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Research Article
Analysis of the Energy Supply and Demand of Solar PV Plants Installed in Rural Areas of the Far North Region of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
134-146
Received:
15 May 2025
Accepted:
30 June 2025
Published:
4 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20251403.11
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Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity access is severely limited in rural areas, despite the abundance of sunlight. This poses a significant challenge to rural electrification initiatives, which are crucial for sustainable development. In light of this, the government of Cameroon has initiated the deployment of several solar power plants in rural regions. However, there is sometimes an imbalance between energy supply and demand, depending on the power plant's installed capacity and the size of the population. A life-cycle study is therefore being carried out in rural areas of Cameroon's Far North region with solar power plants. The study involves analyzing the balance between electricity supply and four modes of electricity consumption. These modes depend on the percentage of households that subscribe to a subscription: 100%, 50%, or 30%. The final scenario considers the International Energy Agency's (IEA) projections, wherein each Cameroonian is expected to consume 280 kWh/person/year. The findings suggest that the solar power plants installed are oversized for low-voltage domestic use, even in scenarios where 100% of households subscribe. It is only possible to achieve a balance between supply and demand from the 23rd year of operation in densely populated localities, and only if all households subscribe. If all households hold a combined domestic and non-domestic subscription, it is anticipated that demand will exceed supply between the first and seventh years of operation. The validity of this forecast is contingent upon two key variables: installed capacity and population density. Should 50% of households subscribe, it is estimated that solar power plants will encounter difficulties within the 8 to 13-year timeframe. Consequently, solar power plants will be capable of supplying less than 30% of households until the conclusion of the project.
Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity access is severely limited in rural areas, despite the abundance of sunlight. This poses a significant challenge to rural electrification initiatives, which are crucial for sustainable development. In light of this, the government of Cameroon has initiated the deployment of several solar power plants in rural regi...
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Research Article
Modelling and Optimization of the Production Process of Ethylene from Bio-ethanol Using Aspen Plus
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
149-159
Received:
26 May 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
10 July 2025
Abstract: Ethylene is the most important chemical produced by the petrochemical industry; it accounts for over 70% of the products made in the sector. Its global market value exceeds 200 billion US dollars and is steadily growing. Despite this importance, the current means of producing ethylene are not environmentally friendly: The production of ethylene by hydro-cracking contributes the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the petrochemical industry. For this reason, several research efforts have been directed to finding alternatives to hydrocarbons as a sustainable source of ethylene. In the recent past, much attention has been given to the dehydration of ethanol as it is the most promising alternative. This route is, however, limited by its high energy requirement in order to match the conventional method. To lower this energy requirement, researchers have focused on developing more effective catalysts. Little to no work, however, has been done to determine the contribution of process configuration to this energy requirement. This study investigates the energy usage of different process models for the catalytic dehydration of bioethanol to ethylene using Aspen Plus V11. Three models were developed, optimized, and compared. The first model was the base case on which other models were compared, the second model included a recycle stream, and the last model involved the compression of liquid-phase ethanol rather than gaseous-phase ethylene. Due to lack of generalized kinetic data, the RGibbs reactor was used for the simulation. Sensitivity analyses were used to optimize the models. The base case operated at 162°C and 1 atm, the model with a recycle stream at 125°C and 1 atm, and the liquid-phase ethanol compression model at 330°C and 55 atm. Results show that the model with the recycle stream achieved the lowest energy consumption (1910 kW) but also yielded the least amount of ethylene (5230 kg/hr). The base case gave the highest ethylene yield (5649 kg/hr). While innovative, the liquid compression model consumed the highest amount of energy (2456.25 kW) due to high operating conditions. The findings in this work shed light on the importance of process modeling and optimization in enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of bioethanol to ethylene production.
Abstract: Ethylene is the most important chemical produced by the petrochemical industry; it accounts for over 70% of the products made in the sector. Its global market value exceeds 200 billion US dollars and is steadily growing. Despite this importance, the current means of producing ethylene are not environmentally friendly: The production of ethylene by ...
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Research Article
Selective Allocation of Distributed Photovoltaic Systems Using Experimental Data from Tropical Areas
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
160-170
Received:
2 May 2025
Accepted:
23 June 2025
Published:
15 July 2025
Abstract: In this study, the solar irradiance of four different localities in the Far North province of Cameroon was assessed with a view to selecting a site for a large-scale photovoltaic array. The global radiation extrapolation method is used to evaluate the solar potential in the four localities. To verify the reliability of the chosen method, the coefficient of determination is calculated to estimate the difference between the real-time experimental method and the theoretical method based on the statistical test. So, the Root Mean Square Error, the Mean Absolute Relative Error and the Coefficient of determination are calculated, in order to make a conjecture on the performance of the proposed method. The localities of Muidere, Bougaye, Youaye and Hoyo were chosen on the basis of the availability of sunlight in these areas. The results obtained also demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the system, taking into account the real data extracted from the site.
Abstract: In this study, the solar irradiance of four different localities in the Far North province of Cameroon was assessed with a view to selecting a site for a large-scale photovoltaic array. The global radiation extrapolation method is used to evaluate the solar potential in the four localities. To verify the reliability of the chosen method, the coeffi...
