Papers by Keyword: Renewable Energy

Abstract: The development of road infrastructure projects in coastal areas often faces challenges in energy supply, especially due to limited electricity networks and extreme geographical conditions. This study aims to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of implementing a small-scale wind turbine system as a renewable energy solution in the TRSS Lot 3 project. The study was conducted through wind potential analysis, generating system design, energy requirement and cost estimation, and environmental and operational risk assessment. The results show that with an average wind speed of 1.90–2.10 m/s, the wind turbine system is able to meet the project's electricity needs sustainably. The implementation of this system resulted in cost savings of up to 47.7% compared to conventional electricity networks, and contributed to reducing carbon emissions. The innovation of this study is lies in the modular and portable design, enabling post-project reuse for subsequent construction sites or as a standalone electrification solution for remote areas. This feature reinforces long-term sustainability aspects and positions small-scale wind turbines as a viable energy alternative to support resilent infrastructure in remote areas.

Abstract: Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable energy source that has the potential to significantly lower carbon emissions worldwide and facilitate the switch to renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, one of the biggest obstacles to its broad use, is still sufficient hydrogen storage. This article provides a broad overview of hydrogen storage, tracing its historical development, exploring its diverse applications, examining technological advancements, addressing existing limitations, recent progress in reducing costs, and discussing the current state of the art in storage technologies, along with future directions for improvements in all forms of hydrogen storage methods. Therefore, this review highlights recent breakthroughs in hydrogen storage techniques, advances in cost reduction, and offers a step by step guide to designing next-generation functional hydrogen storage materials for improved performance, which are essential for both developed and developing hydrogen economies in cost reduction and better performance for hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: Environmental concerns have driven the quest for clean energy solutions, with green hydrogen emerging as promising choice. This paper underscores various production methods for green hydrogen, examining their relevance and providing an overview of the utilization of Morocco's renewable energies in its production. Key challenges will be given, including water scarcity, storage, and transportation. Overall, this paper delivers a comprehensive assessment of the role of green hydrogen in Morocco’s energy transformation.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the potential use of affordable, and efficient electrocatalysts, which can maintain the efficiency and stability of platinum-group metals in water-splitting. The study focuses on the optimization and setup of a PEM electrolyzer, alongside the development of new methods for preparing membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) using cost-effective and efficient catalyst materials. The integration of a fibrous membrane layer into the MEA architecture represents a promising design strategy, offering excellent structural and transport properties. Herein, a simple preparation method for modified NiCoP electrocatalysts in the form of carbon fibers is presented, using needleless electrospinning combined with airbrush spraying of an Ir-black solution onto a perfluorosulfonic membrane (Nafion), later pressed together with NiCoP carbon fibers to form a custom-made MEA. For electrochemical testing, custom made MEA was directly evaluated in the PEM electrolyzer setup, providing a preliminary demonstration of overall performance and stability.

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No. 3 of the UN, is to develop healthcare for all. Nigeria's healthcare policy is to make primary healthcare the bedrock of the national healthcare system. A dearth of access to electricity is the most critical impediment to quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Fragile and inadequate capacity has bedevilled the national grid, making connection to the grid either impossible or ineffective. Out of the over 34,000 Primary Healthcare Centres in the country, 40% lack access to any form of electricity. Renewables are being used to meet the electricity demand in rural and isolated communities. The present study investigates wind and solar renewable energy resources in Abuja with a view to generating electricity that will be sufficient to power a typical rural healthcare centre, while the excess renewable energy is used for hydrogen production that will later be used to power the healthcare centre when the renewable resources are unavailable or inadequate. A wind energy conversion system, solar PV, and electrolyser-hydrogen tank-fuel cell configuration were designed to meet the electrical load at the primary healthcare centre. In situ and satellite-based meteorological data were assessed. Weibull and Logistic distributions were used to assess resource availability. Homer Pro was used for the design of the off-grid system. The Levelized Cost of Energy and Net Present Cost of Energy were found to be $2.53 and $134,123, respectively. The system was able to meet all the load requirements for the 25 years, with an annual excess electricity is 3,179kWh and 2.02kWh of unmet load and a capacity shortage of 4.08kWh.

Abstract: The limited adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy within Ghana’s private sector presents a barrier to the broader implementation of renewable energy technologies. This challenge is driven by insufficient empirical data on the operational performance and economic benefits of solar PV systems to inform business investment decisions. This study bridges this gap through a techno-economic assessment of two small scale grid-tied solar PV systems installed for a hotel and a financial institution. Solar energy production data from January to December 2023, combined with PVSyst software simulations and a spreadsheet model, were used to evaluate the technical performance and financial viability of the systems. The hotel’s solar with a capacity of 38.22 kWp delivered an annual energy output of 45,880 kWh, a specific yield of 1,200 kWh/kWp/year, a performance ratio of 62%, a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 0.065 USD/kWh, and a payback period of 6.55 years. In comparison, the financial institution’s system which has a capacity of 20.68 kWp generated 13,720 kWh annually, with a yield of 663 kWh/kWp/year, a performance ratio of 34%, an LCOE of 0.12 USD/kWh, and a payback period of 13.53 years. Simulating the integration of battery storage for the financial institution solar improved the technical performance raising annual generation to 21,213 KWh, yield to 1,025 kWh/kWp/year, and performance ratio to 52%. However, this increased the LCOE to 0.14 USD/kWh and extended the payback period to 15 years. Further analysis of net metering integration showed enhanced performance and more favorable financial outcomes for both systems. By analyzing real operational data of existing solar systems and exploring optimization options across two different private sector organizations, this study provides practical insights into the interventions required to encourage the adoption of solar PV energy by private enterprises in Ghana.

