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Apodi, J. & Amedorme, S. K. (2018). Design and Construction of Solar Water Heater for the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Department of Bolgatanga Polytechnic. International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology, 7,
Abstract
Solar water heating system consists of a collector plate to collect solar energy and an insulated storage tank to store hot water which can be used for domestic, industrial and small institutional purposes. This paper presents a systematic design and construction of solar water heater for use in the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management (H.C.I.M) Department of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The solar water heater was well constructed using locally available materials. A plain glass was used as a collector plate and an aluminium sheet metal obtained from a scrap yard painted black was used as an absorber plate. In addition, copper pipes attached to the absorber plate as fluid carrying tubes were also designed. The solar energy incident on the coated absorber plate transfers the heat to the fluid carrying pipes underneath the absorber plate placed in an insulated casing with a transparent glass cover having a cold and a hot water tank integrated in the system. The water passing through the pipes gets heated and flows into a storage tank by the principle of thermosyphon system. When tested, a maximum fluid output temperature of 80oC was observed at a maximum collector temperature of 55oC with ambient temperature of 37°C, and solar radiation 4.61 kWh/m2/day on a good sunny day. A total amount of 50 litres of hot water was harnessed which was in excess of hot water needed in the Department. This solar water heating system which is a renewable energy resource will continue to serve the heating needs of the Department and the Polytechnic at large since the area has abundant and consistent solar radiation. Keywords: Design and construction; solar water heaters; solar energy, collector plate, natural circulation
Solar water heating system consists of a collector plate to collect solar energy and an insulated storage tank to store hot water which can be used for domestic, industrial and small institutional purposes. This paper presents a systematic design and construction of solar water heater for use in the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management (H.C.I.M) Department of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The solar water heater was well constructed using locally available materials. A plain glass was used as a collector plate and an aluminium sheet metal obtained from a scrap yard painted black was used as an absorber plate. In addition, copper pipes attached to the absorber plate as fluid carrying tubes were also designed. The solar energy incident on the coated absorber plate transfers the heat to the fluid carrying pipes underneath the absorber plate placed in an insulated casing with a transparent glass cover having a cold and a hot water tank integrated in the system. The water passing through the pipes gets heated and flows into a storage tank by the principle of thermosyphon system. When tested, a maximum fluid output temperature of 80oC was observed at a maximum collector temperature of 55oC with ambient temperature of 37°C, and solar radiation 4.61 kWh/m2/day on a good sunny day. A total amount of 50 litres of hot water was harnessed which was in excess of hot water needed in the Department. This solar water heating system which is a renewable energy resource will continue to serve the heating needs of the Department and the Polytechnic at large since the area has abundant and consistent solar radiation. Keywords: Design and construction; solar water heaters; solar energy, collector plate, natural circulation
Amedorme, S. K. & Apodi, J. (2018). Numerical Analysis Of Soot Formation In Gasoline Direct And Port Fuel Injection Engines. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 7,
Abstract
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine has the advantages of improving on pollutants in vehicle exhaust emissions significantly and tendency to reduce fuel consumption because of lean burning mixture. This engine is considered environmental friendly since it emits less toxic gases compared to the traditional carburetted or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) spark ignition engines. The modeling process of GDI engine is basically the same as PFI engine except the location of the fuel injector and also in early injection conditions, the characteristics of the two engines are similar. Although the gasoline (DI) engines are less harmful to the environment due to its high thermal efficiency and good performance in fuel consumption, it has some drawbacks of producing more nitrogen oxides (NOX) at high temperature and soot. In addition, stricter emission standards and regulations require that the two engines should constantly be investigated and optimized in order to obtain desirable results. This paper presents and compares numerical model for soot formation in GDI and PFI engines at various engine running conditions and air-fuel ratios (AFRs). The Feng Tao’s soot formation model is modified to suit gasoline engine conditions and implemented in GT-Power for GDI and PFI engines. The GT-Power code simulates the engine running conditions and evaluates the soot formed with crank angles at different engine speeds from 1000rpm to 6000rpm. The results show that for PFI engines the peak value of soot formed in mole fraction between compression and power strokes decreases as engine speed increases with the peak value of 0.0795 and 0.022 respectively at crank angle close to zero degrees for the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio(AFR) of 11.68. On the other hand, in the GDI engine, the amount of soot formed first increases in its peak values with increasing limiting engine speeds and begins to decrease for engine speeds from 4000rpm to 6000rpm. At the same engine speeds for the two engines, the results show that the peak values of soot formed for PFI is higher than the peak values of GDI engine but the total amount of soot generated in GDI engine is far more than PFI engine. Further analysis in terms of the influence of AFRs on the soot formation for the same engine speed for both PFI and GDI engines shows that increasing the AFR leads to the reduction in the amount of soot formed. Key words: Gasoline direction injection (GDI), Port Fuel Injection (PFI), soot formation, air-fuel ratio (AFR), engine speeds
