Energy Source For Heating Research Articles

Development of a top-lit-up-draft biomass gasifier as a sustainable heat source for effective drying of plantain slices in a cabinet dryer

This paper explored the development of a top-lit-up-draft biomass gasifier as a sustainable heat energy alternative to the traditional sun drying and the costly, unreliable heat energy sources such as grid-electricity and petrochemical fuels commonly used for cabinet dryers, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. The gasifier utilized the principle of top-lit-updraft biomass gasification system to thermochemically converts agricultural residues into clean heat energy. The designed gasifier has reactor diameter and height of 28cm and 90cm, fuel consumption rate of 55kg/hr, gasification airflow rate of 82.1m3/hr, DC fan motor of 15W, equipped with 30Ah battery power source, and capable of supplying heat energy of 260.16MJ/h. Performance testing using input variables of fuel loading (10kg-20kg), fan speed (4000rpm-6000rpm), and fuel type (palm-kernel shell, coconut shell, coconut husk, and wood shavings) assessed the gasifier responses such as fuel gasification time, flame temperature, thermal and combustion efficiencies, and carbon monoxide (CO) emission of the flame. Results revealed maximum thermal efficiency, peak flame temperature and longest gasification time of 86.02%, 8750C, and 130min respectively, when operated with palm-kernel shell at maximum fan speed and fuel loading, which emitted average CO of 1ppm lower than the least international air pollutant threshold of 9ppm. Highest combustion efficiency of 99.9% was attained using wood shavings at maximum fan speed and fuel loading. The results highlighted the potential of the gasifier as an effective heat source for drying applications, particularly for drying plantain slices in a cabinet dryer.

The Role of Low-Carbon Fuels and Carbon Capture in Decarbonizing the U.S. Clinker Manufacturing for Cement Production: CO2 Emissions Reduction Potentials

Low-carbon fuels, feedstocks, and energy sources can play a vital role in the decarbonization of clinker production in cement manufacturing. Fuel switching with renewable natural gas, green hydrogen, and biomass can provide a low-carbon energy source for the high-temperature process heat during the pyroprocessing steps of clinker production. However, up to 60% of CO2 emissions from clinker production are attributable to process-related CO2 emissions, which will need the simultaneous implementation of other decarbonization technologies, such as carbon capture. To evaluate the potential of fuel switching and carbon capture technologies in decarbonizing the cement industry, a study of the facility-level CO2 emissions is necessary. This study evaluates the potential for using a single low-carbon fuel as an energy source in clinker production for cement manufacturing compared to conventional clinker production (which uses a range of fuel mixes). In addition, conventional carbon capture (operated with natural gas-based steam for solvent regeneration) and electrified carbon capture configurations were designed and assessed for net-zero emission targets. Carbon emissions reductions with and without biogenic emissions credits were analyzed to ascertain their impact on the overall carbon accounting. Results show that carbon emissions intensity of cement can vary from 571 to 784 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement without carbon capture and from 166.33 to 438.66 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement with carbon capture. We find that when biogenic carbon credits are considered, cement production with a sustainably grown biomass as fuel source coupled with conventional carbon capture can lead to a net-negative emission cement (−271 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement), outperforming an electrified capture design (35 kgCO2eq/metric ton of cement). The carbon accounting for the Scope 1, 2, and biogenic emissions conducted in this study is aimed at helping researchers and industry partners in the cement and concrete sector make an informed decision on the choice of fuel and decarbonization strategy to adopt.

Comprehensive Review on the Synthesis of [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]Quinolines.

This report outlines the evolution and recent progress about the different protocols to synthesize the N-heterocycles fused hybrids, specifically [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline. This review encompasses a broad range of approaches, describing several reactions for obtaining this since, such as dehydrogenative cyclization, oxidative N-N coupling, Dieckmann condensation, intramolecular Heck, (3+2)-cycloaddition, Ullman-type coupling and direct intramolecular arylation reactions. We divided this review in three section based in the starting materials to synthesize the target [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinolines. Starting materials containing quinoline or triazole units previously formed, as well as starting materials which both quinoline and triazole units are formed in situ. Different methods of obtaining are described, such as metal-free or catalyzed conditions, azide-free, using conventional heating or alternative energy sources, such as electrochemical and photochemical methods. Mechanistic insights underlying the reported reactions were also described in this comprehensive review.

