Research Article
Comparative Evaluation of Properties and Energy Potential of Selected Fuelwood Species in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
234-249
Received:
13 August 2025
Accepted:
29 August 2025
Published:
27 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20251404.11
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Abstract: In many parts of Nigeria, wood remains a primary source of household and small-scale industrial energy. As fuelwood demand continues to grow, identifying species with high energy efficiency is increasingly important. This study evaluates eight commonly used wood species in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to determine their suitability for fuelwood and charcoal production. Each species was assessed for calorific value, volatile matter, ash content, moisture content, wood density, and charcoal yield, using five replicates per species. Laboratory tests followed standard procedures, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Duncan’s multiple range tests. Significant variation was observed across species, with Anogeissus leiocarpus, Khaya senegalensis, and Prosopis africana exhibiting superior energy profiles, including higher calorific values and lower ash and moisture contents. Boxplots and Duncan’s multiple range tests highlighted distinct groupings among the species. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that moisture and ash contents had strong negative effects on calorific value, while density and charcoal yield positively influenced fuel quality. The results of regression analysis for calorific value versus volatile matter, ash content, moisture content, density, charcoal yield, species had R2 (Model Fit) of 0.8959, meaning 89.59% of the variation in calorific value is explained by the predictors. These findings support the hypothesis that fuelwood properties vary significantly by species and offer practical guidance for selecting efficient, clean-burning wood types. The results contribute to improved biomass energy use and support informed decisions for sustainable fuelwood utilization in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract: In many parts of Nigeria, wood remains a primary source of household and small-scale industrial energy. As fuelwood demand continues to grow, identifying species with high energy efficiency is increasingly important. This study evaluates eight commonly used wood species in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to determine their suitability for fuelwood and cha...
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Research Article
Optimization of a Cooling Storage Room Coupled with an Absorption Solar Cooling System for Fish and Onions Preservation
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
250-260
Received:
18 September 2025
Accepted:
4 October 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsge.20251404.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The integration of solar cooling system into the food preservation system is an important step towards energy sustainability. Study aims are to design a cooling system combining solar thermal energy, an absorption cooling system and cooling rooms. The cooling rooms studied are containers intended to preserve fish and onions with storage capacities of 1000 kg and 2000 kg respectively. A modeling of the different subsystems was done and the energy balances established. The model simulation is done with Engineering Equation Solver (EES). The results obtained show that for solar thermal collector efficiency between 0.6 and 0.7, the area of the solar thermal field can be optimized to 45 m2 and 70 m2 respectively for the preservation of onions and fish. Similarly, for solar irradiation between 5 KWh/m2 and 6 KWh/m2, the area of the solar thermal field decreases from 100 m2 to 40 m2 and from 160 m2 to 60 m2 respectively for the cold room intended to preserve onions and fish. For thermal loads greater than 50 KWh and 80 KWh respectively for onions and fish, the area of the solar field increases linearly with the increase in thermal loads.
Abstract: The integration of solar cooling system into the food preservation system is an important step towards energy sustainability. Study aims are to design a cooling system combining solar thermal energy, an absorption cooling system and cooling rooms. The cooling rooms studied are containers intended to preserve fish and onions with storage capacities ...
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Odunayo James Rotowa
