Showing papers by "Universiti Teknologi Petronas published in 2014"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a comprehensive and significant research conducted on state-of-the-art intelligent control systems for energy and comfort management in smart energy buildings (SEB's).
Abstract: Buildings all around the world consume a significant amount of energy, which is more or less one-third of the total primary energy resources. This has raised concerns over energy supplies, rapid energy resource depletion, rising building service demands, improved comfort life styles along with the increased time spent in buildings; consequently, this has shown a rising energy demand in the near future. However, contemporary buildings’ energy efficiency has been fast tracked solution to cope/limit the rising energy demand of this sector. Building energy efficiency has turned out to be a multi-faceted problem, when provided with the limitation for the satisfaction of the indoor comfort index. However, the comfort level for occupants and their behavior have a significant effect on the energy consumption pattern. It is generally perceived that energy unaware activities can also add one-third to the building’s energy performance. Researchers and investigators have been working with this issue for over a decade; yet it remains a challenge. This review paper presents a comprehensive and significant research conducted on state-of-the-art intelligent control systems for energy and comfort management in smart energy buildings (SEB’s). It also aims at providing a building research community for better understanding and up-to-date knowledge for energy and comfort related trends and future directions. The main table summarizes 121 works closely related to the mentioned issue. Key areas focused on include comfort parameters, control systems, intelligent computational methods, simulation tools, occupants’ behavior and preferences, building types, supply source considerations and countries research interest in this sector. Trends for future developments and existing research in this area have been broadly studied and depicted in a graphical layout. In addition, prospective future advancements and gaps have also been discussed comprehensively.
689 citations
TL;DR: The development of CRCU is a green technology that not only reduces nitrogen loss caused by volatilization and leaching, but also alters the kinetics of nitrogen release, which provides nutrients to plants at a pace that is more compatible with their metabolic needs.
643 citations
01 Nov 2014
TL;DR: The design of a sentiment analysis is reported on, extracting a vast amount of tweets, and results classify customers' perspective via tweets into positive and negative, which is represented in a pie chart and html page.
Abstract: Social media have received more attention nowadays. Public and private opinion about a wide variety of subjects are expressed and spread continually via numerous social media. Twitter is one of the social media that is gaining popularity. Twitter offers organizations a fast and effective way to analyze customers' perspectives toward the critical to success in the market place. Developing a program for sentiment analysis is an approach to be used to computationally measure customers' perceptions. This paper reports on the design of a sentiment analysis, extracting a vast amount of tweets. Prototyping is used in this development. Results classify customers' perspective via tweets into positive and negative, which is represented in a pie chart and html page. However, the program has planned to develop on a web application system, but due to limitation of Django which can be worked on a Linux server or LAMP, for further this approach need to be done.
362 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a non-edible rubber seed oil (RSO) with high free fatty acid (FFA) content of 45% were used for the production of biodiesel.
164 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of accumulation of such dirt or particle son the output performances of solar panel were analyzed under controlled conditions using spotlights to simulate source of solar radiation and it was found that the external resistance could reduce the photovoltaic performance by up to 85%.
146 citations
TL;DR: In this survey, EEG inverse problem is discussed with its primary to most developed and recent solutions, the introduction to the field along with the categorization of different solutions and the relative advantages and limitations for each method are discussed.
144 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that boron removal efficiency enhanced with increase in current density and treatment time, and also increased when pH was increased from 4 to 7 and subsequently decreased at pH 10.0.
134 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the results obtained from outdoor experimental measurements of a flat plate solar collector integrated with built-in thermal energy storage have been analyzed for water heating, and the best performances were at 10°, with efficiencies of 47.6%, 51.1% and 52.0% for the cases without PCM, with PCM and with Cu-PCM nanocomposite.
