Contentsretrud.ioe.edu.np/downloads/RETRUD-18_AbstractBooklet.pdf · 2018-10-25 · Ayush Acharya, Hugh Watson, Devashis Shrestha, Vabish Karki 1802 Potential of crop residues for

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Contents

1801 Framework for Achieving Sustainable Micro Grid Systems in Rural Communities Ayush Acharya, Hugh Watson, Devashis Shrestha, Vabish Karki

1802 Potential of crop residues for energy production in Nepal Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Manfred Denich

1803 Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Wind Energy Generation in Kagbeni, Nepal Using RegCM Neeraj Adhikari, Kundan Lal Shrestha

1804 Current Status of Small/Micro Hydropower in Nepal: A Case Study of Giringdi SHP Saurabh Agrawal, Roshan Pandey

1805 Power Generation and Regional Collaboration in South Asia Firoz Alam, Rashid Sarkar, Quamrul Alam

1806 Assessing the Role of Modal Shift in minimizing Transport Energy Consumption, A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley Ashim Bajracharya, Sudha Shrestha

1807 Grid Integration of Solar and Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Projects: A case of Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Project Implemented by AEPC Khem Raj Bhandari, Narayan Prasad Adhikari

1808 Future of Renewable Energy Use in Pakistan in the Context of Agrifood-Energy Nexus Ramchandra Bhandari, Bhunesh Kumar

1809 Women Labors of Construction Industry in Nepal Sudikshya Bhandari

1810 An Analysis of Development of Communities in Fragile Climatic Malesh Shah, Abhar Bhattarai

1811 Comparison of Energy Efficiency of traditional Brick Wall and Inco-Panel Wall: A Case Study of Hotel Sarowar in Pokhara Bishnu Hari Bhattarai, Bharat Raj Pahari, Sanjeev Maharjan

1812 Short-term Electricity Load Forecasting for Thailand Kamal Chapagain, Somsak Kittipiyakul

1813 Effect of Photoanodes on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Suman Chatterjee, Indra Bahadur Karki

1814 Analysis of Flow Dynamics of Carbon Monoxide Emitted from Cook Stoves using CFD Saurav Raj Bista, Bivek Baral, Utsav Raj Aryal, Nischal Chaulagain

1815 Thermal Performance of Nepalese Building – A Case study of Dhulikhel and Biratnagar Nischal Chaulagain, Bivek Baral, Saurav Raj Bista

1816 Thermo-Structural Analysis of High Pressure Turbine Blade Chiranjivi Dahal, Janak Kumar Tharu, Hari Bahadur Dura

1817 Comparison of energy efficiency between macro and micro base stations using energy saving strategy Madhu Sudan Dahal, Jagan Nath Shrestha, Shree Raj Shakya

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1818 Performance Analysis of Booster based Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant Niroj Dahal, Radha Krishna Shrestha, Sajjan Sherchan, Sanam Milapati, Shree Raj Shakya, Ajay Kumar Jha

1819 Experimental Analysis of Thermal Efficiency of Mud Improved Cookstove with Variation of Different Parameters and Economic Analysis Hari Bahadur Darlam, Bhakta Bahadur Ale, Govind Raj Pokharel

1820 Efficiency Improvement on a Distribution Feeder: A Case Study Megha Nath Dhakal, Rudra Ghimire

1821 Modeling and Simulation of Hydraulic Section of Basochu Hydropower Plant (BHP) using Real-Time Performance Data Cheku Dorji, Deepen Sharma, Yeshi Wangpo, Pravakar Pradhan

1822 Energy Security and Scenario Analysis of Province One of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Sujan Dulal, Shree Raj Shakya

1823 Upscaling and Development Challenges Faced by Emerging Renewable Energy Based Lift Irrigation Systems: A Case Study of Hydro Powered Irrigation Pump Sujan Dulal, Pratap Thapa

1824 Renewable Energy for Rural Development In Bangladesh Nashiyat Fyza, M. A. Rashid Sarkar

1825 Investigation on Wintry Thermal Comfort in Traditional Houses of Nepalese Three Climatic Regions Basudev Gautam, Hom Bahadur Rijal, Masanori Shukuya

1826 Assessment and Containment of Aflatoxin Impact on the Health by Solar Drying Smriti Gupta, Shishir Kumar Verma

1827 Enhancing Access to Energy Services for Sustainable Development in Rural Communities Surya Gyawali, Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya, Sudarshan Raj Tiwari, Hans Norve Skotte

1828 Water Chemistry of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in the Tibetan Plateau Xiang Huang, Bu Duo, Dan Zeng, Xuebin Lyu, Hulin Chen

1829 Study on the Stochastic Model for Excessive Air Conditioning Use in Japanese Dwellings H. Imagawa, H.B. Rijal, M. Shukuya

1830 Implementation of Solar-PV Inverter as STATCOM during Night Time in Grid Connected System (PV-STATCOM) Kishor Joshi, Pranisha Karki, Sagar Bimali, Tara Aryal, Indraman Tamrakar

1831 Study on Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emission and Global Warming Potential for Pre-Monsoon Paddy Production in Jhapa District Nepal Padam Prasad Paudel, Dharma Raj Pokharel, Sajan Koirala, Lalan Baitha, Sijal Pokharel, Dae Hyun Kim, Sagar Kafle

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1832 Study on Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emission and Global Warming Potential for Maize Production in Morang District Nepal Sandesh Poudel, Saurabh Bhattarai, Tsering Sherpa, Anish Karki, Vidya Prasad Kafle, Dae Hyun Kim, Sagar Kafle

1833 Moving from Fossil Fuels to Electric Cooking: An Option for Clean Cooking Access in Nepal Samikchhya Kafle, Arabinda Kumar Mishra, Amina Maharjan, Arnico Kumar Panday

1834 A Comprehensive Study on Hydropower Potential of Nepal Khimananda Kandel

1835 Importance of Behavioural Adjustments for Adaptive Thermal Comfort in a Condominium with HEMS system KC Rajan, Rijal Hom Bahadur, Shukuya Masanori, Yoshida Kazui

1836 Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Renewable Energy Projects – A Case Study from Mustang, Nepal Martina Maria Keitsch, Nyima Tsering Gurung

1837 Design of Solar Water Pasteurization System with Slow Sand Filtration Pratik Raj Khadka, Bibek Gautam, Nayan Acharya, Basanta Bhattarai, Subham Kandel, Sunil Pradad Lohani

1838 Sub-national Energy Access Planning Model for Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Barpak Kshitiz Khanal, Bivek Baral

1839 Contribution of Renewable Energy in Climate Resilient Approach and SDG 7 Ram Chandra Khanal, Shree Raj Shakya, Tri Ratna Shakya

1840 Possibilities of Biogas in Urban Context Srijana Koirala

1841 Design and Development of Low Temperature Community Solar Dryer for Oily and Hard Edible Produces Shruti Kumari, Renu Kumari, Shilpa Choudhary, Sanjay Kumar

1842 Wind Farming Feasibility Assessment in 16 Locations of Nepal Raju Laudari, Balkrishna Sapkota, Kamal Banskota

1843 Enhancement of Nitric Acid Hydrolysis on Corn Stover for Sugar Production at Relatively Low Temperature Bu Duo, Dan Zeng, Xiang Huang, Xuebin Lyu

1844 Γ- Valero lactone (GVL) Production from Lignocellulosic Waste: Focused on the Full Composition Utilization of Biomass Xuebin Lyu, Xiaoyun Li, Bu Duo, Xiang Huang, Dan Zeng

1845 Comparative Study of Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Fabricated using Substrates Coated with Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide and Titanium Arbin Maharjan

1846 Municipal Solid Waste Management in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges Mohan Krishna Maharjan, Sunil Prasad Lohani

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1847 Experiences in Improving Efficiency of Energy and Other Resources in Metal Industries in Nepal Amar B Manandhar, Durga B Karanjit, Govinda Tiwari, Gopal K Shrestha, Deepsikha Byanju, Parashar K Deo, Priyanka Karna, Vikas Singh, Ranu Pachauri, Devesh Kumar, Malini Balakrishnan, Stefan Melnitzky

1848 Modern Energy and its Influence on Gender Relations in Nepal: What Does the Evidence Say? Rashmi Murali, Deborshi Brahmachari, Bigsna Gill

1849 Solar Greenhouse as an Energy Alternative Solution for Growing Vegetable in High Altitude Region: A Case of Baragaon, Mustang Dip Pandey

1850 Impact of Rural Economic Zone Powered by RE Mini-Grids on Climate Change and Economic Growth of a Rural Village Hardik Pokhrel, Sushmita Dulal

1851 Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Net-metering Implementation in Rooftop Solar PV in Nepal Hardik Pokhrel

1852 Performance and Techno-Economic Analysis of Compact Biogas Plant in Comparison with Existing Modified GGC-2047 Model Biogas Plant and FRP biogas plants Susma Poudel, Ajay Kumar Jha

1853 Voltage Stability Study of Eastern Bhutan’s Transmission Network Pravakar Pradhan, Jurmi Dorji, Pema Lhamo, Tenzin Namgyel, Lobzang Tenzin

1854 Public Bus Accessibility and its Implications in Energy and Environment: A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley Anita Prajapati, Tri Ratna Bajracharya, Nawraj Bhattarai, Yngve Karl Froyen

1855 Technical and Economic Assessment for the Promotion of Non-Carbonized Pellets in MSME Sector in Nepal Suyesh Prajapati, Aadit Malla, Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Shubha Laxmi Shrestha

1856 Overview and Feasibility of Floating Solar Photovoltaic System in Nepal Ashuhang Rai, Ashutosh Timilsina, Beni Nepali

1857 Demand Characteristics of Electricity in Residential Sector of Kathmandu valley Utsav Shree Rajbhandari, Laxman Poudel, Nawraj Bhattarai

1858 Assessment of Urban Rooftop Grid Connected Solar Potential in Nepal Jagan Nath Shrestha, Debendra Bahadur Raut

1859 Study on Behavioural Adaptation for the Thermal Comfort and Energy Saving in Japanese Offices Hom B. Rijal, Michael A. Humphreys, J. Fergus Nicol

