T he Aston University team will be led by Dr Muhammed Imran, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering and an established researcher in the area of renewable energy systems, especially hybrid energy systems. He will be supported by Dr Tabbi Wilberforce Awotwe, lecturer in mechanical engineering and design and an established researcher in the area of sustainable energy systems and optimisation approaches.Â
Dr Imran said: âWe are delighted to design the hybrid solar and wind energy system for this smart irrigation system, which will have a positive impact on primary crop production, increase the availability of safe and healthy foods and improve the welfare of farmers and their families in rural Kenya.â
They are collaborating with Professor Ayub Gitau and Dr George Kamucha from the University of Nairobi. Professor Gitau is an associate professor and dean for the School of Engineering and a professional agricultural engineer. Dr Kamucha is a senior lecturer and chairman for the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering who has extensive experience in advance control systems as well as advance model predictive control systems.Â
Badr Shariff, managing director at Solargen Technologies, said: âThe project will bring together Aston Universityâs expertise in hybrid energy, the University of Nairobiâs expertise in irrigation systems and our expertise in system integration and solar energy to develop a market leading irrigation system with increased reliability and low operating and maintenance costs.â