Physical Science International Journal

Technical and Commercial Losses in the West African Interconnected Electricity Network: Challenges and Prospects

2026-04-13T09:25:08+00:00

In the West African region, power system integration through the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing energy security and facilitating cross-border electricity trade. Despite significant progress in regional interconnections, the efficiency and financial performance of electricity networks remain severely constrained by high levels of technical and commercial losses. Recent assessments indicate that average technical losses reach approximately 9.1%, while non-technical (commercial) losses account for nearly 21%, revealing persistent structural deficiencies in network operation and management. Technical losses are primarily driven by aging infrastructure, overloaded transmission and distribution lines, inadequate maintenance practices, and the limited deployment of advanced monitoring and control systems such as SCADA and smart grid technologies. Commercial losses, on the other hand, result from inaccurate metering and billing systems, illegal connections, electricity theft, and low revenue collection rates, often compounded by weak governance and insufficient regulatory enforcement.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, including network modernization through digitalization and smart metering, capacity building for utility operators, harmonization of regulatory frameworks across WAPP member states, and increased consumer awareness regarding responsible electricity consumption. Implementing such measures would significantly reduce system losses, improve the financial sustainability of power utilities, enhance supply reliability, and strengthen subregional energy cooperation in West Africa.

Study of D+3He and T+3He Reactions by Using Double Folding Potential at Astrophysical Relevant Energies

2026-04-13T11:14:27+00:00

Aims: The microscopic double folding potential is more superior over the conventional square-well potential as it more realistic to represents the nuclear interactions and the introduction of an imaginary potential provides an effective and compact way to model absorption in nuclear well.

Study Design: The computations of nucleus-nucleus potential are implemented in the framework of double folding model function with DDM3Y-Reid and DDM3Y-Paris effective N-N interaction. Among different kind of the effective interaction, the so-called DDM3Y interaction was used in the double folding potential calculations.

Methodology: At astrophysical energy regime, the study of the nuclear fusion cross-sections is formidable on account of the massive vastness of the Coulomb barrier, yield in a minute worth of the fusion cross-section. All achievement in the results on S-function towards light particles can gives a clear insights about Big Bang nucleosynthesis. Presently, we have theoretically examined the E dependence of S-function and nuclear fusion σ(E) for fusion reaction of light nuclei for ³He(D,P)⁴He and ³He(T,N+P)⁴He nuclear system using complex potential with Coulomb repulsive potential.

Results: The calculation of the cross section and S-function cooked in the foundation of the SRTM potential function approach.

Conclusion: Theoretical computed results matched with the experimental results.

Effect of Geomagnetic Storms on Space Weather during the Ascending Phase of Solar Cycle 24

2026-04-17T09:19:25+00:00

Space weather disturbances are significantly influenced by geomagnetic storms, which arise from intensified solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. This study examines the correlative dynamics of solar activity indicators (Sunspot Number, F10.7 index), interplanetary parameters (solar wind plasma speed, IMF scalar B), and planetary geomagnetic activity (Dst, Ap, auroral electrojet indices) during this extraordinary space weather regime. A statistical methodology based on correlation analysis and linear regression techniques is employed using multi-source observational datasets (e.g., OMNI database and geomagnetic indices) to quantify relationships among these parameters. The analysis reveals a profound disassociation between solar activity eruption rate and terrestrial storm intensity. Even though solar activity indicators, like sunspot numbers, showed strong increases in solar activity towards solar maximum, equatorial ring current activity (Dst index) was notable for its lack of strong excursions (Dst ≤ -100 nT). This is attributed to the extraordinary expansion of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) in the low-pressure solar wind, leading to a dilution of internal magnetic flux. The study concludes that geomagnetic activity was dominated by the kinematic energy of moderate-speed solar wind streams, as opposed to solar magnetic flux emergence. The kinematic energy of solar wind streams was responsible for sustaining localized high-latitude auroral substorms throughout this extraordinary space weather regime. The equatorial magnetic field was found to be undisturbed.

Numerical Study of the Thermal Behavior of a Wall Built with Different Materials in a Hot and Dry Climate

2026-04-18T13:19:01+00:00

This article presents a numerical study of the thermal behavior of walls made from different materials in a hot and dry climate, constituting a first step of thesis work. The main objective is to analyze the temperature evolution inside walls built of hollow cement blocks and local materials (CEB, CLB, and adobe), in order to identify the least performing material in terms of thermal insulation, with a view to subsequently improving its properties. The governing equations were solved using the finite element method, implemented in the COMSOL Multiphysics software (version 5.3). The study was structured around two axes: the analysis of the temperature evolution at the internal and external surfaces of the walls, and the study of the influence of the position of a cement and plaster-based coating layer on the thermal behavior of the walls. The results obtained indicate that temperature peaks are significantly higher in hollow cement block walls (38.55°C) than in those built with local materials [35.07-35.23°C]. These observations show that hollow cement block presents low thermal performance in Sahelian zones, due to its high capacity to rapidly accumulate heat. In perspective, future work will aim to propose solutions to improve the thermal performance of this material.