Ovo Adagha | University of Calgary (original) (raw)

Papers by Ovo Adagha

Conference Board of Canada, 2018

The transition to a low-carbon economy represents both a growth opportunity and existential chall... more The transition to a low-carbon economy represents both a growth opportunity and existential challenge to Canada. An opportunity because, if implemented, products and innovations arising from a low-carbon economy can become major drivers of growth, competitiveness, employment, and wealth. A challenge because without a shift to a low-carbon economy taking place, the potential negative impacts of climate change on natural and human systems could adversely influence Canada’s future.

Shades of Gray: Consumer Attitudes Toward a Low-Carbon Economy presents and discusses aggregate insights derived from The Conference Board of Canada’s survey of consumer awareness and knowledge levels of carbon footprint, influences on consumer buying choices, and consumer behaviour patterns to low-carbon alternatives. The report includes recommendations that can help set Canada on the path to a low-carbon economy.

In socially-embedded tasks like planning the location of wind farms, certain evaluation methods h... more In socially-embedded tasks like planning the location of wind farms, certain evaluation methods have been used to establish the viability of decision support tools. These methods often consider the usability and technical functionality of decision support tools, users' tasks, and other important characteristics. However, such evaluations provide only a partial assessment of the prototype design process because the perception of usefulness, ease of use on tasks, and common barriers to use, from the point of view of the people who use the tool, are not always sufficiently integrated. The study in this article employs the focus group methodology to evaluate AB–WINDEC – a place-specific decision support tool designed to match the socio-technical requirements of stakeholders involved in wind farm placement planning in Alberta. In this context, the main purpose of the focus group was to elicit real-world perspectives from stakeholders who will eventually use the tool. The results of the study suggest that AB–WINDEC can be useful for educational purposes, public engagement, high-level analysis, risk assessment, and collaboration between wind energy decision makers and stakeholders. Feedback from the stakeholders also led to additional requirements and insight on how the design of the prototype needs to be modified to increase its usefulness and ease of use. Further, the findings provided relevant information on social considerations and potential barriers that can influence the acceptance and use of AB-WINDEC in real-world conditions.

Current trends in Alberta require the involvement of multiple stakeholders and decision support t... more Current trends in Alberta require the involvement of multiple stakeholders and decision support tools in planning the placement of wind farms. While the use of decision support tools can assist stakeholders in making decisions, developing useful tools for a domain as complex as wind farm placement planning is challenging. In addition, few design requirements exist to ensure that decision support tools are specific to local needs, and that they have capabilities to support stakeholders in making informed decisions about placement locations. To this end, we conducted a study, using questionnaires and interviews, to: (1) identify the main issues that influence wind farm placement and land use decisions in Alberta; (2) identify stakeholders’ decision support needs for evaluating wind farm placement decisions, and how these needs can be incorporated in a decision support tool; (3) gain a deeper understanding of how stakeholders in Alberta currently interact with existing tools, and identify areas where design can improve usability; and (4) derive usability attributes that can inform the development of a decision support tool for wind farm placement planning in Alberta. Based on the study findings, we propose some design recommendations which highlight the relevance of a place-based decision support tool with visual and analytical attributes.

There is currently an increasing effort to develop visual analytics (VA) tools that can support h... more There is currently an increasing effort to develop visual analytics (VA) tools that can support human analytical reasoning and decision making. In the last decade, advances in this field has allowed the application of various kinds of VA systems in real-world settings. While this represents a promising start from a product design perspective, part of the challenge to the research community is that current VA tools have evolved without due consideration of standardized design criteria and processes. Accordingly, some questions remain to be addressed on what are the useful, underlying attributes of effective VA tools and how their impact can be measured in human-product interaction. These considerations indicate a need to identify a specific range of VA tools and assess their capabilities through state-of-the-art empirical analysis. To address these issues, we conducted a systematic review of 470 VA papers published between 2006 and 2012. We report on the bibliometric techniques, the evaluation attributes and the metrics that were used to sample and analyze the body of literature. The analysis focused mainly on 26 papers that implemented visual analytics decision support tools. The results are presented in the form of six inductively derived design recommendations that, when taken together, uniquely contribute to the fields of product design and visual analytics.

In this paper we investigate approaches that could potentially reduce dependence on fossil fuels ... more In this paper we investigate approaches that could potentially reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), using existing or growing technologies, for the time-line leading up to 2050. We use a baseline prediction of anticipated emissions up to 2050. To calculate potential emissions reductions, three high energy demand sectors in Canada – transport, heating and electricity – are analyzed. We propose the following mitigation scenarios in each sector: using a 50% algae biofuel blend ratio (AB50) in road and railway transport fuels, applying solar thermal systems for heating in buildings, deploying solar photovoltaic for large-scale electricity generation, and operating hybrid wind-PV’s for mini-grid systems in remote communities. We project that these approaches are feasible within the framework of 40 years.

