No abstract

No abstract

This study carried out pyrolytic conversion of cocoa pod husk in a refurbished fixed bed type 17.4 litres capacity electric thermal reactor. The process was studied by heating 1 kg of dried sample at an average size of 20 mm x 30 mm x 1.9 mm and moisture content of 13.78% at four different temperatures (300 0 C, 400 0 C, 500 0 C and 600 0 C) using two electrical heating coils of 2.5 kW each. Bio-oil and bio-gas were produced and characterized. The average heating values of bio-oil and bio-gas were 36.23 MJ/kg and 35.24 MJ/kg respectively. These were higher to that obtainable from other fuels like Coal (27 MJ/kg) and Ethanol (29.7 MJ/kg). Physiochemical properties of bio-oil gave an average value of 0.9543 g/ml 3 for density, and 1.88 mm 2 /s for viscosity. The density is similar to that of diesel fuel (0.83 g/ml) but lower in viscosity (3.10 mm 2 /s). Gas chromatography analysis of bio-gas shows that CO2, CO, CH4, H2S and H2O contents increased with increase in pyrolysis temperature. From the ultimate analyses carried out, the pyrolysis process produced bio-oil with an average of 75% carbon composition, 6.61 % hydrogen, 7.11 % oxygen, 0.16 % nitrogen and 0.007% sulphur. The proximate analysis showed bio-oil has an average of 25.57 % volatile matter and 58.44 % fixed carbon. Results showed that pyrolysis is an efficient and sustainable means of converting cocoa pod husk into rich sources of useful biofuel.

This paper developed an off-grid hybrid energy system for residential buildings in rural areas. The Arogbo community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, was used as case study. Energy Audit of the selected residential buildings was carried out through the administration of structured questionnaires and oral interaction with occupants. Information obtained was used to evaluate the total power estimate and actual consumption over a period of 6 hours per day. The total energy demand for the study area based on the number of appliances used per day was estimated as 4981.684 kW. The energies required for three different categories of accommodation: [three-bedroom (Luxury), three-bedroom (Convenience) and room with parlour living apartment] in the area were estimated as 10.015 kWh, 3.216 kWh, and 1.736 kWh respectively.  Their total photovoltaic (PV) energy system capacities were estimated as 13.53 kWh (16.91 kVA), 4.342 kWh (5 kVA), and 2.344 kWh (2.93 kVA) with power factor of 0.8 respectively.  The PV solar modules for the three-bedroom (luxury), three-bedroom (convenience) and room with parlour living apartment were estimated as (3.38, 1.08 and 0.59) kW with installation areas of (31, 10 and 5.5) m2; and inverter rating of (6, 1 and 1) kVA were selected respectively. The deep cycle batteries selected were (4, 2 and 2) at 12 V of (150, 150 and100) AH. Electricity generator capacities selected were (6, 1 and 1) kVA respectively.

The aim of this study is to determine the best mix of water hyacinth (WH) to be co-digested with pig dung (PD) in order to maximize biogas production in terms of quantity. 11 mix ratios of WH to PD were evaluated and each experimental run was assessed over a period of 40 days. The data obtained were analyzed using regression analysis and non-linear parameter estimation model. From the results obtained, 3 WH: 7 PD co-digestion mix recorded the highest daily yield of 9.5 L of biogas on the 20th day, starting its gas production on the 3rd day and ending on the 34th day. The results also showed that WH single-substrate digestion produced a cumulative biogas volume of 32.18 L which corresponds to 5.14 L/kg of WH and PD single-substrate digestion produced a cumulative gas volume of 94.47 L corresponding to 15.1 L/kg of PD. 3 WH: 7 PD had the highest cumulative gas volume of 140 L which corresponds to 22.45 L/kg. Similarly, the highest maximum biogas production rate of 9.874057 L/day was observed for the 3 WH: 7 PD co-digestion mix and this was recorded on the 17th day of digestion. From the results obtained the best mix of the PD-aided WH digestion is 3 WH: 7 PD.Keywords— Biogas, Co-digestion, Cumulative, Pig Dung, Water Hyacinth