1860 Role of Nuclear Electricity in Low Carbon Economy S. M. Sirazam Sadekin, Sayma Zaman, M.A.R. Sarkar, Major Md. Altab Hossaina

1861 Study on Household Energy Usage Patterns in Urban and Rural Areas of Nepal Shahi Dinesh Kumar, Rijal H. B., Shukuya Masanori

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1862 Crosscutting Approaches in Local Governments in State No. 7, Nepal Ek Raj Sigdel, Martina Maria Keitsch

1863 Assessment of Energy Efficiency on Urban Kathmandu Neighbourhood from Gendered Energy Cultures Framework Bindu Shrestha, Sushil B. Bajracharya, Sudarshan R. Tiwari

1864 Embodied Energy in Low Rise Building Structural Systems Jagat Kumar Shrestha

1865 Study on Adaptive Thermal Comfort in Naturally Ventilated Secondary School Buildings in Nepal Mishan Shrestha, H.B. Rijal, Masanori Shukuya

1866 Optimal Battery Sizing for Grid Interactive Photovoltaic System in Nepal Narayan Shrestha, Sanjeev Ray

1867 Revisiting Ecovillage as a Sustainable Settlement from a System's Perspective – A Case of Bandipur, Nepal Bijay Singh, Mahesh Shrestha, Martina Maria Keitsch

1868 Is Solar Powered Irrigation Technology Sustainable Option for Groundwater Irrigation Management in Nepal’s Terai? Bhesh Raj Thapa, Baburam Paudel, Rabindra Karki, Manita Raut, Michael Scobie, Erik Schmidt

1869 Study on Winter Indoor Thermal Environment of Temporary Shelters Built in Nepal after Massive Earthquake 2015 Rita Thapa, Hom Bahadur Rija, Masanori Shukuya, Hikaru Imagawa

1870 Solid Particle Erosion Models and their Application to Predict Wear in Pelton Turbine Needle Tri Ratna Bajracharya, Rajendra Shrestha, Ashesh Babu Timilsina

1871 Modeling of Wind-Solar Hybrid Power System for Off-Grid in Nepal and A Case Study Khagendra Thapa, Arbin Maharja, Kishor Kaphle, Kishor Joshi, Manisha Rauniyar, Tara Aryal

1872 Gender and Energy for Space Heating and Cooling Prerana Tuladhar

1873 Stakeholders’ Perception about the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Subsidy in Nepal Ashma Vaidya

1874 Experimental Study on Tourism Waste Gasification in Tibet Plateau Dan Zeng, Peng Zhou, Xuebin Lyu, Bu Duo, Xiang Huang

1

Framework for Achieving Sustainable Micro Grid Systems in Rural Communities

Ayush Acharya1*, Hugh Watson2, Devashis Shrestha2, Vabish Karki4

Abstract:

This paper presents a concise framework for achieving sustainable and well-grounded mini-grid system across rural communities by interpreting various critical determinants which directly/indirectly affect a localized energy grid and draws a co-relation between them. The end product is a matrix that guides private sectors to rate an area in terms of its viability to cater an autonomous energy generation system by blending technology with economic and social aspects. More importantly the framework also addressed methodology for scaling a plant – circumstances such as post-grid arrival, rise in energy demand, and conjunction with new generation plants required to meet the rise. Furthermore, the paper provides a commentary on business models and blend of financial indices suitable for decentralized system for long term financial viability for private sectors. GoN has been supporting rural micro-grids through Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). Until recently, rural off-grid areas of Nepal had community led projects that would become defunct after arrival of national grid, fragmented planning, substandard technology, O&M issues etc. Now, with concept of private sector led projects opening up, the paper provides a skeleton for establishing mini-grid systems designed by negating those downsides that are practically feasible.

This study was performed in various micro-grid sites in Makawanpur District. Research was carried out beforehand via online technology. This was to gain a sense of understanding before visiting the district. A field visit took place from April 24-26, 2018 to verify the research and to perform further analysis. Details were gathered firsthand through empathizing with locals, who filled out a questionnaires set Benchmarks were established in relation to technology, economics and social factors. Analysis was carried out, with the villages ranked against each other.

Keywords: Micro-Grid - Off-grid Energy - ABC Business Model

1 WindPower Nepal Pvt. Ltd. 2 University of Adelaide 3 University of Maryland 4 Western Sydney University

* Corresponding Email: [email protected]

1801

2

Potential of crop residues for energy production in Nepal

Narayan Prasad Adhikari1*, Manfred Denich2

Abstract:

The study aims at assessing the availability of crop residues for energy production in lowland, hill and mountain districts of Nepal. Rice, wheat, maize, millet and barley are included in the study that is based upon two different household surveys: (i) interviews conducted in 240 households to obtain key information about practices of crop harvesting, (ii) determination of the quantity of the main crops, their residues and alternative uses of the latter conducted in 27 households. Apart from the foremost use as fodder, there are five major uses of crop residues: building material, burning on the field, mulching of the field, selling and energy generation. Despite the higher amount of crop residues in the lowland (954 kg dry matter per capita and year) than in the hill district (547 kg capita-1 yr-1), the amount of crop residues used for energy generation higher in the hill (207 kg capita-1 yr-1) than in the lowland district (152 kg capita-1 yr-1). In the mountain district, the crop residue production is 263 kg capita-1 yr-1, of which 26 kg capita-1 yr-1 are used for energy generation. The annual per capita energy equivalent from crop residues in the lowland, hills and mountains are 2.49 GJ, 3.42 GJ and 0.44 GJ which represent 30 %, 33% and 3% respectively, of the total annual cooking energy consumption.

Keywords: Crop residues, lowland, hills, mountains

1 Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal

2 Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany

* Corresponding Email: [email protected], [email protected]

1802

3

Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Wind Energy Generation in Kagbeni, Nepal Using RegCM

Neeraj Adhikari1*, Kundan Lal Shrestha2

Abstract:

Renewable energies, the promising technologies for the mitigation of climate change, are strongly climate dependent. This research was done to study the impact of climate change on energy generation from wind resources in Kagbeni, Nepal, where the present wind speed and wind power density at 75 m agl are 8.15 m/s and 851 W/m2 respectively.

In this research, RegCM-4.4.1 regional climate model was used to downscale the future wind resources with a resolution of 10 km × 10 km. The model was validated in the region using five year observed wind resources from 2001–2005 and further it was used to downscale the wind resources for time period of 2030–2050 using HadGEM2 GCM output of scenario RCP 4.5.

This research predicts a 5.3% increase in the wind speed with 13.4% increase in the wind power density at 75 m agl for the time period of 2030–2050. The turbine selected was SUZLON S-52 having hub height of 75 m with 600 KW power rating. The capacity factor of the turbine for the time period of 2030-2050 increases by 15% compared to base year 2001-2005.

Keywords: Climate Change, Wind Energy Generation, Kagbeni-Nepal, RegCM

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus 2 Department of Environment, Kathmandu University


1803

mailto:[email protected]

4

Current Status of Small/Micro Hydropower in Nepal: A Case Study of Giringdi SHP

Saurabh Agrawal 1, 2*, Roshan Pandey 2

Abstract:

Nepal has economically exploitable hydropower potential of about 42,000 Megawatts out of which only about 2% has been harnessed so far. Nepal’s average annual per capita electricity consumption is about 161 kWh- one of the lowest consumptions in South Asia. Electrical energy available for the fiscal year 2016/2017 was 6257 GWh, of which NEA’s own contribution was only 36.84% whereas those imported from India and local IPPs accounted for 34.76% and 28.40% respectively. Despite its vast hydropower potential, Nepal suffers from severe and long-lasting electricity supply crisis. ¬ The main objective of the study was to assess the current status of small/micro hydropower in Nepal through a case study of Giringdi SHP (75 kW), considered as an example of excellence in small/micro hydropower. Analysis was done based on the primary data that was accumulated via questionnaires, simple observation, and direct on-site testing of components. It was found that the condition of plant with regard to installed major equipment like turbine, generator, Electronic Load Controller (ELC), control valves, panel board and other electrical parameters were only satisfactory while the working condition of other components like bearings, shaft and couplings were considerably poor. Even the condition of one of the best sites, seemed to be satisfactory reflecting the frequency of maintenance and policies in rural off-grid/not connected region. Thus, this all shows that the government policy for off grid/ not connection in comparison with pre-connection and post-connection strategy regarding national electrification plan needs to be revised and rethought for future development and growth of this sector.

Keywords: Small hydropower, electromechanical, electricity, vibration, micro hydropower

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, IOE, TU, Nepal 2 Faculty of Technology, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Nepal


1804

5

Power Generation and Regional Collaboration in South Asia

Firoz Alam1*, Rashid Sarkar2, Quamrul Alam3

Abstract:

Inadequate power generation and supply are considered to be the main hindrance of economic development and prosperity in South Asia. Limited indigenous energy resource of each South Asian nation is not suitable to generate sufficient power. Moreover, the availability of limited indigenous energy resources differs among South Asian nations. The power demand and power generation capacity notably vary among the countries due to seasonal variability. This paper highlights the need for a collective effort to develop mechanism for the utilisation of limited resources and enhance the cross boarder power trade among South Asian nations. Bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation will allow overcoming regional power shortage and augmenting collective energy security.

Keywords: Energy, Power, Energy Security, Hydro Resource, Cross Border Power Trade

1 School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

3 School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, Australia

Corresponding Email: * [email protected], ** [email protected]

1805

6

Assessing the Role of Modal Shift in minimizing Transport Energy Consumption, A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley

Ashim Bajracharya1*, Sudha Shrestha1

Abstract:

With rapid growing economies and population, there is an increasing trend of expansion of urban sprawl and auto-mobilization, in the cities of the Kathmandu Valley. With the rise in travel demand, transport energy is becoming a major concern for planners and policy makers. This paper aims to study the transport energy of daily trips that constitute work and educational trips, in context of the Kathmandu Valley. The study demonstrates the applicability of a 4-step travel demand model for the assessment of energy saving measures in urban by formulating scenarios. The results show that currently daily trips consume 3666 TJ annually. Cars and motorcycles contribute to most of consumption, accounting for over 80% of the total transport energy. As a mitigation measure to reduce transport energy, introduction of efficient public transport system in the form of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) along major corridors, could bring down transport energy consumption significantly. The paper therefore concludes with the essence, to address the need of modal shift to mass transit system, as a step towards minimization of transport energy.

