Journal of Smart Science and Technology

Feasibility Analysis of Solar Water Heaters for Residential Use in Trinidad and Tobago

2023-11-18T15:58:43+08:00

In this study, Electric Water Heater (EWH) and Solar Water Heater (SWH) systems were designed and simulated using the Polysun software and their performances were compared. The EWH and SWH both incorporated a 200 L or 53-gallon storage tank utilizing an auxiliary electrical heating element of 4 kW and 2 kW respectively. The SWH configuration included a 3 m2 solar collector facing South at a 45° tilt angle which achieved an annual total global irradiance of 2,842 kWh on collector aperture area, an average yearly collector efficiency of 52.6%, and an annual average solar fraction of 54%. The yearly total electricity requirement for Domestic Water Heating (DWH) was calculated to be 2,777 kWh and 1,339 kWh using the EWH and SWH respectively, resulting in a 52% SWH savings per year. With a DHW temperature set at 50˚C, the EWH has an estimated value of 1,943.9 kg CO2 per year emissions compared to 937.3 kg CO2 per year associated with the SWH. The use of the SWH can result in an annual savings of TT$ 458.91. Using the current subsidized electricity rate at US$ 0.047 per kWh and the 100% tax credit on the cost of a SWH, the Simple Payback Period (SPP) of the SWH was approximately seven years. When the researchers considered the government's proposed electricity rate increase of 40‑65.75%, followed by the complete removal of the subsidy, the researchers observed that the Simple Payback Period (SPP) for the SWH system was reduced to approximately 4 to 5 years and 1.5 to 2 years, respectively. This study has demonstrated the economic and environmental feasibility of SWH use in Trinidad and Tobago as the Government moves to achieve its Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs).

Community Entrepreneurship Potential for Renewable Energy Adoption in Trinidad and Tobago

2023-07-12T09:13:52+08:00

The urgent need to mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and combat the devastating impacts of climate change has led many countries to focus on renewable energy (RE) transition. This paper explores the extent to which communities can produce RE through community energy (CE). It identifies the barriers and drivers to RE implementation within their community, through local entrepreneurship in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Through reviewed literature and considering factors unique to TT, a survey instrument was developed, validated, and administered to key stakeholders in communities throughout TT. The survey revealed that the respondents' demographic characteristics were diverse, with a strong sense of belongingness and rootedness to their communities. Economic barriers, particularly the high cost of RE equipment and low electricity cost were identified as the main concerns, while technological barriers for siting solar farms were also noted. A lack of confidence in the system's capability to educate and train in RE technologies was indicated. Local control and participation were well-favored, with a strong acceptance that community owned RE can bring about sustainable employment and add value. Results of the survey revealed that barriers to RE in TT are those of trust even within the communities, the sometimes-unfriendly business environment, and the discouragement created by strong administrative control and bureaucracy. The findings highlight the need to promote and facilitate local control and participation in RE projects to create sustainable employment opportunities. This study suggests the need for policy and regulatory frameworks that support community-based entrepreneurship in the RE sector and encourage the participation of communities in shaping the unavoidable energy transition. Thus, it is useful to inform policy development for CE and adoption of RE among communities in TT.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Renewable Energy Implementation in the Agriculture Sector of Trinidad and Tobago

2023-08-01T01:40:13+08:00

As Trinidad and Tobago (TT) transitions to a higher dependence on renewable energy technology (RET) and increased sustainability, the agricultural sector and more specifically, agripreneurship is identified as a key area that would fuel this transition. In this paper, agripreneurship will be investigated to determine what barriers prevent the practices from being completely sustainable, as well as the opportunities for new sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) through the use of RET in this sector in TT. Studies on the status of agripreneurship locally and regionally, especially as it pertains to entrepreneurship and sustainability, are limited. Through the literature review on foreign jurisdictions and the identification of relevant factors unique to TT, a survey instrument was developed and validated. The survey instrument was administered to stakeholders in the small-scale agricultural sector, and the data was collected and analysed. The unique drivers for SE and RET implementation by small-scale farmers in TT were identified as education, economic, environmental, and social. The findings showed significant interest by farmers in learning about and implementing RET to benefit their farms. However, without direct incentives, training, education, financial support and investment by the government in RET for the sector, there is reluctance for utilisation. To begin RET implementation and increase SE, the systems in place for the dissemination of incentives and economic compensation must be fixed to run efficiently to build trust with farmers, so that they will utilise these incentives. Infrastructure for education and training designed specifically for small-scale farmers to learn about RET and SE must be put in place and utilised by farmers to tap into the potential in the technology industry. These findings inform policy development for the future RET implementation in the agricultural sector in TT.

Potential of Liquid Organic Fertiliser from Maja Fruit (Aegle marmelos) for Rice Crops

2024-02-20T09:51:34+08:00

The difficulty in obtaining fertiliser fuelled creativity to utilise local potentials around farmers. One of them is to utilise the potential of maja fruit, which has been traditionally used only for its peel as a container for coconut sap, while its inner content is discarded. The aim of this research was to exploit the potential of maja fruit waste as liquid fertiliser and to determine the best concentration of liquid fertiliser produced from maja fruits for optimum rice crop production. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University, and continued in Sungai Rengas Village, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. The research was carried out for approximately five months, from May to September 2022. This research was conducted using the completely randomised design which consisted of M₀ = control (synthetic fertiliser), M₁ = 18 mL L^-1, M₂ = 24 mL L^-1, M₃ = 30 mL L^-1, and M₄ = 36 mL L^-1, with three replications and a total of three sample plants. Observations were made on plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers per clump, bunch weight per clump, number of grains per bunch, and 1000-grain weight. The results showed that plants fertilised with liquid fertiliser derived from maja fruit surpassed the performance of plants fertilised with synthetic fertiliser. Among the different treatments of liquid organic fertiliser from maja fruit, the application of 30 mL L^-1 concentration proved effective for rice crops, making it a viable alternative to synthetic fertilisers.

Risk Analysis of Small Dam Projects in Lima Puluh Kota Area Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

2023-10-11T01:37:07+08:00

There is always a potential hazard that can cause losses to project constructions. Risk management is a way to accommodate risks that may occur during the construction period. The purpose of this study is to identify the dominant risk in construction activities and to recommend risk control measures. This study uses the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis method. The focus of risk identification was carried out during the construction phase and involved a total of 56 respondents. The research results showed that there were eight risk variables identified as dominant risks. The dominant risks were: (i) shortage of material landfills, (ii) labour negligence, (iii) lack of awareness of workers using PPE, (iv) heavy equipment accident, (v) unstable soil condition, (vi) groundwater level condition, (vii) unclean project environment, and (viii) noisy project environment. The risk that occurs in implementing construction projects have an impact on the project’s productivity, directly or indirectly. Although there are different risks, some risks are recommended with the same handling method, especially consistency in doing work with SOPs, monitoring employee discipline and using appropriate work methods.