Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

About: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is a education organization based out in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Membrane & Control theory. The organization has 21644 authors who have published 39500 publications receiving 520635 citations.

Simulation and Hardware Implementation of New Maximum Power Point Tracking Technique for Partially Shaded PV System Using Hybrid DEPSO Method

Abstract: In photovoltaic (PV) power generation, partial shading is an unavoidable complication that significantly reduces the efficiency of the overall system Under this condition, the PV system produces a multiple-peak function in its output power characteristic Thus, a reliable technique is required to track the global maximum power point (GMPP) within an appropriate time This study aims to employ a hybrid evolutionary algorithm called the DEPSO technique, a combination of the differential evolutionary (DE) algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO), to detect the maximum power point under partial shading conditions The paper starts with a brief description about the behavior of PV systems under partial shading conditions Then, the DEPSO technique along with its implementation in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is explained in detail Finally, Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed technique under different partial shading conditions Results prove the advantages of the proposed method, such as its reliability, system-independence, and accuracy in tracking the GMPP under partial shading conditions

Progress in waste oil to sustainable energy, with emphasis on pyrolysis techniques

Abstract: The authors acknowledges the financial support by Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE), and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for the conduct of the research under the E-Science fund (UMT/RMC/SF/13/52072(5), Vot no.: 52072), the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (Project no.: FRGS/1/2013/TK05/UMT/02/2, Vot no.: 59296), and the Research Acculturation Grant Scheme (Project no.: RAGS/2012/UMT/TK07/3, Vot no.: 57085).

Indium-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O vapors to CH4

Abstract: Indium (In)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using a controlled sol–gel method. The structures and properties of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS, BET, UV–vis and PL spectroscopy. Indium, present over the TiO2 in metal state, inhibited crystal growth and produced anatase phase of mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles. Doping In in TiO2 also increased the surface area and enlarged the band gap. The photocatalytic activities of In-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were considerably improved for CO2 reduction with H2O vapors in a cell type photoreactor. CO was observed as the main product over TiO2, but doping In in TiO2 remarkably increased the CH4 yield. CH4 production rate over 10 wt.% In-doped TiO 2 was 7.9-fold higher than the bare TiO2 at 100 °C and CO2/H2O ratio of 1.43. In addition, C1–3 higher hydrocarbons namely C2H4, C2H6, C3H6 and C3H8 were detected in the product mixture. The enhanced photoactivity in mesoporous In-doped TiO2 nanoparticles can be attributed to interfacial transfer of photogenerated charges, which led to effective charge separation and inhibited recombination of photogenerated electron–hole (e−/h+) pairs. Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, developed to investigate reaction rate parameters, fitted well with the experimental data.

A Review of Silver Nanoparticles: Research Trends, Global Consumption, Synthesis, Properties, and Future Challenges

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are intensively investigated for their superior physical, chemical, and biological properties. A proper knowledge of these properties is essential to maximizing the potential applications of AgNPs in several areas while minimizing their risks to humans and the environment. This paper aims to critically review AgNPs from the perspectives of research trends, global consumption, synthesis, properties, and future challenges. Generally, AgNPs can be synthesized using three methods, namely physical, chemical, and biological, and the related works as well as their numerous advantages and disadvantages are presented in this review. In addition, AgNPs can be potentially explored for various applications. Future challenges on (AgNP) synthesis, their release into the environment, and scaling up production, as presented in the review, suggest that several potential topics for future works are available to promote a safer and more efficient use of these nanoparticles. Studies on AgNPs in Malaysia have increased since the Malaysian government officially established a directorate for nanotechnology development. This calls for a proper set of policies on AgNPs starting from their production to utilization as well as their effects on various related industries and the environment.