Keywords: Transport energy, Work trips, Educational trips, Kathmandu Valley, Public Transport

1 Dept. of Architecture and Urban Planning, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal


1806


7

Grid Integration of Solar and Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Projects: A case of Solar/Wind Hybrid Mini-Grid Project Implemented by AEPC

Khem Raj Bhandari1*, Narayan Prasad Adhikari1

Abstract:

Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) has been scaling up renewable energy technologies through mini grid systems in Nepal’s off-grid areas in order to fulfill community electricity demands for both households as well as enterprise services. As experienced it is likely that national electricity grid power supply will reach after development of mini-grid projects to some of mini-grid service areas. The objective of this study is to highlight success stories of solar and solar/wind mini-grids implementation through AEPC, and seeking grid integration policy for those rural mini-grid systems. AEPC has successfully electrified about 20 rural communities through solar and solar/wind hybrid mini-grid technologies. Most of these isolated mini-grid projects will seek grid interconnections in near future. If those isolated mini-grids will be connected to the national grid power network, they could feed surplus electricity to the national grid and receive deficit electricity from the national grid system to serve existing local grid electricity users.

The methodology applied to this study is assessment of existing solar and solar/wind mini-grid projects, technological intervention required for grid integration, reviewing grid-connection policy of distributed renewable generations in the country and recommendation of relevant policy option(s) for grid connection of rural mini-grids. Grid integration of isolated solar and solar/wind mini-grids will have positive impacts to the sustainability of the local mini-grids, will help in retaining existing mini-grids end users, energy produced by mini-grid systems will be optimally utilized, the existing mini-grid power will contribute to stabilize weak national grid that will serve to those villages. The outcome of the study will recommend need of policy options as well as technological interventions in order to do grid integration of solar and solar/wind hybrid mini-grid systems.

Keywords: Grid Integration, Mini-grid, Solar/Wind Hybrid, Sustainability

1 Alternative Energy Promotion Centre


1807

8

Future of Renewable Energy Use in Pakistan in the Context of Agrifood-Energy Nexus

Ramchandra Bhandari1*, Bhunesh Kumar1

Abstract:

Pakistan is facing a serious energy supply problem due to lack of energy that results in a shortfall of power supply from 6–10 hours/day, especially outside the big cities. The energy demand is expected to increase in every sectors such as industrial, agricultural, household and transport in the years ahead due to population growth, economic development and modern lifestyle. Agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy contributing around 20% share in GDP. At present the direct energy consumption in the agricultural sector is 2%. To avoid a worse situation in the future years renewable energy resource potential exploitation is needed. This requires also proper planning and implementation of energy policies. In this work present and future electrical energy consumption, demand and supply gap of the country is presented. A sustainable agricultural productive system has become a major priority to maintain food security for the increasing population. Both direct and indirect electrical and energy consumption has emerged in agrifood sector with farm machinery, production, packing and transport of fertilizers, food processing and transport, crop production, animal product production, poultry production, etc. In addition to this excel based model is developed to integrate the renewable energy into the agrifood – energy nexus supply chain and to fulfil the current and future energy demand of the sector.

Keywords: Renewable energy technologies, energy-food nexus, electricity, powering agriculture

1 Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, TH Köln (Cologne University of Applied Sciences), Betzdorfer Strasse 2, 50679 Cologne, Germany


1808

9

Women Labors of Construction Industry in Nepal

Sudikshya Bhandari1

Abstract:

The construction sector is one of the largest energy consuming industries in the world. Likewise, in Nepal, 10% to 11% to GDP is form the building and construction sector with a lot of positive impacts in national economy. Thus with the growing demand, this industry as dominated by males is facing shortages in the human resource. Recently, women have been seen working in the construction industry. In the case of Nepal, we can observe women participation in the construction sector as a manager, or labor or even some other duties but the number is very small. It has to be changed and women have to be trained for more being familiar with the construction, its advancement and sustainability issues for using full potential of this sector. Therefore, in the coming years, with more women involved, there will be more experienced ones involved in construction industry who can have enough expertise as men do, that can cause revolution in the construction industry of Nepal. Thus, this research aims to identify the status of women in the construction industry of Nepal and the future potential of women and their perspective. This is a qualitative research based on post positivist paradigm. The research uses semi structured interviews especially with open ended questions. The expected output from this research is the condition of women laborers focused towards the existing problems, challenges and the possibilities of improvements and opportunities for women in this sector. This research can be of benefit to female laborers, contractors, construction companies, academia and women enthusiastic in this sector.

Keywords: Women labors; Construction; Construction Industry

1 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Corresponding Email: [email protected]

1809

10

An Analysis of Development of Communities in Fragile Climatic

Malesh Shah1*, Abhar Bhattarai1**

Abstract:

A lot of human settlements in the world lie in very difficult climatic conditions. These communities live in the most remote places with very little hope for basic infrastructures for a quality life. With little or no access to the simplest of facilities like clean drinking water or latrine, uplifting these communities to the point of realization of their energy needs and then fulfilling them with the help of renewable energy solutions can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, by using holistic approaches and appropriate strategic schemes for development, these communities can be propelled towards better infrastructures and better quality of life. This paper aims to review the challenges, the different approaches that have been adopted and the ones that can be adopted in the future for partial to complete solution to the prevalent problems in these communities. Furthermore, it studies and presents the innovative technologies that can be used for uplifting these communities in terms of basic infrastructure and fulfilling energy needs. Incentivizing with provision of additional facilities to basic ones, in a bundled approach, and its effectiveness is also studied. An analysis of the state of livelihood and possible pathways to fulfillment of basic needs, including energy needs, of these communities are studied and presented.

Keywords: Rural development, Rural Population, Sustainable Development

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University, Nepal

Corresponding Email: *[email protected], **[email protected]

1810

11

Comparison of Energy Efficiency of traditional Brick Wall and Inco-Panel Wall: A Case Study of Hotel Sarowar in Pokhara

Bishnu Hari Bhattarai1*, Bharat Raj Pahari1, Sanjeev Maharjan1

Abstract:

Energy efficiency is understood to mean the utilization of energy in the most cost effective manner to carry out process or provide a service, whereby energy waste is minimized and the overall consumption of primary energy resources is reduced. Various measures can be employed to attain energy efficiency in building such as reducing demands for heating, cooling, lighting, consumption for office equipment and appliances demand, reducing energy requirement for ventilation, using energy efficient building materials.

An energy efficient home is designed to keep out the wind and rain while reducing energy waste. Modern homes are built with variety of different materials. They are no longer built using only bricks and mortar. A wide variety of energy efficient building materials are now available. Recycled Steel, Insulating Concrete Forms, Plant-based Polyurethane Foam, Straw Bales, Structural Insulated Panels, Plastic Composite Lumber, Vacuum Insulation Panels, Inco-panel are among alternatives available.

Among those various wall materials, energy performance analysis in terms of heating and cooling load is done in this thesis. For this study, under construction Hotel Sarowar is chosen for analysis. This study compares heat transfer on the building when Inco-panel is used as wall material and conventional brick masonry is used as wall material. The heat transfers through those walls are calculated using MS Excel and ANSYS Software.

Keywords: ANSYS, Brick, Energy Efficiency, Inco-Panel

1 Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


1811

12

Short-term Electricity Load Forecasting for Thailand

Kamal Chapagain1*, Somsak Kittipiyakul1

Abstract

Short-term electricity demand or load forecasting is the way of estimating future demand for short time horizon, an hour to one week ahead. Short horizon forecasting helps to maintain secure power system, avoids blackout risk and provides adequate electricity supply. Therefore, accurate forecasting is prime concern for day to day planning and ensuring the stability of electricity system. Many literatures show their mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for short term load forecasting as less than 2%, which is very competitive performance. The methodology behind good performance is that the model should address the driving factors that affect electricity load and employs appropriate estimation techniques. In our work, multiple linear regression models are developed and Bayesian estimation technique is used.

Assuming historical load, temperature, daily, and weekly seasonal patterns as the main effecting factors for electricity load consumption, two models Model A, and Model B are constructed. Model A consist historical load with deterministic terms. However, model B consist all variables of Model A plus temperature variables. These models are analyzed based on their forecasting performance for three years out of sample prediction. Our results showed that when temperature variable is included in model, it can improve the overall performance at least by 20%. Performance improvement was higher during morning and evening hours than day hours. Interestingly, evening hours (17 to 22) are statistically not significant.

Keywords: Interaction of variables, Ordinary least square estimation, Seasonality, Univariate technique

1 Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

1812



13

Effect of Photoanodes on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Suman Chatterjee1*, Indra Bahadur Karki2

Abstract:

Dye sensitized Solar cell (DSSC) is a photo-electrochemical system which converts solar energy into electrical energy. In the present era DSSCs takes so much attention because of their considerably high efficiencies at a comparably low production cost. The nanostructured electrode plays a vital role in device properties. Originally, the nanostructured TiO2 were widely used as DSSC electrodes. Further, nanostructured ZnO has shown a great deal of research interest as the electrode material in DSSCs due to some of its fascinating properties. Compared to other semiconductors, it has unique properties such as large exciton binding energy, wide band gap, high breakdown strength, cohesion and exciton stability. In this paper, the construction and electron transport mechanism of DSSCs devices are described and a comparison of performances of DSSCs fabricated with ZnO or TiO2 photo electrodes was made in terms of its device parameters. This is further correlated with the band structure & density of states (DOS) of ZnO and TiO2 using Density functional theory (DFT) and finally the photovoltaic performance of ZnO and TiO2 based DSSCs was discussed to elucidate the differences.

