Enhancing the Performance of Photovoltaic Powered Reverse Osmosis Desalination Systems by Active Thermal Management

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Kelley ◽  
Amy M. Bilton ◽  
Steven Dubowsky
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Management ◽  
Reverse Osmosis ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Feed Water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a well-known process for desalinating seawater and brackish groundwater. Desalination is energy-intensive, so using photovoltaic (PV) panels to power the process is an attractive and cost-effective concept, especially for community-scale systems. Increasing the system efficiency will lower the total cost of water produced, making the systems more economically competitive for a greater number of geographic locations. It is noted in this paper that the amount of water produced by a PV-powered RO (PVRO) system can be increased if the temperatures of the solar panel and the reverse osmosis feed water are actively managed. For a given level of solar radiation, a photovoltaic panel produces more power at a lower temperature. Also, for a given power, an RO system produces more clean water at a higher input (feed) water temperature. An active thermal management system is needed to exploit these complementary characteristics by cooling the solar panel and warming the RO feed water, increasing the amount of fresh water produced. This can be accomplished by running the RO feed water through a heat exchanger attached to the back of the solar panel, cooling it. Furthermore, the ability to cool the solar panels permits the addition of low-cost, flat-plate concentrating mirrors to be used with the PV panels, which further increases the PV power output. The flow of the water through the respective units must be actively controlled as there are limits for the maximum temperatures of both the RO water and PV panels. In this paper, a concept for an active PVRO thermal control system is presented. Simulations and experimental results show the effectiveness of this approach. In experiment, a 57% increase in fresh water production was achieved. These experimental results agree well with simulation models.

scholarly journals Development and initial validation of a cost-effective, re-usable, ultrasound-compatible suprapubic catheter insertion training simulator

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harkanwal Randhawa ◽  
Yuding Wang ◽  
Jen Hoogenes ◽  
Michael Uy ◽  
Bobby Shayegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Validity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Boot Camp ◽  
First Year ◽  
Multiple Use ◽  
Training Simulator ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Technical Performance

Introduction: Suprapubic catheterization (SPC) is a fundamental skill required of urology trainees. A lack of affordable simulation models and unpredictability of bedside SPCs limit experiential learning opportunities. Our objective was to develop and initially validate a re-usable, low-cost, ultrasound (US)-compatible SPC simulator for acquiring skills that transfer to the bedside. Methods: The model was constructed using six components. Staff urologists and interventional radiologists (IRs) conducted a SPC and rated the model on three domains with multiple subcategories on a five-point Likert scale: anatomic realism; usefulness as a training tool; and global/overall reaction. Participants in our first-year urology “boot camp” received SPC training, practiced, and were evaluated via an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Staff ratings and OSCE scores determined the model’s initial face and content validity. Results: Twelve staff physicians participated in the study. The mean scores for urologists and IRs, respectively, were: anatomical realism: 4.10 and 3.70; usefulness as a training tool: 4.23 and 4.24; and overall reaction: 4.40 and 4.44. Staff strongly agreed that the model should be incorporated into the residency curriculum. Over the past four years, 25 boot camp participants scored a mean of 99.7% (±1.8) on the OSCE, with high technical performance and entrustment scores (4.8 and 4.7, respectively). The model cost $55 CAD. Conclusions: This novel, multiple-use, low-cost, easily reproducible US-compatible SPC simulator demonstrated initial face and content validity via high staff urologist and IR ratings and OSCE scores of first-year urology residents. Additional research is required for construct validation.

scholarly journals P049: Modelling and manufacturing of a 3D printed trachea for cricothyroidotomy simulation

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S94 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Doucet ◽  
S. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cricoid Cartilage ◽  
Thyroid Cartilage ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Emergency Airway ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Rural And Remote Areas