Abstract: As the world transitions to the adoption of green energy, it is necessary for countries to harness their renewable energy sources for eco-friendly operations. This study aims at deploying an integration of green energy and other energy sources (as backup) in optimizing a 5G base station energy requirement in Rivers State, Nigeria (4^o49.0’N, 7^o 0.9’E). Three different scenarios of hybrid renewable energy sources were analyzed to ascertain which of them will yield optimal and sustainable power. The simulation and optimization were performed with the aid of the HOMER pro micro grid analytical software 3.16.2. The software engine performed intricate simulations on various components of the system and with the aid of energy data, authentication was done on the cost-competitive strategy used for component design by enabling comparison with alternative solutions. The result demonstrated that the least cost of renewable energy (CoE) was recorded in solar-wind, fuel cell and diesel generator with battery system (scenerio-2) at AC load of 884852kWh/yr, with well reduced minimum energy cost at NGN 541.2 /kWh. The most expensive configuration is the wind turbine, solar PV, fuel cell (FC) and diesel generator with absence of battery banks. The pure renewable hybrid microgrid system happens to be the option with moderately expensive configuration. The implication of the result is that the optimal system has an investment payback of 3.65 years and an IRR of 26.9%. It also shows a net present cost of NGN 6,120 M while the initial cost and operating cost are NGN 3,840 M and NGN 181,797,600 respectively. The system recorded 52.2% excess electricity and zero Kwh/yr of capacity shortage. The optimum solution minimizes overall emissions by 80% when compared to the diesel and battery bank system.

Abstract: To assess the efficiency and performance of a solar-powered fish drying system, a comprehensive exergetic analysis was conducted. The system was developed to enhance fish preservation in coastal and inland communities using renewable energy. The study evaluates the dryer’s thermodynamic behaviour based on the second law of thermodynamics, identifying energy losses and optimization opportunities. Key parameters such as solar irradiance, thermal energy, exergy destruction, and exergetic efficiency were analyzed. Results revealed that the solar-powered dryer achieved a maximum thermal and exergetic efficiencies of 72% and 54% respectively, demonstrating sustainability and viability for off-grid applications. The analysis supports the system’s potential for energy optimization and food preservation in low-resource settings.

Abstract: In Nigeria's residential communities, there is an inequity in electricity distribution systems and a lack of transparency in billing practices. Furthermore, traditional solar panels have limited efficiency due to their static positioning, which results in minimal energy capture. This paper proposes a dual-system approach that integrates a smart solar tracking system with a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy-sharing platform to enhance renewable energy capture, ensure fair power distribution, and provide an avenue for income generation. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used for the solar tracking system, light-dependent resistors (LDRs) were used to measure the intensity of the sun, and servo motors were used to align solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure, thereby improving energy capture efficiency by up to 60%. The P2P energy distribution system, managed by an ESP32 microcontroller, enables equal and monitored energy sharing among tenants through a web dashboard and adaptive energy distribution algorithms. An intrusion detection system, utilizing an ultrasonic sensor, was used to alert the owner in the event of hardware tampering. The system's ability was confirmed through early testing, which supports essential energy needs, such as lighting and device charging, while promoting equitable access to energy. This project demonstrates the potential of combining smart solar tracking with a monitored P2P energy-sharing network to address Nigeria's energy challenges. The plan is to focus on prototype development, field testing, and scaling for broader adoption.

Abstract: Rapid population increase coupled with industrialization has led to rise in global energy demand leading to skyrocketing of energy prices. Diversification in energy resources is essential to reduce overdependence on certain resources. Agricultural wastes remain a promising energy resource to be exploited. Laboratory experimental analysis is time consuming and costly. This fueled the adoption of modelling as an alternative to laboratory analysis. Different models such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), artificial neural network (ANN), and ANFIS fuzzy logic have been used by various researchers. Buckingham pie theorem together with MATLAB was used in this research to evaluate the properties and combustion characteristics of assorted agricultural wastes. The properties modelled were; porosity, density, shatter resistance, higher heating values, burnout time, burning rate, ignition time and efficiency. The factors that affect each of the properties negatively and positively were determined from the models. The significance of each property and characteristics were articulated. The limitations and assumptions of the models were also highlighted. It is recommended that further research incorporating artificial intelligence in the models needs to be exploited aid in reduction of experimental analysis costs and time. Other agricultural wastes which have not been characterized for need to exploited. This will further reduce overdependence on conventional resources such as fossil fuels which are not only getting depleted at an alarming rate but also led to environmental degradation.