bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the photocatalytic activity of clay supported TiO2 nanoparticles for methylene blue degradation.
Authors: Ramos-Domínguez Naian , Vallejo-Rendón Dulce
Published: February 2024

The photocatalytic degradation of a methylene blue (MB) solution was studied using a formulation of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) suspended in a commercial antibacterial paint, and supported on clay strips. All experiments were carried out in a batch reactor containing a UV-C light source and the MB solution under stirring. Parameters such as catalyst mass loading, MB concentration, as well as catalyst properties were considered for the experimental procedure. The effect of the mass loading on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 formulations immobilized on the clay supports was evaluated using 100, 200, and 500 mg of TiO2 on 40 mL of paint, sampling the MB solution under degradation at 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 min. The aliquots were analyzed by optical spectroscopy in the 400-1000 range to determine the absorbance, calculate the concentration with the Beer-Lambert equation, and obtain the amount of MB degradation. The maximum photocatalytic degradation of MB for the supported photocatalyst was 52%, 55%, and 60%, respectively. For comparison, suspended TiO2 nanoparticles lead to ca. 95% of MB photodegradation in ca. 60 min. The supported photocatalysts were tested in three consecutive cycles of 200 min to study the mechanical and photocatalytic stability. The activity of the photocatalysts with mass loading of 100 and 200 mg TiO2 decreased to ca. 35% after the three cycles, while the formulation with 500 mg TiO2 remained stable for three cycles. The final samples of each cycle were characterized by XRF, discarding erosion of the material from the support.
Electrical properties of TiO2 films synthetized by sol-gel process
Authors: Argüelles-Lucho P. , Pérez-Cuapio R. , Montes de Oca-Mora N. J. , Osorio-de-la-Rosa Edith , Woo-Garcia R. M. , López F.
Published: February 2024

Titanium oxide (TiO2) is one of the most used metal oxides for its multiple applications due to its high sensitivity, fast response, low cost, no toxicity and used in hostile environments. In this work was deposited TiO2 film on 304 stainless steel substrates using the spin coating technique. The synthesis of the deposited solution was with the sol-gel method a temperature environment, obtained TiO2 films on different thermal treatments. The results of the experiment show film: with a thickness from 0.6 to 1μm, anatase phase at the plane (101). The Raman spectroscopy confirms the TiO2 anatase phase. The resistivity decreases, and conductivity increases with increasing temperature. The micrograph SEM observes a compact and smooth homogeneous surface with an average size of 18.40nm to 7nm.
Research on primary frequency regulation hybrid control strategy of battery energy storage system in new type power system
Authors: Wei Ning , Yan Xin , Han Xinglei , Ma Xiaolu , Cui Jian , Sun Weitao
Published: February 2024

The integration of a significant amount of renewable energy into the power system brings uncertainties in terms of source-side output and the balance between source and load supply and demand. This increase in uncertainty, following system disturbances, poses challenges for frequency regulation and stable operation. This paper presents a primary frequency control strategy with energy storage assistance. It employs a combination of droop control and virtual inertia control to effectively modulate the frequency. The strategy utilizes energy storage system monitoring of the power grid’s operating state. In cases of significant disturbances, it employs a combination of droop control and virtual inertia control to mitigate frequency decline and assist in the recovery of system frequency. For minor disturbances, it directly utilizes droop control to maintain system frequency stability. Simulation experiments were conducted on the enhanced IEEE 9-bus system model using Matlab/Simulink. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm maintains system frequency stability under different circumstances.
Wind power generation prediction based on the SSA-CNN-BiLSTM neural network model
Authors: Shu Xinyi , Tong Guangbo , Zhang Minglian , Ke Qiang , Xiao Tianxiong , Li Minglong , Wang Yining
Published: February 2024

This research utilized a series of historical wind speed observations and corresponding wind power generation data as training data. Based on the SSA-CNN-BiLSTM neural network model, the paper first preprocessed the historical data to extract relevant features related to wind power generation. Subsequently, a deep learning model based on the integration of Sparrow Search Algorithm, Convolutional Neural Network, and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network was constructed. This model leveraged the global search optimization capability of SSA and the advantages of CNN-BiLSTM in sequence and image processing. Through experimentation, predictive results were obtained and compared with real data to validate the rationality and accuracy of the algorithm. The experimental outcomes demonstrated a significant improvement in wind power generation prediction using the SSA-CNN-BiLSTM model. This confirmed the superiority of the model in addressing wind power generation prediction tasks and provided valuable references and applications for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the wind power industry.
Optimization model for wind power-photovoltaics-energy storage joint system operation in rural area under the coupling of electricity market, carbon market, and green certificate market
Authors: Zhao Haibo , Zhang Zhi , Wang Yao , Liu Rui
Published: February 2024