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine has the advantages of improving on pollutants in vehicle exhaust emissions significantly and tendency to reduce fuel consumption because of lean burning mixture. This engine is considered environmental friendly since it emits less toxic gases compared to the traditional carburetted or Port Fuel Injection (PFI) spark ignition engines. The modeling process of GDI engine is basically the same as PFI engine except the location of the fuel injector and also in early injection conditions, the characteristics of the two engines are similar. Although the gasoline (DI) engines are less harmful to the environment due to its high thermal efficiency and good performance in fuel consumption, it has some drawbacks of producing more nitrogen oxides (NOX) at high temperature and soot. In addition, stricter emission standards and regulations require that the two engines should constantly be investigated and optimized in order to obtain desirable results. This paper presents and compares numerical model for soot formation in GDI and PFI engines at various engine running conditions and air-fuel ratios (AFRs). The Feng Tao’s soot formation model is modified to suit gasoline engine conditions and implemented in GT-Power for GDI and PFI engines. The GT-Power code simulates the engine running conditions and evaluates the soot formed with crank angles at different engine speeds from 1000rpm to 6000rpm. The results show that for PFI engines the peak value of soot formed in mole fraction between compression and power strokes decreases as engine speed increases with the peak value of 0.0795 and 0.022 respectively at crank angle close to zero degrees for the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio(AFR) of 11.68. On the other hand, in the GDI engine, the amount of soot formed first increases in its peak values with increasing limiting engine speeds and begins to decrease for engine speeds from 4000rpm to 6000rpm. At the same engine speeds for the two engines, the results show that the peak values of soot formed for PFI is higher than the peak values of GDI engine but the total amount of soot generated in GDI engine is far more than PFI engine. Further analysis in terms of the influence of AFRs on the soot formation for the same engine speed for both PFI and GDI engines shows that increasing the AFR leads to the reduction in the amount of soot formed. Key words: Gasoline direction injection (GDI), Port Fuel Injection (PFI), soot formation, air-fuel ratio (AFR), engine speeds
Adu Gyamfi, S., Ohemeng Gyaase, P. & Ansong-Gyimah, K. (2016). Designing Blended Learning Environment for Pre-Service Teachers: The Moderating Role of Formative Experiment. In L. Lui & D. C. Gibson Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education 2016. Waynesville, NC., USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
Abstract
This study used formative experiment to design and test a blended learning environment intervention on the teaching and learning of Communication Skills for pre-service teachers. The learning environment was designed on the Moodle platform to combine online learning support with traditional face-face lectures. Pre-intervention baseline data and post-intervention data were collected for comparison. Analysis of the findings showed wide acceptance of use of the blended learning environment. There was appreciable improvement of students’ participation and interaction in the course and this resulted in the improvement of the key areas of the Communication Skills course among the pre-service teachers. Lecturers were also able to interact with the students better than in face-to-face classroom setting. It was concluded that the design of a blended learning environment could improve teaching and learning in Ghanaian Universities in courses where large class sizes exist.
Danso, H.
7th West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference. University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana 16-18 August 2017
Paper presented:
Improving Water Resistance of Compressed Earth Blocks Enhanced with Natural Fibres
Abstract
Studies have shown a great potential for the use of CEBs as a sustainable building material due to its economic, environmental and social benefits. This study investigates the water resistance characteristics of CEBs reinforced with natural fibres. The fibres were sourced from coconut husk, sugarcane bagasse and oil palm fruit at 1 wt% added to two soil samples. The CEB specimen size of 290 × 140 × 100 mm were made at a constant pressure of 10 MPa and dried in the sun for 21 days. Accelerated erosion test was conducted to determine the resistance of the specimen to continuous rainfall condition. It was discovered that the fibres helped in reducing the erodability rate of the blocks, though there were some degree of damage. The difference between the water resistance of the unreinforced and fibre reinforced CEBs were found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, the surface of the fibre reinforced blocks eroded rapidly in depth than the internal part, and there was reduction in the depth difference of the erosion with increase time of water spraying on the specimens. The study concludes that though the addition of fibres in soil blocks does not completely prevent the block from erosion, the impact of the fibres on the blocks significantly reduce the erosion.
