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Engineering the Early Demise of Fossil Fuels
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
115-122
Received:
16 October 2014
Accepted:
29 October 2014
Published:
10 November 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.11
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Abstract: Climate change is now scientific fact, and it is equally firmly established that it is of anthropogenic origins, mainly attributed to the burning of fossil fuels. If future generations are to inherit a living, and livable planet, which is self-evidently their right, the current inhabitants have no alternative but to dispense with fossil fuels as a source of power. It is demonstrated here that technically this can clearly be secured before 2050 by transitioning to renewable sources of energy, backed up by ‘clean’ nuclear power. However, effective deployment of these geographically widely dispersed power sources will require power sharing among groups of nations and grid interconnections on a continent spanning basis. It is suggested that effective progress towards the realization of such distributed systems is unlikely to be achieved without cooperative planning and implementation across many nations. An example of this is beginning to emerge in Europe.
Abstract: Climate change is now scientific fact, and it is equally firmly established that it is of anthropogenic origins, mainly attributed to the burning of fossil fuels. If future generations are to inherit a living, and livable planet, which is self-evidently their right, the current inhabitants have no alternative but to dispense with fossil fuels as a ...
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Initial Field Testing of Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic (CSPV) Thermal Hybrid Solar Energy Generator Utilizing Large Aperture Parabolic Trough and Spectrum Selective Mirrors
Jonathan Richard Raush,
Terrence Lynn Chambers
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
123-131
Received:
23 October 2014
Accepted:
4 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.12
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Abstract: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has completed initial field testing of a test unit of the MH Solar Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic (CSPV) system. The CSPV unit is a retrofit system for use with a parabolic trough type concentrating solar power (CSP) thermal solar collector which redirects a portion of the incident solar radiation spectrum to a PV module while allowing normal operation of the thermal system to continue. The system was tested at the UL Lafayette Solar Energy Laboratory utilizing the existing Large Aperture Trough (LAT) test field. The dichroic cold mirror reflected solar radiation of between 500 and 1000 nm to the MH Solar vertical multi junction (VMJ) silicon PV cells (known as the MIH VMJ cells) which provided high efficiency operation under a concentration ratio of 30. The testing produced a PV module efficiency of 30% across the portion of the spectrum which was redirected, while the thermal efficiency was reduced by only about 9 percentage points, resulting in an overall efficiency increase of the power plant. The total power output of the power plant could therefore be increased through utilization of the hybrid configuration.
Abstract: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has completed initial field testing of a test unit of the MH Solar Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic (CSPV) system. The CSPV unit is a retrofit system for use with a parabolic trough type concentrating solar power (CSP) thermal solar collector which redirects a portion of the incident solar radiation spectrum...
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Forest Bioenergy or Forest Carbon: A Review
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
132-142
Received:
18 September 2014
Accepted:
14 October 2014
Published:
5 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.13
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Abstract: An article by Jon McKechnie et al entitled Forest Biomass or Forest Carbon purports to use an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and forest carbon analysis when examining the use of wood for electrical generation. Most publications assume that the CO2 emitted is carbon neutral because plants will re-absorb the CO2 through photosynthesis. However, the article challenges this hypothesis and states that incomplete LCAs are undertaken. The article demonstrates that it will take many years to recapture the CO2 when the wood is used for bioenergy. But when analyzing the capture of CO2, only regrowth is considered and not the tree growth of the whole forest. If in the example given, a full account is taken of the above-ground yield, it is shown that the annual increment from the management units is nearly double the potential removals for wood products, including bioenergy. Thus, rather than a decrease in forest capital there is an increase. Proper and full LCAs must be undertaken of the whole forest, rather than partial analysis: the latter results in erroneous accounting. It is very misleading and should not be used or cited. This same error has been made by a number of other quoted publications.
Abstract: An article by Jon McKechnie et al entitled Forest Biomass or Forest Carbon purports to use an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and forest carbon analysis when examining the use of wood for electrical generation. Most publications assume that the CO2 emitted is carbon neutral because plants will re-absorb the CO2 through photosynthesis. Howeve...
