Construction and Comparative Study of a Standalone Savonius and Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (Published)

In this work, a Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) and its Darrieus counterpart was designed and constructed based on a preliminary study involving wind pattern analysis of an identified study area, the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria. The turbines were constructed using wood and metals and the resulting blades were field tested under various wind conditions available in the study area. The results of the test were compared in terms of start-up wind speed and their rotor’s Revolution Per Minute (RPM) values. The result of this test showed that the Savonius rotor proves to self-start at a wind speed of 2.46 ms^-1 with a minimum Revolution Per Minute (RPM) of 46 and maximum RPM of 89 at a wind speed of 9.28 ms^-1. The Darrieus blade proves to self-start at a higher wind speed of 3.8 ms^-1 with a minimum RPM of 54 and a maximum RPM of 93 and at a wind speed of 8.9 ms^-1 under same prevailing atmospheric conditions of the study area.  When both standalone results were integrated into a single system, an equivalent of a combined Savonius-Darrieus type of VAWT resulted and for which a reinforcement in RPM was observed.  It was recommended that a combined Darrieus and Savonius VAWT when constructed will optimize the high rotational efficiency of Darrieus and the high self-starting capabilities of Savonous VAWT.

Keywords: RPM, Renewable Energy, Wind Turbine, Wind speed, darrieus, savonius

Comparative Assessment of Biodiesel Produced from Microalgae, Used Vegetable Oil and Fossils (Published)

Biodiesel was produced from two sources; microalgae oil and used vegetable oil and compared with conventional fossil diesel. The microalgae were collected from an open pond where they constitute nuisance while the used vegetable oil was gotten from roadside fried food sellers as waste products. Trans-esterification was carried out to give the corresponding mono alkyl ester (biodiesel).  Quality assessment of the biodiesel produced was carried out via determination of chemical characteristics; Density, viscosity, flash point, pour point and acid value. The density of the biodiesel from the two sources were 0.882 kg. L^-1 and 0.870 kg. L^-1 respectively and higher than the conventional diesel. Flash points of the biodiesel produced from microalgae (165⁰C) and used vegetable oil (181⁰C) were significantly higher than the conventional diesel.  Pour points of the biodiesel produced from microalgae oil and used vegetable oil were -10⁰C and -15⁰C respectively while viscosity values at 35⁰C were 5.2 and 4.5 respectively. The acid value of the biodiesel produced from the microalgae oil (0.394) and the used vegetable oil (0.290) were lower than that of the conventional diesel fuel (0.5).  The chemical characteristics of the biodiesel produced were in line with standard specifications.  The biodiesel produced when compared with the conventional diesel fuel based on their different parameters may be fit and greener replacement for fossil diesel fuels, which are nonrenewable and not biodegradable.

Keywords: Biodiesel, Microalgae, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, used vegetable oil

Solar Pv Power Generation: Key Insights And Imperatives (Published)

This paper gives an insight into a key arm of Renewable Energy (RE) – Solar PV (Photo-Voltaic). It presents key definitions, processes and technologies behind the Solar PV power generation process. The literature is clarified in such a way as to ensure a primary understanding of the concept and its processes for anyone willing to key into Solar PV as a clean alternative to electricity power generation. With further deepening of knowledge around this area, acceptability and patronage of Solar PV can be enhanced especially within the country Nigeria, leading to a spiral effect with beneficial implications for competitive/cheaper energy prices, reduced air pollution, improved urban-rural energy accessibility, and reduced global warming and climate change environmental effects. This paper posits that the acquisition of basic knowledge and understanding of the concept is critical, and would influence buy-in and patronage. Ultimately, the prospect of a paradigm shift away from fossil power generation to renewable sources is enhanced.

Keywords: Grid, Renewable Energy, Solar Battery, Solar Inverter, Solar Systems., solar PV

Evaluation of Biogas Production from the Digestion and Co-Digestion of Animal Waste, Food Waste and Fruit Waste (Published)

The increased use of fossil fuels for energy consumption has causes environmental problems both locally and globally. The study investigates the anaerobic digestion in the production of biogas a renewable energy from the digestion and co-digestion of three different types of biodegradable wastes (cow dung, fruit waste and food waste) as an alternative for fossil fuels for energy consumption. This was carried out using a 25 Litres capacity plastic keg prototype biogas plant, constructed to investigate the anaerobic digestion in generating biogas. The experiment was batch operated and daily gas yield from the plant was monitored for 30 days. The slurry temperature and pH were also monitored and presented. The digester was charged with these wastes in the ratio of 1:1, of waste to water respectively. The mesophilic temperatures range attained within the testing period were 25 – 28.4 and a slurry temperature range of 24.4 -28.4. The result obtained from the biogas production showed that the co-digestion of cow dung and food waste produced the highest biogas of 164.8%, followed by the co-digestion of the three waste (cow dung, fruit waste and food waste) which has a percentage of 91.0%, co-digestion of cow dung and fruit waste (83.9%), cow dung of 79.8%, food waste of 77.4% and fruit waste of 76.4% within this retention period. During the digestion period, the volume of biogas production and the changes in pH indicate that the pH decreases as the retention period increases. These results showed that co-digestion wastes produce more biogas than when the wastes are ordinarily used for biogas production. The study recommends that biogas is not just a renewable energy source but also an appropriate way of managing waste, having potential to replace fossil fuel.