Studies have shown a great potential for the use of CEBs as a sustainable building material due to its economic, environmental and social benefits. This study investigates the water resistance characteristics of CEBs reinforced with natural fibres. The fibres were sourced from coconut husk, sugarcane bagasse and oil palm fruit at 1 wt% added to two soil samples. The CEB specimen size of 290 × 140 × 100 mm were made at a constant pressure of 10 MPa and dried in the sun for 21 days. Accelerated erosion test was conducted to determine the resistance of the specimen to continuous rainfall condition. It was discovered that the fibres helped in reducing the erodability rate of the blocks, though there were some degree of damage. The difference between the water resistance of the unreinforced and fibre reinforced CEBs were found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, the surface of the fibre reinforced blocks eroded rapidly in depth than the internal part, and there was reduction in the depth difference of the erosion with increase time of water spraying on the specimens. The study concludes that though the addition of fibres in soil blocks does not completely prevent the block from erosion, the impact of the fibres on the blocks significantly reduce the erosion.
Nyame, G. (2017). A Customer-Complaint Analyzer for E-Banking Services: The Context of the Ghanaian Banking Industry. Information and Knowledge Management, 7,
Abstract
Banking and financial institutions continue to intensify their efforts to engage in technological innovations in the provision of quality e-banking products and services. With this strategic approach, many banks in Ghana have migrated from the traditional and rudimentary branch banking to web-based banking transactions. This paper develops a model for a web-based customer-complaint analyzer that addresses customer complaints or suggestions in real time as well as supporting decision making processes of banks and other financial institutions. The exploratory prototype model, context diagram and UML use-case diagram were used to simplify and explain the design and development phases of the system. Both alpha and beta tests were done at the Ghana Commercial Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana Limited of the KNUST Branch in Kumasi, Ghana. It is very expedient on the part of banks in Ghana to use complaint analyzer system to enable them do analyses on customers’ complaints or suggestions as well as on performance for improved and better service delivery. Keywords: e-banking, analytical performance, customer complaints analyzer, banking industry, customer service delivery
Banking and financial institutions continue to intensify their efforts to engage in technological innovations in the provision of quality e-banking products and services. With this strategic approach, many banks in Ghana have migrated from the traditional and rudimentary branch banking to web-based banking transactions. This paper develops a model for a web-based customer-complaint analyzer that addresses customer complaints or suggestions in real time as well as supporting decision making processes of banks and other financial institutions. The exploratory prototype model, context diagram and UML use-case diagram were used to simplify and explain the design and development phases of the system. Both alpha and beta tests were done at the Ghana Commercial Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana Limited of the KNUST Branch in Kumasi, Ghana. It is very expedient on the part of banks in Ghana to use complaint analyzer system to enable them do analyses on customers’ complaints or suggestions as well as on performance for improved and better service delivery. Keywords: e-banking, analytical performance, customer complaints analyzer, banking industry, customer service delivery
• Awopone, A. K, Zobaa, A. F., & Banuenumah, W. (2017). Techno-economic and environmental analysis of power generation expansion plan of Ghana. Energy Policy, 104,
Abstract
This paper examines the current electrical generation expansion plan of Ghana and compares it with proposed expansion pathways with higher penetration of Renewable Energy Technologies. An adaptation of Schwartz's Scenario Methodology was used to develop the scenarios which were then analysed using the Long-range Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model. Each of the scenarios represents policy options for generation expansion in Ghana up to 2040. Energy, economic and environmental analysis of the three alternative scenarios compared to the base scenarios was undertaken. Sensitivity results show that, if the country were to follow the generation expansion path described in the renewable energy scenarios, it could reap economic benefits of 0.5–13.23% depending on the developments in fuel prices and renewable technology capital cost. The analysis further quantifies benefits to be derived from a reduction in Greenhouse gases of the scenarios. Policy implications for the generation system of Ghana based on the results are also discussed.
This paper examines the current electrical generation expansion plan of Ghana and compares it with proposed expansion pathways with higher penetration of Renewable Energy Technologies. An adaptation of Schwartz's Scenario Methodology was used to develop the scenarios which were then analysed using the Long-range Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model. Each of the scenarios represents policy options for generation expansion in Ghana up to 2040. Energy, economic and environmental analysis of the three alternative scenarios compared to the base scenarios was undertaken. Sensitivity results show that, if the country were to follow the generation expansion path described in the renewable energy scenarios, it could reap economic benefits of 0.5–13.23% depending on the developments in fuel prices and renewable technology capital cost. The analysis further quantifies benefits to be derived from a reduction in Greenhouse gases of the scenarios. Policy implications for the generation system of Ghana based on the results are also discussed.