Experimental and theoretical assessment of the effects of electrical load variation on the operability of a small-scale Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based unit equipped with a hermetic scroll expander

Scroll expanders are widely adopted in small-scale Organic-Rankine-Cycles-(ORCs)-units integrated with renewable energy sources for low power residential Combined Heat and Power Production (CHP). These expanders are often connected to variable direct loads without the possibility to impose its speed externally. Despite the effect of electric load variation on expander speed is known, a minor attention is focused on its impact on the plant operability and regulation. To fill this gap, a wide experimental analysis is carried out on a solar micro-cogenerative ORC-based power unit equipped with a 1 kW hermetic scroll expander connected with a variable electric load. The experimental behaviour of the ORC-unit was assessed for different values of load resistance (from 20 Ω up to 80 Ω). Results show that properly acting on the load resistance the ORC-power unit can be improved up to 50 % in terms of efficiency and power production. Moreover, if the expander is properly designed its self-regulatory capability allows to achieve similar performance of an equivalent speed-controlled expander tested on the same plant. Finally, a new theoretical model reproducing the impact of main operating quantities on expander behaviour was developed and experimentally validated paving the way to a novel model-based control approach.

Investigating thermal conduction dynamics in ternary Carreau–Yasuda nanofluids under convective boundary conditions and exponential heat source/sink effects

The analysis of the Carreau–Yasuda nanofluid (CYNF) across a stretching surface has practical applications in several fields, such as heat exchange, engineering, and material science. Scholars may discover novel perspectives for increasing heat transfer performance, establishing advanced materials, and enhancing the efficiency of multiple engineering systems by studying the behavior of CYNF in this particular instance. The energy transfer through trihybrid CYNF flow with the effect of magnetic dipole across a stretching sheet is examined in the present study. The ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF) has been prepared by the addition of ternary nanoparticles (NPs) in the water (50%) and ethylene glycol (50%). Titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are used in base fluid. The fluid velocity and heat transfer are examined under the impact of Darcy–Forchheimer, chemical reaction, convective condition, activation energy, and exponential heat source. The fluid flow has been stated in form of velocity, energy, and concentration equations. The set of modeled equations is simplified to non-dimensional form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using similarity substitutions. Numerically, the system of lowest order ODEs is calculated through the parametric continuation method. It has been noticed that the temperature field augments against the variation of viscous dissipation and heat source term. Furthermore, the magnetic dipole has significant impact to enhance the thermal curve of THNF whereas falloffs the velocity profile. It can be noticed that the energy propagation rate enhances with the rising numbers of ternary NPs, from 1.22% to 5.98% (nanofluid), 2.30% to 9.61% (hybrid nanofluid), and 3.23% to 11.12% (trihybrid nanofluid).

Large-scale energy storage for carbon neutrality: thermal energy storage for electrical vehicles

AbstractThermal Energy Storage (TES) systems are pivotal in advancing net-zero energy transitions, particularly in the energy sector, which is a major contributor to climate change due to carbon emissions. In electrical vehicles (EVs), TES systems enhance battery performance and regulate cabin temperatures, thus improving energy efficiency and extending vehicle range. The enhanced efficiency reduces overall energy consumption in EVs. Consequently, this reduction in energy demand can lead to decreased infrastructure needs, minimising the scale and investment required in energy production and distribution systems. Furthermore, the integration of TES with existing infrastructure allows for the simultaneous charging of thermal and electrical energy, leveraging waste heat or renewable energy sources. This not only cuts costs by optimizing resource use but also bolsters sustainability by minimising reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The widespread adoption of TES in EVs could transform these vehicles into nodes within large-scale, distributed energy storage systems, thus supporting smart grid operations and enhancing energy security. Strategic investments and regulatory updates are essential to realise a sustainable, carbon-neutral transportation future, underpinned by robust, cost-efficient infrastructure.

