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Abstract : Endophytic Fungi from Aegle marmelos Plant: A Potent and Innovative Platform for Enhanced Cellulolytic Enzyme Production
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Abstract: Fungi have a prominent status in fermentation for the production of different bio-products. Endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plants are particularly formidable in their adaptability to solid state fermentation as an extension of its natural habitat and are also a potent source of broad-spectrum cellulolytic enzymes. We report for the first time the use of endophytic fungus isolated from Aegle marmelos for enhanced cellulolytic enzymes production from groundnut shell (GNS) as substrate. ImageJ software identified Trichoderma harzianum as an endophytic fungus having maximum radial growth rate. A systematic comparison of the endophytic fungus with Aspergillus oryzae, under solid state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) conditions was performed and enhanced cellulase production was observed by the endophytic fungus (4.27 FPU/ml) under SSF environment compared to SmF (2.35 FPU/ml). A comprehensive understanding of the systemic breakdown in the structural integrity of the biomass has been achieved using a synergy of enzyme assay protocols, spectral and thermal based techniques. The use of endophytic fungi in SSF systems in our study lays the basis for the production of other industrially important enzymes. The present study opens the door for the synergistic use of endophytic and epiphytic fungi for the production of cellulolytic enzyme. Keywords: Fermentation, Biomass, Fungi, Extraction, Agricultural Wastes. |
Abstract : Mathematical Methods for Solar Chimney Analysis
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Abstract: Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPP) – also known as Solar Updraft Power Plants – consists in a structure composed by a glass collector, placed in a few meters from the ground, with a chimney in its center, in order to promote a pressure differential and consequently a heated air flow. On the bottom of the chimney, a turbine convert the kinetic energy from the heated airflow in electric power. Many mathematical and numerical methods for predict the performance of this kind of renewable energy plant have been conducted, but always with a divergence among them. The main objective of this work is to compare the mathematical methods of evaluation the overall performance, as well to propose a more accurate mathematical method, comparing all results with Manzanares Plant and other methods in the literature. Two approaches were studied and then modified: one based on continuity and momentum equation and the other based on the sum of all pressure drops along the system. The main reasons of the difference between the models analyzed are highlighted. The results shows that one of the proposed methods leads to a divergence of only 1.3% when compared to Manzanares pilot plant, i.e., with an excellent agreement with experimental data. Keywords: Solar chimney, Solar energy, Renewable energy, Heat transfer, Solar tower. |
Abstract : Thermal Management of Flat Photovolatic Panels using Serrated Fins to Increase Electrical Output
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Abstract: The electrical power output of photovoltaic (PV) cell depends on its operating temperature during its absorption of solar radiation and conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The increase in PV panel temperature due to overheating negates its electrical yield and efficiency. In addition, overheating causes hot spots, failure of adhesive seals and delamination. An effective way to combat this problem is to reduce the operating temperature of PV panel by cooling. In the present work, a novel thermal management technique for improved cooling of flat PV panel is proposed with the use of serrated fins rather than straight fins. For this reason, the thermal and electrical performance of the flat PV panel with cooling system consisting of duct, brushless DC cooling fan, a plate fin and serrated fins of varying angles (30˚, 45˚and 60˚) made up of aluminium were investigated experimentally. Experiments were conducted at constant wind velocity (1 m/s) with the developed technique in the location of Tiruchirappalli (78.6 E to 10.8 N), Tamil Nadu, India with flat 10 W PV panel. By using serrated fins of varying angles of 30˚, 45˚, 60˚ and plate fin (90°), the temperature of the PV panel decreased by a maximum of 4˚C, 7˚C, 6˚C and 3˚C respectively. Similarly the PV power increased in the range of 15.38%, 61.53%, 41.53% and 7.69% for 30˚, 45˚, 60˚ and plate fin (90°) respectively. It is concluded that 45˚ angled serrated fin is more efficient in providing the cooling effect than the other angles of serrated fins considered. Keywords: Photovoltaic, serrated fin, thermal management, heat transfer, IV characteristics. |
Abstract : Investigation of TiCr Hydrogen Storage Alloy
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Abstract: A new reversible hydrogen storage material, based on TiCr metal alloy, is proposed. Cr and Ti were mixed and melted in a final atomic ratio of 1,78. Chemical-physical characterisations, in terms of XRD and SEM-EDX, were performed. The quantification of Laves phases was performed through Rietveld refinements. The atomic Cr/Ti ratio was determined by EDX analysis and 1,71 was obtained. The H2 sorption/desorption measurements by Sievert apparatus were carried out. After different tests varying temperature and pressure, a protocol measurement was established; and a H2 sorption value of 0,4 wt% at 200 °C/10 bar with a fast kinetic at 5 bar (Dwt% of about 0,3 wt%) were obtained. Hydrogen desorption measurements performed in the same conditions of T confirmed a totally reversible trend. A confirm of metal hydride formation was recorded by XRD, in fact, comparing X-Ray patterns before and after volumetric tests a notable difference was recorded. Keywords: TiCr alloy development, morphological and crystallographic study, H2 sorption/desorption measurements, post mortem H2 sorption test characterisation. |
