• Issue 1 (2010)
• Issue 2 (2010)

Assessing Energy-Saving in JUST Facilities: A Case Study

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 117 - 128

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.010

by Ghassan M. Tashtoush, Ahmad M. Harb, Natheer Al-Atawneh from Mechanical Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110 Jordan, Electrical Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110 Jordan

Abstract: By increasing the consumption of energy in all over the world, a sharp shortage in sources and an increasing in costs of energy face the consumers in all different sectors, so the energy conservation becomes more important to apply. This research presents an energy auditing case study in Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) facilities in addition to economical evaluations using payback method. The energy audit team worked in the facilities at many systems such as electrical system, and mechanical system (Boilers and chillers). In electrical system the team chooses the new electrical tariff, improves the power factor and installs electronic ballast. Also, an efficiency test was performed for two steam boilers these tests were based on flue gas measurement, calculating radiation and convection losses and direct measurement of the amount of diesel consumed during the test. In addition to that there were monitoring for the power consumption of chillers for a period of 8 days to observe the running time for each one, and the refrigeration capacity was determined by measuring the condenser water flow rate, water temperature difference and chiller power consumption. During this study it was found that the total annual saving is equal to117,053 JD which represents 10.4 % from the total energy bill. read more... read less...

Keywords: : Energy saving, Auditing, Building energy Management systems, Energy efficiency

Experimental Investigation of the Operating Parameters Affecting Hydrogen Production Process through Alkaline Water Electrolysis

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 113 - 116

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.009

by A-F.M. Mahrous, I.M. Sakr, A. Balabel, and K. Ibrahim from Mechanical Power Engineering Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Menoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, MenoufiyaEgypt, 32511

Abstract: Alkaline water electrolysis is considered to be a basic technique for hydrogen production. Many researchers have investigated the alkaline water electrolysis in order to promote electrochemical reaction. In the present paper, the effects of voltage, electrolyte concentration and space between the pair of electrodes on the amount of hydrogen produced and consequently on the overall electrolysis efficiency are experimentally investigated. The experimental measurements are carried out by the present authors at the fluid mechanics laboratory of Manougian University. The alkaline water electrolysis of different potassium hydroxide aqueous solutions is conducted under atmospheric pressure using stainless steel electrodes. The experimental results showed that the performance of water electrolysis unit is highly affected by the voltage input and the gap between the electrodes. Higher rates of produced hydrogen can be obtained at smaller space between the electrodes and also at higher voltage input. Higher system efficiency was also gained at smaller gap distances between the pair of electrodes. read more... read less...

Keywords: Hydrogen production, alkaline water electrolysis, Renewable energy, experimental measurement

Simulation and Exergy Analysis of a Small Scale Seawater Desalination/ Electricity Production Prototype Powered with Renewable Energy

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 107 - 112

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.008

by Kamal Mohammedi, Abdelkrim Sadi, Idir Belaidi, Abdelkader Bouziane, Djamel Boudieb from LEMI, Boumerdès, Algeria, 35000

Abstract: The objective of the FP6 Open-Gain project is to develop a new model-based optimal system design approach to economically improve the overall performance, dependability, reliability and availability of co-generating water electricity plants powered by renewable energy for remote arid areas using a high level of automation to meet specific cost requirements and to disseminate the new technology in Mediterranean and Middle East/Northern Africa Countries. The design of a small-scale prototype in Tunisia for RO desalination and hybrid power generation from conventional (e.g., Diesel Genet) and renewable energy sources (e.g., wind energy conversion and photovoltaic power generation) will help to gain real experience with the new system concept characterized by flexible design, fast implementation, energy efficiency and low emissions. The challenge of such systems stems from the integrative character for the solutions: Usually only simultaneous water and power production and hybrid utilization of conventional and renewable energy sources make reliable and cost-effective solutions feasible. The integrative character of the engineering approach is illustrated by a case-study concerning a 48 m³/day seawater Reverse osmosis desalination plant on the east Mediterranean coast of Tunisia nearby Burj Cedria with additional power supply to the consumers of the water. The water and power cogeneration process is powered from PV and wind energy conversion including short time battery storage and a backup Diesel generator. read more... read less...

