Characterization, optimization and emission analysis of manually-made charcoal dust briquettes with starch, paper and algae binders.

Utilization of loose waste biomass such as charcoal dust remains popular in low-to mid-income countries due to increased energy demands, poverty and heighten efforts to mitigate climate change. This study sought to investigate the effects of starch, paper and algae binders on the physical, mechanical and combustion characteristics and emission levels of manually-made acacia charcoal dust briquettes. Acacia charcoal dust is collected and mixed with different binders at binder proportions of 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 % and 30 % of the total weight for individual samples.

Modeling, simulation and performance evaluation of a PVT system for the Kenyan manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing is an end-use sector that uses the most delivered energy, accounting for around 50% of all transported fuel globally and 40% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) energy can substitute the transported energy to meet thermal and electrical energy requirements, mitigating high energy costs and climatic problems. This research aimed to develop, simulate, and evaluate the capabilities of a solar photovoltaic-thermal system for potential use in Kenya's manufacturing sector.

Evaluation of IoT-based remote monitoring systems for stand-alone solar PV installations in Kenya.

The deployment of remote monitoring systems based on Internet of Things (IoT) presents an opportunity to curtail operational and maintenance (O&M) costs associated with stand-alone PV systems. This study evaluates the characteristics of the commonly employed IoT platforms, their capabilities and associated O&M cost savings. Analysis of avoided field visit costs based on three remotely monitored solar PV sites is conducted through clustering of system faults and filtering out major ones that would warrant actual site visits.

Process modeling and evaluation of optimal operating conditions for production of hydrogen-rich syngas from air gasification of rice husks using aspen plus and response surface methodology.

Biomass gasification is recognized as a viable avenue to accelerate the sustainable production of hydrogen. In this work, a numerical simulation model of air gasification of rice husks is developed using the Aspen Plus to investigate the feasibility of producing hydrogen-rich syngas. The model is experimentally validated with rice husk gasification results and other published studies.