Strategies for harvesting large scale bulk energy from the Congo river without a conventional dam
The paper provides a summary of the investigations into the capability of the Congo river to support an evolutionary design approach based on the run of river, low head, and hydro-electric generation technology, as employed at the existing Inga 2 power station in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The evolutionary approach builds on existing infrastructure. The results show that the footprint is much smaller. The environmental impact is minimized. These collectively will contribute to lower capital costs. In summary, 10,000 cm3/sec of constant river flow will produce 5,000 MW of base power. On average, the constant recorded flow of the river is 30,000 cm3/sec and a total of 15,000 MW of base power generation is possible.
Africa—Integrated gas and electricity transmission planning in power generation and HVDC engineering in harnessing large-scale hydroelectric sites for interconnected regional power systems
This Paper discusses integrated gas and electricity transmission planning in power generation and energy development in Africa with their benefits, and developments in HVDC Engineering Technology in harnessing large-scale hydroelectric sites for interconnected regional power systems. It focuses on the present status and future prospect of electricity infrastructure from the viewpoint of generation and transmission development, policies and lessons from global deregulation, advances in global research, and development (R&D) and strategies to influence Africa’s integration into the Global transition to knowledge-based economies. It examines regional power pools as an economic development paradigm by emphasizing the systems effects that lead to improving economical, ecological and technological efficiencies by the joint operation of power systems.The paper goes on to discuss the energy crisis and development issues in Africa (strategic diagonal and convergent approach with components), the Southern African power pool development plan, and the Southern African short-term energy market. Active projects such as the Westcor project representing an initial phase of the large regional South African Power Pool are also discussed. The project showcases the new milestones in HVDC technology used to harness large hydro potential contributing to the pool. Also discussed is interconnection of the Gulf States that will facilitate reserve sharing between the systems and electricity trading between the Gulf States.
Structure of the integument of southern right whales, Eubalaena australis
Skin (integument) anatomy reflects adaptations to particular environments. It is hypothesized that cetacean (whale) integument will show unique anatomical adaptations to an aquatic environment, particularly regarding differences in temperature, density, and pressure. In this study, the gross and histological structure of the southern right whale integument is described and compared with terrestrial mammals and previous descriptions of mysticete (baleen whale) and odontocete (toothed whale) species. Samples were taken of the integument of 98 free‐swimming southern right whales, Eubalaena australis, and examined by both light and electron microscopy. Results show that three epidermal layers are present, with the stratum corneum being parakeratotic in nature. As in bowhead whales, southern right whales possess an acanthotic epidermis and a notably thick hypodermis, with epidermal rods and extensive papillomatosis. However, unlike bowhead whales, southern right whales possess an uninterrupted hypodermal layer. Surprisingly, the integument of balaenids (right and bowhead mysticetes) in general is more like that of odontocetes than that of the more closely related balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes). Similarities to odontocetes were found specifically in the collagen fibers in a fat‐free zone of the reticular dermal layer and the elastic fibers in the dermal and hypodermal layers. Callosities, a distinctive feature of this genus, have a slightly thicker stratum corneum and are usually associated with hairs that have innervated and vascularized follicles. These hairs may function as vibrissae, thus aiding in aquatic foraging by allowing rapid detection of changes in prey density. Although the thick insulatory integument makes right whales bulky and slow‐moving, it is an adaptation for living in cold water. Epidermal thickness, presence of epidermal rods, and callosities may act as barriers against mechanical injury from bodily contact with conspecifics or hard surfaces in the environment (e.g., rocks, ice). Anat Rec, 290:596–613, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.