Introduction: Most current cricothyroidotomy simulation models are either expensive or low fidelity and limit the learner to an unrealistic simulation experience. The goal of this project is to innovate current simulation techniques by 3D printing anatomically accurate trachea models. By doing so emergency cricothyroidotomy simulation can be accessible, high fidelity, cost effective and replicable. Methods: 3D modelling software was used in conjunction with a desktop 3D printer to design and manufacture an anatomically accurate model of the cartilage within the trachea (thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and the tracheal rings). The initial design was based on dimensions found in studies measuring the dimensions of tracheal anatomy. This ensured an appropriate anatomical landmark design was achieved. Several revisions of the model were designed and qualitatively assessed by medical and simulation professionals to ensure anatomical accuracy that exceeded that of the currently used, low cost, cricothyroidotomy simulation model in St. John’s. Results: Using an entry level desktop 3D printer, a low cost tracheal model was successfully designed that can be printed in under 3 hours. Due to its anatomical accuracy, flexibility and durability, this model is ideal for use in emergency medicine simulation training. Additionally, the model can be assembled in conjunction with a membrane to simulate tracheal ligaments and skin for appearance. Conclusion: The end result is a high fidelity simulation that will provide users with an anatomically correct model to practice important skills used in emergency airway surgery, specifically land marking, incision and intubation. This design is a novel, easy to manufacture, replicable, low fidelity trachea model that can be used by educators with limited resources such as those in rural and remote areas.

A TRNSYS Dynamic Simulation Model for Photovoltaic System Powering a Reverse Osmosis Desalination Unit with Solar Energy

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rym Chaker ◽  
Hatem Dhaouadi ◽  
Hatem Mhiri ◽  
Philippe Bournot
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Osmosis ◽  
Fresh Water ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Feed Water ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Dynamic Simulation Model

This paper presents a Photovoltaic (PV) simulation system powering a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination unit with no energy recovery device (ERD). The simulation is carried out using commercial software, Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS®). The PV system consists on solar panels (Siemens SM55) with rated power of 55 W, connected to a storage battery via DC-DC charge controller. The load of this system is a pump, which provides the RO system with feed water. The RO unit is composed of one Filmtec spiral wound membrane. Simulation results for fresh water production showed that with a continuous feed of 1.5 m3h-1, a total capacity production of 110 m3 per year can be achieved. The effect of the main parameters in desalinated water production capacity showed that with the increase of the raw water feed flow and the PV surface, the monthly fresh water production increases. They also showed that with the increase of raw water salinity, the fresh water production decreases. This work is validated with literature experimental results.

scholarly journals Feasibility Study on Wastewater Treatment Using Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 3917-3926
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Removal Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Process Economics ◽  
Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment

A techno-economic analysis was performed to investigate wastewater treatment feasibility using chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) compared to conventional primary treatment (PT). An experimental study was conducted to investigate the performance of CEPT at optimum conditions, and experimental results were used to feed the techno-economical study with required input data. The wastewater treatment was focused on reducing BOD5, COD, and TSS. The comparison between CEPT and PT was concerned with removal efficiency and process economics. CEPT process has shown better efficiency compared to PT process. The experimental work indicated that ferric chloride is the optimum coagulant agent since it is highly efficient and available at a low cost. The optimum coagulant experimental results showed that the turbidity removal efficiency was 82%, COD removal 84%, BOD removal 68.1%, and SS removal 85%. The techno-economic study was performed to investigate the feasibility of CEPT. The techno-economic evaluation indicated that CEPT is a cost-effective and technically viable process for wastewater treatment. The techno-economic evaluation indicated that CEPT is a cost-effective and technically viable process for wastewater treatment as the operating cost can be reduced by 66% compared to PT.

scholarly journals Polymer Nanocomposites for Lowering Heating and Cooling Loads in Buildings

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
George T. Stiubianu
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Management ◽  
Polymer Nanocomposites ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Thermal Control ◽  
Point Temperature ◽  
Set Point ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Environment Control ◽  
The Individual

