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Microcontroller Based Automatic Solar Tracking System with Mirror Booster
Protik Kumar Das,
Mir Ahasan Habib,
Mohammed Mynuddin
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
125-136
Received:
23 April 2015
Accepted:
6 May 2015
Published:
3 June 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.11
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Abstract: This paper is designed solar tracking system with mirror booster using microcontroller. Solar energy is rapidly becoming an alternative means of electrical source all over the world. To make effective use of solar energy, its efficiency must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximizing the power output of solar array is by sun tracking. This paper deals with the design and construction of solar tracking system by using a stepper motor, gear motor, photo diode. Mirror is used as booster to maximize the efficiency. The whole frame will travel circularly and the mirror will travel from south to north and vice-versa. The prototype is considered around a programmed microcontroller which controls the system by communicating with sensors and motor driver based on movement of the sun. The performance and characteristics of the solar tracker are experimentally analyzed.
Abstract: This paper is designed solar tracking system with mirror booster using microcontroller. Solar energy is rapidly becoming an alternative means of electrical source all over the world. To make effective use of solar energy, its efficiency must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximizing the power output of solar array is by sun tracking. This pap...
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Annealing Effect on Efficiency of Aspilia Africana Flowers Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Adenike Boyo,
Henry Boyo,
Olasunkanmi Kesinro
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
137-140
Received:
20 November 2014
Accepted:
30 November 2014
Published:
11 June 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.12
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Abstract: Energy was generated by using methanol as a solvent to extract dye from Aspilia africana Flowers. The maximum absorption of the extracted dye was observed at different wavelengths (350-1000nm). TiO2 was annealed at different temperatures and phytochemical screening was done. We observed insignificant presence of anthocyanin compared to flavonoids in the flowers. The solar energy conversion efficiency changes from 0.21% to 0.52%, due to the sintering of the TiO2 at different temperatures. The increase in solar energy conversion efficiency can be attributed to the changes in the morphology, crystalline quality, and the optical properties caused by the sintering effect.
Abstract: Energy was generated by using methanol as a solvent to extract dye from Aspilia africana Flowers. The maximum absorption of the extracted dye was observed at different wavelengths (350-1000nm). TiO2 was annealed at different temperatures and phytochemical screening was done. We observed insignificant presence of anthocyanin compared to flavonoids i...
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Bio-Ethanol Yield from Selected Lignocellulosic Wastes
Ana Godson R. E. E.,
Sokan Adeaga Adewale Allen
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
141-149
Received:
24 May 2015
Accepted:
12 June 2015
Published:
1 July 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.13
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Abstract: Developing nations are experiencing energy deficit because of overdependence on fossil-based fuels. Countries such as Nigeria have abundant raw materials for biofuels, yet these have not been explored. This study was designed to evaluate the bioethanol production potentials of lignocellulosic-based wastes. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 were significantly higher than those of 9.4M and 5.6M H2SO4 hydrolysis. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained from the 13.1M H2SO4 hydrolysis were: CP (85.1±5.7, 209.8±3.7mg/kg), YP (269.2±11.2, 541.3±7.8 mg/kg), PP (304.0±6.1, 461.2±3.6 mg/kg) and SD (343.2±4.8, 535.9±5.0 mg/kg). The 13.1M hydrolysate was used for the ethanol production and the maximum production was obtained at 48hours of fermentation, the mean ethanol yield being: CP - 160.0±15.1 mL/kg, YP -211.7±15.3 mL/kg, PP - 265.0±20.5 mL/kg and SD - 280.0±11.5 mL/kg. A linear relationship exists between the ethanol yield and fermentation time (R2 = 0.711). Sawdust produced the highest glucose and ethanol yield among the substrates; hence ethanol production from sawdust should be explored and optimized.
Abstract: Developing nations are experiencing energy deficit because of overdependence on fossil-based fuels. Countries such as Nigeria have abundant raw materials for biofuels, yet these have not been explored. This study was designed to evaluate the bioethanol production potentials of lignocellulosic-based wastes. The mean glucose yield and TRS obtained fr...
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Characterization of Oil and Biodiesel Produced from Thevetia peruviana (Yellow Oleander) Seeds
Ana Godson R. E. E.,
Udofia Bassey G.