Keywords: Dye-sensitized solar cells, Titania nanopowders, Zinc Oxide Nanorods, Photovoltaic properties, Band structure, Density of states, Density functional theory

1 Department of Physics, University of North Bengal, Siliguri-734013, India 2 Faculty of Science, Health and Technology, Nepal Open University, Kathmandu, Nepal


1813

14

Analysis of Flow Dynamics of Carbon Monoxide Emitted from Cook Stoves using CFD

Saurav Raj Bista1, Bivek Baral2, Utsav Raj Aryal1, Nischal Chaulagain1*

Abstract:

Wood being one of the major sources for cooking in developing countries has also been key for indoor air pollutions. Many studies and improvements on the stove have been conducted to enhance combustion efficiency and minimize emission. Although many Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) programs has been widespread, due to design limitation together with operational and fuel factors have hindered the targeted emission reduction. Several studies in developing countries have shown that the even ICS have not been able to reduce the adverse impact on human health due to the use of solid biomass fuel.

Despites the limitation in stove performance, alternatives has to be used to reduce the indoor air pollution till better cooking and heating system is in place in the developing countries. Proper ventilation and stove placement might be one of the few solutions. To provide an effective passive ventilation scheme, flow dynamics of the pollutants from stove to indoor space and outdoor needs to be predicted. This paper discusses about the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool to predict the pollution flow pattern and dispersion dynamics with different ventilation placement and stove location. The study also considers potential thermal energy conservation in the living space with optimum ventilation.

Keywords: Indoor air pollution, emission, ventilation, flow dynamics.

1 Kathmandu University, Nepal 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu University, Nepal


1814

15

Thermal Performance of Nepalese Building – A Case study of Dhulikhel and Biratnagar

Nischal Chaulagain1*, Bivek Baral1, Saurav Raj Bista3

Abstract:

Nepal has wide variation in altitude, so does its climate, lifestyle and housing. The Government of Nepal has issued building design codes however the design is incomplete in terms of thermal comfort. The building design code does not address the issue of thermal comfort, this could be the reason the modern buildings built under the design code are performing poorly. As a result, people have largely compromised in accommodation. The research includes selection of two representative buildings (at Biratnagar and Dhulikhel) followed by real time monitoring of indoor climate (temperature and Relative humidity). The logged data was used to calibrate the computer model. The model was made as realistic as possible by including indoor heat loads from people, lighting, electric equipment and infiltration. Building energy modeling was done in EnergyPlus. The research work depicts the thermal performance of building by comparing the indoor climate of selected buildings of Biratnagar and Dhulikhel with the ASHARE suggested thermal comfort level for humans. The major problem for Biratnagar building was overheating for more than 6months period while for Dhulikhel was underheating for more than 4 months period. The paper suggests further research to analyze passive techniques to improve thermal performance and reduce active energy consumption.

Keywords: Thermal comfort, Building Design Code, Indoor Climate

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu University

Corresponding Email: *[email protected]

1815

16

Thermo-Structural Analysis of High Pressure Turbine Blade

Chiranjivi Dahal1*, Janak Kumar Tharu1, Hari Bahadur Dura1

Abstract:

Turbine blade tip clearance plays major role in smooth running of axial turbines. The turbine blade clearance contributes 20-40% of total loss in gas turbine. In Rolls Royce MT2 Turbine with 2% tip to span clearance ratio, tip clearance accounts for 40% of total losses. Turbine blade clearance is necessary as the turbine blade operates at very high temperature up to 1700°C and very high centrifugal load. Small turbine tip clearance may forbid expansion of turbine blade which will result in turbine tip rubbing with the casing.

High pressure turbine blade experiences high thermal and centrifugal stress. The objective of this paper is to study the individual and combined effect of these stress. The material used for analysis is cast based nickel alloy IN-738. The melting range of this alloy is 1230-1315 °C with thermal expansion coefficient of 15.39E-6 per °C. The turbine blade geometry with height 120 mm is used for analysis. The Mathematical modelling of above geometry shows that the centrifugal force with rotation velocity 100 rad/s produces 0.00252424 mm elongation and combined thermal-centrifugal loading produces 1.46520576 mm elongation.

The results form ANSYS is used for verification and the elongation due to centrifugal stress is 0.0014067 mm and combined stress produces elongation of 1.2608 mm. The total elongation from analytical method and ANSYS are similar. It shows that the effect due to centrifugal force on turbine blade is less compared to thermal effect. For operating condition of 816 °C temperature and 100 rad/s rotational velocity, the overall stress contributes around 1.22% elongation of turbine blade span.

Keywords: Clearance, energy loss, elongation, centrifugal stress, thermal stress

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1816

17

Comparison of energy efficiency between macro and micro base stations using energy saving strategy

Madhu Sudan Dahal1*, Jagan Nath Shrestha1, Shree Raj Shakya1

Abstract:

To meet the subscribers ever increasing traffic demand, micro and macro base stations are being deployed excessively. As the traffic pattern varies according to the user's behavior, the deployment of micro and macro base stations plays a vital role in saving energy while maintaining the traffic demand of the subscribers. A macro base station consumes more than double the energy than a micro base station. Due to the space and time characteristics of the traffic, the BS cannot allocate resources effectively, which results in wasting energy consumption and low energy efficiency. Therefore, energy saving through deployment of base stations play a significant role to increase the energy efficiency. In this paper, the user traffic pattern is determined and the resources needed to fulfill the traffic are analyzed and finally the deployment strategies for the base stations are formulated.

Since the base stations are fully loaded only for few hours a day, energy saving on the stations during low traffic will be significant. The energy saving schemes saved up to 18.8% of energy in macro and 26.9% of energy in micro BS. So it would be more efficient to implement a heterogeneous network with more micro cells with energy saving schemes than just macro base stations.

Keywords: Energy efficiency, energy consumption, base stations, measurement energy saving, green communication

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


1817

18

Performance Analysis of Booster based Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant

Niroj Dahal1*, Radha Krishna Shrestha1, Sajjan Sherchan1,

Sanam Milapati1, Shree Raj Shakya1,2, Ajay Kumar Jha1

Abstract:

Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant (GWVPP) is a power generation system that suits for ultralow head streams of water with low flow rate. Due to the simple design, compact structure, and the possibility of local fabrication, it can benefit rural areas for off-grid supply. The purpose of this research is to study the potential of booster based GWVPP. Previous researches concluded the best position of turbine in GWVPP is actually not the maximum head position which eventually does not extract all possible head. This research explores the possibility of adding an extra runner (booster runner) below the main runner in the existing set up for additional power generation. The performance of the booster runner, modelled in CATIA V5R21 was studied computationally using ANSYS 18.1 FLUENT for various boosters with varieties of number of blades, blade inclination angle, height of booster, rotational speed and the blade profile so as to obtain the most suitable design of the booster runner, which was then verified experimentally in a model set up using four different booster runners. The research showed an increase of 3.84W in the miniaturized model which corresponds to the increase in efficiency of 20.4% from a total of 63.55% by main runner alone. This implies that the power generation can be increased by the addition of the booster runner in the existing set up.

Keywords: Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant, Booster runner, Main runner, Blade inclination angle, Height of booster, Rotational speed, Blade profile, Power

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Lalitpur, Nepal

2 Center for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1818


19

Experimental Analysis of Thermal Efficiency of Mud Improved Cookstove with Variation of Different Parameters and Economic Analysis

Hari Bahadur Darlami1*, Bhakta Bahadur Ale1, Govind Raj Pokharel2

Abstract:

Most of the rural people of Nepal use fuelwood for cooking and space heating in residential sector. Government of Nepal has announced to make Nepal as a smokeless country by replacing traditional cookstoves. Two pot mud improved cookstove is one of the most promoted cookstoves in the context of Nepal. There is a need to study the effects of different parameters on mud improved cookstove for its better performance. The objective of this work is to study the effect of variation of different parameters on two pot mud ICS and identify parameters for its better performance. Power test of cookstove, specially focusing on thermal efficiency, has been performed by changing different parameters. Effect of varying fuel feeding rate, chimney height, opening area of air fuel inlet, inlet area of interconnecting tunnel, combustion chamber height, grate height and insulating material on thermal efficiency have been studied individually. Then cookstove has been developed by different best combinations such as a) geometrical parameters b) use of grate and insulations in best geometrical parameters and supply of secondary air. Thermal efficiency of modified cookstove increased from 18% to 25.6%; i.e. the increment of 7.60%. Economic analysis of different thermal efficiencies cookstove has been performed.

Keywords: Firepower, efficiency, grate, combustion chamber height, chimney, insulation, net benefit

1 Tribhuvan University, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal 2 Tribhuvan University, Institute of Engineering, Thapathali Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal


1819

20

Efficiency Improvement on a Distribution Feeder: A Case Study

Megha Nath Dhakal1*, Rudra Ghimire1

Abstract:

Electricity is a necessary requirement for accelerating the economic development of any country and is considered an important input to improve quality of life. Electricity supply to consumer end is possible by the combine function of power generation, transmission and distribution instantly. One of the most chronic areas of power loss in power system is power distribution feeder. Loss in feeders are identified mainly due to overloaded conductors and transformers, long distance feeder, unbalance load on transformer, low power factor load, uses of energy inefficient load, hooking etc. The distribution losses which are more predominant can be categorized as technical losses and non-technical losses. The main target of the study is to improve the technical and overall efficiency of a distribution feeder. A high loss feeder is selected for efficiency study. Direct method of loss calculation is used to calculate total losses of the feeder and indirect method is used to find the technical losses on the feeder in existing condition. Technical losses of existing feeder and improvement on same distribution system through technical loss reduction options is analyzed by implementing the conductor replacement, rerouting and optimum capacitor placement (OCP) methods using electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP) simulation. Technical efficiency and overall efficiency for the different non-technical loss values are calculated and analyzed. Implementation of results will improve financial health of the power distribution company and provide reliable electricity supply to the consumers. In addition it provide further inputs to energy planners and managers for a number of remedial measures to loss reduction and improvement of overall efficiency of the power distribution system.

Keywords: Rerouting, Technical and Commercial (T&C), Optimum Capacitor Placement (OCP), Technical Loss, Efficiency

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.


