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Research Article
Fuzzy Mcdm: An Approach for Selecting Micro Turbine Technology in a Micro Hydropower Project in Cameroon
Haoua Laila Tidjani*,
Joseph Kenfack
,
Oumarou Hamandjoda,
Mbitemkaboh Richard Wankie,
Matho Mekjele Raïssa,
Nsangou Jean Calvin
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-19
Received:
30 December 2024
Accepted:
16 January 2025
Published:
7 February 2025
Abstract: Micro-hydropower plants are a highly favorable alternatives to solving the electrification problems in rural areas where we have the potential and also to satisfy the electricity demand of the populations in several developing countries such as Cameroon. Given the challenges related to the accessibility and selection of micro-hydraulic turbine technologies, the potential of micro hydropower available in Cameroon remains almost untapped. Our study proposes a methodology using fuzzy MCDM methods for the selection of a micro-hydraulic turbine technology for a micro-hydropower project study in Cameroon. The development of a transparent and objective decision-making process, taking into consideration the technical, economic, environmental criteria, as well as uncertainties and subjective preferences of stakeholders using fuzzy MCDM methods, namely fuzzy AHP, TOPSIS fuzzy and fuzzy VIKOR, allowed us to evaluate several hydraulic micro-turbine technologies. It emerges from this study that PAT technology is the best option for the project, with a proximity coefficient of 0.554652 and a VIKOR index of 0.422592 obtained respectively by the F-TOPSIS and F-VIKOR methods, followed by the Pelton turbine with a proximity coefficient of 0.391916 and a VIKOR index of 0.558388. The results showed that the fuzzy MCDM approach offers a powerful decision support tool in the context of micro-hydropower projects, making it possible to identify the most appropriate technologies and to maximize socio-economic and environmental benefits. This approach could also be applicable in other developing countries with the potential of pico and micro hydroelectricity to improve rural electrification.
Abstract: Micro-hydropower plants are a highly favorable alternatives to solving the electrification problems in rural areas where we have the potential and also to satisfy the electricity demand of the populations in several developing countries such as Cameroon. Given the challenges related to the accessibility and selection of micro-hydraulic turbine tech...
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Research Article
Experimental and Numerical CFD Analysis of a Solar Dryer with Integration of Basalt Thermal Bed for Heat Storage
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
20-31
Received:
16 October 2024
Accepted:
6 November 2024
Published:
10 February 2025
Abstract: Solar thermal energy is available in abundance in a country like Senegal where direct solar radiation is on average 1950kWh/m2 per year. Solar drying is the most popular method to preserve food in our country. However, it is limited by the intermittent nature of the sun. The objective of this paper is to overcome the intermittency of the sun by integrating a thermal bed into the solar dryer. The thermal bed is made of basalt and biochar for heat storage and humidity absorption respectively. An experimental study was done using papaya and moringa leaves. The results obtained show that the thermal bed stores heat at the temperature of 39°C at 10p.m. Papaya is dried in two days and moringa leaves are dried in one day. For papaya slices, water content is 15% and was reached at the second day of drying. Also, moringa dry leaves water content is 8%. This value begins to be reached from 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Thus, the thermal bed temperature, the air temperature between the drying racks and the drying chamber outlet air temperature are respectively an average of 48.67°C, 48°C and 47.22°C compared to 34.33°C of the ambient temperature, a difference of more than 4°C. The experimental study is supported by a Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis.
Abstract: Solar thermal energy is available in abundance in a country like Senegal where direct solar radiation is on average 1950kWh/m2 per year. Solar drying is the most popular method to preserve food in our country. However, it is limited by the intermittent nature of the sun. The objective of this paper is to overcome the intermittency of the sun by int...
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Research Article
Impact of Solvent Mixtures on Natural Dyes and TiO2 Nanoparticles for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
32-41
Received:
21 December 2024
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
Abstract: Water, as an inorganic solvent, has traditionally been considered inefficient for dye extraction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its limited absorbance spectrum, weak bonding with semiconductor surfaces, and rapid dye degradation. Organic solvents like acetone, ethanol, and methanol are typically preferred for enhancing photo-conversion efficiency in DSSCs. This study explores the use of distilled water in combination with ethanol as an alternative solvent mixture to support the global push for low-cost, non-toxic, and eco-friendly DSSCs. Chlorophyll and anthocyanin dyes were extracted from neem leaves (Azadirachtaindica) and rosella flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) using distilled water and ethanol. Their absorbance properties were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD. Among the eight dye samples, the Ne + Hw mixture showed the highest absorbance (3.5 au.) with peaks at 550 nm and 660 nm. FTIR analysis revealed a broad hydroxyl band and a C≡C triple bond trace at 2360 cm-1, indicating enhanced photon harvesting and improved electron transport for higher short-circuit current density. XRD analysis indicated increased crystallinity and a particle grain size of 126.89 nm when adsorbed on a TiO2-coated FTO substrate. These findings demonstrate enhanced DSSC performance, suggesting improved long-term stability and efficiency.