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Research Article
Effect of Steam on the Adiabatic Flame Temperature and Specific Heat of Equilibrium Combustion Products of Conventional Diesel Fuel and Biodiesel
Jean Paul Gram Shou*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
171-181
Received:
17 May 2025
Accepted:
7 June 2025
Published:
23 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20251403.14
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Abstract: When compression ignition engines operate with biodiesel, emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, and hydrocarbons are significantly reduced, whereas emissions of nitric oxides (NOx) increase substantially. Steam injection was used in this study to reduce NOx emissions and for its effects on the chemical equilibrium of combustion products. Variations in the thermodynamic properties of the combustion products at chemical equilibrium, as well as changes in the temperature of the adiabatic flame and the combustion products at chemical equilibrium, were studied during combustion of both conventional diesel fuel and biodiesel, with and without 5% steam injection. These variations were analyzed at different pressures, equivalence ratios, and temperatures of the unburned mixture. The results showed that when the flame temperature exceeded 1800 K, a decrease of 103 K in the maximum flame temperature due to steam injection reduced thermal nitric oxide (NO) production by 73%. The results also indicated that while NO emissions and adiabatic temperature decrease significantly, specific heat values increase as the steam injection rate was raised. At chemical equilibrium, combustion products contain only the most stable species in substantial quantities below 1300 K. The emission of CO and NOx by lean combustion systems indicates that chemical equilibrium is not maintained when the combustion products are cooled.
Abstract: When compression ignition engines operate with biodiesel, emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter, and hydrocarbons are significantly reduced, whereas emissions of nitric oxides (NOx) increase substantially. Steam injection was used in this study to reduce NOx emissions and for its effects on the chemical equilibrium of combustion pro...
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Research Article
Evaluating the Level of Noise Pollution in the Town of Sirajganj, Bangladesh
Ahmad Majumder Kamruzzaman*,
Md. Masud Hossain,
Tanjir Hossain
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
182-194
Received:
16 May 2025
Accepted:
19 June 2025
Published:
7 August 2025
Abstract: The present research aims to evaluate the level of noise pollution in different regions in Sirajganj District Town. 7 distinct zones and 40 places were identified in Sirajganj District Town according to land use criteria. A sound level meter (REED SD-4023) was utilized to assess noise levels in Sirajganj District Town from January 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021. Multiple samples were taken at each sampling location. The noise levels were assessed regularly three times at each sampling site. The mean noise pollution level and Leq of Sirajganj District Town were found to be 73.42 dBA and 98.27 dBA, respectively. The recorded mean and Leq values were 73.61 dBA and 84.13 dBA for silent areas, 71.67 dBA and 105.35 dBA for residential areas, 73.51 dBA and 100.89 dBA for mixed areas, 71.52 dBA and 80.63 dBA for commercial areas, 74.91 dBA and 100.51 dBA for industrial areas, 73.93 dBA and 86.81 dBA for road intersections, and 74.81 dBA and 86.46 dBA for village areas, respectively. The hierarchy of various land uses according to mean noise levels is as follows: Industrial Area > Village Area > Road Intersection > Silent Area > Mixed Areas > Residential Area > Commercial Area. The three places with the greatest noise pollution levels were Jubil Building (109.32 dBA), Mowla Box Daal Mill (109 dBA), and Vasani Road (97.32 dBA). Conversely, the three areas with the lowest noise pollution levels were Sirajganj Bus Terminal (69.69 dBA), Masum Para (69.82 dBA), and DC Office (70.51 dBA), as determined by Leq. The study revealed that the noise levels at all sampling locations were above the national standard.
Abstract: The present research aims to evaluate the level of noise pollution in different regions in Sirajganj District Town. 7 distinct zones and 40 places were identified in Sirajganj District Town according to land use criteria. A sound level meter (REED SD-4023) was utilized to assess noise levels in Sirajganj District Town from January 1, 2021, to April...
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Research Article
Analysis of Reservoir and Steam Flow Data in Olkaria Domes Geothermal Field, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
195-210
Received:
15 July 2025
Accepted:
28 July 2025
Published:
30 August 2025
Abstract: This study evaluates reservoir performance and steam production in the Olkaria Domes Geothermal Field, Kenya, over the period 2019-2023, with a focus on key wells supplying Olkaria IV, Olkaria V, and wellhead power plants. Monitoring data from wells such asOW-914, OW-916, and OW-921 show stable wellhead pressures ranging from 6.5 to 9.8 bar, and discharge enthalpies between 1400 and 2650 kJ/kg, consistent with production from a high-temperature liquid-dominated reservoir. Reinjection rates remained above 48%, helping maintain reservoir pressure. However, evidence of cooling and dilution was observed in wells like OW-923 and OW-926, where enthalpy values dropped by up to 250 kJ/kg, and silica concentrations declined from 470 ppm to 410 ppm, suggesting the encroachment of colder reinjection fluids. Using discharge test data and pressure logging, mass flow rates, pressure trends, and thermodynamic conditions were analyzed. The findings underscore the necessity for continuous reservoir monitoring and the need to optimize reinjection design to avoid long-term pressure drawdown and thermal degradation. These insights are vital for sustaining steam supply and ensuring the long-term viability of geothermal energy production in the Olkaria Domes field.
Abstract: This study evaluates reservoir performance and steam production in the Olkaria Domes Geothermal Field, Kenya, over the period 2019-2023, with a focus on key wells supplying Olkaria IV, Olkaria V, and wellhead power plants. Monitoring data from wells such asOW-914, OW-916, and OW-921 show stable wellhead pressures ranging from 6.5 to 9.8 bar, and di...
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