Alternative Power Source Research Articles

Achieving Optimal Reactive Power Compensation in Distribution Grids by Using Industrial Compensation Systems

This paper presents a method for integrating industrial consumers owning compensation systems as alternative reactive power sources into grid operating processes. In remuneration, they receive a market-based provision of reactive power. The aim is to analyze the potential of reactive power compensation systems of industrial companies connected to medium-voltage (10 kV–30 kV) AC grids in order to increase the reactive power ability of distribution grids. Measurement methods and reactive power potential results of six industrial companies are presented to characterize the amount and temporal availability of their reactive power potential. The presented approach for using the decentralized reactive power potential is a centralized reactive power control method and is based on optimal power flow (OPF) calculations. An optimization algorithm based on linear programming is used to coordinate a reactive power retrieval tuned to the actual demand. The influencing quantities are the current grid status (voltage and load flow capacity reserves at grid nodes and power lines) and the current reactive power potential of the reactive power sources. The compensation impact of six measured industrial companies on an exemplary medium-voltage grid is shown by an application example.

A multimodal E-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester with a built-in bistability and internal resonance

The abundant and renewable vibration energy has been regarded as an alternative power source for the massive sensors of the Internet of Things, but the broadband and efficient vibration energy harvesting is still an open issue. In this paper, a broadband E-shaped bistable piezoelectric energy harvester (EBPEH) is developed by taking advantages of nonlinear and multimodal techniques. It is consisted of a steel U-shaped host beam (UHB) and a steel parasitic piezoelectric cantilever beam (PPCB). The nonlinear interaction between a tip magnet of the PPCB with the UHB cause a built-in bistability of the harvester, eliminating the need of any external magnet and leading to a compact structure. By appropriately designing multimodal frequencies of two beams, a 1:2 internal resonance phenomenon in the first response frequency band occurs, and an overlapping of them above a low excitation amplitude threshold cause a triple bandwidth enhancement from 6 Hz to 18.5 Hz. Attributed to the nonlinear hardening phenomenon, the peak voltage and the RMS peak power can reach 56.1 V and 786.8 μW under the 0.5 g up sweep excitation, respectively. It is proved that the proposed EBPEH has the ability to harvest wideband and low frequency vibration energy.

Optimization of Energy Storage Systems and Demand Side Management to Maximize Water Utility Savings: A Hawaii Case Study

Abstract Energy conservation is a concern in many industries, and consequently, facility operators are turning to various efficiency measures or alternative power sources to reduce electricity costs. With the expanding use of intermittent resources, energy storage systems (ESSs) and demand side management (DSM) options are also gaining interest to maximize potential energy savings. Here, we study the potential of ESSs versus DSM for water utilities through a case study of the National Energy Laboratory of the Hawaii Authority (NELHA). NELHA is a multizone water utility in which most of its electricity usage is dedicated to pumping water. In this study, the optimization of the overall electricity charges for NELHA, using both ESSs or DSM via pump load shifting and optimization of pump house output is investigated. An optimization algorithm is created to determine the optimal size of the batteries for installation considering the water demand and energy costs in each zone. An extended approach of considering the characteristics of individual pumps on each pump house in the optimization model is applied to provide insight into the proper optimization framework for dispatching pumps depending on the current zonal load, given pump efficiencies, and maximum flowrates from each pump. The outcome from mathematical models using general quadratic pump efficiency functions and a simplified linear version of pump efficiency is compared to determine the significance of this difference in modeling methodology in estimations and evaluations. Additionally, the effect of increasing solar power on electricity purchased is analyzed. This work will help to establish the role of ESS and DSM in energy savings for water utility industry as well as show what methods should be used for evaluation of the potential of ESS and DSM interventions.