Abstract: Water, as an inorganic solvent, has traditionally been considered inefficient for dye extraction in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its limited absorbance spectrum, weak bonding with semiconductor surfaces, and rapid dye degradation. Organic solvents like acetone, ethanol, and methanol are typically preferred for enhancing photo-conversio...
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Research Article
Energy Analysis of a Thermodynamic System Combined Organic Rankine Cycle and Absorption Cooling System for Power and Cooling: Effects of Pressure and Temperature
Serigne Thiao*,
Mamadou Sow,
Sokhna Khady Fall,
Awa Mar,
Diouma Kobor,
Issakha Youm
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
42-52
Received:
18 January 2025
Accepted:
3 February 2025
Published:
20 February 2025
Abstract: In the current economic, energy and environmental context, the implementation of technologies using renewable energies as a source of power electricity and cooling production is very beneficial insofar as it allows the reduction of pollution and the cost of fossil fuels. Senegal has a sunshine potential well distributed across the country for irradiation varying from South to North between 1850 KWh/m²/year and 2250 kWh/m²/year. It is one of the best solar potentials in the world. Systems operating on the organic Rankine cycle ORC and the absorption cooling system ACS are innovative and sustainable technologies for the exploitation of low enthalpy renewable energy sources. In this present work, the thermodynamic analysis of a combined ORC and ACS system for power electricity and cold production is carried out numerically using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. R245fa and water-lithium bromide mixture are used as working fluid for ORC and ACS respectively. The results obtained at the ACS subsystem level show that the COP of ACS decreases when the absorption temperature increases. This reduction goes from 0.83 to 0.55, i.e. a reduction of 0.28 for a variation of absorption temperature from 27°C to 45°C. The COP has stabilized for generator temperatures above 95°C and is in the range of 0.7 to 0.8. These fluctuations are due to the irreversibility at the level of the components of the system. For the ORC subsystem, the turbine power and ORC condenser power decrease as the ORC condensing pressure increases. Thus, the turbine power goes from 235 kW to 200 kW and the ORC condenser power goes from 80 kW to 60 kW.
Abstract: In the current economic, energy and environmental context, the implementation of technologies using renewable energies as a source of power electricity and cooling production is very beneficial insofar as it allows the reduction of pollution and the cost of fossil fuels. Senegal has a sunshine potential well distributed across the country for irrad...
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Research Article
Properties of Adobe Bricks Manufactured from Vertisol Reinforced with Brewer's Spent Grains: Case Study in Sudano Sahelian Region of Cameroon
Viviane Bakaïné Djaoyang*,
Maxime Dawoua Kaoutoing,
Bertin Pagna Kagonbé,
Colbert Babé,
Bernard Kola,
Noël Djongyang
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
53-65
Received:
16 January 2025
Accepted:
3 February 2025
Published:
21 February 2025
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an investigation in establishing the physical and mechanical properties of brewer spent grain which have been used in the fabrication of Adobe. The earth block reinforced 2. 4. 6. 8 and 10 percent of brewer spent grain. The characteristics of raw material were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR analysis spectra show kaolinite, smectite and quartz. The clay materials are mainly composed of silica SiO2 and alumina Al2O3 and these two oxides. The blocks, after 21 days of curing were tested for density, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength, and erosion resistance. It was found that the brewer's spent grain content slightly improved the blocks’ density. The linear shrinkage decreases with brewer-spent grain additions from 0 - 10% allowing in 53%. The thermal conductivity decreases when the brewer spent grain the content of 60% is observed for the adobe containing 10 wt% brewer spent grain. The good compressive strength of the adobes incorporating brewer spent grain, their good resistance to water erosion and their low thermal conductivity shows that, these composites can be used in the building of individual habitats in the sub-Saharan zone.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an investigation in establishing the physical and mechanical properties of brewer spent grain which have been used in the fabrication of Adobe. The earth block reinforced 2. 4. 6. 8 and 10 percent of brewer spent grain. The characteristics of raw material were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR an...
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