1820

21

Modeling and Simulation of Hydraulic Section of Basochu Hydropower Plant (BHP) using Real-Time Performance Data

Cheku Dorji1*, Deepen Sharma1, Yeshi Wangpo1, Pravakar Pradhan1

Abstract:

This paper described the part of the on-going research, the dynamic modeling, and simulation of Bhutan’s hydropower plants and the power transmission network. A realistic computer model of a hydropower plant is essential for the study of its static and dynamic behavior, linking the operation and control of generating units and the associated power system networks. A real-time physical test on the system would not be feasible, given the risks involved regarding operation downtime, unnecessary system disturbances, customer’s disconnection and the revenue losses it would incur. However, the accuracy of the computer model explicitly demands; the competency to study, understand and analyze the overall physical system. This paper attempts to present the dynamic modeling and simulation of the hydraulic part of the fourth power plant, 64 MW Basochu Hydropower Plant based on its real-time measurement performance data. The mathematical model of any physical system can be built from the first principles modeling and their constitutive relationship of across and through variables, without much relying on the classical control systems engineering. The mathematical models are developed using input-output parameters and then further trained with the real-time data, both intuitively and experientially. The schematic layout of hydropower consists of a reservoir, water channel, surge chamber, penstock, turbine, governor control, and the power network. Each sub-component is described by its differential-integral equation followed by building blocks in the Matlab/Simulink. The Simulink blocks are then interconnected to form a complete model. The performance measurement was carried out on one of the generating unit, keeping the other unit identical. A total of 23 measurement files was recorded, considering the different operating scenarios of the power plant. Each measurement file consists of 11 different signals recorded simultaneously over a same length of time, using the National Instrument LabVIEW DAQ set up. The unknown parameters and the functional relationship of needle opening, deflector control, and turbine characteristics are derived from the stationary data table. The time constant parameters for water channel, penstock, and frictional coefficients were also computed from stationary points and the plant specifications. The simulated results were then compared with the real-time responses to validate the physical model. Based on the simulation results, the initial study of island mode operation and dynamic response of the plants were also carried out in this paper.

Keywords: Hydropower, modeling, hydraulic section, measurement, island mode, Matlab/Simulink

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan


1821

22

Energy Security and Scenario Analysis of Province One of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Sujan Dulal1*, Shree Raj Shakya1, 2

Abstract:

This paper presents the current energy security status of Province one of federal democratic republic of Nepal using numerous indicators. Additionally, with the development of five economic growth scenarios i.e. Normal growth (NOR) (5.80%), Low growth (LOW) (4.20%), High growth (HIG) (6.80%), Accelerated growth (ACC) (8.50%), and Intervention scenario (INT) on Normal growth scenario (NOR), future energy mix and energy security indicators for the year 2040 are also calculated. The paper gives an overview of change in values of different indicators during the considered period of study (2017-2040). On the basis of compilation of data published by Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) and use of model developed in Long Range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP), the study shows the increase in final energy consumption of province in NOR to 101.8 million GJ at 2040 from 80.2 million GJ at 2017, whereby residential sector being the largest energy consuming sector with share of 68% in the total energy mix. However, the energy consumption increases to only 86.8 million GJ at 2040 in INT. Similarly, the GHG emission in NOR scenario at the end year will be 592.8 kg/Capita i.e. 59.5% increase from the base year. With the intervention scenario adopted, the GHG emission can be limited to only 385.2 kg/Capita in the end year, which is 8% increase from the base year value of 371.8 kg/Capita. However, these values are only achieved if the provincial government helps implementing federal government's policies of promoting renewable technologies instead of traditional fuels and systems.

Keywords: Energy mix, Fuel mix, Energy security, Province level, Indicators, LEAP, Scenario, Policy Intervention

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, IOE, T.U., Nepal 2 Center for Energy Studies, IOE, T.U., Nepal


1822

23

Upscaling and Development Challenges Faced by Emerging Renewable Energy Based Lift Irrigation Systems: A Case Study of Hydro Powered Irrigation Pump

Sujan Dulal1, 2*, Pratap Thapa1

Abstract:

About 1.6 billion people in the world live in areas of economic water scarcity, caused by lack of infrastructure to get access to water, despite having physical water resources available. Agriculture, inherently, is one of the most affected sectors, with economic water scarcity forcing farmers to depend on rainfall for agriculture purposes due, causing reduction in agriculture yield and productivity. For surface water irrigation, traditionally large-scale infrastructure-based canal systems are used. However, such large-scale systems take extensive capital and time, especially in the developing countries’ context. Furthermore, such infrastructures are also being scrutinized for environmental reasons (for dams and efficiency of water use by flood irrigation), and such discussions are further magnified by climate change. Lifting (or pumping) systems are used as an alternative to such capital-intensive infrastructure. Conventionally, electric and fossil-fuel based pumps (diesel, kerosene, gasoline) are used in such lifting systems. Whereas lack of access to electricity is the main barrier for electric lifting systems, fossil-fuel based pumps are notorious for high operation costs of fuel and frequent maintenance. In addition, such fossil-fuel based pumps are highly polluting, a major concern from environmental perspective. As an alternative to these conventional solutions, renewable energy-based lifting systems (solar, wind, hydro) are emerging in the irrigation sector. This paper sheds light on the existing scenario of renewable energy-based pumping solutions, taking the case of hydro-powered pumps. The paper is based on the experience of researching, developing and implementing hydro-powered pumps for irrigation in Nepal and ten other countries across the world. Hydro-powered pumps are being developed for two distinct scenarios: for creating access to irrigation and for enabling water-efficient pressurized irrigation techniques such as drip systems from irrigation canals. Intermittent availability of solar and wind power, causes low reliability with such irrigation systems, in addition to need for maintenance, especially in rural areas. Hydropower is available 24/7 and can be converted to pumping power without any electronic or electrical components, reducing need for repair and maintenance. Due to this, hydro-powered pumping is identified as the most cost-effective lifting system. This paper use cases, experiences and lessons learnt from implementation of the hydro-powered pumps in Nepal and presents the similarities and differences with experiences from other countries. Additionally, the paper analyses and presents comparative strengths and weaknesses of conventional as well as renewable energy-based pumping solutions. Furthermore, the paper also discusses practitioners’ perspectives on dilemmas in implementation of renewable energy-based systems across different factors such as crop selection, community versus individual approach, market-based mechanism versus public support mechanism and developing for existing irrigation practices versus emphasizing change in irrigation habits and practices to suit such technologies. Finally, the findings are generalized for all renewable energy-based technologies and the challenges and opportunities faced by these technologies to be scaled at large scale are presented in the paper.

Keywords: Renewable, Hydro-powered, Lift-Irrigation, Pumping

1 Aqysta BV 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, IOE, T.U., Nepal


1823

24

Renewable Energy for Rural Development in Bangladesh

Nashiyat Fyza1*, M. A. Rashid Sarkar1

Abstract:

Energy is the key component to the development of a society. The demand for energy is increasing day by day. Around 16 percent of the global population does not have access to electricity. Around 64.96 % of the population of Bangladesh lives in the rural area. This large portion often suffers from substandard quality of electricity. But electricity production by conventional fossil fuel power plant gives rise to greenhouse gas emission including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. These gases cause global warming and climate change. This has a detrimental effect on every living thing on the planet. Such consequences put Bangladesh in a perilous position, as most of the land is less than 10 m above the sea-level. As lands become more prone to be inundated, this poses a threat to our agriculture, health, sanitation and causes scarcity of clean water. Initiatives must be taken to popularize low carbon climate resilient energy sectors for sustainable development. A brief study of different forms of renewable energy sources is dealt in this paper. In this study, the present scenario and future prospects of renewable energy in Bangladesh has been presented.

Keywords: energy, solar energy, biogas energy, wind energy, biogas, biomass

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh


1824

25

Investigation on Wintry Thermal Comfort in Traditional Houses of Nepalese Three Climatic Regions

Basudev Gautam1*, Hom Bahadur Rijal1, Masanori Shukuya1

Abstract:

The traditional houses are well adapted to the climate and socio-culture using local building materials and techniques. However, traditional practices are being replaced by the artificial materials, modern design and new technology. It requires strong policies to sustain the traditional architecture. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the thermal condition of traditional houses and to estimate the comfort temperature of residents. The thermal comfort survey was conducted during winter in the traditional houses. The thermal sensation votes were collected from 275 people in cold, temperate and sub-tropical climatic regions. This study was revealed that the mean indoor air temperature in cold climatic region is 12.3°C, which was 9.5K and 4.4K lower than sub-tropical and temperate climate. The comfort temperature of the residents in the cold climate was 13.9°C, which was 8.8K and 3.8K lower than sub-tropical and temperate climates. The mean clothing insulation in cold climate was 1.63 clo which was 0.48 clo and 0.31 clo higher than sub-tropical and temperate climates. It concludes that the people were well adapted to each climate with clothing adjustments and made themselves satisfied with the thermal condition of their houses.

Keywords: Regional differences, Traditional houses, Thermal environment, Comfort temperature, Clothing insulation

1 Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Japan


1825

26

Assessment and Containment of Aflatoxin Impact on the Health by Solar Drying

Smriti Gupta1*, Shishir Kumar Verma1

Abstract:

Solar drying is well known to human being since time immemorial. Its impact on our life is multidimensional. However, gradual changes in our life style have consistently reduced its positive impact during last century. It is more evident in towns. One of them is contamination of dietary items by fungi, which produces carcinogens. The ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus flavus is notorious for contaminating many important crops and food stuffs with the carcinogenic mytoxin, aflatoxin. The Aspergillus spp., are widely spread in nature and contaminated food supplies of humans and animals resulting in health hazards and even death. A detail survey of wholesale depots was made to assess the impact of aflatoxin on the health of the human and other animals by the natural contamination of the dietary items. Samples of different dietary items collected from different wholesale depots belonging to five different mohallas of Darbhanga town (Bihar, India) during 2012 were brought to the laboratory for further studies. The findings suggest that Aspergillus flavus appeared as the most dominant mycoflora in general. Present bioassay on Daphnia magna subjected to static exposure of different concentration of A. flavus crude extract clearly indicate the stain to be potential toxic producer. The rate of mortality increased with increased in amount of toxin. Solar drying is a cost-effective solution to overcome this serious problem. The technology is well developed and tested. In this paper, appropriate solar dryer design is further proposed for households to eliminate this serious health hazard.