China encourages the development of user-side distributed new energy, and the rural user-side distributed “new energy + energy storage” system is an important measure to promote the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals” and rural modernization construction. Based on the principle of “Maximum self-use” and “Surplus power is fed to the grid”, distributed new energy can participate in the electricity market, carbon market, and green certificate market to gain profits. This article takes the rural distributed wind power-photovoltaics-energy storage (WP-PV-ES) joint system as the research objective and proposes a two-layer optimization model for its participation in the electricity, carbon, and green certificate market. It solves the decision-making of energy storage unit charging and discharging during the scheduling cycle when the system participates in the electricity market and the distribution of grid electricity used by the system to verify green certificates and CCER. The energy loss caused by the charging and discharging of energy storage units is reflected in the total grid electricity calculation of new energy. The calculation results show that the revenue from participating in CCER transactions for wind power and photovoltaic units is lower than that in green certificate market units. New energy power stations can obtain the maximum revenue by using all the online electricity for green certificate verification.
Research on frequency regulation strategy of battery energy storage system supporting power system
Authors: Yan Anrong , Mao Xinyu
Published: February 2024

Due to the large-scale grid connection of new energy, the inertia of the power system has decreased, seriously affecting the frequency stability of the power grid, and there is an urgent need for effective frequency support technology. In response to the above issues, this article proposes a frequency control strategy for battery energy storage systems to support power systems. Firstly, establish a battery equivalent circuit model to simulate the dynamic and static performance as well as external characteristics of the battery; Secondly, two frequency modulation strategies, droop control and accelerated droop control, are used to control the active power emitted by the battery energy storage system. Finally, a four-machine two-zone system with a 25% proportion of wind power was built using MATLAB for simulation analysis in two scenarios: sudden reduction of wind power and rapid fluctuation of wind power. The results showed that the frequency modulation strategy proposed in this paper can effectively improve the lowest and stable point frequencies of the system, and can slow down the rate of frequency decline, thereby improving the frequency stability of the power grid.
Design and testing of the fuel cell twin-screw air compressor
Authors: Geng Maofei , Jiang Huijun , Jin Liqiong , Cui Dong , Wang Le
Published: February 2024

The oil-free dry air compressor plays a crucial role in the fuel cell system, particularly in commercial buses where twin-screw air compressors have proven effective. A novel rotor profile of the twin-screw dry air compressors has been developed, which simplifies the profile curve and yields excellent performance results with a volume flow of 11.99 m³/min and corrected specific power of 3.54 kW/(m³/min).
Research on multi-objective planning method for comprehensive energy system based on optimal weight analysis
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Zhengang , Gao Shutong , Li Yang , Xu Deguang , Wang Liuju , Xu Jing , Zhang Wenduo
Published: February 2024

A method for determining the optimal target weight by using a fuzzy membership function is proposed to address the subjectivity of target weight selection. This method first establishes the planning objectives and constraints of the comprehensive energy system and linearizes the nonlinear model based on the Big-M method. Then, multiple objectives are given weights and transformed into a single objective to obtain a target solution set composed of different weights. Based on this, a fuzzy membership function is proposed to determine the optimal weight of the objective and determine the maximum comprehensive satisfaction solution. The example results verify the feasibility of this method.
Dynamic state estimation of distribution networks with mixed measurements based on Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Xu Qingshan , Li Zeyu , Liu Tao , Wang Hucheng , Wang Yiwei
Published: February 2024

The integration of synchronized phasor measurement units (μPMU) has introduced diverse data sources into the distribution network. Each has distinct time scales and precision levels. To enable effective decision-making, it is crucial to amalgamate these measurements efficiently, ensuring both speed and accuracy in distribution network state estimation. This study explores a dynamic state estimation approach for distribution networks, employing Cubature Kalman Filtering (CKF) as the central methodology. By deeply fusing μPMU, AMI and SCADA data and incorporating CKF techniques, it improves accuracy and stability, which is validated on the IEEE 37-node system. This research supports advanced distribution network apps and large-scale data analysis.
Analysis of interlocking faults and reliability evaluation methods for communication networks of power information physical systems
Authors: Zhou Yutian , Yuan Xiao , Wang Zhihua , Yu Lijing , Ren Yin , Lin Hanchu
Published: February 2024

The information physics system realizes the integration and interaction between them by the 3C technique. The application of scheduling automation, Substation Automation and Online Fault Recovery Technology Improves Emergency Response Capability, and Information Security issues are also embedded in the energy system. Power grid operation is facing more threats, and state space and failure scenarios are also more abundant, which poses new research needs and challenges for power system stability assessment. First, the physical interaction of information is analyzed. From the perspective of function, the CPPS hierarchy corresponds to the physical Electric power system, the information sub-station system and the main station system respectively. Then, taking the information node as the fault detection sample point, the chain fault model of the power information physical system is studied, and the abnormal response of the power information system is classified and identified, Finally, a failure response model and a failure recovery model are built. Finally, a simulation example is given for verification.
Analysis of high frequency oscillations based on MMC-HVDC system
Authors: Zhu Rui
Published: February 2024

