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Volume 2, Issue 2, 2023

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This study aims to optimize the structure of compact Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers (PFHE) by incorporating corrugated fins and validating their improved performance through numerical modeling and simulation. The results provide valuable insights for refining application-specific design guidelines and enhancing the performance of PFHEs. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the PFHE geometry was created in SolidWorks and Ansys Fluent, with fins modeled in three layers inside the heat exchanger both with and without a cover. To investigate the fins' performance, flow field, and heat transfer, fin thickness, entry velocities, and locations of water and air were varied across three wavelengths (10, 20, and 30) during the numerical investigation. The analysis focused on the variations in pressure, temperature, and fluid velocity within the heat exchanger. Key findings include the observation that temperature distribution is influenced by the velocities of both water and air, with the upper layer experiencing a temperature increase due to the warm fluid stream, while the opposite effect is observed near the bottom layer. Furthermore, fluid temperature variation in the depth direction is attributed to conductive heat transfer through side plates and convective heat transfer to the surroundings. The outcomes of this study have the potential to reduce the pressure difference generated during heat exchange and increase the thermal efficiency of PFHEs.

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Understanding the response of buildings to wind loads is critical, as these forces can generate significant pressure and suction, potentially leading to structural failure if overlooked. This research was focused on examining the effects of openings on triangular-shaped buildings when subjected to high wind load conditions. Utilizing CAD modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the analysis was executed through the ANSYS simulation package. Subsequent Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) studies were conducted to ascertain shear stress and lateral deformation. The studies encompassed building models both with and without openings, with the evaluation of induced pressure and velocity. The resultant drag on buildings incorporating openings was discovered to be 6679N lower than those without openings. Furthermore, an analysis employing M25 concrete indicated a 33.13$3 \%$ reduction in lateral deformation in buildings with openings as compared to those without. For buildings constructed with M30 concrete, a 32.17$3 \%$ decrease in lateral deformation was observed. Despite the informative findings, it should be recognized that the investigation was confined to a particular range of wind load conditions and did not consider extreme scenarios. Dynamic wind effects and long-term structural behavior were not included in the current analysis. Therefore, while this study elucidates the importance of wind load analysis and structural reinforcement for maintaining building stability, further research is warranted. Such future investigations should consider broader simulation models, encompassing diverse building shapes and wind load conditions, and account for additional influential factors.

Open Access
Research article
Sustainable Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil: A Green Path from Grease to Fuel
olusola d. ogundele ,
johnson o. jayeola ,
david a. oyegoke ,
titilope p. oyeniran
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Available online: 06-29-2023

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The environmental impact of improper waste cooking oil (WCO) disposal can be substantial, resulting in serious implications such as soil contamination, water pollution, energy wastage, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these potential impacts, the conversion of WCO into biodiesel offers an attractive alternative to fossil fuel dependency. This investigation focuses on biodiesel production via transesterification reactions, utilizing WCO collected from local food vendors. Biodiesel yield from Gino, Kings, and Mamador WCO were found to range from 55.5 to 58.1%, 55.1 to 53.9%, and 53.7 to 52.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the specific gravities of the produced biodiesel from Gino, Kings, and Mamador WCO ranged between 0.725-0.75, 0.73-0.84, and 0.71-0.80, respectively. Acid values varied from 0.51-0.52 KOH/g for Gino WCO, 0.50-0.57 KOH/g for Kings WCO, and 0.50-0.57 KOH/g for Mamador WCO. Cetane numbers were observed to range from 45.82-46.25 min for Gino WCO, 46.2-46.45 min for Kings WCO, and 46.0-46.25 min for Mamador WCO. Finally, the flashpoints ranged between 135-138℃ for Gino WCO, 137-140℃ for Kings WCO, and 137-138℃ for Mamador WCO, while cloud points hovered between 4.82-5.02℃. Significantly, all physicochemical properties of the resulting biodiesel were found to be within ASTM recommended parameters, highlighting the potential of WCO as a valuable resource for sustainable biodiesel production.

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This study proposes a novel annual temperature regulation system for sow houses, integrating heat recovery and photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) technology to optimize energy utilization efficiency and economic benefits. Mathematical models of key system components are developed and validated using published data, yielding a maximum error of 14.48%. A numerical simulation assesses the system's operating characteristics across different months, revealing the highest total energy consumption and output power in April and August, at 7,298.7 kW and 2.18×104 kW, respectively. Conversely, the lowest energy consumption and output power are observed in November and April, at 2,739.4 kW and 1.10×104 kW, respectively. The results indicate that the system's performance is significantly influenced by external environmental factors. Future research should investigate the system's performance and control strategies in various climatic regions across China, providing theoretical guidance for the application of solar energy and heat recovery in the environmental regulation of sow houses.

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A comparative investigation is conducted, employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to study two distinct room space configurations: one featuring a solar chimney and another integrating both a solar chimney and a geothermal system. The primary objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the thermal behavior, energy efficiency, and mass flow rates of these systems. Results underscore the considerable positive implications of the geothermal system integration. This amalgamation precipitates diminished average room temperatures and elevated mass flow rates, signifying superior thermal comfort and energy performance. The room implementing the geothermal system exhibited an average temperature of 302.2 Kelvin and a mass flow rate of 4.134 × 10−6 kg/s, in contrast to the room without the geothermal system, which demonstrated an average temperature of 309.6 Kelvin and a mass flow rate of 1.878 × 10−6 kg/s. These findings have practical repercussions for architects, engineers, and policymakers, facilitating well-grounded decisions in the domain of sustainable building design. The observed enhancement in thermal performance and mass flow rates underscore the potential merits of integrating geothermal systems, thereby promoting wider acceptance. Further research is recommended to investigate the influence of varied climatic conditions, building orientations, and room layouts on the efficiency of integrated solar chimney and geothermal designs. Examination of alternative renewable energy sources (RES), innovative building materials, and technologies is also suggested to elevate energy efficiency and sustainability in room space designs. This study contributes substantially to the expanding realm of sustainable building design, providing valuable insights for refining room space performance, curbing energy consumption, and heightening thermal comfort. By highlighting the advantages of renewable energy integration, particularly geothermal systems, the study stimulates the development of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building spaces.

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