130 citations
TL;DR: A review of the properties of fresh concrete including workability, heat of hydration, setting time, bleeding, and reactivity by using mineral admixtures fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, metakaolin, and rice husk ash is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents a review of the properties of fresh concrete including workability, heat of hydration, setting time, bleeding, and reactivity by using mineral admixtures fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin (MK), and rice husk ash (RHA). Comparison of normal and high-strength concrete in which cement has been partially supplemented by mineral admixture has been considered. It has been concluded that mineral admixtures may be categorized into two groups: chemically active mineral admixtures and microfiller mineral admixtures. Chemically active mineral admixtures decrease workability and setting time of concrete but increase the heat of hydration and reactivity. On the other hand, microfiller mineral admixtures increase workability and setting time of concrete but decrease the heat of hydration and reactivity. In general, small particle size and higher specific surface area of mineral admixture are favourable to produce highly dense and impermeable concrete; however, they cause low workability and demand more water which may be offset by adding effective superplasticizer.
128 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive review on the recent progress in preparation and stability of nanofluids is presented in this article, where the settling behavior of nanoparticles in nanoparticles and techniques to stop agglomeration are described.
Abstract: Research on nanofluids has increased significantly in the last decade due to the distinctive potential in many applications such as enhanced heat transfer processes, drug delivery systems, and membrane manufacturing processes. The study of dispersion behavior of nanoparticles in liquids is a topic of keen interest towards the preparation of stable nanofluids. A comprehensive review on the recent progress in preparation and stability of nanofluids is presented. Settling of nanoparticles is the only predicament towards preparation of stable nanofluids which takes place due to formation of agglomerates. The settling behavior of nanoparticles in nanofluids and techniques to stop agglomeration are described. Nanofluid preparation techniques, assessment method of stability, and methods to reduce agglomeration are discussed.
127 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of reaction temperature, equivalence ratio (ER), and steam/biomass (S/B) ratio on syngas production was investigated in a lab-scale gasifier and coconut shell was used as feedstock.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of addition of 1, 2 and 3% Basalt fiber volume fraction in three different mixes of high-performance concrete (HPC) is investigated and the results showed that the addition of up to 2% fiber volume together with mineral admixtures improved the compressive strength.
TL;DR: This study presents a systematic literature survey regarding the computational techniques, models and algorithms for mining opinion components from unstructured reviews.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of main variables such as reaction temperature, steam/feedstock (S/F) ratio, polyethylene waste/biomass (P/B) ratio on syngas production was investigated and optimized via Taguchi design of experiment approach.
TL;DR: This paper discusses and compares the ability of localizing the sources for two low resolution methods i.e., sLORETA and eLOReta respectively and corresponding activation in terms of scalp map, slice view and cortex map is discussed.
Abstract: Human brain generates electromagnetic signals during certain activation inside the brain. The localization of the active sources which are responsible for such activation is termed as brain source localization. This process of source estimation with the help of EEG which is also known as EEG inverse problem is helpful to understand physiological, pathological, mental, functional abnormalities and cognitive behaviour of the brain. This understanding leads for the specification for diagnoses of various brain disorders such as epilepsy and tumour. Different approaches are devised to exactly localize the active sources with minimum localization error, less complexity and more validation which include minimum norm, low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA), standardized LORETA, exact LORETA, Multiple Signal classifier, focal under determined system solution etc. This paper discusses and compares the ability of localizing the sources for two low resolution methods i.e., sLORETA and eLORETA respectively. The ERP data with visual stimulus is used for comparison at four different time instants for both methods (sLORETA and eLORETA) and then corresponding activation in terms of scalp map, slice view and cortex map is discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the thermal degradation behavior of rubber seed shell (RSS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and the HDPE/RSS mixtures (0.2:0.8 weight ratio) using thermogravimetric analyzer under non-isothermal condition in argon atmosphere at flowrate of 100 ml−min−1.
TL;DR: In this paper, the liquefaction of three types of oil palm biomass; empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) using water at subcritical and supercritical conditions was investigated.