Experimental investigation and numerical modeling of an innovative horizontal coaxial ground heat exchanger (HCGHE) for geothermal heat pump applications

Geothermal is an ideal renewable energy source for building heating and cooling via a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. However, the high initial cost of installing the ground heat exchanger limits its adoption, especially among owners of residential and smaller non-residential buildings. This study aims to develop a new methodology for installing an innovative horizontal coaxial ground heat exchanger (HCGHE) and to investigate its thermal performance in GSHP applications through field testing and numerical simulation. Horizontal directional drilling and a new manifold design were used to install the new HCGHE, significantly reducing costs by minimizing time, materials, labor, and landscape disruption. The transient numerical model, developed in Ansys Fluent using the finite volume method, was validated against experimental data and employed to predict temperature distributions in the supply pipe, return pipe, and surrounding soil. The study determined the heat transfer rate per unit borehole length and entire thermal resistance of the HCGHE to vary from 23.0 to 35.7 W/m and 0.28 to 0.74 K·m/W in winter, and from 24.3 to 37.4 W/m and 0.12 to 0.52 K·m/W in summer. The short-term soil temperature distributions in both the radial and longitudinal directions of the HCGHE are modeled using second-order polynomial equations, with R2 values ranging from 0.994 to near unity, while the long-term soil temperature distributions follow a power law. This research not only confirmed that the innovative HCGHE design and installation can achieve good thermal performance but also provided valuable insights into continual design improvement. The innovative HCGHE-based GSHP system provides an efficient and sustainable solution for heating and cooling buildings by harnessing the earth’s natural heat, offering the advantages of simplified installation and reduced initial investment.

Assessing the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Green Hydrogen Generation System through Stack and Balance of Plant Modeling

The integration of Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzers into hydrogen generation systems offers significant potential for sustainable energy solutions. Integrating hydrogen production with electricity, heat, and renewable energy sources enhances sustainability. PEM electrolyzers effectively address renewable energy intermittent by converting energy into hydrogen, leveraging their ramp rate and load-following capabilities. However, widespread commercialization hinges on cost reductions through new material development and a comprehensive understanding of the system's heat, mass, and electrochemical processes. This study presents a zero-dimension model developed using the Aspen Custom Modeler, detailing the electrochemical phenomena. A holistic PEM electrolysis model, including the stack and the Balance of Plant, is developed in Aspen Plus, demonstrating an overall system efficiency of 50%, with the BoP accounting for 8% of total electricity consumption. This research underscores the critical role of optimizing BoP subsystems and integrating grid-based backup solutions to enhance the economic viability and resilience of PEM electrolysis systems.

Assessing the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Green Hydrogen Generation System through Stack and Balance of Plant Modeling

The integration of Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzers into hydrogen generation systems offers significant potential for sustainable energy solutions. Integrating hydrogen production with electricity, heat, and renewable energy sources enhances sustainability. PEM electrolyzers effectively address renewable energy intermittent by converting energy into hydrogen, leveraging their ramp rate and load-following capabilities. However, widespread commercialization hinges on cost reductions through new material development and a comprehensive understanding of the system's heat, mass, and electrochemical processes. This study presents a zero-dimension model developed using the Aspen Custom Modeler, detailing the electrochemical phenomena. A holistic PEM electrolysis model, including the stack and the Balance of Plant, is developed in Aspen Plus, demonstrating an overall system efficiency of 50%, with the BoP accounting for 8% of total electricity consumption. This research underscores the critical role of optimizing BoP subsystems and integrating grid-based backup solutions to enhance the economic viability and resilience of PEM electrolysis systems.

Energy consumption, structural transformation and related carbon dioxide emissions of rural households on the Tibetan plateau

The use of solid fuels presents a dual challenge for rural household energy systems: transitioning to cleaner energy sources while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Particularly in the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which is highly sensitive to global climate change, addressing rural household energy consumption, structural changes, and related CO2 emissions is crucial for implementing targeted measures. Based on household-level survey data, this study analyzes the quantitative and structural changes in energy consumption patterns among rural households on the TP from 2001 to 2021, as well as their related CO2 emissions. The results indicate that: (1) Yak dung is the primary fuel for rural households on the TP and a major contributor to direct household emissions. (2) While cooking has shifted considerably towards a modern clean energy structure, heating continues to rely on solid fuels such as firewood, yak dung, and coal. (3) Commercial energy used by high-income groups for agriculture, transportation, and other purposes has resulted in an overall increase in total household energy consumption and related CO2 emissions. Policymakers must implement more effective measures to accelerate the transition to cleaner, modern energy sources for heating and cooking purposes.