Boehmite/PAN nanocomposite fibrous separators with superior wettability and thermal properties for sodium-ion batteries with high electrochemical performances

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted significant attention as alternative power sources for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of the abundance of sodium resources, and the electrochemical properties of these batteries are analogous to those of LIBs. However, the polyethylene (PE) separator conventionally employed in LIBs has poor affinity with the polar solvent used in SIBs; therefore, glass fiber (GF) separators with high porosity and wettability are widely used in the lab-scale development of SIBs despite their fatal drawbacks including high thicknesses, high costs, and low flexibility. For the commercialization of SIBs, a separator design that accommodates both the advantages of a thin PE separator and the open-pore structure and polar properties of a GF separator is necessary. Herein, we propose a thin, custom-made separator (PAN-AlOOH separator) with highly polar properties and an open-pore structure for SIBs, in which highly polar boehmite (AlOOH) particles are homogeneously integrated in a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) separator using electrospinning. The integration of AlOOH particles in the PAN-AlOOH separator can greatly contribute to ensuring thermal and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures above 270 ℃. Concurrently, AlOOH particles in the PAN-AlOOH separator improve its affinity toward the polar electrolyte of SIBs and alter the solvation structure around the Na+ ions in the electrolyte solution, thereby allowing for outstanding wettability and ionic conductivity. Therefore, the PAN-AlOOH separator may be used to achieve an excellent rate capability and cycle performance for SIBs; further, its performance is better than that of Na full cells employing a GF separator.

SECURING AN ALTERNATE POWER SOURCE FOR DHAKA CITY THROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

This research delves into the critical issue of renewable energy integration as an alternative power source in Dhaka city, a metropolis of over 21 million people grappling with a burgeoning energy demand. Through qualitative interviews involving 40 participants from various sectors, including policymakers, renewable energy experts, energy companies, and community representatives, this study assesses the feasibility, challenges, and potential solutions for transitioning to renewable energy. The research elucidates a varied understanding of renewable energy sources, with solar and wind being the most recognized. Notably, electricity and natural gas dominate as primary energy sources, reflecting the present energy landscape. Conspicuously, coal’s absence underscores Bangladesh’s energy context. Challenges such as elevated installation costs, infrastructural limitations, and awareness gaps are identified as barriers to widescale adoption. The study advances actionable strategies including regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and public awareness campaigns. Participants emphasize the pivotal roles of government policy, private sector engagement, and civil society collaboration. Additionally, the study underscores the multi-faceted benefits of renewables, ranging from environmental advantages like reduced carbon emissions to socio-economic gains like job creation. As Dhaka seeks sustainable solutions to its energy conundrum, this research presents a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders, charting a course towards a greener, more resilient, and energy-secure future.

Power Forecasting in Photovoltaic System using Hybrid ANN and Wavelet Transform based Method

Solar energy is a sustainable, renewable energy which is a part of latest industry standards of operation in line with industry 4.0. Solar power variability leads to fluctuation and uncertainty in Photovoltaic (PV) output power. It is a significant issue with regard to the high penetration of PV power generation. The solar irradiance is affected by weather conditions, and varies with geographical locations. Accurate PV power output forecasting is essential for the planning and scheduling alternate sources of conventional power. In this paper we propose a frequency domain approach for forecasting of short-term PV output power. The wavelet transform allows identification of periodic components with time localization, whereas the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique allows us to model the non-linearities in the PV time series. In this paper, PV power data for the city Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh is forecasted. Numerical simulations show that the proposed forecasting method for PV power output, shows a significant increase in accuracy over other similar methods. The root Mean Square Error, Mean Absolute Error for the proposed method are also calculated and compared with state-of-the art methods for PV power forecasting.

Testing LAD1 of harvesting electric roads

Alternative power sources for roadway accessories have been brought to light through energy harvesting technologies. Several types of nanogenerators can harvest energy from rotating automobile tires by using the piezoelectric effect to generate electricity from these roads. As the wheel is pressed against the piezoceramic disks, energy is harvested by embedding them within a protective package. In this paper, we demonstrate the testing of several types of electric vehicles and how they are tested for electric performance and determine the output voltage and current.

Why health system diagnosis delay among tuberculosis patients in Illubabor, Oromia region, South West Ethiopia? A qualitative study.

