Abstract Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) plays crucial roles in indoor environment items positioning used in self-navigating robots and helping hands. To obtain position information, positioning algorithms employing Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) are of great benefits since they reuse the existing radio wireless infrastructures for indoor positioning. However, the changes in the indoor environment decrease the overall accuracy of the developed indoor positioning algorithms. To cope with the challenge of environmental dependency in indoor positioning, a robust algorithm using radio signal identification was developed. The algorithm uses circle expansion and reduction mechanism to achieve better RSSI-Distance relationship. The distances from RSSI-Distance relationship are used in trilateration algorithm for position estimation. Experiments were performed to compare position accuracy of the basic RSSI-Based and the proposed algorithm. Simulation results showed that proposed algorithm showed less average positioning errors by 11.2066% and 3.7279% at path loss coefficients of 3.11 and 3.21, respectively compared to the existing algorithms. Likewise, the proposed algorithm showed 2.7282% increase in positioning error when environment was changed from that of path loss coefficient 3.11 to 3.21. The existing basic algorithms show error fluctuation of 10% with the same environment changes. Keywords: Indoor Positioning System; RFID; RSSI; Trilateration

Using information and communication technologies (ICT) to make the electrical power network intelligent and smarter (smart grid) has been the focal point in transforming electrical power industry. The idea behind smart grid is to transform the Tanzanian power sector into a secure, adaptive, sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem that provides reliable and quality energy for all with active participation of stakeholders. Smart metering is a central segment in realizing smart grid. However, a big question is whether Tanzanian power stakeholders are ready for smart metering technology investments for household applications. Operation and maintenance of a smart metering solution is a relatively new business in Tanzania and requires investment in resources and capacity building. A case study was conducted at the utility company in Dar es Salaam offices, to investigate the deployment status and services offered. Fixed tariff rates, high cost, low rates on returns of investment and non-customization of the features, were some of the shortcomings identified by the study in terms of non-deployment in residential homes. Further, the authors, propose development of standardization document for smart metering technologies and the adoption of software based smart meter for residential applications using Internet of Things platform. Its low cost of development and ease installation would be ideal for residential applications. Keywords:  Smart grid, Utility Company, Smart meter, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Deployment Status.

No abstract

Public institutions in developing countries, taking Tanzania as an example, are facing huge electricity consumption bills caused by inefficient utilization of electrical power. The causes of inefficient power usage can be due to the users’ behavioral and inadequacy of technology deployment in electric controlling infrastructure. This study explores the users’ behavior and the consequences of inefficient power utilization in Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs). Around 85% of the sampled participants in the selected HLIs were least concerned with power saving strategies while using office facilities. The study reveals that inefficient energy consumption may result in high electrical power bills, unnecessary energy waste, psychological effects caused by inability to pay electrical bills and distress resulting from frequent power outages. Besides, the study proposes both behavioral- and technological-based interventions for electrical power saving in HLIs.

No abstract