Energy and Environment in the Tropics

Frontmatter

Facing Environmental Issues and Challenges in Archipelagic Countries

Abstract

Island ecosystem are continuously facing not just environmental but also socio-economic challenges. The threats of global warming, sustainable energy, environmental degradation, transportation, and exposure to the shift and fluctuations of the global economy are just some of the concerns of every archipelagic country and island community.

Jonathan Cabiguen Pacaldo

Energy Issues and Challenges on Archipelagic Countries

Abstract

Archipelagic countries had unique geographical scenario which makes its energy system challenges differ from continental ones [1], and the challenge of achieving 100% electrification for the entire country poses a great difficulty due to its islandic geographical nature [2].

Jonathan Cabiguen Pacaldo

Emissions and Nuisance by Idling Vehicles in Public Places

Shaharin Anwar Sulaiman, Mohamad Nazmi Z. Moni, Rohani Salleh, Haryanni Harun

Net-Zero Energy and Low Carbon Footprint in Residential Buildings in Tropical Regions

Abstract

Sustainability of the building sector necessitates application of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies.

Zuhal Akyürek, Muhsin Gökhan Günay, Ali Özhan Akyüz, Afşin Güngör

Solar Energy Potential Assessments in Rain-Dominated Tropical Monsoon Climates

Abstract

This chapter is intended to give an overview of solar energy potential of regions under monsoon climate.

Muhsin Gökhan Günay, Zuhal Akyürek, Ali Özhan Akyüz, Afşin Güngör

Impact of Surface Temperature of a Photovoltaic Solar Panel on Voltage Production

Abstract

Surface temperature of the photovoltaic solar panel plays a significant role in electricity generation.

Ghassan Fadil Al-Doori, Raid Ahmed Mahmood, Abdullah Al-Janabi, Amer Mahmood Hassan, Girma T. Chala

Effect of Supplementary Cementitious Materials and Curing Conditions on Compressive Strength of Green Self-Consolidating Concrete

Abstract

The production of cement requires significant energy and is responsible for more than 5% of the global CO₂ emission; therefore, it is imperative to reduce the production and use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

Osama Ahmed Mohamed

Plastic Waste Issue in Malaysia: Where Are We?

Abstract

One of Asia’s emerging environmental issues is the poorly organized disposal of plastic waste, the majority of which ends up downstream in the ocean. Malaysia’s increased production of single-use plastics, as well as the uncontrolled release of plastic debris into terrestrial and marine habitats, are contributing to widespread plastic pollution, posing significant environmental and health risks.

Shaharin Anwar Sulaiman, Rabi Kabir Ahmad

A Critical Review on Waste Plastic into Value-Added Hydrocarbons and Fuels

Abstract

Waste plastic is not a naturally degradable material, which is spreading diseases and adversely affecting our environment. Despite its nondegradability, this waste is an efficient source of hydrocarbons. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) contribute a major part to plastic-based wastes. Instead of burning and landfilling, waste plastic can be converted into value-added products. The efficacious disposal of this waste results in value-added products, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), combustible gases and liquid fuels. Waste management and recycling in this way are instrumental for the social, economic, and sustainable environment. CNTs and fuels from the plastic can be produced via arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition, catalytic pyrolysis and non-catalytic pyrolysis methods. Many researchers have reported the production of hydrogen fuel through pyrolysis of plastic waste, which is much more efficient and environmental friendly than traditional fossil fuels. Hydrogen is being taken as the fuel for the future. This chapter reviews the possible conversion of plastic waste into value-added hydrocarbons and fuels.

Rao Adeel Un Nabi, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, Abdul Ghaffar

Microwave Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste Materials into Hydrogen and Carbon

Abstract

Plastic manufacture and consumption on a massive scale are causing global environmental concerns. The pyrolysis of plastics is becoming a practical thermal recycling approach for producing energy and value-added materials from this waste. The microwave catalytic pyrolysis of plastic wastes is a unique and fast pyrolysis method. The plastic composition, catalyst type, plastic-type, and temperature all affect the quality and quantity of the final product. This study explores the potential of microwave technology for converting plastic waste into combustible oil, gases, and solid products. In microwave heating, materials can easily be heated volumetrically without surface heating like in conventional conduction. It is beneficial to use microwave radiations at a large scale due to less processing time, conversion of the product without overheating, and better product quality.

Rishmail Saleem, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Shazia Shukrullah, Bilal Shoukat

Use of Heterojunction Catalysts for Improved Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass and Synthetic Wastes

Abstract

Basic resources, foods, and agriculture are essential for human growth, but unethical disposal and burning of their waste have had a negative impact on society's socioeconomic survival as well as the spread of diseases. Although synthetic and biomass waste is a wonderful energy source and can be turned into value-added products such as biofuels, biochar, and syngas, they lack efficient disposal. The unsustainable production and environmental effluence of plastics have become a concerning issue nowadays due to their rapid use. Waste plastics pyrolysis has been rising as a useful chemical recycling approach for producing energy and materials from this waste. Catalytic pyrolysis is an acceptable method of converting synthetic and biomass waste into value-added products. Since heterojunction catalysts improve the catalytic activity of the pyrolysis process, extensive research has been done to analyze the catalytic activity and its effects on product yield and quality. This chapter highlights the role of heterojunction catalysts in improving the pyrolysis of natural and synthetic wastes. The potential use of heterojunction catalysts for improved catalytic pyrolysis of biomass and synthetic wastes is reviewed in detail in this chapter.

