Azami Zaharim

Bio: Azami Zaharim is an academic researcher from National University of Malaysia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Renewable energy & Photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 338 publications receiving 2898 citations.

Prospects of life cycle assessment of renewable energy from solar photovoltaic technologies: A review

Abstract: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method used to investigate the environmental impacts and energy use of a product throughout its entire life cycle. For solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, LCA studies need to be conducted to address environmental and energy issues and foster the development of PV technologies in a sustainable manner. This paper reviews and analyzes LCA studies on solar PV technologies, such as silicon, thin film, dye-sensitized solar cell, perovskite solar cell, and quantum dot-sensitized solar cell. The PV life cycle assumes a cradle-to-grave mechanism, starting from the extraction of raw materials until the disposal or recycling of the solar PV. Three impact assessment methods in LCA were reviewed and summarized, namely, cumulative energy demand (CED), energy payback time (EPBT), and GHG emission rate, based on data and information published in the literature. LCA results show that mono-crystalline silicon PV technology has the highest energy consumption, longest EPBT, and highest greenhouse gas emissions rate compared with other solar PV technologies.

Performance of Photovoltaic Thermal Collector (PVT) With Different Absorbers Design

Abstract: Much effort has been spent on the development of hybrid PVT, in order to improve it efficiency of both, thermal and cell. The combination of thermal and cell efficiencies, which is commonly known as "total efficiency of the PVT", is influenced by many system design parameters and operating conditions. Due to that, seven new design configurations of absorber collectors are designed, investigated and compared. Simulations were performed to determine the best absorber design that gives the highest efficiency (total efficiency). In these simulations, the system is analyzed with various parameters, such as solar radiation, ambient temperature, and flow rate conditions. It is assumed that the collector is represented as a flat plate thermal collector with single glazing sheet. Based on these simulations, spiral flow design proved to be the best design with the highest thermal efficiency of 50.12% and corresponding cell efficiency of 11.98%.

A new approach for predicting solar radiation in tropical environment using satellite images - Case study of Malaysia

Abstract: Satellite images have been indentified as an alternative and accurate method for predicting average annual daily solar radiation of a specific location. These images can be use to predict the performance and sizing of various solar energy systems such as solar thermal and photovoltaic applications. The data from satellite images are used and compared with the actual readings from solar instruments. The results are then used to estimate solar intensity for other places where solar instrument is not available. Malaysia lies entirely in the equatorial region. The tropical environment has been characterized by heavy rainfall, constantly high temperature and relative humidity. The annual average daily solar irradiations for Malaysia were from 4.21 kWh/m 2 to 5.56 kWh/m 2 . The highest solar radiation was estimated at 6.8 kWh/m 2 in August and November while the lowest was 0.61 kWh/m 2 in December. The Northern region and a few places in East Malaysia have

Practical framework of employability skills for engineering graduate in Malaysia

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical and simple framework of engineering employability skills that will allow the concept to be explained easily and that can be used as a framework for working with engineering graduates to develop their employability before entering workforce. The framework was developed from existing researches on engineering employability skills issues and the requirement of the accreditation of engineering programme. The various skills of employability skills related to engineering included in the framework are discussed and their criteria justified bases on literature review of existing studies. The framework sets out exactly what is meant by engineering employability, in clear and simple terms, and the framework suggests directions for interaction between the various skills. The relationships between the skills within the framework remain theoretical. Further research to test the framework is planned and will be reported in future paper. The framework can be used to explain the concept of employability to those new to the subject, and particularly to engineering students and their future employer. It will be a useful tool for lecturers, careers advisors, trainers, employers and any other practitioners involved in employability skills. It will also be used to develop a model and a measurement tool for engineering employability skills. This paper contributes insights into the linking of graduate attributes, using national accreditation criteria and the framework of engineering employability skills from locally and globally expectation. It will be of value to anybody with an interest in employability issues.

Engineering employability skills required by employers in Asia

Abstract: Employers nowadays place main concern on and give emphasis to employability skills in potential engineers which caused a significant increase in unemployment among engineering graduates in Malaysia. There are several discussions and studies on "What types of skills and abilities are needed in the workplace?" How the government and higher education overcomes this rising phenomenon? This study attempts to look into engineering employability skills that have been required for their new engineers by other countries in Asia such as Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. This paper will put forward a list comprised of the skills needed by these four countries, and compare the existing similarities and differences of these enlisted skills. Information was gathered from articles, journals, papers and reports. The findings indicate that these countries have published reports on the necessary frameworks of employability skills to prepare engineering graduates for the employment today and in the future. Overall, the studies suggest that the engineering graduates should acquire and demonstrate a set of generic skills such as communication skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Abstract: It made it possible to improve people's lives. Now it prevents all forms of discrimination in the world. It helps to improve our world.

Optimization methods applied to renewable and sustainable energy: A review

Abstract: Energy is a vital input for social and economic development. As a result of the generalization of agricultural, industrial and domestic activities the demand for energy has increased remarkably, especially in emergent countries. This has meant rapid grower in the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the increase in fuel prices, which are the main driving forces behind efforts to utilize renewable energy sources more effectively, i.e. energy which comes from natural resources and is also naturally replenished. Despite the obvious advantages of renewable energy, it presents important drawbacks, such as the discontinuity of generation, as most renewable energy resources depend on the climate, which is why their use requires complex design, planning and control optimization methods. Fortunately, the continuous advances in computer hardware and software are allowing researchers to deal with these optimization problems using computational resources, as can be seen in the large number of optimization methods that have been applied to the renewable and sustainable energy field. This paper presents a review of the current state of the art in computational optimization methods applied to renewable and sustainable energy, offering a clear vision of the latest research advances in this field.