Keywords: Keyword One, Keyword Two, Keyword Three

Grid-Tied Solar Panel and Controller for Small Residential Applications

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 103 - 106

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.007

by Ramzy R. Obaid from Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This paper presents a small photovoltaic system model to supply electricity to residential applications and reduce the electricity bill by reducing the dependence on the power utility company. The presented model includes a PV Silicon solar cells system with sun tracking capability, battery storage, a DC to AC inverter and a microcontroller. The system determines whether a certain residential load would be powered by the PV panel or the utility company. The PV system provides electrical energy to the residential load as the primary source of electricity. If the load demand exceeds the energy available by the photovoltaic system, the controller would switch on the utility power line to supply the load with the additional electricity required. If the load electricity demand dropped back below the energy available by the photovoltaic system, the controller would switch off the utility power line. The battery pack is used to store the excessive electrical energy for later use. read more... read less...

Keywords: PV Systems, Grid-Tied PV Systems, Solar Energy, Rooftop PV Systems, Residential PV Systems

The Green Building Design Principle and Practice Model for Bangladesh

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 99 - 102

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.MO.0MS

by Rumana Rashid, Mohd Hamdan Ahmad, Md Sayem Khan from Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia, 81310

Abstract: The green is the sense about a multilateral approach to save earth and ourselves and also finding a balance between sustenance and architecture. The building thermal comfort can be realized through building envelope design related to green building design concepts. The design concept aim is to reduce the heat gain and minimize the cooling load for the mechanical air-conditioning, it is one of the primaries focuses in the building energy policy now a days. The objective is to develop green building design principle and sustainable design model for Bangladesh. Imperial analytical studies have been done for green building design concept develop for warm humid climate in Bangladesh. The result of this study gives a guide line for green building design for Bangladesh. This study conclude that proper design of green building can minimize the cooling load for residential building in Bangladesh read more... read less...

Keywords: green building, design principle, model, environment, Bangladesh

Contribution to Fire Protection of the LNG Storage Tank Using Water Curtain

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 91 - 98

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.005

by A. Benbrik, M. Cherifi, S. Meftah, M.S. Khelifi, K. Sahnoune from Laboratory of Hydrocarbon Physical Engineering, University of Boumerdes, Algeria, 35000

Abstract: In the early years of the oil and gas industry, fire in storage tanks was the common root of most of the incidents. One technique to protect the integrity of neighbouring tanks is the water spray curtain, which can provide thermal shielding against fire. This study presents a numerical simulation of radiative heat transfer by the Mont Carlo method through a semi-transparent medium (water spray curtain) containing water droplets and gas for the design of an effective thermal shielding system to protect LNG (or combustibles) storage tank from fire. This model will allow us to calculate exactly the attenuation factor of the water curtain as a function of its thickness, density and the size of water droplets. The medium is considered as a non-grey, absorbing and anisotropic ally scattering. The spectral behaviour of the medium is taken into account by the Mie theory and the SNB model applied respectively to water droplets and gas (H2O, CO and CO2). The calculated results are satisfactorily in agreement with the experimental data. read more... read less...

Keywords: Radiative heat transfer, Water curtain, Mie scattering, SNB model, Monte Carlo method, LNG storage tank.

Subcooled Flow Boiling of Water enhancement by Using Internal Surface Coating

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 83 - 90

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.004

by Ahmed Y. Abdel Azim, Abdalla S. Hanafy, and Essam E Khalil from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: The main objective of the present work, is to study the effect of coating on boiling heat transfer of compressed water entering a vertical tube and leaving at near saturated vapor conditions, while the tube is heated with stream of cross flow hot gases. This is carried out by employing different types of internal tube coatings with different surface roughness's and thicknesses. Numerical investigation is carried out by using software called EES (Engineering Equation Solver). It is concluded that, the heat transfer enhancement over the smooth tube case reaches 34.063% for the heat transfer coefficient while the pressure drop is higher than that in the case of smooth tube by 64.64%. read more... read less...

