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Journal of Energy Research and Reviews
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 2581-8368
Published by SCIENCEDOMAIN international

[66 journals]

Effects of a Cyclone Dimensions on Quality of Syngas Produced with a
Wood-fired Biomass Gasifier
- Authors: Nzihou Jean Fidele , Hamidou Salou , Segda Bila Gerard, Ouattara Frederic, Compaore Hamidou
  Pages: 1 - 14
  Abstract: Charcoal gasification was widely used during the second World War to deal with petroleum scarcity. When petroleum was again available after the war, gasification was neglected afterwards. However, fossils resources are know as non-renewable and there are several reseach carried out all over the world to develop renewable sources of energy. Under that scope gasifiers are of great interest in the developing countries for developing individual or decentralised sources of energy. Even in developed countries, several research and implementation of gasification units are in progress. In a previous work, we designed and fabricated a downdraft biomass gasifier with a relatively big cyclone and filtration units. Produced syngas was full of moisture and carbon dioxyde (CO2) when the gasifier was feed with wood, but moisture content was lesser with charcoal. Therefore further work should be carried out in order to use low density wood itself from agricultural, furniture makers or sawmill wastes. We compared different cyclone separator design methods, adopted the Lapple’s cutt of model and found that to obtain good removal efficiency of unwanted particles, it is better to work with small cyclones. The new cyclone that we built allowed us on the one hand to reduce the humidity of the synthesis gas obtained, and on the other hand to reduce the quantity of tars in the liquid collected at the bottom of the cyclone. These improvements have led to the production of cleaner and better fuel syngas.
  PubDate: 2023-10-25
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3312
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Performance-Emission Analysis of a CI Engine Operating on D95
Diesel-n-Butanol Mixtures: An Experimental and Simulation Approach
- Authors: Agboneni; O., Adekunle, S. O., Ejilah, I. R.
  Pages: 15 - 29
  Abstract: Aims: This study aims to analyze the impact of diesel-n-butanol fuel blends on the performance and emissions of a 4-stroke diesel engine, with an emphasis on assessing the efficiency and emissions improvements of the D95 blend through experimentation and simulation procedures. Study Design: Performance evaluation was conducted in compliance with SAE J1349 test standards, using a Tec-Quipment TD110-115 4-stroke engine running at 1500 rpm. The GT-Power simulation toolkit was also employed to analyze different loads, using the D95 diesel-n-butanol blend and conventional diesel fuel. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted over a span of 2 months at the Automotive Engineering Technology Workshop, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Nigeria. Methodology: The study followed the SAE J1349 test protocol, utilizing a D95 diesel-n-butanol blend and conventional diesel fuel. Engine setup, performance, and emissions were assessed through experimental procedures and GT-Power simulations. Despite its lower calorific value, the D95 blend exhibited performance comparable to that of diesel fuel. Results: The combined findings from both experimental and simulation analyses provided insights into the effects of n-butanol-diesel blends on engine attributes, combustion, and emissions. However, simulated torque and brake power consistently exceeded experimental values as the engine load increased. While the D95 blend exhibited brake power comparable to that of diesel fuel, it also improved performance efficiency, fuel economy, and reduced emissions. Therefore, it is expected to promote sustainability and environmentally friendly fuel choices in the transportation sector. Conclusion: The synergy of experimental and simulation results offers valuable insights into the effects of the diesel-n-butanol blend on engine performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency, while also improving the power output potential and providing sustainable fuel options.
  PubDate: 2023-10-27
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3313
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Feasibility of Efficient Pyrolysis of Wood Chips and its Product Yield in
Developing Countries
- Authors: Jean Fidele Nzihou , Pierre Girod , Salou Hamidou , Yann Rogaume , Bila Gerard Segda , Frederic Ouattara
  Pages: 30 - 42
  Abstract: This paper is about the feasibility of combustibles gases like methane, ethane and carbon monoxide production from wood pyrolysis. This first laboratory experimental stage objective was to see what products can be obtained from wood pyrolysis in absence of oxygen and presence of nitrogen. The effect of temperature on the product yields was investigated. Products were characterized using gas-chromatography. We found that products of wood pyrolysis for temperatures of 700, 800, 900, 1000 and 1100°C were char, CO2 and combustibles gases like CH4, C2H2, CO and tar. NH3 was not found in the produced gases. In our study, condensable gases were not recovered and quantified. A gas condenser would have been necessary inserted for this purpose at the outlet of the pyrolysis reactor before routing the gases to the mass spetrograph. This study show that char production decrease from 17.08% at 700°C on the weight basis to 12.95% at 1100°C. Gases and tar production decrease, going from 82.92% at 700 °C on the weight basis to 87.05% at 1100°C. Carbone dioxide production also increase with temperature. It is the biggest part of produced gases of the wood pyrolysis gases representing an average weight proportion of 6.99% of the initial wood. Carbone monoxide yield is almost constant, around 1.6% at 800, 900 and 1000°C thought its yield at 700°C was found slightly higher accounting for 2.29% weight of the initial wood. Ethylene (C2H4) is only produced in small amount compared to others combustibles gases like methane and carbon monoxide. Its proportion which was observed almost constant, around 0.14% on the weight basis in respect to the initial wood chips weight from 700 to 900°C dropped to 0.02% at 1000°C. Methane (CH4) is produced in weight basis proportions of 2.55% which remain almost constant from 700 to 1000°C.
