performance for both cleaning and dusty panels has been evaluated and it was found that the efficiency for the cleaning system is higher with output power of 53.69W. The developed system can be used to enhance the PV module performance areas where the weather can be classified as dusty and the pollutants are increasing day by day as a result of smokes, industrial work and new building construction.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 28, 2023
A Framework to Enhance Information Security Governance in SMEs
Derrick Mwanje, Ocen Samuel, Godfrey Tumwebaze, Moses Bukenya
Page no 300-303 |
DOI: 10.36348/sjet.2023.v08i12.002
In the modern organizational landscape, information technology plays a pivotal role in shaping business processes. The increasing reliance on IT necessitates a focus on the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of both enterprise and customer data, making information security a paramount concern. This study delves into the challenges faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Fort Portal Central Division during their information security governance efforts, highlighting issues such as limited resources, budget constraints, time limitations, and a lack of expertise in drafting and ensuring compliance with security policies. To address these challenges, a comprehensive framework for improving Information Security Governance in SMEs was developed and evaluated. Primary data were collected from 351 respondents, including Proprietors, Directors, CEOs, Managers, and operations personnel, shedding light on the specific hurdles faced by SMEs. The proposed framework underwent rigorous evaluation based on design science parameters, demonstrating efficiency and usability. The results of the evaluation revealed that the developed framework effectively addressed the identified challenges, fulfilling the study's objective. The study recommends SMEs in Fort Portal City to implement the framework to enhance their Information Security Governance efforts. Additionally, policy makers in Uganda, including the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) and Uganda Investments Authority (UIA), can leverage the designed framework to make informed decisions regarding SMEs and information security management and governance. This research contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on information security governance in SMEs, particularly within the context of Fort Portal City.