Modular multilevel converter is widely used in new energy grid-connection and power grid asynchronous interconnection by virtue of its advantages of flexible and easy to expand structure and no commutation failure problem. In recent years, high-frequency oscillations have been observed in several flexible DC transmission projects at home and abroad, while the internal harmonic dynamic characteristics and control system of the MMC system are complex and the mechanism of high-frequency oscillations has not been sufficiently analysed at present. In this paper, the detailed DQ impedance model and the equivalent circuit impedance model on the AC side are firstly derived based on the state-space model of the MMC system, and the impedance sweeping method with superimposed small perturbations is proposed. Meanwhile, the dynamic characteristics of the detailed DQ impedance model are compared with those of the electromagnetic transient model. The amplitude-frequency characteristics of the system impedance under different system delays are further compared, and the mechanism of the high-frequency oscillation of the MMC-HVDC system is revealed.
Implementation of multi-sensors for the measurement of pneumatically conveyed particles
Authors: Guo Weining , Qian Xiangchen
Published: February 2024

Due to the complex flow state of pneumatically conveyed particles and the influence of the conveying conditions, existing measurement techniques have limitations in detecting the dynamic parameters of full-sections particles in large-scale pipelines. In order to further study and realize the measurement of local parameters of particles in pneumatic conveying pipelines, as well as to provide basic data for full-sections measurement, optimize material distribution and reduce energy consumption. Combined with electrostatic induction and piezoelectric effect, an invasive multi-sensors fusion measurement device was designed to measure local parameters such as particle velocity and mass flow rate in different areas of circular pipelines.
Research on three-level PWM Rectifier without grid voltage sensor
Authors: Gao Yujiang , Yan Guanglong , Peng Xianzhou , Sun Yong
Published: February 2024

Traditional three-level PWM rectification technology usually uses voltage sensors to sample the grid voltage, and then obtains the angle information of the voltage vector through a phase-locked loop, thereby achieving the d/q axis control function of voltage and current. However, the use of voltage sensors not only increases system costs, but also increases system volume and debugging difficulty. In addition, when the voltage sensor is damaged, it can cause system shutdown and affect system reliability. After analyzing the three-level control method of PWM rectifiers, a sensorless control strategy for grid voltage based on sliding mode observer method is proposed. By using the sliding mode observer method to estimate the amplitude and phase of the power grid voltage at the voltage and current values of each PWM cycle, a phase-locked loop is used to determine the position of its voltage vector. The simulation results all demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately and effectively estimate the voltage vector angle of the power grid, and ensure that the output of the rectification system meets the standard voltage waveform.
Data Restoration of dissolved gas content in transformer oil based on the CS-SVR model
Authors: Wang Nana , Li Jianqiu , Li Wenyi , Wu Xiaohong , Jiang Xiaolin
Published: February 2024

Accurate monitoring of the dissolved gas content in transformer oil is crucial for transformers’ safe and stable operation. The early identification for detecting potential power transformer failures is necessary for the stability of an electrical grid. Dissolved gas analysis is an essential technology in transformers diagnosing insulation faults. Missing dissolved gas data can directly impact the reliability of monitoring results of a transformer. This study presents a data plug-in model based on support vector regression (SVR) to restore missing dissolved gas data. To further improve the accuracy of data restoration, the cuckoo search algorithm (CS) is used for optimizing SVR parameters. By verifying H2 and C2H4, the CS-SVR model demonstrates superiority over other plug-in procedures in repairing dissolved gas data.
Research on modular multi-level converter control based on passivity theory
Authors: Chen Yijing , Su Zhonghuan , Xie Weihua , Yao Hui , Li Chunhua
Published: February 2024

All In view of the poor dynamic performance of the conventional PI control method in modular multilevel converter (MMC) systems, an up-to-date control strategy using passive theory is proposed. First, the topology of the system and its mathematical model are presented, then its Euler-Lagrange (EL) model is developed and its passivity is proved. Next, the dq-axis component of the current is chosen as the state variable to derive the passivity-based control (PBC) law and from this, the current passivity controller is designed. Simulation shows that compared with conventional PI control, the PBC in this paper can respond quickly to the change of current or power under different operating conditions, with good harmonic characteristics and better dynamic characteristics.
Short-circuit current-limiting scheme with fast switch fault current limiter on 750kv autotransformer
Authors: Ding Yujie , Wang Xuebin , Fu Guobin , Zhao Shichang , Gu Shiting , Si Junjie , Wang Da , Chen Xiaoyue , Ai Shaogui
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes different short-circuit current limiting schemes using FSFCL on autotransformers, derives the equivalent models of installing the fast switch fault current limiter at different positions of autotransformers, and simulates the current limiting effect of each scheme using PSASP. The simulation results show that the fast switch fault current limiter on the side near the neutral point of the common winding of the autotransformer is the optimal scheme for comprehensive parameters.
Fault analysis and evaluation of power transformers based on family defects
Authors: Yao Chuang , Liu Liqing , Wei Jufang , Feng Junji , Duan Minghui , Zhang He
Published: February 2024

