Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal

25/06/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

A practical study of a single-slope solar still with a new design: a comparative study.
Muntadher Mohammed Ali Saeed, Hassanain Ghani Hameed, Assaad A. Abbass
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1015

Abstract

In this article, an attempt was made to design and manufacture a newly developed single-slope, single-basin solar still with a semicircular design. The proposed semicircular solar still (SSS) was tested alongside a conventional solar still (CSS) made with the same materials and the same absorption plate area. The results showed that the maximum yield of the semicircular still increased by about 104% compared to the traditional solar still. This increase in production, along with the stability in the cost of manufacturing the solar distillation device, led to a decrease in the cost of producing a liter of fresh water from about 0.0332 to 0.0166 dollars, that is, a reduction of up to 50%.

17/06/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Laser-enhanced hydrogen production: designing a PEC cell photoanode with an exclusive dye material for superior efficiency
Sally A. Al-Ani, Mohamed K. Dhahir
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1050

Abstract

In the pursuit of efficient and sustainable hydrogen production, photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells offer a promising route for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. This study explores the innovative use of laser illumination to enhance the performance of PEC cell photoanodes, focusing on the fabrication of a distinct photoanode incorporating the exclusive dye material (Epolight™ 1178). By employing lasers with the assistance of a UV source as an alternative to conventional solar light, the energy absorption and catalytic activity of the photoanodes were significantly improved, leading to higher hydrogen generation rates. The photoanode’s design harnesses the power of the multiple layers to control the absorption of the photoanode to encompass the UV, VIS, and NIR regions. Then, by utilizing this ability to match the incident light's wavelength with the materials' absorption peaks which leads to amazing and exceptional results. Photoelectrochemical measurements were carried out by linear sweep voltammetry in the dark and under illumination condition AM 1.5 G of 100 mW/cm2. Comparative analysis between laser-illuminated and traditional light-illuminated systems demonstrates a notable increase in hydrogen production efficiency in the laser-driven setup from 8.2% to 33.2%. This research highlights the potential of laser-assisted PEC technology as a pathway to overcoming the limitations of traditional solar energy systems, contributing to advancements in renewable hydrogen production.

02/06/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Utilizing maritime caves for wave energy: wells turbine performance and household power supply from cave-generated electricity
Wilson M. L. Monteiro, António Sarmento, Bruno Semedo, Arider Carvalho, Tomás Tavares, Jakson A. L. Monteiro
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1019

Abstract

Maritime Natural Caves (MNCs) are coastal infrastructures that harness ocean wave energy to generate pneumatic power, which drives a turbo-generator to produce electricity. This study focuses on the use of MNCs for wave energy extraction, with the Cidade-Velha MNC identified as the most promising one. The research involved constructing several Wells turbines with varying rotor blade orientations (β) to analyze their impact on energy production during high-energy conditions within the MNC. The characteristic curves of the turbines show a linear trend, with determination coefficients exceeding 75%. However, non-linear behavior was observed at higher flow rates probably due to boundary layer separation on the turbine blades. Quadratic data approximations provided a better fit, with determination coefficients over 93%. Among the turbines tested, the one with a 15° blade inclination (β=15°) was more effective under extreme conditions, while the turbine with a 0° inclination (β=0°) was less suitable. Despite its better performance in high-energy conditions, the turbine with β=15° encountered more start-up difficulties and longer downtime compared to the β=0° turbine, which performed better under low to moderate energy levels. The MNC demonstrated hysteresis, leading to significant inaccuracies in efficiency evaluations. Additionally, the turbines experienced operational issues at high rotational speeds. The initial attempt to use the MNC for household electricity generation revealed several challenges that need to be addressed before MNCs can be considered a reliable energy source.

18/05/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Strategies for effective waste management in hydropower construction projects
Hishila Sujakhu, Warangkana Jutidamrongphan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1029

Abstract

Construction materials employed in the sustainable design are commonly subjected to wide network of processing, extracting and transporting steps that are needed in creating the end products. Excess quantity and improper utilisation of the construction materials are the root-cause of the construction waste generation. These wastes probably contribute a major negative impact on the environmental sustainability. With regard to this, the present study investigates the construction waste generation and management practices in hydropower project. In order to work on the objective of the research, the study adapts quantitative research methodology. Data for the present research are collected from 195 experts working in the construction of hydropower project. Purposive sampling is employed in selecting the respondent population for the present research. Collected data are analysed using with statistical tests such as one-way ANOVA, paired sample t test, bivariate and partial correlation analysis and regression analysis in SPSS tool. The overall results of the research disclose that metals such as iron and steel and plastics are observed to have major contribution in waste generation. These construction wastes are observed to have major impact on the environmental sustainability. Economic burdens are reported to be major issues faced during the waste management practices. Also, implementation of 3R strategies are observed to have neutral response from the respondent population. There is a significant relationship between proper and adequate storage of construction materials and waste generation level. In addition to this, corresponding discussion and policy recommendation have been proffered in subsequent sections.