Ultrastrong, flexible thermogalvanic armor with a Carnot-relative efficiency over 8%

Body heat, a clean and ubiquitous energy source, is promising as a renewable resource to supply wearable electronics. Emerging tough thermogalvanic device could be a sustainable platform to convert body heat energy into electricity for powering wearable electronics if its Carnot-relative efficiency (ηr) reaches ~5%. However, maximizing both the ηr and mechanical strength of the device are mutually exclusive. Here, we develop a rational strategy to construct a flexible thermogalvanic armor (FTGA) with a ηr over 8% near room temperature, yet preserving mechanical robustness. The key to our design lies in simultaneously realizing the thermosensitive-crystallization and salting-out effect in the elaborately designed ion-transport highway to boost ηr and improve mechanical strength. The FTGA achieves an ultrahigh ηr of 8.53%, coupling with impressive mechanical toughness of 70.65 MJ m−3 and substantial elongation (~900%) together. Our strategy holds sustainable potential for harvesting body heat and powering wearable electronics without recharging.

Instruments for Supporting Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals for Construction Sector – Case of Poland

Currently, three billion people face dangerous levels of air pollution and rely on non-renewable energy sources for cooking and heating. Due to its environmental impact, the construction sector is a particularly important area for implementing sustainable development policies. On July 10, 2023, the UN published The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 (SDGs). In accordance with the provisions of Goal 7 (which was discussed in the above document), the international community should increase its share of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix and promote investment in clean energy technologies by 2030. Achieving this goal necessitates the introduction of support mechanisms to enhance the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Hence, this study aims to showcase the legal and financial tools that aid the growth of energy-efficient construction in Poland, to compare the renovation costs of an existing residential building in order to meet energy-efficiency standards, and to detail the financial support that is available for planned thermal-modernization efforts.

Reservation of the heat supply system with biofuel heat energy sources

The implementation of the reservation of the heat supply system to a populated area was analyzed. It is noted that increasing the reliability of heat supply to consumers is a fundamental task, especially given the current military situation in Ukraine. The solution to this difficulty is considered when reserving heat supply by constructing a backup source of thermal energy using alternative types of fuel. A combined thermal scheme for connecting a hot water heat generator using biofuel to the existing city heat supply system is proposed to increase its reliability and survivability, which ensures the efficiency and reliability of operation of the heat supply system during the heating and summer periods. It is shown the possibility of operating a solid fuel heat generator with its power significantly less than the total heat load of the city's heating supply in several operating modes: during the heating period - for heating the return coolant at the inlet to the existing gas boiler house; in the summer period - for the needs of hot water supply in full; in the event of an emergency shutdown of a gas boiler house in winter - to maintain the viability of the heat supply system. The results of a calculation analysis of the operation of a 5,0 MW biofuel heat generator under different operating modes are presented. Heating the return coolant by 4...5 °C in winter, in addition to saving natural gas, prevents low-temperature corrosion of existing gas boilers. In the event of an emergency lack of natural gas supply, the combustion of wood chips ensures the production of thermal energy at the level of thermal losses of the heating network while maintaining the coolant temperature at least 3 °C at the calculated external air temperature. Thanks to the accumulation of thermal energy at night in the summer period in the volume of heating network pipes as a buffer tank, compensation for peak hot water consumption is provided with the available power of the solid fuel boiler house equal to the average load of the hot water supply system. When implementing a project to back up the heat supply system in Lutsk using a combined thermal scheme for connecting a solid fuel boiler house, an increase in the reliability and viability of the system and natural gas savings of 40,5% during a year of operation were achieved

INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF DAILY RADIATIVE COOLING AND SOLAR HEATING: PRESENTING THE AD-RCE FOR COMBINED RENEWABLE HEATING AND COOLING

This research introduces the Adaptive Radiative Collector and Emitter (ad-RCE) device, an evolution of the Radiative Collector and Emitter (RCE). The RCE has demonstrated the dual capability of producing hot water using solar collection during the day and cold water below ambient temperature using radiative cooling at night. With the development of new materials, it is now possible to achieve radiative cooling even during daytime. To increase cold production, the ad-RCE integrates daytime radiative cooling (DRC) with nocturnal radiative cooling (NRC) and solar heating (SH) in an active system. The ad-RCE improves the previous RCE as it is designed to dynamically adjust its heat and cold production in response to daily demand. By incorporating a rotating mechanism and novel DRC materials, the ad-RCE allows the transition between radiative cooling and solar heating functions while extending the cooling operation period, representing an innovative approach to harness renewable energy sources for both heating and cooling purposes. This evolution from the RCE to the ad-RCE expands upon the capabilities of the device by increasing the cooling production while reducing the surface requirements of the ad-RCE. This makes the ad-RCE more suitable for energy production in buildings and industrial applications. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the ad-RCE, highlighting its benefits and improvements compared to its predecessor, the RCE.