Family defects in transformers are equipment defects caused by common factors such as design, material, and manufacturing process. This article conducts data discretization and other processing on the collected data, and improves the original Apriori algorithm to establish a family defect model. By analyzing the correlation between various indicators of family defects and fault feature quantities through the block array Apriori algorithm, it is found that each defect indicator reflects the state of the power transformer. Evaluate association rules for high confidence problems, and then use family defect scoring criteria to evaluate family defects, and judge the impact of power transformer status based on the scores.
Optimization scheduling method for multiple flexibility resources considering electric vehicle cluster
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhao Qianyu , Wang Shouxiang
Published: February 2024

To unleash the scheduling potential of flexible resources, an enhanced flexibility approach is proposed, which takes into account various flexible resources including electric vehicle (EV) clusters. Initially, the dispatch potential of individual EV users is predicted based on historical data regarding travel habits and charging station parameters. Subsequently, the power and energy-feasible regions are constructed to quantify the flexibility of the EV clusters. To enhance the overall system’s operational efficiency and flexibility, various constraints related to flexibility resources are taken into consideration, including the source-grid-load-storage aspects. As a result, a multidimensional flexibility resource supply-demand model is established and the analysis target cascading method is applied to solve this sophisticated model. Finally, the modified system is used to test and analyze the proposed model and method. The results demonstrate the proposed model and method can enhance the operational flexibility of high-proportion new energy distribution networks.
New generation B-Field and RAD-tolerant DC/DC power converter for on-detector operation
Authors: Lanza A. , Romano E. , Selmi S.
Published: February 2024

The increase in the number of readout channels in new detectors, like the Micro Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD), in the order of several millions, requires a large amount of electrical power to supply the front-end electronics, up to hundreds kW. If this power is generated at long distances from the detector, the voltage drop on the connection cables puts serious constraints to the supply current, to the wire cross-section and to the power distribution. A large amount of voltage drop on the cables, apart an increased power dissipation on wire resistance, determines regulation issues on the load in case of current transients. To mitigate these problems, a new generation DC/DC converter, working in a heavily hostile environment and with a power density greater than 200 W/dm3, was developed. It is modular, with up to four independent modules, eight channels each, collected in a water-cooled crate, and can supply the load with an adjustable 10 to 12 V output up to 170 W per channel. In this contribution, the design constraints of such a converter are analysed, taking as a basis the environmental, electrical and mechanical requirements of the ATLAS New Small Wheel (NSW) project. Thermal considerations require the converter to be water-cooled, and the dimensional constraints impose the adoption of an innovative design to convey the dissipated heat towards the heat exchanger. The control and monitoring system allows for the full remote management of the converter. Main electrical parameters were measured and are reported. The converter was also characterized in a harsh working environment, with radiation tests in the CERN CHARM facility beyond the limits estimated for ten years operation in ATLAS, and with magnetic field tests in various orientations, using different magnets at CERN up to 1.3 T. A better common mode noise filtering design improvement was implemented after the first characterization. Final performance measurements after the modifications are also reported.
Digital duty-cycle correction circuit for clock paths in radiation-tolerant high-speed wireline transmitters
Authors: Klekotko A. , Baszczyk M. , Biereigel S. , Kulis S. , Martina F. , Moreira P. , Tavernier F. , Prinzie J.
Published: February 2024

Ongoing developments in the field of radiation-tolerant
high-speed transmitters (HSTs)
aim at increasing the
data rates above 25 Gb/s while increasing
total ionizing dose (TID)
tolerance above 1 Grad. The use of half-rate
architectures imposes tight constraints on clock signal quality, in particular its
duty-cycle. Radiation degradation of transistors in the clock path causes
duty cycle distortion (DCD), affecting the
output signal quality of the HST. In this paper, a digitally controlled duty-cycle
correction circuit suitable for HST is presented. It compensates for
process voltage temperature (PVT)
variations as well
as radiation-induced duty-cycle distortion of the clock.
Lead occurrence in North Carolina well water: importance of sampling representation and collection techniques
Authors: Wilson Linnea , Hayes Wesley , Jones C Nathan , Eaves Lauren A , Wait Kory D , George Andrew , Freeman Brady , Mize Wilson , Fowlkes Jon , Currie Jefferson , Burchell Michael , Gray Kathleen , Fry Rebecca C , Pieper Kelsey J
Published: February 2024