The main target of tuberculosis control and prevention is to detect incident cases as quickly as possible and also to prevent the occurrence of disease. It is also the responsibility of the health facility to screen the contacts, identifying children for prophylactic therapy. However, the target is difficult to meet due to issues within health facilities that cause health system diagnostic delays. Despite this, there is no information explored why health system diagnostic delays among tuberculosis patients. A qualitative study was conducted by using different data collection methods and sources. Seventeen DOT providers, five laboratory professionals, six program managers, and seven Tuberculosis patients were interviewed. In addition, 22 governmental health facilities were observed for the availability of resources. Data obtained from the in-depth interviews was transcribed, coded, categorized, and thematized manually. Health system Diagnosis delays reasons were related with sample collection procedures, poor competency of health professionals, in addition to absences or scarcity of health professionals, medical products, and basic infrastructure. We found 18 health facilities without skilled personnel in the OPD, 7 health facilities with a broken microscope, and almost all health facilities without a separate room for sputum examination. Furthermore, 12 (54.5%) and 14 (63.6%) health facilities lacked access to water and electric power, respectively. Many reasons for TB diagnosis delays have been identified in the study area. Poor competence of health workers and scarcity of resources were identified. Depending on the finding, we suggest strengthening the health workers' training. Concrete strategies need to be designed to retain professionals. Training on human resource planning and budget preparation is needed for front-line managers. Managers have to work on the maintenance of diagnostic tools and facilitate transportation. The rural health facilities need to use another alternative power source.

Electric vehicles and energy-saving technologies – master's degree program under the Erasmus project Cybphys

Problem. The quality of higher education is achieved by compliance with the conditions for the implementation of educational activities and learning outcomes with the requirements of legislation and higher education standards, professional and international standards, as well as the needs of stakeholders and society. Obviously, the requirements, recommendations and opinions of stakeholders play one of the main roles in the process of ensuring the quality of higher education. It should be noted that without ensuring and improving the quality of higher education, it is impossible to obtain accreditation of an educational program (EP) in the relevant specialty. Goal. Obtaining feedback from employers and representatives of the academic community with experience in working and teaching in 141 specialties "Electrical Power Engineering and Electromechanics" to improve the quality of education in the Master's EP "Electric vehicles and energy-saving technologies". Methodology. The method of questioning consists in obtaining information by means of written answers of respondents to a system of standardized questions. Methods of information processing and synthesis method - the study of an object in its integrity, in the unity and interconnection of its parts. Results. An analytical review of decisions on EP and publications on the introduction of innovative teaching methods and methods of maintaining the quality of the educational process into the educational process was carried out. In a number of educational components, the list of literature will be expanded due to the technical documentation of automakers and references to modern research by foreign authors. It is proposed to improve the existing and develop new laboratory and practical work on modern equipment purchased through the CybPhys project and on the equipment of interested employers. It is proposed to expand the practical component of the educational components of the EP related to the cycle of professional training disciplines. It is proposed to add the topic "Alternative power sources" to the cycle of disciplines of the applicant's free choice (professional training section). Originality. It is proposed to conduct practical and laboratory classes and conduct research on the topic of the thesis directly in production and in the daily work of service stations and car service. Practical value. Based on the results of the feedback received from stakeholders, appropriate changes will be made to the courses that will improve the quality of education and make the master's EP "Electric vehicles and energy-saving technologies" even more relevant and relevant for the labor market in the field of electric power, electrical engineering and electromechanics, in particular, with regard to the industry electric vehicles and energy saving technologies.

Semi-mechanistic analysis of emergency planning zones for 20 MWe lead-cooled fast reactor by hypothetical accidents during Korea's arctic exploration

Small modular reactors or micro modular reactors have been considered as an alternative power source for merchant ships because of minimal carbon emission and a long lifecycle without refueling. Ahead of the operation, however, their emergency planning zones (EPZs) should be optimally set and approved to ensure both radiological safety and cost efficiency in case of nuclear accidents. Thus, the required size of EPZs was analyzed based on semi-mechanistic assumptions for hypothetical accidents with MicroURANUS, a micro modular fast reactor type of 20-MW lead-bismuth-cooled, used to power an icebreaker during Korea's Arctic missions. For meteorological data, actual icebreaker data acquired in 2020s Artic exploration were utilized. The results showed that EPZ sizes, rationalized in terms of stability class, wind directions, and inherent radioprotection design, ranged within the assumed icebreaker boundary. When comparing various regulations among countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency, dose criteria of Korea (10 mSv/2 d) were found to be strictest. Since major contribution to the whole-body dose was from noble gases (over 96%), a high-quality air filtration system in addition to external shielding would significantly reduce hazards. The emergency situation could be successfully controlled without evacuation and sheltering, avoiding overestimated socioeconomic costs.