Keywords: Anaerobic Digestion, Biodegradable Wastes, Biogas, Fossil Fuel, Renewable Energy

Evaluation of Biogas Production from the Digestion and Co-Digestion of Animal Waste, Food Waste and Fruit Waste (Published)

The increased use of fossil fuels for energy consumption has causes environmental problems both locally and globally. The study investigates the anaerobic digestion in the production of biogas a renewable energy from the digestion and co-digestion of three different types of biodegradable wastes (cow dung, fruit waste and food waste) as an alternative for fossil fuels for energy consumption. This was carried out using a 25 Litres capacity plastic keg prototype biogas plant, constructed to investigate the anaerobic digestion in generating biogas. The experiment was batch operated and daily gas yield from the plant was monitored for 30 days. The slurry temperature and pH were also monitored and presented. The digester was charged with these wastes in the ratio of 1:1, of waste to water respectively. The mesophilic temperatures range attained within the testing period were 25 – 28.4 and a slurry temperature range of 24.4 -28.4 . The result obtained from the biogas production showed that the co-digestion of cow dung and food waste produced the highest biogas of 164.8%, followed by the co-digestion of the three waste (cow dung, fruit waste and food waste) which has a percentage of 91.0%, co-digestion of cow dung and fruit waste (83.9%), cow dung of 79.8%, food waste of 77.4% and fruit waste of 76.4% within this retention period. During the digestion period, the volume of biogas production and the changes in pH indicate that the pH decreases as the retention period increases. These results showed that co-digestion wastes produce more biogas than when the wastes are ordinarily used for biogas production. The study recommends that biogas is not just a renewable energy source but also an appropriate way of managing waste, having potential to replace fossil fuel.

Keywords: Anaerobic Digestion, Biodegradable Wastes, Biogas, Fossil Fuel, Renewable Energy

TO IMPROVE POWER FAILURE AND PROTECT SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN BANGLADESH BY THE RENEWABLE ENERGY (Published)

Developing countries are without compromising the environment, environmentally friendly, economic development of Bangladesh is a burning issue and requires a large supply of power. The use of fossil fuels is limited, solar, wind; biomass renewable energy sources such as hydro power limit option might be compensated for the other countries of similar power crisis in Bangladesh are not separated. From the power supply grid connected through three quarters (76%) of the people of Bangladesh. No doubt it is natural gas that has been limited to using a variety of purposes. Mean energy demand alarm output gap is expected to increase exponentially. Despite expectations that renewable energy sources are now in this country, you only have a 0.3% share of renewable energy in the total energy supply. In this article, not only, however, for future use in Bangladesh and the state of renewable energy that can be obtained in Bangladesh to review the renewable energy technologies. It will also try to show that the direction of future research, the use of renewable energy to meet future needs.

Keywords: Bangladesh, Electricity generation, Fossil Fuel, Renewable Energy, Sustainability

ENERGY EXTENSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ETHIOPIA (Published)

The aim of this study is to analyze and realize the application of energy extension to hold sustainable green economy of the country. Energy extensions improve access of energy to the most of the rural areas, reduce emissions of local and global pollutants, and create local socioeconomic development opportunities. Those concerns have rekindled interest in energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies. The study recommends that more energy extension should be carried out to enhance energy management, performance improvement and also, environmental protection to ensure human healthy and gender equality. And Policies should focus on promoting energy extension, especially in the residential and commercial sectors to drive green economic growth.

Keywords: Energy extension, Energy policy, Gender Equality, Gender equality Energy extension, Renewable Energy, Sustainable

UTILIZATION OF SOLAR AND BIOMASS ENERGY- A PANACEA TO ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY (Published)

This study presents the potentials of solar energy utilisation and other possible pathways that could enhance energy sustainability in a developing economy. Nigeria is a developing country, blessed with abundant natural resources (renewable and non- renewable). However the current energy mix in Nigeria is such that little attention is given to the renewable sources in terms of exploitation and use. Despite the on-going privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the current energy demand in Nigeria still far outweighs the supply which is also quite epileptic. The adoption of renewable energy options especially solar-thermal, solar photovoltaics, and biomass technology on a large scale will surely lead to reduced internal consumption of fossil fuel related products, and to boost increased energy availability and sustainability. This study critically examines the factors hindering solar and biomass energy utilisation in a developing economy. It then identifies the impact of unsustainable energy use in the economy and reviews related literature. It also highlights the need for Government to give urgent attention to tapping of the vast renewable resources in the country for increased energy generation and sustainability.

Keywords: Developing Economy, Energy Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Utilisation.