Private wells often lack centralized oversight, drinking water quality standards, and consistent testing methodologies. For lead in well water, the lack of standardized data collection methods can impact reported measurements, which can misinform health risks. Here, we conducted a targeted community science testing of 1143 wells across 17 counties in North Carolina (USA) and compared results to state testing data primarily associated with new well construction compiled in the NCWELL database. The goal of our study was to explore the impacts of sampling methodology and household representation on estimated lead exposures and subsequent health risks. At the household scale, we illustrated how sampling and analytical techniques impact lead measurements. The community science testing first draw samples (characterizing drinking water) had a 90th percentile lead value of 12.8 μg l−1 while the NCWELL database flushed samples (characterizing groundwater) had a value below the reporting level of 5 μg l−1. As lead was associated with the corrosion of premise plumbing, flushing prior to collection substantially reduced lead concentrations. At the community scale, we examined how the lack of representation based on household demographics and well construction characteristics impacted the knowledge of lead and blood lead level (BLL) occurrence. When simulating representative demographics of the well populations, we observed that the 90th percentile lead level could differ by up to 6 μg l−1, resulting in communities being above the USEPA action level. This translated to a 1.0–1.3 μg dl−1 difference in predicted geometric mean BLL among infants consuming reconstituted formula. Further, inclusion of less common well construction types also increased lead in water occurrence. Overall, under- and overestimations of lead concentrations associated with differences in sampling techniques and sample representation can misinform conclusions about risks of elevated BLLs associated with drinking water from private wells which may hinder investigations of waterborne lead exposure.
A Case Study of Ground Settlement and Volume Loss from Pipe Jacking and Microtunelling Activities for Sewerage Pipe Installation in Ipoh, Perak.
Authors: Ahmran Muhammad Shafiq Aiman , Othman Idris b , Mohamad Hisham , Ghazali Muhammad Farid , Nasir Muhmmad Yusoff Mohd
Published: February 2024

A case study of sewerage pipeline installation utilizing pipe jacking and MTBM in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia was conducted to analyse the ground response by quantifying the soil volume loss and ground surface settlement. The sewerage pipeline installation involves tunnelling and jacking beneath the KTMB railway track for 191m from jacking to receiving pit.The excessive horizontal and vertical deviation of MTBM when excavating through very loose sand and soft clay leads to an uncontrolled overcut and affecting the magnitude of the ground surface settlement where 100mm and 130mm for horizontal and vertical deviation respectively produce 49mm of ground surface settlement. The maximum settlement for the railway track was 12mm over 30m chords length (0.0004) after two months of project completion still within the allowable limit set by KTMB (11mm over 10m chords for intervention (0.001). The volume loss calculated from this project ranging from 0.80% to 12.68% contributes by the lowest and the highest ground surface settlement which is - 3mm and - 51 mm, respectively which varied from the 8mm estimated ground surface settlement by assuming 2% of volume loss. It was found that the trough width parameter K = 0.5 matches the settlement trough of collected field data. In conclusion, soil volume loss and ground surface settlement was affected by the MTBM deviation.
Exploring The Synergies between Flood Risk and Urban Needs - Floodplain Development In Aceh River.
Authors: Aidina Faiza , Hadinata T. Eka Panny
Published: February 2024

A Floodplain is an area next to a riverbed that is more or less frequently covered with water in times of high-water discharges from adjacent rivers. It usually has a high environmental value because of its heterogeneous habitats for wildlife species. However, the condition of rivers in each country could be unique and different, because of their history and location thus creating a different nuance. The object study of this research is a constructed floodway and flood plain in Krueng Aceh (Aceh River) owned and managed by the local government. Since the last big flood in 2000, this wide flat land remained dry in several areas and was used by some villagers to make a living. In 2020 it had cleared from several illegal land uses, resulted a grassland floodplain with low-intensity use which in theory is in a good direction. Meanwhile, in the perspective of urban needs, river development could also bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to community. The objective of this study is to investigate the concept of ecosystem services and human-landscape connectivity. The method used in this research is semi-qualitative research that combines theories and observation. In the context of ecosystem services identification through activities monitoring, it shows that cultural and provision services is the highest while regulating and supporting services still need further research. As for human-landscape connectivity, there are more ‘rooms’/spaces to develop align with the availability of cultural services.
Effect of Calcination Processes on the Crystallite Size, Grain Size and Particle Size of Water-Washed Kaolin Particles
Authors: Shakrani Shahrul Azwan , Ayob Afizah , Rahim Mohd Asri Ab , Alias Salina
Published: February 2024