Keywords: Flow Boiling, Pressure Drop, Internal Surface Coating

A Review of Novel Turbocharger Concepts for Enhancements in Energy Efficiency

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 75 - 82

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.003

by A. Kusztelan, Y.F. Yao, D.R. Marchant, Y. Wang from Faculty of Engineering, Kingston University, 104 Friars Avenue, London SW15 3DW, UK

Abstract: Turbochargers are extensively used throughout the automotive industry as they can enhance the output of an internal combustion (IC) engine without the need to increase its cylinder capacity. The application of such a mechanical device enables automotive manufacturers to adopt smaller displacement engines, commonly known as “engine downsizing”. Historically, turbochargers were often used to increase the potential of an already powerful IC engine, e.g., those used in Motorsport. The emphasis today is to provide a feasible engineering solution to manufacturing economics and “greener” road vehicles. It is because of these reasons that turbochargers are now becoming much more popular in industry applications. The aim of this paper is to provide a review on the current testing techniques and validation methods used to analyse different turbocharger types and designs, with discussions on future trends. read more... read less...

Keywords: Faculty of Engineering, Kingston University, 104 Friars Avenue, London SW15 3DW, UK

Gas Flaring in Nigeria Opportunity for Household Cooking Utilization

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 69 - 74

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.002

by O. Mary Agboola, Nnamdi I. Nwulu, F. Egelioglu, O. Phillips Agboola from Economics Department, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, via Mersin 10,Turkey, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Near East University, Lefkosa, North Cyprus, Mechanical Engineering Department, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, via Mersin 10,Turkey

Abstract: There is enough empirical evidence to support the notion that the flaring of associated gas in Nigeria by multinational oil firms contributes enormously to gaseous emissions and thermal radiation in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region of the Country. The Federal government of Nigeria’s efforts to stop gas flaring has been inadequate as deadlines handed down to oil companies over the years have failed to deter them from flaring gas. A total of 71 million m 3 of associated gas from oil exploration is flared on a daily basis without attracting attention from the media and the international community as against the recent British Petroleum (BP) saga in the United States which drew widespread attention from the media, the public and the shareholders of the company. The BP oil spill incident which was an accident forced BP into spending unbudgeted billions of dollars to appease the American people and to maintain the firm’s integrity. Nigeria loses 2.5 billion dollars annually through gas flaring. Furthermore, there are attendant environmental and socio-economic impacts of gas flaring on the people living in the immediate environment where the gas is flared. In this paper household cooking gas, in form of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is proposed to reduce gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s household cooking efficiency. read more... read less...

Keywords: Gas flaring, Environmental, Socio-economic, Government policy, Crude oil

Analyzing Wind Data of the First Wind Farm in Kosovo

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 2 (2010), PP 61 - 67

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.02.001

by Bedri Dragusha, Blerim Rexha, Ilir Limani from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kodra e Diellit pn, 10000 Prishtine, Republic of Kosovo, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kodra e Diellit pn, 10000 Prishtine, Republic of Kosovo

Abstract: In this paper are analysed the wind data of the first wind farm in Kosovo. The wind farm is very small, consisting of three generators, each of 450 kW capacities. The wind farm has successfully passed the testing period as foreseen by law. The wind farm is located near to Pristina region, but due to privacy agreement the exact location is not cited in this paper. Wind data for the Pristina region captured by the Kosovo Hydro Meteorological Institute show that this region is very poor in wind. In contrary the measured wind speed at the installed site gives very promising wind data. Environmental impact (local and global), come from the use of energy, limiting the resources and increases their cost, making it more important to find and use a "clean" energy system, which increases the diversity of generation capacities and increases the security of supply. The energy generated by the wind farm is rather small that Kosovo cannot fulfil the famous 20-20-20 requirement from European Union directive. More work toward fulfilling this directive need to be done. The need of clean energy will be a global challenge of 21st century. read more... read less...