The fact that algae biofuels introduce huge possibilities and a variety of options in dealing wit... more The fact that algae biofuels introduce huge possibilities and a variety of options in dealing with the world‘s energy and climate problems is well documented in literature. With significant amounts of financial investments and effort being allocated to research, the race is now on to develop the first commercial-scale algal biofuel production infrastructure that is sustainable and commercially viable.
Most researchers readily concede that the commercial viability of algal biofuel economics are extremely challenging, highly variable, and subject to dynamic, speculative, and volatile commodity markets. The infrastructure required to develop a profitable, algae-based fuel generation is still in various stages of development and the final configuration is yet to be determined and demonstrated on an industrial scale.
A grounded theory and techno-economic framework for data analysis was adopted for the study. The comparative approach incorporated the use of case studies and addressed the research issue from various perspectives in chapters 3 and 4. An extensive review of current and relevant literature was carried out in Chapter 2. This was to provide the reader with a firm background of the opportunities and limitations peculiar to algae – biofuel production.
The analyses presented here will provide a deeper understanding of algae biofuel economic drivers and will help address the specific challenges of algae growth strains, harvesting and conversion technologies. More importantly, it sets the tone for a correct appraisal of algae biomass not only for fuel purposes but as part of a wider production chain that will add value to the other parts of the algae.
A remarkable change in fossil fuel production and consumption has been predicted based on the overall shift by key energy providers and governments towards clean fuel technologies. Microalgae production via the routes recommended in this dissertation will open up new ways for environment friendly manufacturing and nature preservation. It is possible to expect that in the near future the model recommendations will be better perceived, thus leading to global reorientation of priorities for algae biofuel development and deployment.

Many researchers have estimated the PV module maximum power point by a variety of methods. This ... more Many researchers have estimated the PV module maximum
power point by a variety of methods. This paper discusses the
various techniques of Maximum Power Point Tracking as
employed in photovoltaic generators.

The relationship of grid operators with all users of the transmission system is outlined in grid... more The relationship of grid operators with all users of the
transmission system is outlined in grid codes. The objectives
of the grid codes are to secure efficient and reliable power
generation and transmission, to regulate rights and
responsibilities of the entities acting in the electricity sector.
This paper highlights the basic technical requirements for
distribution and transmission operators; discusses the main
problems of the connection of wind farms to the grid and how
the grid codes must be adapted in order to integrate wind
power generation capacity without affecting the quality and
stability of the grid.

A site investigation of an MGP site located in Glasgow has been completed. It is understood that ... more A site investigation of an MGP site located in Glasgow has been completed. It is understood that the subject property formerly served as a gas work site and the client intends it for light industrial use. The investigation involved an assessment of the contamination levels at the site and to determine its suitability for future use. The Investigation consisted of excavating ten test pits; collecting and analyzing soil samples suspected to be contaminated with CoCs; evaluation of the analytical data obtained; and preparation of this report. RISC4 Computer modeling procedure was adopted in the analysis. The data obtained indicate that the threshold values of the observed CoCs are elevated. Thus, a clean-up or remediation action is recommended.

In recent times, Biofuels have received a lot of interest and considerations from various stakeho... more In recent times, Biofuels have received a lot of interest and considerations from various stakeholders - policymakers, investors, and the public - for reasons bordering on energy security, diversity, and sustainability. This interest has been stoked largely by the increasingly unpredictable trend of oil prices, concerns of over the magnitude of GHG emissions from fossil fuels and the need to drive economic development in rural areas.

However, it can be said that these political and financial considerations for biofuels do not nclude a thorough analysis of the widespread impacts of biofuels systems. The overall interest in biofuels seems to be fixated mostly on the technological aspects and challenges of the various production systems; on their relative efficiencies with respect to energy and carbon dioxide emissions. Less attention has been paid to the broad set of issues – social, environmental and economic - associated with the development and implementation of largescale biofuels production and usage.

This paper summarizes policy and regulatory drivers for biofuels, as well as the barriers impeding its development, whilst acknowledging discussions on its potential as an energy resource for the future. Furthermore, it posits that for biofuels to serve as a sustainable engine of economic growth and to help solve the world’s energy problems, a number of potentially contentious issues will need to be considered carefully.

China’s energy profile provides a window into its economic soul. It tells us much about what Chin... more China’s energy profile provides a window into its economic soul. It tells us much about what China does, how fast it is doing it, and the efficiency of the process. Since energy is also a global commodity, whose demand and supply affects the running of nations, firms and households, and the environment, it becomes necessary to gauge the effect of China’s huge population and unprecedented economic growth on the world’s energy base.

Conference Board of Canada, 2018