Keywords: Solar drying, Aspergillus flavus, Aflatoxin, Carcinogenic mycotoxin, health hazards

1 Department of Zoology, Biotoxin Research Laboratory, LNMU, Darbhanga - 846008, India

* Corresponding Email: *[email protected]

1826

27

Enhancing Access to Energy Services for Sustainable Development in Rural Communities

Surya Gyawali1*, Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya1,

Sudarshan Raj Tiwari1, Hans Norve Skotte2

Abstract:

Access to energy has been based on physical availability, acceptability, adequacy, affordability, reliability and quality of supply. In addition to physical access, real access to energy services can be limited by the purchasing power of the household, the cost of energy and cost or energy using equipment. However, ensuring adequate energy for a healthy life implies that the types and amount of energy should meet basic minimum needs without adverse health impacts. The purpose of the paper is to explore the dimensions of energy access of rural communities in developing countries for enhancing sustainable development objectives. The systematic literature review methodology has been used to define approaches of sustainability of energy access and try to understand linkage between modern energy access to sustainable development for rural communities. The study is stabilized that, redefinition and standard thresholds for sustainable energy services in local community level is crucial for human welfare and health, efficiency and productivity, as well as impacts on the environment must be link with sustainable development. Measuring sufficiency or adequacy is harder to define because this may vary from amazingly from region to region depending on climate, customs, and living standards. The study provides unique insight into the needs, feelings and capabilities of people living with and without modern energy and related innovations and it contributes how these are mobilized and constrained in ways that may extend existing inequalities and the barriers to meaningful access, but also may signify means to overcome them.

Keywords: Energy access, modern energy, sustainable development, energy services, total energy access

1 Department of architecture, Pulchowk Campus, IoE, TU, Nepal 2 Department of architecture and planning, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway


1827

28

Water Chemistry of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in the Tibetan Plateau

Xiang Huang 1*, Bu Duo1, Dan Zeng1, Xuebin Lyu1, 2, Hulin Chen1

Abstract:

Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) is the largest river both in terms of length and drainage areas at the northern slopes of the Himalayan ranges on the southern Tibetan Plateau. It plays a major role in the regional water balance of rivers draining the Himalayas on the Plateau. In this paper water chemical compositions of Yarlung Tsangpo and its major tributaries (Dokzhung Tsangpo, Nyangchu, Lhasa River, Gongbo Nyangchu and Parlung Tsangpo) were studied. Water samples (n=67) from the river source (i.e., Jemayangdrung-chu, 5200 m.a.s.l.) to the lowest reaches in Metok contunty (630 m.a.s.l.) were collected in three different seasons (namely, dry season, wet eason and normal period), both in 2016 and 2017. Samples were measured for major ions and trace elements in order to: 1) Define the chemical quality of this water course; 2) Address possible mechanisms governing the water chemical compositions, and 3) Identify potential sources for contaminants. Statistical analysis shows that geology and climate are the major controlling factors for the spatial and temporal variations in water chemistry in this river system. In general, water chemistry is mainly controlled by carbonate weathering, with Ca2+ and HCO3- being the dominant ions. In addition, dissolution of evaporates, runoff from brackish/saline lakes and geothermal waters, enriched in Na+, Cl- and Li are major contributors of elevated concentrations of these solutes in the headwater regions resulting in a relatively high loading of total dissolved solids (TDS, avg. 202 mg L-1). With a alkaline feature of the water (pH>8.3), levels of most heavy metals were generally found to be low along the river course. However, elevated As concentration (Max. 172 µg L-1) in the headwaters and additions from domestic wastewater were evident at some locations. The Yarlung Tsangpo overall has maintained a relatively steady state, although agriculture, domestic effluents and other anthropogenic activities may have local effect on water quality.

1 Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, School of Science, Tibet University, 850000, Lhasa, China

2 School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China


1828

29

Study on the Stochastic Model for Excessive Air Conditioning Use in Japanese Dwellings

H. Imagawa1*, H.B. Rijal1, M. Shukuya1

Abstract:

Thermal adjustment is one of the most important behaviours. In daily life, we use some behavioural adjustments. It is not always obtained the optimal condition by the thermal adjustments. For example, it happen to use excessive air conditioning for thermal adjustments: low temperature setting for cooling & high temperature setting for heating. Especially, the excessive air conditioning use is important issue not only for the human comfort but also for the energy use. Thus, it is important to know the cause of the excessive air conditioning use. The occupant behaviour stochastic model was proposed by some previous researches around the world. However, these models show only the state of the occupant behaviour, and thus the excessive adjustments are not known. The objective of this research is to clarify quantitatively the excessive thermal adjustments which are happened to be in the stochastic model. The thermal measurement and occupant behaviour survey were conducted in 120 dwellings during 4 years period in Kanto region of Japan. The number of samples collected was 36,114 for analysis. We analysed the occupant behaviour stochastic model of the excessive cooling and heating use. The thermal sensation vote (TSV) was used to classify the excessive air conditioning use. The proportion of excessive cooling use was increased when outdoor air temperature was increased. The maximum proportion of the excessive cooling use was 0.04 when outdoor air temperature was 33°C. In this research, we have also considered the thermal preference which are included subject’s preference or acceptability. These models are useful to understand the possibility of the energy saving. In future, the model will be implemented in the building thermal simulation to predict the energy use in building.

Keywords: Occupant Behaviour, Excessive AC Use, Stochastic Model, Thermal Sensation Vote, Outdoor air temperature, Japanese Dwellings

1 Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Japan,


1829

30

Implementation of Solar-PV Inverter as STATCOM during Night Time in Grid Connected System (PV-STATCOM)

Kishor Joshi1*, Pranisha Karki1, Sagar Bimali1,

Tara Aryal1, Indraman Tamrakar1

Abstract:

Grid connected PV-system generates active power only during day time and it remains idle or sleeping during night time. In interconnected power system balance between active and reactive power consumption and generation is very essential to maintain the frequency and voltage constant. The current trend is that the reactive Power is either supplied by generators or by separate reactive Power compensators such as shunt capacitor, STATCOM etc. If the grid needs reactive power during night time, the sleeping inverter of the solar-PV system can be used as reactive power generator without exceeding the volt-amp rating of the inverter and this scheme is named as PV- STATCOM in this paper.

This paper presents concept of PV-STATCOM and its control logic. The proposed scheme is simulated in MATLAB Simulink and the simulation results are presented. The simulation result shows that the proposed control logic for PV-STATCOM works satisfactorily.

Keywords: Static Synchronous shunt Compensator (STATCOM), Photovoltaic (PV), Reactive Power Control, Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS), Solar Power System

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Puchowk Campus, Instittute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal


1830

31

Study on Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emission and Global Warming Potential for Pre-Monsoon Paddy Production in Jhapa District Nepal

Padam Prasad Paudel1, Dharma Raj Pokharel1, Sajan Koirala1,

Lalan Baitha2, Sijal Pokharel2, Dae Hyun Kim4, Sagar Kafle1*

Abstract:

The primary objective of this study is evaluating the energy use pattern and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in pre-monsoon paddy production in Jhapa district, Nepal. From random selection methods, 70 farmers were selected and the data were collected through direct questionnaires using face-to-face interview methods. Each and every farming process data were collected and were converted using energy equivalent from the literatures. From the study it was found that 30,290 MJ/Ha energy is used to produce paddy and specific energy is about 5.411 MJ/kg. High share of energy applied is due to fertilizer which is 10577.80 MJ/Ha followed by water which is 7430.84 MJ/Average application of N, P, K fertilizers was found to be 8,359, 1,428and 197 MJ/Ha, respectively. Energy use efficiency was found about 3.29. Total CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions due to chemical inputs were 782,707, 0.075 and 1.082 kg/ha, respectively. The study showed that different cropping pattern used by farmers directly affects the net energy input, energy use efficiency and GHG emissions.

Keywords: Pre-monsoon Paddy, Energy efficiency, Greenhouse gas emission, Jhapa district

1 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Dharan-08, Sunsari, Nepal

2 Kankai Irrigation System, Department of Irrigation, Government of Nepal, Jhapa, Nepal 3 Central Department of Environment Science, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur , Kathmandu 4 Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,

Kangwon National University, Hyoja 2 Dong, 192-1, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea

* Corresponding Author: [email protected], [email protected]

1831



32

Study on Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emission and Global Warming Potential for Maize Production in Morang District Nepal

Sandesh Poudel1, Saurabh Bhattarai1, Tsering Sherpa1, Anish Karki1,

Vidya Prasad Kafle2, Dae Hyun Kim3, Sagar Kafle1*

Abstract:

Maize is the second largest crop grown in Nepal. The objective of this study is to analyze the energy use pattern, greenhouse gas emission and global warming potential in maize production. The study is conducted in Sundarharaicha and Ratuwamai municipality of Morang district, Nepal. Primary data were collected through direct questionnaires using face-to-face interview methods with 47 farmers of varying landholding capacity, secondary data collected from different available literatures. Farmers were selected according to different cropping pattern prevailing in their villages. Energy inputs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission were calculated by using respective energy and GHG equivalents. The study revealed that total energy input for maize production system found about 17351.72 MJ/ha. It was found that highest share of energy input, about 28% contributed by Nitrogen (N). Total output energy was 66053.6 MJ/ha. Energy use efficiency was found 3.80. Total CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions due to chemical inputs were found 486.69 kg/ha, 0.0423 kg/ha and 0.662 kg/ha, respectively. And, total Global warming potential in maize farms was found about 513.715 CO2 eq. per ha. It was found that different cropping pattern used by farmers directly affect net energy inputs, energy use efficiency and GHG emissions.