Keywords: Energy, Wind Turbines, Wind Generators, European Directive, Clean Environmental, CO2

Effect of the Storage Capacity and Solar Collectors Area on the Performance of Space Heating System using a Solar Heat Pump

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 55 - 60

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.008

by Rabah GOMRI, Mourad BOULKAMAH from Laboratory of Génie Climatique, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Génie Climatique, University of Constantine, 25000 Constantine, Algeria

Abstract: The purpose of this work is the study, the simulation, and the analysis of a solar flat plate collector combined with a compression heat pump. The system suggested must ensure the heating of a building without the recourse to an auxiliary energy source in complement of this heating system. A numerical model is developed to study the influence of the volume of storage tank and the area of the solar collectors on the performance of the system. The system is used to heat a building using heating floor. The building considered is located in Constantine-East of Algeria (Latitude 36.28°N, Longitude 6.62°E, Altitude 689m). For the calculation, the month of February was chosen, which is considered as the coldest month according to the weather data of Constantine read more... read less...

Keywords: Heat pump, Flat plate solar collectors, Storage Tank, Space heating.

Alternative Energy Sources in Turkey for Sustainable Development

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 49 - 54

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.007

by Mehmet Emin Argun, Yusuf Alparslan Argun from Selcuk University, Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Dept., Konya, Turkey, Aksaray University, Institute of Science, Environmental Engineering Dept., Turkey

Abstract: This study is focused on the potential alterative and renewable energy sources for Turkey. A lot of alternative energy sources present in the world as well as in Turkey including hydro, solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy. However, we can use a few amount of this sources although they can meets of world’s energy need on a large scale. Alternative energy usage has also potential to decrease CO2 emission which is responsible of global warming. Low productivity, high investment and operational cost of these methods minimize their application in a wide range. Therefore, many studies have been carried out to decline the costs and to improve the efficiency of these systems read more... read less...

Keywords: Alternative energy source, hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, sustainability

Development of Intermediate Pressure Correlation for the Half-Effect Absorption Cooling Chiller

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 35 - 40

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.005

by Rabah GOMR from Laboratory of «Génie Climatique», Faculty of Engineering, Department of «Génie Climatique , University of Constantine, 25000 Constantine, Algeria

Abstract: This paper investigates the two stage half-effect absorption system. The main components of this system are: the condenser, the evaporator, the two generators (low pressure generator and high-pressure generator) and the two absorbers (low pressure absorber and high-pressure absorber). The evaporator and low-pressure absorber operate at low pressure (evaporation pressure Pav). The low generator pressure and high absorber pressure operate at intermediate pressure (Pi) and the high generator pressure and the condenser operate at high pressure (condenser pressure, Pcd). For a given set of generators, evaporator, condenser and absorbers temperatures, the intermediate pressure (Pi) must be optimized to get a maximum coefficient of performance ‘COP’ and exergy efficiency of the system. This paper enables us to obtain immediately the intermediate pressure, Pi through a newly developed correlation. This correlation is valid for a commonly used chilled water temperature (12°C/7°C) when the evaporation temperature is maintained at 4°C, condenser and absorber temperatures are varied from 28°C to 38°C and generator temperature is varied from 40°C to 80°C. It is found that the maximum COP values of the half-effect cooling systems are in the range of 0.41–0.43 and the maximum energetic efficiency for half-effect cooling systems are in the range of 14.7%–22.6%. read more... read less...

Keywords: Absorption ,Cooling Half-effect , Intermediate Pressure , Correlation , Efficiencies.