  PubDate: 2023-11-07
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3314
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Design and Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of a Fume Extraction
System for a Welding Company in Guyana
- Authors: Basheer Khan , Shanomae Eastman , Abdu Yearwood , Safrawz Sharief , Shion Norton, Colin Quintyn , Stephen Liu, Shawn Jagnandan , Antalov Jagnandan
  Pages: 43 - 57
  Abstract: The arc welding operation results in harmful fumes being emitted where welders are exposed to dangerous metallic gases and fumes for 6 to 8 hours daily at INFAB welding company in Guyana. This paper presents a design of a fume extraction system, the design incorporates workspace dimensions, volume calculations, duct materials required, framework materials, airflow requirements, and fan selection, guided by a target of 6 air changes per hour (ACH). In addition, the calculated required airflow rate of 58,500 ft³/h ensures the selection of appropriate fans. The design aims to create a safe and healthy welding area for the employees by removing harmful fumes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed to analyse velocity and pressure distribution, offering valuable insights into airflow patterns and pressure variations.
  PubDate: 2023-11-09
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3315
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Implementing Distributed Ledger Technology for Advanced Supply Chain
Optimization in the Renewable Energy Sector: A Comprehensive Examination
- Authors: Teo Rong Xuan
  Pages: 58 - 75
  Abstract: Blockchain, also known as a distributed ledger, is a novel technological advancement that is currently gaining prominence in several sectors and industries worldwide. Various interest groups, including energy businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, information technology developers, financial institutions, national authorities, and the academic community, have shown interest in this matter. The enhancement of daily corporate operations is projected to be achieved by several means, such as the decentralization of authority in transactions, installation of the Internet of Things (IoT), and utilization of smart contracts. Digitalization is already prevalent in several solutions within the energy sector, including smart grids, smart meters, and electric vehicles. Furthermore, the academic literature has developed a novel idea known as the Internet of Energy (IoE). This article examines the degree of trust and maturity associated with the use of Blockchain technology. The authors have developed the Blockchain Maturity Questionnaire to assess these factors. The database comprises replies obtained from experts in high management positions within the renewable energy sector. The report provides an overview of the current understanding of Blockchain technology, highlighting its primary advantages and challenges in implementation. Additionally, it examines the extent to which firms are inclined to use this technology into their future operations. The valuable input from industry professionals facilitated the development of a comprehensive plan, referred to as the "Roadmap for Blockchain Adoption," which outlines the integration of blockchain technology into forthcoming energy systems.
  PubDate: 2023-11-15
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3316
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Design and Techno-economic Simulation of a Standalone PV Solar Power Plant
for a Typical Housing Estate in Owerri, Nigeria
- Authors: Anthony Chibuike Ohajianya
  Pages: 76 - 95
  Abstract: Most, if not all, of the estates in Owerri, Nigeria are planned without recourse to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) envisions 2030’s goals 7 and 11. SDG goal 7 (on affordable and clean energy) and goal 11 (on sustainable cities and communities) envision a world by 2030 where there will be universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services; a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, etc. This research was done to depict the feasibility of a photovoltaic (PV) power plant for estates in Owerri, Nigeria. A standalone PV solar power plant for a typical 200 bungalow housing estate in Owerri, Nigeria was designed and simulated to study its techno-economic feasibility using PVsyst 7.3 simulation software. The study revealed that with a global horizontal irradiation of 4.70 kWh/m2/day reaching Owerri, Nigeria, a 468 kWp PV system is required to supply the electricity needs of an estate with an energy demand of 1,480 kWh/day. The system will generate a total of 615,168 kWh of electric energy in a year with a performance ratio of 70.4 % and a solar fraction of 96.8%. The designed PV solar power plant is highly feasible as the obtained results from the economic simulation showed that the system’s installation cost is 466,970 USD at a specific cost of 1.0 USD/kWp, and the net present value (NPV) is positive at 842,699.16 USD, 752,219.11 USD, and 698,107.07 USD, respectively for the 0%, 50%, and 80% loan financing cases. With an energy tariff of 0.15 USD/kWh, the return on investment, payback period, and levelized cost of energy were determined as 180.5%, 7.2 years, and 0.0698 USD/kWh, respectively for the 0% loan financing case.
  PubDate: 2023-11-15
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3317
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
Thermal Study of the Utilization of Rice Husks Using the Forced Convection
Method as Energy for a Rotating Cylinder Dryer
- Authors: Ida Bagus Alit , I Gede Bawa Susana
  Pages: 96 - 102
  Abstract: Small farmers in rural areas use the sun as their main energy source to dry post-harvest products. Due to limited knowledge and technology, farmers depend on the sun through direct drying. Direct use of the sun for the drying process has disadvantages in uncertain weather such as cloudy or rainy. This results in the drying process not being optimal or even stopping. This research aims to use rice husks as energy to replace direct sun drying to produce optimal temperatures so that drying time is shorter and the quality of the dried food is hygienic. Rice husk as an energy source is applied through a rotating cylinder dryer. This dryer is tailored to farmers' needs, namely easy to operate at an affordable price. This energy can be utilized sustainably because it is abundant through a forced convection system and energy conversion using a heat exchanger. The design of the compact rotary dryer includes an integrated drying chamber in one unit with the combustion furnace and a heat exchanger. The drying chamber includes a rotating cylinder and a fixed cylinder. The test results show that hot air from burning rice husks flows through the heat exchange pipes by conduction from the furnace to the walls of the drying chamber and by forced convection through an exhaust fan installed in the drying chamber. The average environmental temperature of 29.55-29.69oC has increased when using one exhaust fan to 64.46oC and two exhaust fans to 60.11oC. This drying temperature can produce shorter drying times, so it can be applied to post-harvest product drying, which is energy-efficient and sustainable for small farmers. Based on research results, rotating cylinder dryers powered by rice husks are very suitable for small farmers to replace direct sun drying.
  PubDate: 2023-11-16
  DOI: 10.9734/jenrr/2023/v15i3318
  Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)