Review on Absorption Refrigeration Technology and Its Potential in Energy-Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Natural Gas and Hydrogen Liquefaction

With the requirement of energy decarbonization, natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2) become increasingly important in the world’s energy landscape. The liquefaction of NG and H2 significantly increases energy density, facilitating large-scale storage and long-distance transport. However, conventional liquefaction processes mainly adopt electricity-driven compression refrigeration technology, which generally results in high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Absorption refrigeration technology (ART) presents a promising avenue for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in both NG and H2 liquefaction processes. Its ability to utilize industrial waste heat and renewable thermal energy sources over a large temperature range makes it particularly attractive for sustainable energy practices. This review comprehensively analyzes the progress of ART in terms of working pairs, cycle configurations, and heat and mass transfer in main components. To operate under different driven heat sources and refrigeration temperatures, working pairs exhibit a diversified development trend. The environment-friendly and high-efficiency working pairs, in which ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents are new absorbents, exhibit promising development potential. Through the coupling of heat and mass transfer within the cycle or the addition of sub-components, cycle configurations with higher energy efficiency and a wider range of operational conditions are greatly focused. Additives, ultrasonic oscillations, and mechanical treatment of heat exchanger surfaces efficiently enhance heat and mass transfer in the absorbers and generators of ART. Notably, nanoparticle additives and ultrasonic oscillations demonstrate a synergistic enhancement effect, which could significantly improve the energy efficiency of ART. For the conventional NG and H2 liquefaction processes, the energy-saving and carbon emission reduction potential of ART is analyzed from the perspectives of specific power consumption (SPC) and carbon dioxide emissions (CEs). The results show that ART integrated into the liquefaction processes could reduce the SPC and CE by 10~38% and 10~36% for NG liquefaction processes, and 2~24% and 5~24% for H2 liquefaction processes. ART, which can achieve lower precooling temperatures and higher energy efficiency, shows more attractive perspectives in low carbon emissions of NG and H2 liquefaction.

Enhancing geothermal heat pump efficiency with fin creation and microencapsulated PCM: A numerical study

The main cause of global warming is the emission of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. Several methods to reduce CO2 emissions have been explored to ensure energy conservation. Many researchers have focused on renewable energy sources for this reason. Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) have emerged as a popular alternative in various sectors that utilize shallow geothermal energy sources for heating and cooling. This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the efficiency of geothermal heat exchangers, a critical component of GSHPs, through numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with Ansys Fluent software. The research investigates the impact of adding four models of spiral fins to the exterior body of the heat exchanger: single spiral and double spiral configurations with pitches of 60 mm and 40 mm, respectively. Additionally, the study explores the effect of incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) with volume fractions of 0 %, 10 %, 30 %, and 50 % into the backfill material surrounding the heat exchanger. The results demonstrate that the double spiral fins with a 40 mm pitch significantly enhance thermal efficiency by reducing the output temperature by up to 1 °C compared to the model without fins. Furthermore, the addition of 50 % microencapsulated PCM by volume to the backfill material can further decrease the output temperature by up to 4 °K. The combined use of double spiral fins and microencapsulated PCMs results in a 7.5 % improvement in the efficiency of the heat exchanger and the coefficient of performance of the heat pump. This study highlights the potential of innovative design modifications and material enhancements to significantly improve GSHP performance for more efficient and sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

Potential of treated wastewater as an energy source for district heating: Incorporating social elements into a multi-factorial comparative assessment for cities

Recovering waste heat from urban infrastructures is gaining greater importance in the context of decarbonisation. However, evaluating the feasibility of waste heat recovery projects requires a holistic analysis of potential impacts, which includes social elements that are often overlooked. This paper introduces a novel methodology for assessing the competitiveness of waste heat integration into district heating, based on a multi-factorial decision support tool that incorporates energy poverty as a key performance indicator, in addition to energy, environmental and economic factors. The comparative assessment is based on the implementation of large-scale heat pumps recovering wastewater heat, a resource of great potential that is still underutilised in Europe. The methodology is tested in the cities of London and Riga, which are in countries with significantly different stages of DH development. In London, an emerging market with high growth potential, and in Riga, where there is a well-established DH system. The study has shown that waste heat can significantly reduce consumers' bills for heating, which was observed in all analysed scenarios. The social benefit decreases when the replaced technology involves biomass heat-only boilers or combined heat and power. The methodology presented is generic and can be applied to other locations and heat sources.

