Superconducting thermo-magnetic-mechanical energy conversion machine

This paper presents a superconducting thermo-magnetic-mechanical (STMM) energy conversion process. This energy conversion concept revolves around of utilizing a cryogenic coolant, e.g., liquid nitrogen, as a thermal energy facilitator to cool down the superconductor to below the critical temperature. Then, utilizing the mixed state, i.e., Meissner effect and weak vertex - which leads to partially shielding the magnetic field - an external magnetic field is used to apply force on the superconductor and create motion. The concept proposed is demonstrated using thorough Multiphysics understanding i.e., thermal, magnetic, and mechanical. The proof of concept is completed by using a combination of analytical and numerical simulations and calculations, and measurements. Using this concept, a practical automotive drive has been theoretically designed and compared with a counterpart electric drive. The proposed technology has a potential to provide a step change for the sustainable cleaner cost-effective transportation.

n-n Type Heterojunction Enabling Highly Efficient Carrier Separation in Inorganic Solar Cells

Carrier separation in a solar cell usually relies on the p-n junction. Here we show that n-n type inorganic semiconductor heterojunction is also able to separate the exciton for efficient solar cell applications. The n-n type heterojunction was formed by hydrothermal deposition of Sb2(S,Se)3 and thermal evaporation of Sb2Se3. We found that the n-n junction is able to enhance the carrier separation by the formation of an electric field, reduce the interfacial recombination and generate optimized band alignment. The device based on this n-n junction shows 2.89% net efficiency improvement to 7.75% when compared with the device consisted of semiconductor absorber-metal contact. The study in the n-n type solar cell is expected to bring about more versatile materials utility, new interfacial engineering strategy and fundamental findings in the photovoltaic energy conversion process.

INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF MARINE ENERGY CONVERSION

New approaches need to be taken into account in adopting the configuration of residual heat recovery systems, design, operation and control and to consider equipment and the energy conversion process in the perspective of integrated systems in order to increase measurable energy efficiency in existing marine energy systems as well as other new systems.

Feasibility analysis of dryer with rice husk energy for drying jackfruit Dodol in Lombok

Sun drying is popularly used in Lombok to dry food items including jackfruit Dodol because it is easy and cheap. This type of drying has a weakness, which is very weather dependent. When it is cloudy or rainy, the drying process will stop, which will affect the income level of the jackfruit Dodol business. To overcome this, it is done through the application of a dryer with rice husk energy. Rice husks can be an alternative energy in drying process because they are easy to obtain and cheap. To make rice husks as drying energy, it can be done through an energy conversion process using a heat exchanger that is placed in a furnace. Tests were carried out in the drying process to produce a dry product of 5 kg of jackfruit Dodol. The drying temperature is obtained from the result of the energy conversion process between burning rice husks in a furnace with environmental air flowing in the heat exchanger pipe. The resulting hot air flows into the drying chamber. This makes the product more hygienic and drying process can be all the time. The implication of the application of the rice husk energy dryer is to increase the jackfruit Dodol business income. This dryer provides a return on investment (ROI) rate of 304.48% with the break-even point (BEP) occurring at 0.2778 years or 3.3336 months. This means k <n (0.2778 years <7 years), so it can be stated that the investment in rice husk energy dryer for drying jackfruit Dodol is feasible.