International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Microgrid design for disadvantaged people living in remote areas as tool in speeding up electricity access in rural communities
  by Emmanuel Mudaheranwa, Etienne Ntagwirumugara 
  Abstract: In this study, the variables that restrict electricity access speed are investigated, and some solutions to overcome these issues are proposed. According to the findings of this study, the connection of rural areas is delayed by the presence of far-flung and isolated homes, because the access to the utility transmission lines is both expensive and complex. For this reason, the study suggests an installed solar PV mobile mini-grid that can provide a group of households with energy, so enabling them to obtain economical and environmentally friendly energy. Results have proven that the proposed model is adjustable and expandable generation and distributed storage configuration using the use of an innovative control method. The installation of a single device at a residence can even result in the establishment of an expandable DC microgrid, which then can develop in a cost-efficient manner when additional neighbors are joined to the grid.
  Keywords: energy access; power generation; renewable resources; rural area; solar PV.
  
  
• Experimental Investigations of dual fueled two-cylinder diesel engine with Biodiesel and Natural Gas using a novel air-gas mixer  
  by Brijesh Dager, Ajay Kumar, Ranbir Singh 
  Abstract: Non-conventional energy resources (renewable fuels) have plentiful advantages over fossil fuels as they are biodegradable, renewable, help in energy security, and reduce environmental emissions. In this study, sustainable energy fuels like natural gas (NG) and bio - diesel were used. Natural gas is a very attractive and promising energy source to be used as fuel for IC engines because of its wide availability, inexpensive, clean-burning and extensive distribution infrastructure. The addition of biodiesel, particularly mustard oil methyl ester, can make it a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice for energy conversion by using internal combustion engines. This investigation is carried out to investigate the emission, combustion and performance behavior of a two-cylinder four-stroke CI engine in twin fuel mode. A homogeneous mixture of natural gas and air using a newly designed coaxial multi holes air gas mixer has been naturally inducted during intake stroke of the engine as the main fuel whereas diesel/MOME biodiesel is used as pilot fuel to initiate the combustion. This paper presenting a comparative study of performance, combustion and emission characteristics in diesel fuel mode alone (DLF), dual fuel mode using diesel as pilot fuel (DCNG) and dual fuel mode using bio-diesel as a pilot fuel (BCNG) mode of operation. The current experimental results show that brake thermal efficiency is 1.26% lower, brake specific energy consumption is 1.17% higher than diesel, and 0.97% higher than DCNG mode. Nitrogen oxides are reduced by 4.12% when using DCNG and by 63.07% when using DLF. The level of smoke opacity emission in BCNG is 76% lower than in DLF, but 6.67% higher than in DCNG modes of operation of the engine at full load. In comparison to other modes of operation, BCNG has a higher valve of exhaust gas temperature, CO, and UBHC emission levels. However, the cylinder peak pressure and ignition delay values are intermediate between the DLF and DCNG modes.
  Keywords: Natural gas; Combustion; Emission; Renewable fuel; Mustard Oil Methyl Ester; Air fuel mixture.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2022.10051097
   
  
• Development and validation of a thermal model for line focus solar concentrators in water heating applications  
  by Gunjan Kumar, Hemant Gupta 
  Abstract: Solar concentrators are used to collect solar energy and convert it to heat. Line focus solar collectors operate on the principle of line focus technology where sun radiations are directed to form a line over the receiver. In this paper, thermal model of line focus collectors is developed for the application of water heating. Thermal performance parameters like useful heat flux, heat loss, water exit temperature and thermal efficiency are analysed for different solar radiations and mass flow rates. The model is validated using experimental data from a cooling plant in Seville, Spain. The results of the simulation show good agreement with the experimental data. This thermal model has been used to assess the thermal performance of the collector for the climatic conditions of Ankleshwar, Gujarat, India. The average useful heat flux, the temperature difference of water, and thermal efficiency are reported as 0.656 kW/m2, 17.64 degrees centigrade, and 76.10% respectively.
  Keywords: line focus; solar collector; solar energy; thermal model; water heating.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2022.10050760
   
  
• DRIVERS AND INHIBITORS OF ADOPTION OF LED LIGHTING BY HOUSEHOLDS IN INDIA - A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING APPROACH  
  by Rajesh Gangakhedkar, Prashant Raman 
  Abstract: The research aims at finding out the factors that drive and the factors that inhibit the adoption of LED lighting by households in India. A theoretical model of drivers and inhibitors is developed for the empirical study, based on theory of planned behaviour. Apart from the three basic constructs of theory of planned behaviour, some more variables are included in the model. A structured questionnaire was administered to the households in six largest metro cities of India. The sample size of the study is 555. For data analysis, partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique is applied. The study also makes importance-performance matrix analysis to further strengthen the findings. Aesthetics, attitude, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms proved to be the most influencing factors of purchase intention of LED, in that order and showed a positive association with purchase intention of LED. Only personal moral norms showed an insignificant impact. Inertia turned out to be the inhibitor of purchase intention with a negative relationship, as per our assumption. The study also revealed that, perceived cost which was assumed to be an inhibitor is not an inhibitor.
  Keywords: structural equation modelling; SEM; attitude; aesthetics; inertia; LED; lighting; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2022.10051941