CALEB UNIVERSITY ENERGY QUEST: A STUDY OF MICRO ELECTRIC POWER AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE

As energy becomes the currency of survival in business, industry, and society, energy alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. University been in a high demand for constant source of power cannot ignore the need of constant and reliable sources of power. Caleb University is faced with the need for an alternative power source hence the need for consideration of a micro electric alternative. Hydroelectricity exists as one option to meet the growing demand for energy and is discussed in this paper. This is an exploratory research using observation and physical survey of the potential alternatives. Numerous consideration factors exist when building hydropower plants; whether the concerns are global or local, each has been considered while discussing this renewable energy source. The authors have used personal experiences from field assessments of micro and macro hydroelectric execution of projects and economic costs of constructing such plants in proposing a micro hydropower generating capabilities in the university. This paper is an exploratory research using intensive observation, and interview. The paper concludes the viability of this project based on potentials available in its Imota locality and recommend the alternative for the University community on the need for exploring it as viable to power the institution energy needs.

Recent advancements in thermoelectric generators for smart textile application

Electro-textiles are the future of wearable technology and have the potential to revolutionise numerous industries. However, electro-textiles require a power source to sense, analyse, react, and adapt to various stimuli. While current power sources feature dry cell batteries, the research into alternative power sources, such as self-powered textiles, is growing due to the use of nanotechnology. These new textiles harness their own electrical energy to power sensors and other electronic devices. One system being investigated is thermoelectric generation because it uses human body waste heat to create electrical energy. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) can passively harvest energy and have the capacity to offer continuous electrical energy. Optimisation of its design parameters, fabrication methods, and materials used are necessary for this system to be commercially viable. This manuscript analyses recent advancements in textile-based TEGs, their application towards various industries, and the future of self-powered electro-textiles. • The future for smart textiles relies on sustainable energy • Thermoelectric generation offers reliable, sustainable energy • Specific materials and structures can emphasize the efficiency of the system • Wearable systems that can match the power of batteries are being researched

Application of organic additives as voltage enhancers for vermicompost-derived bio-battery

A bio-battery which is powered by organic compounds provides a clean alternative renewable power source. Huge amount of green wastes around Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) campus such as fallen leaves and grass clippings provides an opportunity for waste conversion into value-added products using an eco-friendly composting method called vermicomposting where locally abundant earthworms are added to speed up the breakdown the organic wastes into vermicompost. Recent studies revealed the potential of vermicompost to be used as green electrolyte of bio-battery instead of being solely used as fertilizer. However, the voltage produced from bio-battery is found typically lower and less stable than conventional batteries. The main goal of this research work is therefore to enhance the voltage generation of bio-battery derived from UTP vermicomposts. As a start, good quality vermicompost was produced from available green wastes in UTP compound at optimum carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 30. Next, the humic acid and fulvic acid were be extracted from the vermicompost to be used as the bio-battery’s electrolytes. Different organic additives were added into the electrolyte to determine their suitability as voltage enhancers via voltage profiling. Compost quality was established by final C:N ratio, humic and fulvic acid yield and moisture content analysis in comparison to commercial vermicompost. Key highlights of the project include vermicompost reached maturation on day 41, mass reduction of 18%, and humic and fulvic acid yields at 3.41% and 0.38%. The highest voltage recorded was 0.62 V for humic acid electrolyte with fruit enzyme additive. This approach has multi-fold benefits of cutting down labour requirement, promoting eco-friendly waste management and generating value-added products from waste.

