M. Feroskhan

Bio: M. Feroskhan is an academic researcher from VIT University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Diesel fuel & Ignition system. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 16 publications receiving 45 citations.

Enhancement of heat transfer in paraffin wax PCM using nano graphene composite for industrial helmets

Abstract: Humidity and high temperature both adversely affect the productivity of workers. At these atmospheric conditions even a safety helmet won't provide a comfortable situation for the wearer. This paper suggests a cooling system for these safety helmets using NanoGraphene (NG)/paraffin composite Phase Change Material (PCM) which absorbs and stores the heat thus achieving comfort cooling for the wearer. The heat absorbing capacity of a PCM depends on its thermal conductivity, which can be enhanced by adding different concentrations of nanoparticles. Such a technique is employed in this work, in which nano graphene is added to paraffin wax. This composite PCM is employed in an Industrial helmet for providing thermal comfort to the wearer. In principle, wearer's head transfers heat to the PCM mainly by conduction without the use of any kind of external power source. Moreover, the system maintains the wearer head temperature very close to the PCM temperature range of 28–33 °C thereby avoiding any kind of discomfort which would otherwise affect his/her alertness. It is found that the Nano-graphene/paraffin composite PCM integrated helmet provides a faster cooling compared to a normal PCM due to the changes in its thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and latent heat upon adding NG at various concentrations. Among the various tested concentration of nano graphene, the thermal conductivity of NG/paraffin composite PCM showed a maximum of 146% improved thermal conductivity and a maximum of 3% reduction in latent heat at 3% concentration of NG, when compared to those of the ordinary PCM. The designed helmet incorporated with composite PCM can provide thermal comfort to its wearer for more than four hours for all concentrations at an ambient temperature of 35 °C.

Biomass and bioenergy

Abstract: Plant biomass are woody and non-wood materials (e.g., oil palm, bamboo, rattan, bagasse, and kenaf) and are abundant and renewable resource. Unfortunately, the heavy reliance on this resource is a threat to forest ecosystems and a recipe for accelerated land resource degradation. Due to the increasing scarcity of wood resources, many rural communities have shifted to utilization of crop residues for many different applications. The non-wood biomass is readily available, environmental friendly, and technologically suitable, and therefore, an excellent raw material for the future. The non-wood materials like bamboo, rattan, oil palm, and bagasse have superior properties and durability, which can be further prolonged by the modifi cation treatment. The modifi cation treatments increase the performance of the non-wood and could make it suitable for applications in many fi elds ranging from construction industry to automotive industry. This chapter deals with the properties improvement techniques of the selected non-wood biomasses and evaluates its applications for various purposes. The new developments dealing with the improvement of non-wood properties have also been presented in the chapter. The performance of non-wood biomass materials has been compared to the wood-based materials. Recent studies pertaining to the above topics have also been cited. Finally, the advanced applications of the improved non-wood biomasses have been highlighted.

(Energy, SCI-Q1, Top 10%) - Engine performance and emissions using Jatropha curcas, Ceiba pentandra and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel in a CI diesel engine

Abstract: Biodiesel is a recognized replacement for diesel fuel in compressed ignition engines due to its significant environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to investigate the engine performance and emissions produced from Jatropha curcas, Ceiba pentandra and Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel in compressed ignition engine. The biodiesel production process and properties are discussed and a comparison of the three biodiesels as well as diesel fuel is undertaken. After that, engine performance and emissions testing was conducted using biodiesel blends 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% in a diesel engine at full throttle load. The engine performance shows that those biodiesel blends are suitable for use in diesel engines. A 10% biodiesel blend shows the best engine performance in terms of engine torque, engine power, fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency among the all blending ratios for the three biodiesel blends. Biodiesel blends have also shown a significant reduction in CO2, CO and smoke opacity with a slight increase in NOx emissions.

A review on phase change materials for thermal energy storage in buildings: Heating and hybrid applications

Abstract: Researchers world-wide are investigating thermal energy storage, especially phase change materials, for their substantial benefits in improving energy efficiency, sustaining thermal comfort in buildings and contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution. Residential buildings and commercial constructions, being dependent on heating and cooling systems, are subjected to the utilization of PCM technology through several applications. The current study presents a state-of-the-art review that covers recent literature on thermal energy storage systems utilizing PCMs for buildings. The reviewed applications are heating and hybrid applications, that are categorized as passive and active systems. A summary of the PCMs used, applications, thermo-physical properties and incorporation methods are presented as well. The study emphasizes the promising effectiveness of PCM in building heating applications, and highlights the significance of PCM system hybridization. The study shows that experimental investigations on commercial constructions, and hybrid systems development and optimization, are still required. Finally, possible combinations of active and passive heating applications with their auspicious benefits in terms of energy efficiency augmentation, are recommended.