Keywords: Maize, Energy Input, Energy use efficiency, greenhouse gas, global warming potential

1 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Dharan-08, Sunsari, Nepal

2 Backbone Transmission Directorate, Nepal Telecom, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal 3 Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,

Kangwon National University, Hyoja 2 Dong, 192-1, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea


1832



33

Moving from Fossil Fuels to Electric Cooking: An Option for Clean Cooking Access in Nepal

Samikchhya Kafle1*, Arabinda Kumar Mishra1,

Amina Maharjan1, Arnico Kumar Panday1

Abstract:

Nepal has abundant hydropower potential and generation capacity under construction that should be able to meet the growing energy need of the country. Although access to electricity in the country is increasing, adoption and access to clean cooking facilities remains insignificant, as about 85% of the population still rely on solid fuels to meet their daily cooking needs. In this regard, energy generated from hydropower can play the dual role of providing access to modern energy as well as providing a clean cooking alternative that is clean and sustainable. Having realized this, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has issued a white paper (point 73) for the ‘Electric Stove in Every House’ Programme, which is expected to encourage the use of electric cooking. This gives an opportunity not only to make use of Nepal’s hydropower resources but also to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuel. Our paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for introducing electricity in the cooking fuel mix in Nepal from the policy perspective. We draw upon the review of lessons learned from other countries including Ecuador, Bhutan and South Africa, to illustrate the potential pathways for the transition of fossil fuel-based products to electricity in Nepal. These countries have used a combination of approaches in including electricity in their cooking fuel mix, such as favourable electricity pricing, import tariff reductions in cooking appliances, and developing national policy and programmes to facilitate the integration of electricity in cooking fuel. These lessons from these countries are used to recommend pathways for moving from fossil fuel-based products to electricity in Nepal’s context.

Keywords: Solid fuel, cooking fuel mix, white paper, fossil fuel

1 International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development


1833

34

A Comprehensive Study on Hydropower Potential of Nepal

Khimananda Kandel1

Abstract:

The recent study entitled 'A Comprehensive Study on Hydropower Potential of Nepal', has shown the Hydro Potential for 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% probability of flow exceedance as 147535.51 MW, 56277.51 MW, 27127.02 MW and 18471.75 MW respectively. Similarly, the study on the hydro energy potential of Nepal has shown the potential for 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% probability of flow exceedance as 470089.22 GWh 274790.25 GWh, 173846.76 GWh and 130232.51 GWh respectively. Province-wise hydro potential study of Nepal has also been made except for province No. 2 where there is very low or negligible hydropower potential. It is found that Province No. 1 is rich in hydropower with power potential as 15615.77 MW and energy potential as 76519.78 GWh for 40% probability of flow exceedance. Similarly, other Provinces with hydropower potential in descending order are Province No. 6, Province No. 4, Province No. 3, Province No. 7, Province No. 5 and Province No. 2 respectively.

Keywords: Hydropower Potential, Run-of-River (R0R), Hydrology Guru Model, River Basins, Provinces, Nepal

1 Water and Energy Consultants Association Nepal


1834

35

Importance of Behavioural Adjustments for Adaptive Thermal Comfort in a Condominium with HEMS system

KC Rajan1*, Rijal Hom Bahadur1, Shukuya Masanori1, Yoshida Kazui2

Abstract:

The energy use in residential dwellings has been increasing due to increasing use of modern electric appliances like air conditioning units, computers, electric toilet pans, DVDS etc. to make the lifestyle easier, entertaining and better. One of the major purpose of indoor energy use is for thermal comfort. Along with the use of active means like the use of mechanical devices, the occupants in any dwellings use passive means such as natural ventilation, window opening, and clothing adjustment. In fact, the use of passive means when the outdoor environment is good enough might be more suitable to improve indoor thermal environment than the use of mechanical air conditioning units, which necessarily require electricity. Therefore, the people in developing countries like Nepal need to understand to what extent the occupants can use passive means to manage their own indoor thermal comfort. The use of passive means during good outdoor environment might be an effective way to manage increasing energy demand in the future. We have made a field survey on the occupants’ adaptive behaviors for thermal comfort in a Japanese condominium equipped with Home Energy Management System (HEMS).

Online questionnaire survey was conducted with 356 families from November 2015 to October 2016 to understand the occupants’ behaviors. The number of 17036 votes from 39 families were collected. The indoor air temperature, relative humidity and illuminance were measured at the interval of 2-10 minutes to know indoor thermal environmental conditions.

The occupants were found using different passive behaviors for thermal comfort adjustments even in rather harsh summer and winter. Around 80% of the occupants surveyed opened windows when the outdoor air temperature was 30⁰C in free running (FR) mode and the clothing insulation was 0.93 clo when the outdoor air temperature was 0⁰C. The result showed that the use of mechanical heating and cooling was not necessarily the first priority. Our result along with other results in residential buildings showed that the adaptive behaviors of the occupants are one of the primary ways to adjust indoor thermal comfort. This fact is important in enhancing the energy saving building design.

Keywords: HEMS, Thermal comfort, Air temperature, Occupants’ behaviors, Window opening

1 Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Yokohama, Japan 2Tokyu Fudosan R&D Center Inc.


1835

36

Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Renewable Energy Projects – A Case Study from Mustang, Nepal

Martina Maria Keitsch1*, Nyima Tsering Gurung2

Abstract:

In the recent years, transdisciplinary research and development have received increased attention, also in renewable energy planning and design. In contrast to theory-driven research, transdisciplinary approaches relate to the real-life phenomena and societally relevant problems. Transdisciplinary collaboration (TDC) emphasizes the mutual learning process between researchers and actors from outside academia, and the common creation of knowledge that is solution-oriented, socially robust and transferable to both scientific and societal practice. The following article discusses a transdisciplinary collaboration project on planning and designing a Solar Street Light solution in the village of Jhong, Mustang. The project is part of the MSESSD program at IOE, which has the goal to plan and implement renewable energy solution in rural areas in Nepal. The goal of the solar street light project was to contribute to Jhong’s approach of becoming a sustainable settlement. The article analyses three TDC phases of the project: 1. Gather information, discuss the problem with stakeholders and translate material, functional, operational requirements into scientific researchable questions. 2. Documenting strategies to develop a mutual learning process and 3. Assessing results for both for the stakeholders and for academic practice. Findings of the project indicate that transdisciplinary collaboration in renewable energy projects can help to operationalize learning between different actors and realize applicable results on contextualized levels. However, planned outcomes may vary and from a scientific perspective, methodologies for TC are not clearly defined or systematized yet, terminologies are vague, and de facto power relations in the field can obstruct the collaboration process. The last part of the article will point out some of the future challenges and possibilities for transdisciplinary research and development.

Keywords: Transdisciplinary collaboration, renewable energy project planning, stakeholder inclusion

1 Norwegian University of Science and Technology 2 Entrepreneur, Jhong, Mustang


1836

37

Design of Solar Water Pasteurization System with Slow Sand Filtration

Pratik Raj Khadka1*, Bibek Gautam1, Nayan Acharya1,

Basanta Bhattarai1, Subham Kandel1, Sunil Pradad Lohani1**

Abstract:

Solar water pasteurization system with slow sand filtration works by integration of filtration unit and pasteurization unit. The system can be utilized in rural as well as the urban areas of the country to produce reliable drinking water source. The filtration unit has layers of gravels and sand, and the pasteurization unit works by use of solar collector utilizing solar energy. The final output water is drinkable by treatment of water pathogens through the integrated units. The use of two systems: Pasteurization unit and Filtration unit independently checks and corrects the flaw of the other to produce clean and pure drinking water. The output water from the integrated system is tested and found to have reduced TDS from 159 mg/l to 137 mg/l, E. coli count from 6 CFU/100ml to 0 CFU/100ml and Total coliform count from 52 CFU/100ml to 0 CFU/100ml. This hybrid system uses solar energy for water pasteurization so it can be utilized effectively for drinking water purposes.

Keywords: Water pasteurization, filtration, solar pasteurization, slow sand filtration

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel,, Nepal

Corresponding Email: * [email protected], ** [email protected]

1837

38

Sub-national Energy Access Planning Model for Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Barpak

Kshitiz Khanal1*, Bivek Baral2

Abstract:

As most nations have adopted the Sustainable Development agenda to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, it is vital that planning of energy systems at local, regional and national levels also align with the agenda in order to achieve the goals. This study explores the sustainability of primary energy resources of a rural community to meet growing demands of the community, in order to achieve SDGs for energy access Goal no. 7 (SDG7) at local level. Using a linear back-casting techno-economic energy access model that informs the expected change in energy demand in order to reach SDG7 targets, this study examined whether local energy resources would be enough to achieve the targets for Barpak VDC (named such at the time of data collection before Nepal’s administrative restructuring), and explored the possibility of importing electricity from national grid to attain SDG7 targets. By analyzing the outputs of the model for Barpak, we found that currently assessed local energy resources are insufficient to meet the energy access targets. Importing electricity from national grid, in addition to the mini-hydropower plant currently in operation at Barpak is needed to achieve the targets. Huge cost investment and timely expansion of transmission and distribution infrastructure is crucial. By 2030, total energy demand is expected to grow up to 50,000 Gigajoules per year. Electricity import from national grid grows steadily, reaching up to 45,000 Gigajoules in 2030. The social costs of energy will continue to be dominated by household sector till 2030, reaching up to 30 million Nepali Rupees per year in total. Use of wood as fuel, the only significant source of emission in the model is modeled to decrease linearly and stop by 2030, as required by SDGs. Emission of 17 Metric Tonnes of Carbon-dioxide and 4.5 million kg Methane equivalent is reduced to zero at 2030. This model serves as an innovative approach to integrate SDG targets to local and regional energy planning process, and can be adopted for energy systems and policy planning for various regions in Nepal.

Keywords: Energy Access, Multi-Tier Framework, Sustainable Development Goals

1 Open Knowledge Nepal 2 Kathmandu University, School of Engineering

* Corresponding Email: *[email protected]

1838

39

Contribution of Renewable Energy in Climate Resilient Approach and SDG 7

Ram Chandra Khanal1*, Shree Raj Shakya1, Tri Ratna Shakya1

Abstract:

Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries from climate change although its global contribution on GHG emission is only 0.027%. Despite the low emission, Nepal has made commitments to reduce GHGs emission through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and SDGs. Literature suggest that RETs contribute to mitigate GHGs emission as well as to adapt the impact of climate change impacts but no systematic study carried out to establish the credible relations. This study employed a meta-analysis approach which includes desk study, interaction with RETs experts, review of relevant case studies, and analysis of potential GHG mitigation was calculated by using an energy system model of Nepal (Nepal-MARKAL).