Design of wind power plant with a turbine capacity of 300 Watt

Wind is a renewable energy source that is abundant and can be used for areas that have not been reached by electricity. Wind power plants can be used to meet household-scale electricity needs. The purpose of this study is to design, test, and analyze wind power plants as an alternative power source for home lighting. This research method uses a horizontal type wind turbine that has 3 blades, a three-phase AC permanent magnet generator type wind turbine that can generate electricity up to 300-310 Watts. The results of the wind turbine design have worked well. Testing the voltage and current from the controller to the battery produces the highest voltage of 14 Volts, with a current of 1.38 Ampere at a wind speed of 4.1 m/s. The higher the wind speed, the higher the voltage and current. The magnitude of the DC and AC voltages is determined by the wind speed and also when it is loaded.

Application of Renewable Solar Energy for Thermal Treatment of Milk: A Review

In India the milk is consumed both in the raw (un-processed) as well as processed forms with the raw milk being consumed locally. The use of processed milk is prevalent through both the organized as well as un-organized sectors. The milk processing in the organized sector (20% of the total milk processed) is undertaken to produce the pasteurized liquid milk as well as other value-added products. Solar energy is a cheap, omnipresent, and indigenous source of energy that produces a clean, pollution-free climate. In recent years, the use of solar energy has risen to new heights. Its driving force is the ongoing quest for an alternative power source due to the perceived shortage of fossil fuels. As the price of fossil fuels continues to increase, it has become much more common. The planet absorbs more energy from the sun in a single hour than the entire world consumes in a year. Its use has proved to be the most cost-effective, as most systems in individual applications only need a few kilowatts of electricity. Solar collectors transform solar energy into thermal energy for heating applications, which is the easiest and most effective way to do it. The dairy industry is one of the industries where thermal processing is a crucial unit activity. Solar energy can thus be used to heat water, sterilize cans and bottles, and pasteurize milk. This paper examines the use of solar energy in the pasteurization of milk.

V2G And G2V System Design As An Alternative Power On Microgrid With Smart Switching Method Based On Microcontroller

Solar energy is very easy to get in Indonesia because it is located in the tropics and equatorial regions. With the abundance of solar energy, the PLTS system is very suitable for use in Indonesia. Apart from these advantages, the microgrid system with a PV mini-grid still has drawbacks, namely intermittent sun exposure, so the reliability of the PV mini-grid system is affected by time, climate, and weather. Therefore, the PLTS system requires electrical energy storage technology in the form of batteries. In addition to the use of batteries, the use of battery electric vehicles (BEV) can also be used as an alternative to help supply power to the microgrid system. Its application uses the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Grid to Vehicle (G2V) methods. In this study, the design of the V2G and G2V systems was made with the Smart Switching method as an alternative power source to the microgrid system. The Smart Switching method is used to consider the condition of the battery to prevent overheating, overcharging, and deep discharging. It is equipped with a battery condition monitoring system that can be monitored on the LCD screen. The results of this study showed that the design of the V2G and G2V switching systems can run according to the plan. The system can provide power to the microgrid busbar. The system can automatically cut off when the maximum temperature, the upper and lower limits of the battery voltage, and the monitoring system can provide information in the form of battery conditions, temperature values, voltages, and currents. Thus, the V2G and G2V systems with the Smart Switching method can already be applied as an alternative power source to the microgrid system.

Plasmochemical air cleaning system in vehicle cabin

Problem. Currently, the problem of energy independence is one of the most urgent. Consequently, there is a significant need for alternative sources of power. Along with this, throughout the history of human development, the issues of roads and their quality have been very topical and relevant. It is especially true for Ukraine. With the development of science and technology, these issues are expanded by functionality of roads, their safety both for drivers and for other road users and the ability to perform several functions simultaneously, for example, to provide transport traffic and generate electricity. Goal. The goal is development of the method of road marking and automatic control of the road traffic using multifunctional road panels. Methodology. The analytical methods of research on the development and application of methods and devices for transforming the energy of the sun into electricity were used. Methods of mathematical modulation were used when considering the principle of multi-functional road panels, combined in one system. Results. The functional features of multi-functional road panels of pavement are revealed and their scheme on the roadway is presented. The principle of operation of the road as a unified system of multifunctional road surface panels has been researched. The scheme of implementation of road marking and automatic control of road traffic is presented. Originality. It is suggested to use special plates – multifunctional road panels – instead of the top layer of the road cover. Such an upper layer of road clothing will allow the road, as an integral complex system, to perform several functions simultaneously: to be a part of the road for motor transport, to generate electricity and to draw a road marking independently, and if necessary – to change it. Practical value. The use of the proposed method of road markings and automatic control of road traffic will make possible quality performance and rapid change of road markings at any time of the year and day, depending on the current natural and traffic conditions. Also, the proposed road pavement will generate electricity as an alternative renewable source of energy.