Worldwide, buildings consume over 40% of the total commercial energy, and 36% of this amount is dedicated to the heating and cooling of buildings. Therefore, building environment control systems require efficient thermal management. An ideal thermal management that could lower the energy load for cooling and heating respectively would combine passive strategies for thermal control, which are characterized by low cost, straightforward implementation, and energy efficiency, with the on-demand control of heating and cooling, specific for active thermal management strategies. The scientific challenge of building an efficient platform for thermal control was addressed by using block copolymer materials in the development of nanocomposites with dynamically tunable thermal infrared properties. The polymer nanocomposites manage 60–70% of the metabolic heat flux from sedentary individuals and can modulate changes in the individual body temperature within a set-point temperature range of 8 °C. This increase in the set-point temperature translates into use of air conditioning for cooling/heating with a significantly lowered load, which would further translate into a 4.3% decrease of global energy consumption.

Boiler-Water Treatment by Reverse Osmosis Employing Solar Energy

2011 ◽  
Vol 374-377 ◽  
pp. 1021-1024
Author(s):  
Xian Qiu Zhang ◽  
Jing Feng Xu ◽  
Ming Xia Du ◽  
Yong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Reverse Osmosis ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Feed Water ◽  
Steam Boiler ◽  
Boiler Water ◽  
Operation Pressure

A boiler-water treatment device main composed of solar energy heater and reverse osmosis was designed Experiments on permeation flow and water quality as functions of temperature caused by solar energy were conducted. The experimental results showed that when the operation pressure was kept at 0.9MPa, permeation flow could increase 35.5%, from 6.5L/min to 8.8L/min if the feed water temperature increased from 18°C to 38°C by solar energy; and the produced water could totally meet Chinese water quality standard for middle or low pressure steam-boiler. On the other hand, if the permeation flow was kept at 8 L/min, the operation pressure would drop by 32.2%, from 1.18MPa to 0.78MPa. Based on these experimental results, economic and environmental analysis on a case of 10m3/h boiler-water treatment device by reverse osmosis employing solar energy were conducted, the results shows great significance for energy saving and environmental pollutants cut. All this showed this new RO system with pre-heating the feed water by solar energy could be widely applied in boiler-water treatment.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PLATELET COUNT IN THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN IGIMS, PATNA, BIHAR

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanwi Singh ◽  
Anshuman Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Platelet Indices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Low Platelet Count ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

The major risk associated with low platelet count in pregnancy is the increased risk of bleeding during the childbirth or post that. There is an increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy and the surgical procedure requires cutting of major blood vessels. Women with thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of losing excessive blood. The risk is more in case of caesarean delivery as compared to vaginal delivery. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Assessment of the Platelet Count in the Pregnant Women in IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. The present study was planned in Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India. The present study was planned from duration of January 2019 to June 2019. In the present study 200 pregnant females samples received for the platelet estimation were enrolled in the present study. Clinically platelet indices can be a useful screening test for early identification of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Also platelet indices can assess the prognosis of this disease in pregnant women and can be used as an effective prognostic marker because it correlates with severity of the disease. Platelet count is a simple, low cost, and rapid routine screening test. Hence the data generated from the present study concludes that platelet count can be used as a simple and cost effective tool to monitor the progression of preeclampsia, thereby preventing complications to develop during the gestational period. Keywords: Platelet Count, Pregnant Women, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, etc.

Developing an Inkjet Printer I: RGB Image to CMY Ink Amounts - Image Processing and Color Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (15) ◽  
pp. 350-1-350-10
Author(s):  
Yin Wang ◽  
Baekdu Choi ◽  
Davi He ◽  
Zillion Lin ◽  
George Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Color Management ◽  
Finger Nail ◽  
Inkjet Printer ◽  
Rgb Image ◽  
Novel Algorithm

In this paper, we will introduce a novel low-cost, small size, portable nail printer. The usage of this system is to print any desired pattern on a finger nail in just a few minutes. The detailed pre-processing procedures will be described in this paper. These include image processing to find the correct printing zone, and color management to match the patterns’ color. In each phase, a novel algorithm will be introduced to refine the result. The paper will state the mathematical principles behind each phase, and show the experimental results, which illustrate the algorithms’ capabilities to handle the task.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

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