Dotche, K. A., Banuenumah, W. & Ofosu, W. K. (2016). Non Regenerative Fiber Backbone Power Loss Budget,. Transactions on Networks and Communications,, 4,
Abstract
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
Dotche, K. A., Banuenumah, W. & Ofosu, W. K. (2016). Non Regenerative Fiber Backbone Power Loss Budget,. Transactions on Networks and Communications,, 4,
Abstract
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
The most important stage in the design of a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber optic system is about the choice of the correct optical transmitter, and receiver combination. This depends on the signal to be transmitted over the channel. By adopting the WDM two (2) signals at two (2) different wavelengths of 1310nm and 1550nm, can conveniently be carried on the same fiber. The WDM fiber link can carry 32,256 channels and the throughput too is high (>=2.5Gbps). Many television channels can be accommodated. The amplification along the fiber backhaul remains a bottleneck due to the non-linearity effects that could be additive. In order to minimize the non-linearity effect of the amplifiers, non-regenerative solutions are nowadays used. This paper develops a power loss budget for an optical sparse WDM long haul without inserting any regenerator along the transmission line. The study gives details of establishing a 200 km fiber optic link, operating at 2.5Gbps and supporting a digital signal of Synchronous Transport Signal-48/ Synchronous Transport Module 16 (STS-48/STM-16), where the link is assumed to carry 8 (WDM). In the dimensioning, the optical interfaces were chosen in agreement with the ITU-TG 654 applicable values. The system power deficit was not satisfactory in the first attempt, and so the Erbium Doped-Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) were inserted at the light source, and a preamplifier at the optical detector side. The system power deficit was still negative but not much. The transmitting system should have a positive value of the system power deficit so that the link budget can be suggested for the required transmission. Finally the change of the detector sensitivity gave the best estimation in the design process for the required link budget.
Awopone, A. K., Zobaa, A. F. & Banuenumah, W. (2017). Assessment of Optimal pathways for power generation system in Ghana.. Cogent Engineering, 4,
Abstract
This study applied the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), an optimisation model for long term energy planning, which is integrated in Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) to develop optimal generation pathways and dispatch scheduling of selected generating technologies for power generation in Ghana. Simulating conventional and non-conventional energy technologies, the study examines the technological, economic and environmental implications of renewable energy policies from 2010 to 2040. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to determine the effect of varied development in non-conventional renewable energy technologies investment cost as well as fuel prices. The findings suggest that, with a comprehensive implementation of energy efficiency and other strategies, renewable energy technologies can contribute more than 70% of the generation requirement in Ghana by 2040. This will result in significant economic and environmental benefits as well as sustainability of the energy sector.
This study applied the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), an optimisation model for long term energy planning, which is integrated in Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) to develop optimal generation pathways and dispatch scheduling of selected generating technologies for power generation in Ghana. Simulating conventional and non-conventional energy technologies, the study examines the technological, economic and environmental implications of renewable energy policies from 2010 to 2040. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to determine the effect of varied development in non-conventional renewable energy technologies investment cost as well as fuel prices. The findings suggest that, with a comprehensive implementation of energy efficiency and other strategies, renewable energy technologies can contribute more than 70% of the generation requirement in Ghana by 2040. This will result in significant economic and environmental benefits as well as sustainability of the energy sector.
Awopone, A. K. & Zobaa, A. F. (2017). Analyses of optimum generation scenarios for sustainable power generation in Ghana. AIMS Energy, 5,
Abstract
This study examines optimum generation scenarios for Ghana from 2010 to 2040. The Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), an optimisation model for long term energy planning, which is integrated in Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) tool, was applied to model the generation system. The developed model was applied to the case study of the reference scenario (OPT) which examines the least cost development of the system without any shift in policy. Three groups of policy scenario were developed based on the future possible energy policy direction in Ghana: energy emission targets, carbon taxes and transmission and distribution losses improvements. The model was then used to simulate the development of technologies in each scenario up to 2040 and the level of renewable generation examined. Finally, cost benefit analysis of the policy scenarios, as well as their greenhouse gas mitigation potential were also discussed. The results show that: suitable policies for clean power generation have an important role in CO2 mitigation in Ghana. The introduction of carbon minimisation policies will also promote diversification of the generation mix with higher penetration of renewable energy technologies, thus reducing the overall fossil fuel generation in Ghana. It further indicated that, significant greenhouse emissions savings is achieved with improvement in transmission and distribution losses.
This study examines optimum generation scenarios for Ghana from 2010 to 2040. The Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), an optimisation model for long term energy planning, which is integrated in Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) tool, was applied to model the generation system. The developed model was applied to the case study of the reference scenario (OPT) which examines the least cost development of the system without any shift in policy. Three groups of policy scenario were developed based on the future possible energy policy direction in Ghana: energy emission targets, carbon taxes and transmission and distribution losses improvements. The model was then used to simulate the development of technologies in each scenario up to 2040 and the level of renewable generation examined. Finally, cost benefit analysis of the policy scenarios, as well as their greenhouse gas mitigation potential were also discussed. The results show that: suitable policies for clean power generation have an important role in CO2 mitigation in Ghana. The introduction of carbon minimisation policies will also promote diversification of the generation mix with higher penetration of renewable energy technologies, thus reducing the overall fossil fuel generation in Ghana. It further indicated that, significant greenhouse emissions savings is achieved with improvement in transmission and distribution losses.