Can we see differences between the 14C activities of urban (Zagreb) and rural (Cvetković) sites (central Croatia)?

Radiocarbon (Δ14C) was measured for four years (2019–2022) in Zagreb (Croatia) and in Cvetković village near Jastrebarsko (Zagreb County, Croatia) to see whether there are differences between the city site and the rural one because of the fossil fuel combustion. The δ13CCO2 was measured as grab samples once in a month in period December 2020–November 2022. The bomb-produced 14C has been globally distributed across the planet, but the combustion of fossil fuels that do not contain 14C causes a local effect of lowering Δ14C. Zagreb is considered to be a location with heavy fossil fuel combustion as compared to the Cvetković (rural site). Monthly 14C activity at Zagreb is constantly below the 14C activity at Cvetković. Mean 14C activity at Zagreb (Δ14CZagreb = −18.4 ± 2.6 ‰) is lower than that in Cvetković (Δ14CCve = −2.9 ± 2.1 ‰) due to fossil fuel combustion in the city of Zagreb. This is especially pronounced during winter when the mean value in Zagreb is Δ14CZagreb = −26.0 ± 4.3 ‰ and in Cvetković Δ14CCve = −5.9 ± 3.4 ‰.Natural gas consumption was used as the proxy for fossil fuel combustion, and it shows better correlation with Δ14C in Zagreb than in Cvetković. The Δ14C difference, Δ14CCve ‒ Δ14CZagreb, becomes statistically negligible when natural gas consumption is small.No difference is observed on δ13CCO2; in Zagreb mean δ13CCO2 is −11.0 ± 1.3 ‰, and in Cvetković −11.4 ± 1.4 ‰. Lower δ13CCO2 values are observed in winter (Zagreb −11.9 ± 1.1 ‰, −12.2 ± 1.5 ‰ Cvetković) than in summer (−10.1 ± 0.8 ‰ vs. −10.4 ± 1.0 ‰) at both locations. Together with higher Δ14C in Cvetković, it indicates that at the area of Cvetković biogenic samples of modern origin (biomass, wood) as energy source for heating is more pronounced.

Sorption thermal battery with solar powered absorption chiller for various building cooling applications

In the proposed sorption thermal energy storage (STES) system, the thermal energy storage (TES) tanks are integrated with solar assisted-absorption chiller (AC) to perform extended operation while matching the incompatibility of time gap between the renewable energy heat source and cooling demand of the building. In this study, the operating characteristics of sorption thermal battery (STB) at discharging process and storage capacity of STES charging process are studied. The feasibility study is conducted for four different types of buildings (hotel, hospital, single-family house, and office) to investigate the optimized discharging cooling capacity of STB and the optimized TES ratio. Under the condition of the 200 kWh of the building cooling load and cooling area of 181.63 m2, the most effectively meeting the demand is shown in the hotel, in which STES responds to 78.1 % of the cooling demand with 7.5 kW discharging cooling capacity of STB and 55 % charging the storage capacity of the STES system. The optimum energy storage density is 68.2 kWh/m3 and coefficient of performance is estimated of 0.41. The optimized STES can meet the cooling demand as much as 67.4 % for the hospital and 26.9 % for the single-family house. The office doesn’t require to apply the STES due to the absence of the cooling load at discharging period.

Development of water hyacinth as an alternate biomass source for power generation: Saguling Reservoir Case Study

Abstract Energy security consists of three aspects: the availability of energy sources, the affordability of energy supplies, and the sustainable development of new renewable energy. This paper proposed to help overcome energy problems while solving environmental problems using water hyacinths at Saguling Dam in West Java province, Indonesia. Using an integrated community empowerment approach, the scheme for using water hyacinth is to be developed into an energy source for electricity generation or other thermal energy sources. This scheme is a new concept in developing water hyacinths as an alternative to renewable energy. To ensure the sustainability of this scheme, community support and financial benefits must be established. The results showed that the scheme to use water hyacinth as a source of heat energy is a new scheme in addition to benefiting the community by encouraging local economic development and solving the problem of water hyacinth that disrupts the operation of the Saguling Dam. Utilizing water hyacinth as an alternative energy will improve the community’s economy, which will contribute to increasing the economic activities of a region. This paper steps to develop a design scheme for the use of water hyacinth as alternative energy, especially in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, using water hyacinth as alternative energy can guide local communities to encourage them to use biomass resources as an incentive for regional economic prosperity.