Sustainable kaolin particles can be used as supplementary cementitious materials in the construction industry, helping to achieve the goal of promoting sustainability. To achieve it, kaolin particles must be calcined in order to change into the most reactive form of metakaolin. However, calcination processes can influence the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin, affecting its reactivity degree. In this study, water-washed kaolin particles were calcined by using a general purpose furnace at various calcination processes (temperatures = 600°C, 700°C and 800°C, duration = 3 h and 4 h, and heating rate = 10°C/min). The effects of calcination processes to the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin particles were investigated. The crystallite size was computed by using the Scherrer equation, the grain size was measured by using ImageJ software, and the particle size was determined using the Zetasizer particle size analyzer. The size of the crystallite increased from 302.94 nm to 680.93 nm, while the temperature was elevated from 600°C to 800°C for 3 h to 4 h. Similarly, as calcination temperatures and duration increased, the average grain size increased from 580.15 nm to 843.19 nm. Meanwhile, as calcination temperatures and duration increased, the average particle size increased from 4168.88 nm to 4295.35 nm. It can be seen that the gap value showed only a very slightly increase with increasing calcination processes in the crystallite, grain, and particle size of kaolin particles. However, this increased sizing can reduce the degree of pozzolanic reactivity of the kaolin particles.
Influence of Temperature and Blending Ratio on Product Yield for Co-gasification of Torrefied Palm Kernel Shell and Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Ibrahim Nur Rahimah , Ahmad Razi , Ishak Mohd Azlan Mohd
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the product yields produced from the co-gasification of torrefied palm kernel shell (TPKS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Prior co-gasification, PKS was undergo pre-treatment process at different temperature. The optimum parameter for torrefaction was found at 250 °C for 60 min reaction time with 4.89 wt. % moisture content and 10.48 wt.% fixed carbon. Thus, the result indicated that TPKS a suitable fuel feedstock for futher thermal conversion. Then, TPKS and LDPE were gasified at temperature of 600, 800 and 1000 °C and blending ratio of 10:90, 50:50, 90:10 (TPKS:LDPE) for 60 min reaction time. Based on the findings found that, temperature plays an important role in co-gasification. Higher gasification temperature increases the carbon conversion which improves gasification rate. By varying temperature from 600 to 1000 °C, the gas yield increased whilst tar yield decreased sharply. For the effect of blending ratio, through blending of TPKS and LDPE, the gas and char yield increase, while tar decrease with increase torrefied TPKS ratio. Furthermore, it was observed that the product yields obtained from the co-gasification of TPKS and LDPE at 50:50 blending ratios produce the highest gas yield with low char and tar yield than another blending ratio. Therefore, based on the effect of temperature and blending ratio on product yield shows that the optimum parameter to produce maximum gas yield with minimum tar and char yield are at 50:50 (TPKS:LDPE) blending ratio at 800 °C for 60 minutes reaction time.
Awareness of the Seismic Effect on Existing High-rise Building in Georgetown Penang
Authors: Anudai@Anuar Shamilah , Salleh Nurul Nabila Mohd , Rahim Mustaqqim Abdul , Bawadi Nor Faizah
Published: February 2024

A seismic event is unpredictable and may occur worldwide depending on the movement of the fault line. The impact of this phenomenon on society, structures, sources and surroundings is significant to be investigated. Thus, this study aims to investigate the seismic awareness level and input information among Malaysians. Several far-field seismic activities in Malaysia have triggered some high-rise buildings, including residential and commercial ones. Due to this situation, the occupants started to worry about their safety living in high-rise buildings designed without seismic considerations. The most important initial step is to investigate the awareness level among the occupants. A survey has been conducted in Georgetown, Pulau Pinang area involving 208 respondents. Findings indicate the respondents have limited experience with seismic events in Malaysia and were never exposed to seismic information. Less than 50% declared to have adequate knowledge about seismic. Only 31.25% of the respondents were exposed to the seismic information. Respondents agree that Malaysia should apply a seismic code of practice for all construction buildings. Most respondents believe that preparation for upcoming seismic activities is still insufficient, and all new buildings should have seismic safety certificates in the future for seismic resistance.
Distribution and Characteristic Sediment Material of Watershed Deli River-Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Pane Yunita , Ridwan Fahmi Muhammad , Hassan Zulkarnain
Published: February 2024

Rivers are a source of surface water and bring benefits to human life. River water quality changes along with the development of the river environment which is influenced by various activities and human life. Deli River is one of the rivers used by the people of Medan-North Sumatra as a provider of clean water and various other daily activities and is also used as a transportation route for fishermen. This study aims to determine the flooding conditions that often occur in the Deli River, this is caused by the shallowness and narrowness of the river body. In this study, the quantitative method was taking sediment samples at several points along the river starting from upstream, middle, and downstream with research time on 7 July 2023. The results obtained from this study were river sediment material along the Deli River from upstream to downstream generally has a grain size of 65% sand, a grain size of 26% clay, a grain size of silt 6.3%, and a grain size of gravel 3.7%. The upstream sediments are dominated by sand-sized sediments and in the middle (between the upstream and downstream) the sediments are dominated by clay-sand-sized sediments, while the downstream sediments are predominantly sandy loam. The flooding of the Deli River is caused by the reduced capacity of the river, high intensity of rainfall in the upper reaches, and narrowing of the river and high sediment deposits in the middle to lower reaches so flooding often occurs along the Deli River.
Manganese Detection and Removal from Surface Water: A case study from Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Adib Muhammad , Shams Shahriar
Published: February 2024