Rishmail Saleem, Shazia Shukrullah, Muhammad Yasin Naz

Biomass Gasification for Sustainable Power Production in Tropical Countries

Abstract

According to the Paris climate agreement, signed in 2015 and with 191 members joining the agreement as of March 2021, countries aim to limit the average temperature increase to 2 °C (even 1.5 °C) from the pre-industrial period.

Ali Akyüz, Kazım Kumaş, Ragıp Yıldırım, Afşin Güngör

The Effect of Alcohol Additives on Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics for Biodiesel–Diesel Blend Fuel in Compression Ignition Engine

Abstract

The energy security issues due to the depletion of crude-based fuel (diesel) forced the energy and transport sectors to looking for the alternative fuels. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel mainly obtained from non-edible sources to substitute the diesel fuel.

Adem Siraj Mohammed, Samson Mekbib Atnaw, Ancha Venkata Ramaya

The Biogas Technology Development in Ethiopia: The Status, and the Role of Private Sectors, Academic Institutions, and Research Centers

Abstract

Ethiopia is a country with less access to electricity, for which biomass is commonly used as a major source of energy for cooking, heating, and kerosene for lighting in rural areas.

Adem Siraj Mohammed, Samson Mekbib Atnaw, Melaku Desta

Environment Friendly Production of Coconut Shell Charcoal Through Pyrolysis

Abstract

Due to global energy concerns and sustainability issues, the use of coconut shell biomass for charcoal production has drawn interest in the society. However, assessing how to produce charcoal, as well as increasing yield and quality, remains a significant problem.

Muhammad Najwan Azit, Rabi Kabir Ahmad, Shaharin Anwar Sulaiman

Thermal Comfort Attainment by Personal Vortex Tube Cooling Device

Abstract

A vortex tube is a small cooling device that uses compressed gas to produce cold flow with a temperature as low as −30 °C. In industries, this cold flow is used to reduce the temperature of mechanical parts of machines, environmental chambers, and electrical components.

Mohd Hazwan Yusof, Amirul Nawaf Esa, Muhammad Fadhli Suhaimi

Urban Heat Island Phenomenon in Tropical Countries: Analysis of the Wake Flow Behind Slender High-Rise Building

Abstract

Urban Heat Island (hereafter, UHI) is a phenomenon described by an increased temperature in an urban area compared to the temperature of its surrounding (Mohajerani et al. in J Environ Manag 197:522–538, 2017).

Muhammad Arifuddin Fitriady, Nurizzatul Atikha Rahmat, Ahmad Faiz Mohammad

Natural Ventilation in Traditional Malay House: A Study of Flow Pattern by an Enhanced Smoke Wire Technique

Abstract

The present work focuses on the qualitative study of flow patterns behind a traditional Malay house utilizing the smoke wire technique with enhanced control dripping and tensioner systems in a small-scaled quasi-atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. The controlled drip valve system is utilized to deliver a continuous smoke flow by dripping down water-based solution onto 10 nichrome wires in series. The wires are held down by the spring tensioner system to compensate for the wires’ expansion when heated to produce continuous and dense smoke lines.

Nurizzatul Atikha Rahmat, Kamil Khalili Haji Abdullah, Khairun Adhani Khairunizam

The Importance of Ventilation in Vehicle Cabin on Air Quality

Abstract

Recirculation of air within a vehicle is an excellent approach to limit particle pollution and enhance air conditioner cooling efficiency. Nevertheless, prolonged use of recirculation air within a vehicle may result in high accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the vehicle’s cabin due to human exhalation and the lack of fresh air. On the other hand, allowing outside air to enter into the cabin would expose the passengers to roadway contaminants. Since the contaminants in outdoor air may not be noticeable by humans, the vehicle drivers would not be able to know if the air quality in the car cabin is a healthy one.

Shaharin Anwar Sulaiman, Khairul Adha M. Zali

Indoor Carbon Dioxide Levels in a Typical Wooden House in Northern Borneo

Abstract

High indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a result of poor ventilation. The CO₂ concentration is mainly contributed by human respiration especially when a confined space is occupied for a long period of time such as due to sleeping or due to lockdown during the pandemic.

Shaharin Anwar Sulaiman, Ealdvieriena Jainin

A Review for Sustainable Electrification of Ethiopia with Hydropower Energy

Abstract

Because several rivers flow into neighboring countries, Ethiopia is known as Africa's water tower. Aside from the abundance of rivers, the country's terrain, which ranges from 120 m below sea level at Kobar Sink to 4620 m above sea level at Ras Dashen, makes it more appropriate for hydropower generation. Because several rivers flow into neighboring countries, Ethiopia is known as Africa's water tower.

Fiseha Mekonnen Guangul, Girma Tadesse Chala

Numerical Modelling and Performance Optimization of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

As the world consumes non-renewable energy sources, the impetus to switch to renewable energy sources such as wind energy is rapidly increasing as they deliver clean, reliable energy that is available for longer periods of time compared to conventional energy sources.

Salman Shahid Pervaiz, Sharul Sham Dol, Abdulla Khamis Alhassani, Mohanad Tarek Abdallftah, Mohammed Fares

Heat Transfer Enhancement in Stirling Engines Using Fins with Different Configurations

Abstract

Stirling engines origins are traced back to the nineteenth century; Stirling engines as technology was becoming less popular due the industrial revolutions change within those periods and recently gained back its attention.

Alya Ali Alblooshi, Mehwish Khan Mahek, Khaled M. Al-Aribe, Sharul Sham Dol

The Feasibility of Tidal Energy in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Renewable energy and sustainability are vital in meeting the exponential growth of energy demand due to increasing population and industrial needs.

Odai Mowafaq Fandi, Sharul Sham Dol, Mohammed Alavi