Research Scholar at Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Mathew Habyarimana, Ph.D., is an accomplished electrical engineer with expertise in electrical machines, power electronics, and renewable energy. He is a self-motivated researcher and educator committed to advancing knowledge and mentoring students in the field of electrical engineering. With a strong background in academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to the development of energy systems, power electronics applications, and machine optimization techniques. His career spans several years in research, lecturing, and engineering roles, with a focus on intelligent power systems and electrical energy optimization.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Habyarimana obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, in September 2022. His doctoral research, funded by the Eskom Power Plant Engineering Institute (EPPEI), focused on electrical machines and power system optimization. Prior to this, he completed his MSc. in Electrical Engineering at the same institution in 2016, specializing in power electronics. His undergraduate studies were conducted at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology, where he earned a BSc. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on renewable energy. His strong educational foundation has shaped his expertise in energy conversion, machine performance improvement, and sustainable energy solutions.
Experience
Dr. Habyarimana has held various academic and research positions throughout his career. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Durban University of Technology, where he is engaged in high-impact research on electrical power systems. Previously, he served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg from 2023 to 2024, authoring scientific papers and presenting his findings at international conferences.
His academic contributions also include lecturing positions at Durban University of Technology, where he taught courses such as Illumination and Digital Signal Processing in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department. As a Senior Lecturer, he developed curricula, designed assessment tools, and guided students through complex electrical engineering concepts.
Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Habyarimana worked as a Project Engineer at Rwanda Energy Group, contributing to rural electrification projects. Additionally, he served as a mathematics tutor and lab demonstrator at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, mentoring students in power electronics and electrical machines. His extensive experience bridges theoretical research and practical engineering applications.
Research Interests
Dr. Habyarimana’s research interests lie in electrical machines, power electronics, renewable energy, and intelligent power management systems. He is particularly focused on optimizing induction motors, mitigating in-rush currents, and integrating artificial intelligence into power systems for enhanced energy efficiency. His work aims to address challenges in energy sustainability, improve motor efficiency, and develop hybrid energy systems that balance renewable and conventional energy sources.
Awards
Dr. Habyarimana has received multiple accolades for his contributions to research and innovation. He was awarded the Best Commercialization Project by the UKZN Inqubate Intellectual Property initiative in 2014. In addition, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for judging at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in 2015. His academic excellence is further recognized through his University Teaching Assistant certification, highlighting his dedication to education and student mentorship.
Publications
M. Habyarimana, G. Sharma, P. N. Bokoro, and K. A. Ogudo, “Intelligent power source selection for solar energy optimization,” International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computing and Data Communication Systems, 2024.
M. Habyarimana, G. Sharma, and P. N. Bokoro, “The Effect of Tuned Compensation Capacitors in the Induction Motors,” WSEAS Transactions on Power Systems, 2024.
Habyarimana, M., Dorrell, D. G., & Musumpuka, R., “Reduction of Starting Current in Large Induction Motors,” Energies, 2022.
Habyarimana, M., Musumpuka, R., & Dorrell, D. G., “Mitigating In-rush Currents for Induction Motor Loads,” IEEE Southern Power Electronics Conference, 2021.
Habyarimana, M., & Dorrell, D. G., “Methods to reduce the starting current of an induction motor,” IEEE International Conference on Power, Control, Signals and Instrumentation Engineering, 2017.
Venugopal, C., Subramaniam, P. R., & Habyarimana, M., “A Fuzzy Based Power Switching Selection for Residential Application to Beat Peak Time Power Demand,” Intelligent Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Computing, 2017.
Habyarimana, M., & Venugopal, C., “Automated hybrid solar and mains system for peak time power demand,” International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy, 2015.
Conclusion
Dr. Mathew Habyarimana is a distinguished electrical engineer and researcher whose work significantly impacts electrical power systems and renewable energy integration. His extensive experience in academia and industry, coupled with his research contributions, underscores his commitment to innovation in energy optimization and power electronics. Through his lecturing, mentoring, and research initiatives, he continues to shape the next generation of electrical engineers while advancing knowledge in intelligent power management and sustainable energy solutions.