The study of water contamination, especially in developing countries, has become more crucial in recent years as the demand for clean, drinkable water has increased. Brunei Darussalam’s primary water supply comes from surface waters, and each year, BND $ 9 to 10 million is spent on chemicals for water treatment. Recently, the Mengkubau dam, which supplies water to the Brunei Muara District, has been upgraded in terms of its height to meet the increased demand. Because of this, the amount of manganese in raw water went up, especially during the rainy season. This caused problems for the Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant (MWTP). So, a study was done to find out where the extra manganese was coming from and how it could be stopped to help solve the problems in a more cost-effective and long-term way. Rock samples from the dam and rainfall data, as well as the data for manganese concentration in the raw water, were collected to understand the source of manganese. The results showed that the rocks contributed to the manganese concentration in the raw water, which increased by almost nine folds. Furthermore, rainfall influences manganese concentration because concentration is higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Also, an experiment was done to see if water lettuce, or Pistia stratiotes, could be used as a sustainable and cost-effective treatment. The efficiency of manganese removal through water lettuce varies depending on the exposed weather condition. The highest removal efficiency of 97% was achieved when the water lettuce was placed in the shade.
Effect of Aeration Rate on Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) in Treating Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in Domestic Wastewater
Authors: Zubir Arina Azmina Ahmad , Dahalan Farrah Aini , Kamarudin Nur Salsabila , Ibrahim Naimah , Ong Soon-An , Lutpi Nabilah Aminah , Hasan Masitah , Parmin Nor Azizah
Published: February 2024

Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) is significant parameter to determine the microbial activity and examined the effluent quality in biological wastewater treatment. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is the major indicator in monitoring the effluent quality in relation on its removal mainly depends on the microbial activity in the activated sludge. So, this research is conducted to study the effect of aeration rate on SOUR and determined the best oxygen requirement in removing COD in domestic wastewater. The procedure was carried out by using domestic wastewater as the seed sludge in sequencing batch reactor. The reactor with working volume of 2L was operating 6 cycles in 24 hours with five phases (feeding, aeration, settle, draw and idle). The aeration time is fixed to 2.5 hours. The dissolved oxygen and COD readings were recorded with four types of aeration rate adjusted at 1L, 2L, 3L and 4L / min daily for 7 days. The result indicates that, 3L/min gives the highest SOUR which reflects that the high activity of microbial in this condition. Besides, the effluent also shows the highest COD removal efficiency on 3L/min of aeration rate. So, as a conclusion the best oxygen requirement for the microbial to carry out their activities on aeration rate of 3L/min.
Investigation of Biosand Filter (BSF) on the Treatment Performance of Industrial Latex Wastewater
Authors: Rashid N A , Abdul Rani A L , Omar M F , Zainol N A , Mohd Zaini Makhtar S , A b Wahab M , Lutpi N A , Dahalan F A
Published: February 2024

Biosand Filters (BSF) has great potential to improve the water quality. BSF is used extensively in the treatment of drinking water in rural areas because it is affordable, simple to use, and has a high removal efficiency. This study used actual latex effluent to examine the effectiveness of SBR. The growth of the biolayer in the BSF is also observed. This study analyzes consistent and stable results for COD, DO and NH4-N+. With removal performance ranging from 87 % to 99 %. DO value for BSF varied from lowest value of 1.5 mg/L to 8mg/L. Overall, the BSF was capable of producing treated water for water reclamation.
Investigation of Evaporation Rate for Covered and Uncovered (using recycled materials) Conditions in UiTM Shah Alam
Authors: Rahman Fatma Fatimah , Mohd Zaki Zaizatul Zafflina , Mohamad Irma Noorazurah
Published: February 2024

The evaporation rate varies according to temperature, humidity, and wind. The evaporation rate tends to be higher in the hot, dry months and lower in the wetter ones. This may affect the nation’s energy use, indoor air quality, and water availability. This study conducted experiments under three conditions—uncovered, partially, and fully covered to ascertain the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia. Recycled materials such as bottle caps were used in the experiment. The study examined the evaporation rate at UiTM Shah Alam in Selangor. The study discovered that the uncovered surface area evaporated at the highest rates in the morning, noon, and afternoon due to direct solar exposure. As some or all of the surface was shielded from the sun’s rays, partially covered and fully covered surface areas had lower evaporation rates. It shows the evaporation rate for fully covered condition reduced 22 – 50 percent from uncovered condition. Meanwhile, evaporation rate for partially covered condition decreased by 10 – 17 percent compared to uncovered condition. The study offers important information about the variables influencing evaporation rate, which can be used to enhance understanding of evaporation processes and optimize evaporation in various applications. The findings may shed important light on the evaporation process and the variables that influence it, such as temperature, humidity, and cover material. The research results can be used to enhance building design and construction methods, increase building energy efficiency, and guide water management and conservation policies.
Small Scale Wastewater Treatment Method for Rainwater Garden Based on Photovoltaic Photocatalysis Technology
Authors: He Qian , Ng Jing Lin , Noh Nur Ilya Farhana Md , Lee Jin Chai , Hong Xiaojiang , Li Qiansha
Published: February 2024