15/05/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Experimental and computational analysis of air injection as a mitigation technique for silt erosion in hydro turbines
Prashant Dhiman, Varun Pratap Singh, Ashish Karn
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1054

Abstract

Hydroelectric power plants play a critical role in renewable energy generation, but sediment-laden water leads to silt erosion in key components such as turbine blades and guide vanes, adversely affecting efficiency and operational longevity. This study introduces a novel air injection technique aimed at mitigating silt erosion on guide vane surfaces. The research involved both computational simulations and experimental testing, employing a specially designed rotating disc apparatus. Erosion tests were conducted on guide vanes both with and without air injections, using NACA 4412 hydrofoil profiles at a 10° angle of attack. The variable parameters in the study included air injection velocity (ranging from 7.5 m/s to 17.5 m/s), silt concentration (2500 ppm), and air injection angles (90°). The measured output includes erosion rate, material loss, and surface erosion patterns. Simulation results indicated an erosion reduction of approximately 40%, while experimental results showed an efficiency of 27% to 38%, with the optimum air injection velocity observed at 12.5 m/s. The novelty of this approach lies in the use of air injection as a protective layer over the guide vanes, creating a buffer zone that shields the surface from silt impact and reduces erosion. This method presents a significant improvement over traditional erosion mitigation techniques, such as material coatings and sediment chambers.

29/04/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Machine learning models for predicting spatiotemporal dynamics of groundwater recharge
Azeddine Elhassouny
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.933

Abstract

Although groundwater is one of the most important sectoral exposures to climate change [1], a vital component of maintaining the world's food supply, the primary source of fresh water, an essential component of preserving the ecological balance of the planet, and a necessary component of the earth's crust that prevents the earth from burning, it is hardly ever fully utilized. Despite its significance and limited availability, groundwater management is rarely done in most countries of the world [2]. Continuous monitoring and precise projections of spatiotemporal groundwater recharge change can aid in sustainable development and effective groundwater resource management. Open public remote sensing datasets were used to develop machine learning prediction models (Random Forest, XGBoost, Keras models, etc.) and time series forecasting models (LSTM, CNN, etc.) for predicting and forecasting groundwater sheet recharge, respectively. The publicly available datasets are merged, processed, and organized into three parts for training, testing, and validation: 2002–2009, 2010–2015, and 2015–2020. A comparison of spatiotemporal prediction models' estimates of groundwater recharge in Morocco revealed AdaBoost and RF were the more accurate methods for temporal and spatial prediction, with RMSE values of 10.9712 mm/month and 5.0089 mm/month, respectively. In terms of time series forecasting, the LSTM model performed better, with an RMSE of 20.05 mm/month. Our models' performance on validation datasets demonstrates the utility and scalability of our combined remote sensing and artificial intelligence-based technology, opening up a new pathway for large-scale groundwater management. Our established workflow enables the study to be extended to any other site.

14/04/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Parametric optimization of Archimedes screw turbine by response surface methodology and artificial neural networks
Vipin Uniyal, Ashish Karn, Varun Pratap Singh
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.1008

Abstract

This study investigates the performance optimisation of the Archimedes Screw Turbine (AST) to enhance power output, focusing on the key parameters of flow rate and inclination angle. Utilising response surface methodology (RSM) through a central composite design (CCD) and artificial neural networks (ANN), the research explores the predictive accuracy of these methods for optimal power generation. The experimental work was carried out with two parameters: flow rate (5-15 lps) and inclination angle (15º-40º). The optimized power output predicted by the RSM and ANN models was 204.16 watts at 14.58 lps and 36.23º, while the ANN predicted 187.24 watts at a flow rate of 13.82 lps and inclination angle 34.15º, respectively. The correlation coefficients (R²) for the ANN and RSM models were 0.9842 and 0.9718, respectively, revealing a significant quadratic regression for both models. Comparative analysis indicates that ANN offers better predictive accuracy than RSM, suggesting a more reliable approach for optimising AST performance.

09/04/2025

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Journal
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024
https://apc.aast.edu/.../index.../RESD/issue/view/76/showToc

Statistical analysis of industry scale up draft coal gasifier using response surface methodology for sustainable development
Reena Nanubhai Makadia, Marmik R. Dave
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.940

Abstract

Radhe Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd, Rajkot has developed an updraft hot filtration type coal gasifier technology with a coal consumption capacity of approximately 35 metric tons daily for various industrial applications. This gasifier is intended to provide clean fuel gas for a porcelain insulator manufacturing plant at Bikaner Ceramics, Rajasthan. The present study represents a series of experiment runs that are designed and performed to observe the influence of two operating variables, specifically equivalence ratio (ER) and steam coal ratio (SCR), and their interactions on the performance evaluating parameters of gasifier like higher heating value, cold gas and carbon conversion efficiency for Indonesian coal. Steam coal ratio varies between 0.2 to 0.6 and the equivalence ratio within varies between 0.2 to 0.4 maximizing the coal gasification process which results in produced syngas with higher HHV up to 22.32 MJ/kg, improved CGE up to 84.90%, and enhanced CCE up to 97.90%. However, the increase in O2 concentration with more air supply promotes the conversion of CO to CO2 and enhances H2O percentages in the syngas quality. The excess O2 tends to react with CO which will be converted into CO2. Response surface methodology as an experiment design method is considered to evaluate the effect of these two factors (independent variables) on the responses (dependent variables). An optimum combination of operating variables to attain responses with the desired quality is also anticipated by using the response surface optimizer tool in Minitab software.