Abstract: This paper presents the studies on the liquefaction of three types of oil palm biomass; empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) using water at subcritical and supercritical conditions. The effect of temperature (330, 360, 390 °C) and pressure (25, 30, 35 MPa) on bio-oil yields were investigated in the liquefaction process using a Inconel batch reactor. The optimum liquefaction condition of the three types of biomass was found to be at supercritical condition of water i.e. at 390 °C and 25 MPa, with PKS yielding the maximum bio-oil yield of 38.53 wt%, followed by EFB and PMF, with optimum yields of 37.39 wt% and 34.32 wt%, respectively. The chemical compositions of the bio-oils produced at optimum condition were analyzed using GC–MS and phenolic compounds constituted the major portion of the bio-oils, with other minor compounds present such as alcohols, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons and esters.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of temperature and catalyst on the properties of bio-oils and on product yield for the pyrolysis of rice husk was investigated and the presence of catalyst culminated in less bio-oil yield coupled with higher calorific values and high water contents.
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire survey was conducted among a classified group of Malaysian contractors to elicit information pertaining to the sustainable selection of onsite machineries and the findings of this study will guide the decision makers to appraise the selection process of construction equipment on the triple bottom line of sustainability.
Abstract: Today’s construction projects are highly mechanized and becoming more so every day. With the growing industrialization of construction work, the role of onsite equipment and machineries is vital in achieving productivity and efficiency. During the construction phase, selection of right equipment has always been a key factor in the success of any construction project. This decision is typically made by matching equipment available in a fleet with the tasks at hand. Such analysis accounts for equipment productivity, equipment capacity, and cost. However, the emerging notion of sustainability in construction has emphasized energy conservation, efficiency, green environment, economy and human well being. In this context, selecting the most appropriate equipment from the available options is highly challenging. Therefore, this paper aims to determine a selection criteria based on the fundamental concept of sustainability and provides an assessment framework. A questionnaire survey was conducted among a classified group of Malaysian contractors to elicit information pertaining to the sustainable selection of onsite machineries. The findings of this study will guide the decision makers to appraise the selection process of construction equipment on the triple bottom line of sustainability.
TL;DR: The fuel injection pump and spray nozzle arrangement has been found to be the most critical components as far as the secondary atomization is concerned and further investigation of the effect of these components in the microexplosion of the emulsion is suggested to be center of focus.
Abstract: Water-in-diesel emulsion (WiDE) is an alternative fuel for CI engines that can be employed with the existing engine setup with no additional engine retrofitting. It has benefits of simultaneous reduction of both NO x and particulate matters in addition to its impact in the combustion efficiency improvement, although this needs further investigation. This review paper addresses the type of emulsion, the microexplosion phenomenon, emulsion stability and physiochemical improvement, and effect of water content on the combustion and emissions of WiDE fuel. The review also covers the recent experimental methodologies used in the investigation of WiDE for both transport and stationary engine applications. In this review, the fuel injection pump and spray nozzle arrangement has been found to be the most critical components as far as the secondary atomization is concerned and further investigation of the effect of these components in the microexplosion of the emulsion is suggested to be center of focus.
TL;DR: Results showed the novel bioflocculant (PM-5) had high potential to treat river water from colloids and 63% of turbidity removal with the present of Ca(2+) ion.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlighted the technological development, success, and challenges for application of syngas in power generating plants, the trends of engine technologies, and the potential of this fuel in the current engine technology.
Abstract: Syngas from biomass and solid waste is a carbon-neutral fuel believed to be a promising fuel for future engines. It was widely used for spark-ignition engines in the WWII era before being replaced with gasoline. In this paper, the technological development, success, and challenges for application of syngas in power generating plants, the trends of engine technologies, and the potential of this fuel in the current engine technology are highlighted. Products of gasification vary with the variation of input parameters. Therefore, three different syngases selected from the two major gasification product categories are used as case studies. Their fuel properties are compared to those of CNG and hydrogen and the effects on the performance and emissions are studied. Syngases have very low stoichiometric air-fuel ratio; as a result they are not suitable for stoichiometric application. Besides, syngases have higher laminar flame speed as compared to CNG. Therefore, stratification under lean operation should be use...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of different cognitive tasks (math and decision-making problems) on drivers' cognitive state were examined using the EEG to examine the effects on driving performance and judgment capability.