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Recyclable Metal Air Fuel Cells Using Sintered Magnesium Paste with Reduced Mg Nanoparticles by High-Repetitive Ns Pulse Laser Ablation in Liquid
Taku Saiki,
Shigeaki Uchida,
Tatsuya Karita,
Kazuhiro Nakamura,
Yuusuke Nishikawa,
Shinji Taniguchi,
Yukio Iida
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
143-149
Received:
27 November 2014
Accepted:
3 December 2014
Published:
5 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.14
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Abstract: An energy cycle using solar power and metals has been proposed. High repetitive laser pulses are generated by a solar-pumped laser or a laser generated using solar power, and the laser pulses are irradiated to metal oxides in liquid. We can obtain reduced metal nanoparticles with this method, and solar power is effectively stored as chemical energy. We succeeded in producing sintered Mg metal paste. The sintered Mg nanopaste reduced Mg nanoparticles from pure MgO or Mg(OH)2 powder, collected from used Mg air cells, by laser ablation in liquid using a high-repetitive ns pulse Nd:YAG laser. We also fabricated metal air fuel cells using sintered Mg plates as negative electrodes. Electricity was successfully produced from these cells. A light-emitting diode and a motor were connected to the Mg paste air fuel cells and the output voltage and current of the cells were measured. The observed output voltage was 1.4 V when they were connected to a low load, which is the same as conventional Mg air cells. Metal oxides were reduced with high efficiency and at a noticeably low cost by using lasers generated from solar energy. This makes it possible to recycle Mg plates. The new recyclable Mg paste air fuel cells are expected to become common power supplies with high-energy density and high output power.
Abstract: An energy cycle using solar power and metals has been proposed. High repetitive laser pulses are generated by a solar-pumped laser or a laser generated using solar power, and the laser pulses are irradiated to metal oxides in liquid. We can obtain reduced metal nanoparticles with this method, and solar power is effectively stored as chemical energy...
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Effect of Silver Nano-Particle Blended Biodiesel and Swirl on the Performance of Diesel Engine Combustion
Nagaraj Banapurmath,
T. Narasimhalu,
Anand Hunshyal,
Radhakrishnan Sankaran,
Mohammad Hussain Rabinal,
Narasimhan Ayachit,
Rohan Kittur
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
150-157
Received:
3 September 2014
Accepted:
17 September 2014
Published:
8 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.15
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Abstract: Increased energy requirement in sectors like transportation, power generation and others coupled with depletion of high energy non-renewable energy resources like petroleum products and their harmful tail pipe emissions has led to search for new alternative and renewable energy resources. Different methods have been adopted to reduce tail pipe emissions and these include engine modification, fuel alteration, and exhaust gas treatment. Low emission characteristics and equivalent energy density of biodiesel are useful for replacement for petroleum fuels in internal combustion engines. Recently addition of catalytic reactivity materials like metal and oxide materials to biodiesel and their effect on engine performance has been reported in the literature. Due to their special properties like higher thermal conductivity, chemical and electrical properties enhanced properties of the base fuel diesel/biodiesel when these additives were used has been reported. In the present work both engine modification as well as fuel alteration techniques have been adopted to study their effect on diesel engine performance and emission characteristics. Engine modification involved provision of tangential slots on the piston crown surface. Fuel modification included addition of metal and metal oxide nano-particles to Honge biodiesel called Honge Oil Methyl Ester (HOME) as an alternative fuel for diesel engine applications. Experimental investigations were carried out to determine performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of diesel engine operated on diesel, HOME and HOME-silver nano-particles blended fuels. The biodiesel was prepared from honge oil called Honge Oil Methyl Ester [HOME]. The silver nano-particles were blended with HOME in the mass fractions of 25ppm and 50ppm using a mechanical homogenizer and an ultrasonicator. Subsequently, the stability characteristics of silver nano-particles blended–biodiesel fuels were analyzed under static conditions for their homogeneity. A considerable enhancement in the brake thermal efficiency with substantial reduction in the harmful pollutants from the engine for the nano-additive biodiesel blends was observed. Maximum brake thermal efficiency was obtained for HOME+ 50SILVER with reduced harmful pollutants compared to HOME+25SILVER blends. With swirl intended slots provided on the piston crown surface the performance was further improved using HOME+50SILVER in general and for 6.5mm slot on the combustion chamber in particular.
Abstract: Increased energy requirement in sectors like transportation, power generation and others coupled with depletion of high energy non-renewable energy resources like petroleum products and their harmful tail pipe emissions has led to search for new alternative and renewable energy resources. Different methods have been adopted to reduce tail pipe emis...
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Determination of the Performance Characteristics of a Modified Solar Water Heating System
Orovwode Evwiroghene Hope,
Wara Tita Samuel,
Agbetuyi Ayoade Felix,
Adediran Olalekan Gideon,
Adoghe Uwakhonye Anthony
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
158-163
Received:
3 October 2014
Accepted:
18 October 2014
Published:
8 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.16
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Abstract: Heated water is very essential for domestic, agricultural, commercial as well as industrial operations. Obtaining hot water usually comes with a cost. Though conventional water heating systems exist, however, the operational cost and environmental impact of this method is contributing seriously to the already worsened energy situation in Nigeria. Solar water heating system (SWHS) is a practical application to replace the conventional electrical water heater. The low efficiency of solar water heaters has been the main reason why many people still prefer the conventional methods. To improve on the performance characteristics of the existing solar water heater, a modified version was developed by re-shaping the solar collector and making it adjustable so that it could attract maximum solar radiation. The pipe was replaced with another pipe of smaller diameter to allow for more heating surface area using the same collector frame. The tank and the sides of the collector frame were lagged with a special polysterine material to reduce heat loss due to radiation and a unidirectional control valve was introduced to the tank so that the already heated water that can be preserved in the tank. Tests were carried out on the existing as well as the modified heaters. The results obtained show a significant improvement on the performance of the SWHS. The inlet average temperature increased form 24.64 oC to 35.14oC while the outlet temperature increased from 51.53oC to 60.73oC which corresponds to an improvement in the performance of the system’s inlet water temperature of 15.65% and outlet water temperature of 15.14%.