03/04/2025

Influence of temperature and substrate composition on anaerobic biogas production in a pilot-scale reactor
Balasubramanian K, Sivakumar K

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.906

Abstract
The research investigates how temperature and substrate composition impact anaerobic biogas production in a pilot-scale reactor. Anaerobic digestion is a vital process for converting organic substrates into biogas, mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Temperature plays a crucial role in influencing this process. The experiment was conducted under mesophilic (35°C), thermophilic (55°C), and hyper thermophilic (80°C) conditions, using a pilot-scale reactor with a capacity of 50 liters and an effective volume of 40 liters. Key parameters, including biogas production, carbon and nitrogen content, carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios, pH levels, and biomass concentrations, were monitored throughout a 60-day operational period. The highest biogas production, reaching 6398 ml/d, occurred under mesophilic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and phylogenetic analysis were performed, revealing the presence of Methanococcus aeolicus species in the treated sludge.

Influence of temperature and substrate composition on anaerobic biogas production in a pilot-scale reactor

23/03/2025

Advanced integration of a switched-coupled-inductor Ćuk converter for optimized grid-connected PV application
Farid Oufqir, Mohamed Bendaoud, Fatima Ezzahra Tahiri, Khalid Chikh
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.1.1128

Abstract
Advanced converters offer superior performance over traditional models by increasing efficiency and minimizing energy losses. However, there is a significant gap in integrating these advanced converters into grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) systems. This paper addresses this gap by presenting the integration of a novel ĆUK converter that combines a switched inductor (SL) with coupled inductors (CI) in a two-stage, three-phase GCPV system. The proposed system also incorporates an LCL filter to reduce harmonic distortion, while active and reactive power (PQ) control effectively manages power using a three-phase inverter. Virtual experiments were performed in SIMULINK® to evaluate the performance of the novel converter within the PV system. These simulations assessed the efficiency of the hybrid ĆUK converter compared to conventional converters, while also analyzing the impact of the turns ratio on overall system performance. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both efficiency and power quality. This study contributes to the renewable energy field by providing an analysis of advanced DC-DC converter integration, offering an optimized solution for GCPV systems.

Advanced integration of a switched-coupled-inductor Ćuk converter for optimized grid-connected PV application

23/03/2025

Challenges in low energy architecture : a case study from Egypt
Gehad A. Asran, Moustafa A. Baghdady, Adel Radwan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.1.1124

Abstract
Energy-efficient architecture is critical for enhancing indoor air quality and preserving occupant comfort, particularly in Egypt, where the challenges of energy consumption in the building sector are prominent.This study aims to identify barriers to the implementation of Low Energy Building (LEB) principles in Egypt and propose actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes a comprehensive literature review, SPSS analysis, SWOT analysis, semi-structured interviews, and a questionnaire survey, we examined the factors limiting energy efficiency in the building sector. Our findings reveal nine significant barriers, with the most critical factors identified as design, technical solutions, expertise, and quality. The government building sector emerged as a prime candidate for intervention, highlighting the need for targeted policies to reduce energy consumption in this area. Furthermore, the study, compared the obtained results with leed,s cer-tified building (Credit Agricole bank New Cairo City, Egypt) to verify the obtained results.

Challenges in low energy architecture : a case study from Egypt

23/03/2025

Numerical analysis of baffles on geothermal energy in a U-shaped heat exchanger
Lamia Benahmed, Khaled Aliane, Brahim Rostane, Said Abboudi
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.1.1150

Abstract
This work focuses on geothermal energy recovery using a vertical geothermal heat exchanger coupled with a heat pump for heating applications. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a 3D numerical simulation to evaluate the effects of baffles on the thermal performance of a U-shaped heat exchanger. These baffles, designed to alter flow characteristics, were implemented to enhance heat transfer and optimize overall system efficiency. The mathematical model is based on the governing equations of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, solved using the finite volume method in the Ansys CFX software. Various baffle configurations were investigated, focusing on their placement (on the inlet and outlet tube), geometry, and the use of perforations with decreasing diameters. Simulations were conducted for a Reynolds number of Re=3600, capturing the flow behavior under specific conditions. The analysis revealed that the optimal configuration, involving baffles strategically placed on the outlet tube with decreasing perforation diameters, significantly improved thermal performance. These findings highlight the potential for designing more efficient heat exchangers in geothermal systems, paving the way for advancements in sustainable energy solutions.



-shaped exchanger

Numerical analysis of baffles on geothermal energy in a U-shaped heat exchanger