Abstract: Our research employed the EEG to examine the effects of different cognitive tasks (math and decision making problems) on drivers’ cognitive state. Forty-two subjects participated in this study. Two simulated driving sessions, driving with distraction task and driving only, were designed to investigate the impact of a secondary task on EEG responses as well as the driving performance. We found that engaging the driver’s cognitively with a secondary task significantly affected his/her driving performance as well as the judgment capability. Moreover, we found that different features of the secondary task had different effects on EEG responses and different localizations in the frontal cortex. Our hemispheric analysis results showed that the most affected area during distracted driving was in the right frontal cortex region; thus, it is suggested that the activation in the right frontal cortex region may be considered the spatial index that indicated a driver who is in a state of cognitive distraction.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of zirconium silicate as a fire retardant reinforcement in the mixture of expandable graphite (EG), ammonium poly phosphate (APP), melamine, boric acid, bisphenol A epoxy resin BE-188(BPA) and ACR Hardener H-2310 polyamide amine are presented.
TL;DR: In this paper, boron removal from produced water was investigated and the obtained optimum conditions were applied to treat real produced water at optimum conditions of pH 7, charge loading 2400 ǫ/m3 and contact time 90 min.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of different formulations developed to study the effects of kaolin clay on expansion of coating and heat shielding during the fire test were presented; the results showed that the coatings were stable and well bound with substrate.
TL;DR: The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk all have a significant relationship with consumer attitudes, which subsequently has a significant effect on intention to use online group buying sites.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to establish and examine the significance of a consumer acceptance and continuance model for online group buying through the integration of entertainment gratification and perceived risk with the Technology Acceptance Model. A quantitative study was conducted and data were obtained through a mall-intercept systematic sampling distribution of questionnaires. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk all have a significant relationship with consumer attitudes, which subsequently has a significant effect on intention to use online group buying sites. While entertainment gratification was found to be insignificant, we reveal some possible reasons for this finding. The implications of the findings and future research directions are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the integrated catalytic adsorption (ICA) steam gasification of palm kernel shell for hydrogen production in a pilot scale atmospheric fluidized bed gasifier was investigated.
TL;DR: In this article, a numerical model for turbulent flow of nanofluids in a tube with twisted tape inserts was developed for the estimation of the van Driest eddy diffusivity equation of momentum and heat.
TL;DR: In this article, a low-cost activated carbon from agricultural residues via single stage carbon dioxide activation and to investigate its applicability in capturing CO2 flue gas was investigated at three temperatures of 25, 50 and 100°C for different types of adsorbate, such as purified carbon dioxide and binary mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and nitrogen.
Abstract: The goal of the study was to produce a low-cost activated carbon from agricultural residues via single stage carbon dioxide (CO2) activation and to investigate its applicability in capturing CO2 flue gas. The performance of the activated carbon was characterized in terms of the chemical composition, surface morphology as well as textural characteristics. The adsorption capacity was investigated at three temperatures of 25, 50 and 100 °C for different types of adsorbate, such as purified carbon dioxide and binary mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The purified CO2 adsorption study showed that the greatest adsorption capacity of the optimized activated carbon of 1.79 mmol g−1 was obtained at the lowest operating temperature. In addition, the adsorption study proved that the adsorption capacity for binary mixtures was lower due to the reduction in partial pressure. The experimental values of the purified CO2 adsorption were modelled by the Lagergren pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, and intra-particle diffusion model. Based on the analysis, it inferred that the adsorption of CO2 followed the pseudo-second-order model with regression coefficient value higher than 0.995. In addition, the adsorption study was governed by both film diffusion and intra-particle diffusion. The activation energy that was lesser than 25 kJ mol−1 implied that physical adsorption (physisorption) occurred.