Innovations

A cost-effective, highly efficacious trough assembly for collecting and removing drops with minimal air-side pressure drops for use in evaporative heat exchangers or cooling towers. The innovation reduces water consumption and required fan power. The elimination of a rain zone reduces the required

Researchers at Stellenbosch University have developed a groundbreaking new polymer having permanent antimicrobial properties. The compound can be spun into nanofibers for the production of filter elements or membranes, which successfully filter out micro-organisms and eliminate harmful bacteria. A

Interferon Induced proteins with Tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT) proteins are a family of antiviral proteins that have been shown to confer immunity against viral infection. IFIT proteins have been shown to be conserved in vertebrates, with homologues having been identified in several organisms

Short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) are prebiotics used as a food supplement to improve dietary health in humans and animals. FOS are also used in the food industry as low-calorie sweeteners and added to food products to improve their organoleptic properties. Global demand for FOS is growing

This technology uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) fitted with a camera to calibrate heliostats in large Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) or Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) tower systems. The UAV does not have a single fixed position and provides several advantages over traditional methods using

The researchers at Stellenbosch University have developed a technology for the radiometric correction of high spatial resolution imagery (aerial or UAV). The imagery is calibrated to approximate surface reflectance by fusing with concurrent and collocated satellite imagery. The technique allows the

Irrigation is an essential part of commercial agriculture. The water and energy used in typical large-scale irrigation systems can be substantial. As water becomes a scarcer resource its responsible use and conservation become imperative. The same is true of energy especially in territories where

The need for accurate, rapid and sensitive detection of bio-molecules is becoming ever more pressing. The aforementioned are needed in several industries, ranging from clinical diagnostics and screening to assessing microbial contamination in water and even plant disease diagnostics, to name just a

With our society facing challenges related to sustainability i.e. resource depletion and waste accumulation, the future success of the chemical and polymer industries relies on the use of renewable feedstocks. Lignin, one of the main components of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass shows great

PhenoLAB is an online web-based analyses platform and database for wine producers. PhenoLAB incorporates highly accurate, extensive and robust analyses methods based on absorbency values for determining tannins, colour density, anthocyanins and total phenolics levels in grapes, fermenting must and

Geasy: The Smart Geyser System Together the smart geyser controller and consumer management devices form a system that enables considerable water and electricity savings. The system monitors the geyser in real-time and allows the consumer to set an optimal heating scheduling. Using an online

SUNSPOT is a solar thermal power plant with rock-bed storage, containing a unique set of patented and individually licensable Stellenbosch University technologies. The SUNSPOT cycle is appropriate and efficient for generating, storing and deploying solar power in arid regions.