Conventional small-scale sewage treatment mostly adopts the principle of biological contact oxidation process, which has limited scope of application, low degradation rate of pollutants in sewage, and poor sewage treatment effect. Based on this, a new small-scale sewage treatment method was proposed by introducing photovoltaic photocatalysis technology and taking S sponge community in Ningnan County, Liangshan Prefecture as an example. First, hydrothermal method is used to prepare photocatalyst to provide basic guarantee for sewage treatment. Secondly, the rainwater garden model is simulated and designed to obtain the composition and content of small-scale sewage. On this basis, a rainwater garden photovoltaic photocatalytic water purification system is designed, which establishes an A/O integrated process by connecting the anoxic zone (A section) and aerobic zone (O section) in series to fully achieve the goal of sewage treatment. Experimental analysis shows that the new method can significantly improve the degradation rate of organic pollutants in rainwater garden wastewater, with a degradation rate of over 99% and a maximum degradation time of 10.97 seconds, indicating that the application effect of this method is good.
A Comparative Study of Porous Asphalt Strength Reinforced with Expanded Polystyrene Foam and Ash-Based Fillers: Cantabro Test Findings
Authors: Rachman Firmansyah , Syammaun Tamalkhani , Febiranda Harits
Published: February 2024

This research sought to evaluate the effects of incorporating extruded polystyrene (XPS) into porous asphalt mixtures and to understand the role of various filler combinations, specifically coconut shell ash (CSA) and rice husk ash (RHA), on the mixture’s performance. For this purpose, asphalt mixtures were subjected to the Cantabro test under both unconditioned and conditioned modes. Mixtures were treated with XPS in varying proportions ranging from 7% to 11%. The filler combinations were further varied, with mixtures containing 7% XPS showing Cantabro loss results of 35.71% for 1SD:3CSA and 43.44% for 1SD:1RHA, and those with 11% XPS demonstrating significant reductions to 19.24% and 18.93% respectively. The findings indicate that introducing XPS notably enhances the mixture’s stability and resistance to abrasion and disintegration. CSA-based mixtures generally showcased a more pronounced positive effect on stability than those with RHA. When subjected to moisture conditioning, all mixtures exhibited an increased sensitivity, though the 1SD:1RHA mixture showed the highest resilience against moisture damage. In conclusion, integrating XPS in porous asphalt mixtures can lead to significant performance improvements. The choice of filler, its proportion, and its interaction with XPS are critical factors in determining the mixture’s overall performance, especially its resistance to moisture and abrasion.
Residents’ Attitudes, Behaviour, and Willingness to Recycle E-waste in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Idris Rusydina , Shams Shahriar , Kura Kabiru Maitama , Yusof Ismawi
Published: February 2024

Today, the electronics industry is the largest and fastest-growing manufacturing sector in the world. The rapid expansion of this industry coupled with the brief product lifespan generates an enormous amount of e-waste. Increasing amounts of waste from the electronics industry pose a significant problem for many lower-middle income nations today. For proper disposal and routing of e-waste, consumer cognizance plays a crucial role in directing e-waste to its authorised collection centres and authorised recyclers. Financial constraints, inadequate storage facilities and information on e-waste, lack of awareness on the impacts of e-waste, the absence of rules and regulations, and the lack of an appropriate description of roles and responsibilities pertaining to e-waste management, among other factors, may be impeding e-waste management. In this research, a primary survey is conducted to determine consumers’ awareness and preferences regarding the disposal of electronic waste. The survey was conducted in Brunei Darussalam with 351 consumers using a structured questionnaire. This survey questionnaire’s demographic profile includes gender, age group, employment status, household size, and income range. Knowledge of e-waste, awareness of e-waste, willingness to recycle, and consumer preference regarding the appropriate disposal and management of e-waste were identified using exploratory factor analysis. The study reveals that 57.3% of respondents comprehend the definition of e-waste, with 89.9% of respondents using a mobile phone daily and 86.6% using a computer daily. 58.1% of respondents do not know what to do with their e-waste, so the majority retain it at home. The primary concern regarding e-waste disposal is a lack of knowledge about recycling facilities. Approximately 66% of respondents are willing to pay between BND $ 1 - 10 for the disposal or recycling of e-waste, and 38% are willing to travel between 1 and 5 kilometers for disposal or recycling. 76% of respondents concurred that the government should subsidise e-waste disposal. By comprehending attitudes, behaviour, and willingness to recycle e-waste, a comprehensive e-waste management policy can be formulated.