Abstract: Heated water is very essential for domestic, agricultural, commercial as well as industrial operations. Obtaining hot water usually comes with a cost. Though conventional water heating systems exist, however, the operational cost and environmental impact of this method is contributing seriously to the already worsened energy situation in Nigeria. S...
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Present Scenario of Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources in Bangladesh: A Compact Analysis
Md. Niaz Murshed Chowdhury,
Samim Uddin,
Sumaiya Saleh
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
164-178
Received:
26 November 2014
Accepted:
9 December 2014
Published:
18 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.17
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Abstract: This research deliberately searches the present scenario of renewable and non-renewable resources in Bangladesh and also focuses on their effective management. Therefore, the research is unique in terms of focusing the present scenario of natural resources and the research highlights the present conditions of natural resources. Most of the study and research on NRs focus on superficial problems, poverty, gender, and scientific measure of resource degradation. This research gives special attention to find the present scenario and to find the actors who are responsible for NRs management. There are considerable opportunities of Bangladesh to boost the economic growth through renewable and nonrenewable resource. With the help of these resources Bangladesh can generate electricity and can meet the required demand in the future. Therefore, the Government and the Private sector should work hand to hand to emphasize more renewable energy sources to produce electricity to solve our power crisis problem. Renewable energy sources discussed above can help Bangladesh to produce more power in order to reduce Load-shedding problem. Time has come to look forward and work with these renewable energy fields to produce electricity rather than depending wholly on conventional method. In addition, we observed that Bangladesh has a huge amount of natural Gas and other mineral resources. Proper and corruption free management can be able to solve the problem of energy crisis.
Abstract: This research deliberately searches the present scenario of renewable and non-renewable resources in Bangladesh and also focuses on their effective management. Therefore, the research is unique in terms of focusing the present scenario of natural resources and the research highlights the present conditions of natural resources. Most of the study an...
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A Closed Drum Carboniser for Converting Ligno-Cellulosic Residues to Biochar Pellets: A Nigerian Study
Taiwo Babatunde Hammed,
Mynepalli Kameswara Chandra Sridhar
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2014
Pages:
179-184
Received:
3 December 2014
Accepted:
22 December 2014
Published:
27 December 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20140306.18
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Abstract: This paper describes an innovative technology that provides an alternative to management of wastes arising from grass cuttings, weeds and agro-forestry residues that are usually discarded unattended. These wastes are now converted into biochar pellets using a newly designed carboniser which is highly economical and can generate employment opportunities to peri-urban and rural low income populations. We used simple spent oil drum with an attached chimney and cassava based starch or clay (e.g. kaolin) as binder to make pellets from the burnt raw materials. This process does not require any moving parts, electricity or any additional fuel to convert the waste into charcoal pellets. We have field tested the carboniser with elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum) as feedstock. Technical performance was evaluated using parameters such as Production Capacity Ratio (PCR), Reliability Ratio (RR) and Efficiency Ratio (ER). Samples of elephant grass, biochar pellets and the ash produced after the biochar used for cooking were analysed for selected chemical characteristics (viz. sulphur, carbon, hydrogen, potassium and calorific value), using standard laboratory procedures. The results obtained gave production capacity and efficiency ratio of 83%; actual production capacity of 25 kg/hour; which is 100% reliable. The differences in the chemical parameters for the three samples were significant. Potassium, carbon and calorific values were observed in increasing order: ash < elephant grass < biochar. Biochar gave lowest values of hydrogen (12.36±0.01%) and sulphur (0.67±0.0%) contents while elephant grass contained highest values of these elements (13.28±.02% and 1.38±0.00%, respectively). This technology will benefit less educated rural and peri-urban populations to develop a small scale or medium scale entrepreneurship with low financial inputs and minimal skills and the product is a good cooking fuel and environment friendly with less or no smoke.
Abstract: This paper describes an innovative technology that provides an alternative to management of wastes arising from grass cuttings, weeds and agro-forestry residues that are usually discarded unattended. These wastes are now converted into biochar pellets using a newly designed carboniser which is highly economical and can generate employment opportuni...
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