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
150-158
Received:
28 May 2015
Accepted:
10 June 2015
Published:
4 July 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.14
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Abstract: Background: There is increasing emphasis on renewable energy following recurrent economic crises and environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels such as petrodiesel. Research into biodiesel production from oil-bearing renewable biomass sources can provide a more sustainable alternative to petrodiesel. This study evaluated the biodiesel yielding potential of Thevetia peruviana seeds. Methods: Oil was extracted from the seeds using Soxhlet and Cold-solvent extraction methods. Hexane-only (H-only) was used in the Soxhlet while Hexane/Ether (H/E) mixture and H-only were respectively used in the Cold extraction. The oil was processed using Methanol/Ethanol (M/E) mixture and Methanol-only (M-only) respectively to biodiesel via transesterification with sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The oil and biodiesel physicochemical parameters such as density, viscosity at 40oC, Saponification value, Flash Point (FP) and Acid Value (AV) were determined using the American Standard for Testing and Material (ASTM D6751) methods. Results: The oil yields from Soxhlet, H/E and H-only extractions were: 62.3%, 51.9% and 45.8% respectively. The biodiesel yield in the M/E and M-only transesterifications were: 78.4% and 85.20% respectively. The density at 40oC, viscosity, and saponification value of the oil were: 0.868g/cm3, 21.50mm2/s and 120mgKOH/g respectively. The density at 40oC, viscosity, FP and AV of the biodiesel were: 0.760g/cm3, 4.70mm2/s, 130oC and 0.441mgKOH/g respectively. Conclusion: The seeds of Thevetia peruviana are viable sources for biodiesel production, and quality parameters of the biodiesel met the American Standard for Testing and Materials limits. However, further work to explore the optimization of the process and sustainability of the model is recommended.
Abstract: Background: There is increasing emphasis on renewable energy following recurrent economic crises and environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels such as petrodiesel. Research into biodiesel production from oil-bearing renewable biomass sources can provide a more sustainable alternative to petrodiesel. This study evaluated the bio...
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Investigations on Heat Loss in Solar Tower Receivers with Wind Speed Variation
Ramadan Abdiwe,
Markus Haider
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
159-165
Received:
21 May 2015
Accepted:
27 June 2015
Published:
7 July 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.15
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Abstract: The performance of the Solar Tower Receiver (STR) affects significantly the efficiency of the entire solar power generation system and minimizing the heat loss of the STR plays a dominant role in increasing its performance. Unlike the other thermal losses the convective heat loss in STR has direct relation with wind conditions. In this study a Simulation tool ANSYS® FLUENT® was used to determine the convection heat loss in both cavity and externalSTR at wind speed varies from(2) to (10) m/s. A fixed tilt angle (θ= 90°) for the cavity receiver is adopted. The results show that the convection heat loss in both receivers increases with increase of wind speed. The absolute values are considerably lower in the case of the cavity with comparison to the external type. Furthermore, the radiative heat loss in the external and the cavity receivers is investigated. The results show that for the same absorbed area, the radiation loss in the cavity is lower by almost (80%) than the radiation loss in the external.
Abstract: The performance of the Solar Tower Receiver (STR) affects significantly the efficiency of the entire solar power generation system and minimizing the heat loss of the STR plays a dominant role in increasing its performance. Unlike the other thermal losses the convective heat loss in STR has direct relation with wind conditions. In this study a Simu...
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Knowledge on Household Biodegradable Waste Management in Bangalore City
Asha Jyothi U. H.,
Mamatha B.,
H. S. Surendra
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, July 2015
Pages:
170-175
Received:
19 June 2015
Accepted:
1 July 2015
Published:
25 July 2015
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijrse.20150404.17
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Abstract: Waste is not seen as a resource that can be refined or recycled and thereby generate wealth. Instead, it is often treated as the evil leftover that needs to be eliminated. This indiscriminate disposal with little concern leads to many health and environment problems. The objectives of the study were to elicit information on quantity and composition of household waste generated by households in Bengaluru city, to identify the influencing factors on waste generation, to elicit information on the knowledge of waste management at household level from selected homemakers. The sample households for the study were identified through multistage selection. 20 households each from the 40 wards identified were selected randomly for the study. Thus, 800 households were selected for the baseline data collection of the study with the help of questionnaire. Intervention programme was conducted for a period of one month to 80 homemakers through posters, lectures, power point presentation and group discussion regarding role of individuals in waste management. Education has been known to be an empowering tool for people at both the household and society levels. Intervention programme increased the knowledge of the homemakers from moderate to adequate level. Adequate knowledge on the influence of improper waste disposal may encourage people to adopt positive waste management practices
Abstract: Waste is not seen as a resource that can be refined or recycled and thereby generate wealth. Instead, it is often treated as the evil leftover that needs to be eliminated. This indiscriminate disposal with little concern leads to many health and environment problems. The objectives of the study were to elicit information on quantity and composition...
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