АНАЛІЗ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МОБІЛЬНИХ АВТОНОМНИХ ЕЛЕКТРОСТАНЦІЙ В УМОВАХ КРИТИЧНОГО СТАНУ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОЇ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРИ

A critical analysis of the design features of mobile autonomous power plants was carried out according to a new approach to their classification. The issues of the efficiency of the operation of existing mobile power plants in terms of technical characteristics are considered in order to identify the optimal energy-efficient options for use in a critical state of the country's energy system. The prospects for the introduction of hybrid mobile power plants built on the principle of duplication of alternative power sources with a different nature of the energy potential for conversion into electrical energy are substantiated. At the first stage of the analysis, it was revealed that among the wide variety of existing types of mobile power plants, there is almost no picture regarding the comparative characteristics of the energy efficiency of their use, which allows the consumer to determine the optimality of a particular design to ensure equality between the economically justified cost and the technical capabilities of the device for the purpose of reliable power supply. The validity of the optimal composition of a mobile autonomous power plant in each case is a difficult task for analysis according to a specific technical task, which is formed by the consumer. All influencing factors must be taken into account when choosing the design of a mobile power plant for each particular case, namely technical, economic, legislative, operational, climatic and environmental. As a result of the enlarged analysis of mobile power plants by type of energy conversion, it was found that all the considered classes and types of mobile power plants have both advantages and disadvantages, but during the period of destabilization of the processes of generation and distribution of electrical energy and the impossibility of a quick recovery of the country's energy sector, they are the only way out of the energy crisis, and it is necessary to apply all possible structures to exit the energy infrastructure from a critical state. To rank the available types of mobile power plants in terms of optimality and energy efficiency, further detailed analysis is required according to their technical characteristics.

Vanadium Oxide–Conducting Polymers Composite Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Interfacial Design and Enhancement of Electrochemical Performance

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are being intensively developed as potential alternative electrochemical power sources, due to their advantages such as low cost, high safety, abundance of natural zinc resources and appropriate energy density. Among currently investigated prospective cathode materials for AZIBs, vanadium oxide-based composites with intrinsically conducting polymers have shown many advantages, such as high capacity, high power density and long battery life. This review gives a focused view of the design for the boosting of zinc ion storage performance using intrinsically conducting polymers in vanadium oxide-based composites and the mechanism of intercalation processes. The main challenges in interfacial engineering of vanadium oxide-conducting polymers composite structures and the prospects for further development of such cathode materials are summarized and discussed. The review would give rise to a broad interest focusing on the advantageous strategy of the development of vanadium oxide composite cathodes with intrinsically conducting polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) for AZIBs with improved energy density, high-rate capability and stability.

Effects Of Load-Shedding On The Performance Of Small, Medium And Micro Enterprises In Gqeberha, South Africa

Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are recognized for promoting the livelihoods of the poor and for economic growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate how load-shedding affects the performance of SMMEs in the food industry in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Central Business District and Summerstrand areas in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The study is explorative and adopts a qualitative research design. The study population was made up of SMMEs owners in the food industry, with paid employees ranging from 5 to 200 people in the Central Business District and Summerstrand areas within Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The purposive sampling method was utilized to select the study participants. The study revealed that load-shedding affected the capacity of SMMEs to provide quality products and services to their customers. To mitigate the effect of power outages, SMMEs adopted alternative power sources like backup generators and adjusted their operations to keep their businesses running. Also, the study confirmed that planned load-shedding enables SMMEs to plan and alleviate the effects of load-shedding. The study concluded that load-shedding disrupts the activities of SMMEs, which impedes customer satisfaction, leading to poor business performance.