Indoor Energy Analysis of Food Distribution Warehouse

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 27 - 34

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.004

by Rafat Al-Waked, Nathan Groenhout, Lester Partridge from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 31952, AECOM Buildings Group, South Brisbane Area, Queensland, Australia, 4006, AECOM Buildings, Sydney NSW, Australia, 2000

Abstract: The current investigation involves carrying out dynamic thermal simulations and computational fluid dynamic analysis (CFD) analysis. The purpose of this analysis is to assist in designing a ventilation system to achieve an acceptable internal thermal environment of less than 28 º C dry bulb temperatures within the occupied space. The thermal performance of the facility over a period of time has been simulated taking into account the effect of thermal mass within the space which affects the average internal space temperatures. Results from the dynamic thermal simulation analysis were then used to provide the boundary conditions for the CFD analysis. The investigated warehouse has been simulated using four different roofs based mechanical ventilation strategies. The amount of goods stored in the warehouse has been found to play a significant role in keeping the warehouse temperature within the acceptable range. An almost empty warehouse tends to vary with the outside ambient temperature. However, a warehouse full of goods makes use of thermal mass to provide a passive cooling strategy. It is recommended that mechanical ventilation of 350 m3 /s of air to be adopted using the smoking fans already exist in the warehouse. These fans should operate when the ambient temperature falls below 27ºC at any time of the day if the temperature requirements are satisfied during the summer period read more... read less...

Keywords: Energy Analysis, CFD, Indoor Environment, Ventilation, Thermal Simulation

Acoustics Vibrations to Enhance Flow Boiling in Micro Channels

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 19 - 25

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.003

by Yasir M. Shariff from Mechanical Engineering Department, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Heat transfer coefficients were measured for forced convection refrigerant mixture (R-407C) flow in micro channels enhanced by acoustics vibration. Flow in horizontal micro channels (ID 100.0 m), and a length of 50 mm for subcooled and saturated boiling conditions are reported in this study. Experiments were conducted at a heat flux of 6 kW/m2 for subcooled boiling saturated boiling was carried at heat fluxes of 15 and 29 kW/m2. The mass flow rate was varied from 0.45 to 1.85 kg/min. The frequency was varied, freq= 5, 10, and 15 kHz. An experimental setup composed of heating elements provided heat flux variations in the micro channels and excitation elements were attached to the side of the channels to produce the acoustics vibrations. The heat transfer coefficient was found to be dependent on both the heat flux as well as mass flux levels. Results show that acoustics vibration enhanced the heat transfer performance by 21% as compared to regular flow convective boiling process. read more... read less...

Keywords: Micro Channels, Flow Boiling, Enhancement, Acoustics, Refrigerant Mixture

Energy-Efficiency in Air Conditioned Buildings: The Green Buildings Dream

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 9 - 18

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.002

by Essam E. Khalil from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract: To design an optimum HVAC airside system that provides comfort and air quality in the air-conditioned spaces with efficient energy consumption is a great challenge. This paper evaluates recent progresses of HVAC airside design for the air-conditioned spaces. The present evaluation study defines the current status, future requirements, and expectations. It has been found that, the experimental investigations should be considered in the new trend of studies, not to validate the numerical tools only, but also to provide a complete database of the airflow characteristics in the air-conditioned spaces. Based on this analysis and the vast progress of computers and associated software, the artificial intelligent technique will be a competitor candidate to the experimental and numerical techniques. Finally, the researches that relate between the different designs of the HVAC systems and energy consumption should concern with the optimization of airside design as the expected target to enhance the indoor environment. read more... read less...

Keywords: HVAC Design, Energy Efficiency, Air Quality, Comfort

Design of a Bubble Pump Cooling System Demonstration Unit

IJTEE, volume-02 , Issue 1 (2010), PP 1 - 8

Published: 27 Jan 2010

DOI: 10.5383/ijtee.02.01.001

by H.I. Abu-Mulaweh, D.W. Mueller, B. Wegmann, K. Speith, B. Boehne from Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of developing a bubble pump cooling system prototype that can dissipate a certain amount of heat generated by an insulated gate bipolar transistor. To this end, a bubble pump cooling system prototype was designed and developed. The performance of the bubble heat pump cooling system prototype is described by presenting some experimental test data. This paper provides details about the design and development of the heat pump cooling system prototype, as well as testing and validation of this unit. read more... read less...

Keywords: Bubble Pump, Design, Cooling System