The study revealed that the RETs provide significant opportunities for adaptation to negative impact of climate change and improving the socio-economic and environmental benefits to the users and communities. In addition, RETs can contribute on reducing vulnerability and improving people’s adaptive capacity. The potential role of RETs in mitigation side at aggregate level is enormous. Theoretically, about 4.9 million tons of CO2e can be mitigated from major six RETs (installed after 2012). The analysis showed that the RETs altogether 30.71 million tons of CO2e can be mitigated between the periods of 2013 to 2030 at an annual additional installation equal to average installation done in recent past three years. The economic analysis showed that the GHG mitigation potential seems to be quite promising although it demands a moderate level of initial investment on RETs. The study also highlighted some of the potential challenges while promoting RETs and those include financial, technical, institutional, policy and legal issues. In specific, upfront cost, cost of systems change and policy failures are major challenges in Nepalese context. Hence, it is critical to improve policy framework in line with Nepal’s commitments through SDGs and NDC to ensure energy security, work on reducing cost of technologies, strengthen financial access and create robust regulatory framework for effective monitoring and learning. These technologies can be good base for a triple win strategy (adaptation – mitigation – development) by ensuring climate resilient development pathways.

Keywords: climate resilient, renewable energy technologies, adaptation, mitigation, SDGs

1 Centre for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


1839

40

Possibilities of Biogas in Urban Context

Srijana Koirala1*

Abstract:

With increasing population and rapid development in the planet earth, results in increasing demand of energy sources. Even the developed countries has adopted clean energy, renewable sources in their policy for a sustainable future, developing countries like Nepal are still lagging behind. Petroleum gas is used by all the city dwellers which is imported from neighbouring countries and is not sustainable for a long term. Nepal is in a phase of rapid urban growth which brings solid waste management and energy demand as a great challenge. Production of energy through biogas can help in management of bio- degradable waste as well as fulfil energy demands. This paper highlights study of some large scale biogas plant in and outside Nepal and how they have helped in managing waste, fulfilling energy demands and made positive impact in the community. This paper also suggests on how biogas energy could be an alternative energy in developing scenario of Nepal.

Keywords: Biogas, Energy, Demand, Sustainable, Alternative energy, urban, demand, Solid waste Management, Large scale biogas plant

1 High Tech Engineering Consultancy Pvt. Ltd


1840

41

Design and Development of Low Temperature Community Solar Dryer for Oily and Hard Edible Produces

Shruti Kumari1, Renu Kumari2, Shilpa Choudhary3, Sanjay Kumar4*

Abstract:

Horticulture produce have very high water content, sometimes more than 90% by volume. Several of them are oily and hard. These horticulture produce have very high count of free radicals and are medicinal in nature. Usually, these are grown in scattered places in rural areas on sidelines of regular agriculture, far from the market place. Their price slumps during seasons and increase exponentially after it, due to short lifetime and absence of good transportation network, cost-effective proper preservation technology as well as specialized transportation vehicles. In this paper, Small state of the art family size solar dryer of 5 kg per day is designed to dry these produce in a single day and validated in real time experiments. The dryer is capable of maintaining desired temperature range to extended period even after sunshine, with the help of High Heat Capacity Material and Phase Change Material. Humidity removal mechanism is also introduced to reduce drying time by at least two hours.

Keywords: Solar dryer, humidity control mechanism, temperature control, community drier

1 Department of Zoology, Lalit Narayan Mithla University, Darbhanga, Bihar, India 2 Department of Home Science, B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India 3 Department of Education, L.N.T. College, Bhagwanpur, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India 4 Department of Physics, B.R.Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India


1841

42

Wind Farming Feasibility Assessment in 16 Locations of Nepal

Raju Laudari1*, Balkrishna Sapkota1, Kamal Banskota2

Abstract:

The paper assesses the feasibility of wind farming at the 16 sites scattered in different ecological regions of Nepal. The wind speed, the hourly and seasonal variation of wind, the wind-rose, the wind turbulence rate, the wind power density, the Weibull probability distribution and the frequency of the wind speed above cut in speed were computed. The average wind speed at all the sites was found to be higher during the dry season from March to May. The wind speed of the modern turbine for power generation at eight sites was found to be above cut-in speed. However, the wind power density was found to be good only at the two sites and fairly good at the six sites. More than 50% time of a year at these eight sites had over 3.5 m/s wind speed. However, the turbulence rate at all the studied sites was found to be above the acceptance range of 25%. Among the study sites, Kagbeni, Thini, Jumla, Ramechhap, Vorleni, Patan west, Hansapur and Baddanda were found to be technically feasible sites for wind energy generation in Nepal.

Keywords: Feasibility assessment, Weibull distribution, wind farming, wind rose, wind speed

1 Department of Applied Sciences, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

2 Kathmandu University, Nepal

* Corresponding email: [email protected]

1842


43

Enhancement of Nitric Acid Hydrolysis on Corn Stover for Sugar Production at Relatively Low Temperature

Bu Duo1, Dan Zeng1, Xiang Huang1, Xuebin Lyu1, 2*

Abstract:

In the present work, samples of corn stover were hydrolysed with 0.6% nitric acid under 135-165 oC. The concentrations of sugars (xylose, glucose and arabinose), acetic acid and furfural were determined. The kinetic parameters of saeman model for predicting hydrolysis products were obtained. The optimal reaction temperature was 150 oC and the reaction time was 5 min by comparing the value of E (the efficiency of factors affect hydrolysis). Under the optimal conditions, the concentration of glucose, xylose and arabinose were 8.02 g/L, 16.59 g/L and 3.28 g/L respectively. The model of saeman were applied to the experimental data and the kinetic coefficients of the reactions of xylose release k1 and decomposition k2 were 0.488 and 0.007 respectively at 150 oC with nitric acid concentration of 0.6 %. The results showed that the relatively low temperature was suitable for the hydrolysis of corn stover with extremely low nitric acid as catalyst.

Keywords: Corn stover, Hydrolysis, Nitric acid, Lower temperature, Kinetic modeling

1 Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China.



1843

44

Γ- Valero lactone (GVL) Production from Lignocellulosic Waste: Focused on the Full Composition Utilization of Biomass

Xuebin Lyu1, 2*, Xiaoyun Li3, Bu Duo1, Xiang Huang1, Dan Zeng1

Abstract:

Γ- Valero lactone (GVL) is an important intermediate for the preparation of fuels and value-added chemicals. In our group, the methods of GVL production from hemicellulose and cellulose was both studied and also lignin was prepared as solid acid used for the two processes. The aim of our research is focused on the full composition utilization of biomass during GVL production. The conversion of cellulose into levulinic acid catalyzed by FeCl3 was investigated, and the maximum of levulinic acid was f 48.89% and then a ruthenium-carbon (Ru/C) catalyst was prepared for γ- Valero lactone (GVL) production from levulinic acid, and the peak value of GVL yield was 80.75%. The furfural production from hemicellulose over dilute sulfuric acid and H-ZSM-5 was carried out, the maximum yield of furfural was 99.50%. Zr-Beta as a Lewis acid catalyst was applied in the conversion of furfural into GVL using 2-butanol as a hydrogen source. We also prepared lignin based solid acid to produce levulinic acid. The total acid content was 48.7 umol/g, and L acid was much more than B acid, the average pore diameter was 4.13 nm, which belonged to mesoporous structure. The specific surface area of lignin based catalyst is 21.16m2/g. The yield of cellulose hydrolyzed to levulinic acid catalyzed by lignin based solid acid was 35.64%. In addition, two reaction pathways for GVL production were proposed, and the catalytic mechanism was explored.

1 Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China


3 Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China

1844

45

Comparative Study of Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Fabricated using Substrates Coated with Fluorine-Doped

Tin Oxide and Titanium

Arbin Maharjan1

Abstract:

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been attracting researchers as it has potential to supplement and compete with other solar cell technologies like Silicon. Transparent and conducting electrodes for fabricating DSSCs are expensive. In this paper, Ti- coated glass substrates have been prepared and used as a possible alternative electrodes to fabricate DSSCs. Conventional DSSCs using fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO, SnO2:F) coated glass substrates have also been prepared. Prepared DSSCs have been compared under similar illumination and transparency. Performance parameters like cell efficiency; fill-factor, short circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (VOC) have been obtained from their respective characteristics curves.

Keywords: Dye sensitized solar cell, fluorine doped tin oxide, titanium, efficiency, fill factor

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


1845

46

Municipal Solid Waste Management in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges

Mohan Krishna Maharjan1*, Sunil Prasad Lohani1

Abstract:

Solid waste management at municipalities of Nepal is one of the major issues that require a sustainable solution. The preliminary survey and review suggested that waste management practices including collection, transport and resource recovery in most of the municipalities are ineffective and almost all collected waste finally disposed to the dumping site. Taking baseline data from solid waste management in Nepal report of Asian Development Bank 2013, estimated waste projection of 2017 has been made. The projected data shows waste generation in municipalities of Nepal is about 3023 tons per day and the average per capita waste generation is 0.223 kg/person/day. On average the composition of waste is primarily decomposable about 60% and about 25% is recyclables such as plastics, papers and metals. With the help of Multi Criteria Decision Matrix (MCDM), this paper suggests that the suitable methods of waste management for Nepalese municipalities are waste to bio-energy and fertilizer production. It further proposed and discussed a holistic model of waste management for municipalities and an appropriate waste to bio-energy technology in context of Nepal.

Keywords: Solid waste management, Bioenergy, Waste volume and composition, Organic waste

1 Kathmandu University, Nepal


1846

47

Experiences in Improving Efficiency of Energy and Other Resources in Metal Industries in Nepal

Amar B Manandhar1*, Durga B Karanjit1, Govinda Tiwari1, Gopal K Shrestha1,

Deepsikha Byanju1, Parashar K Deo1, Priyanka Karna1, Vikas Singh2,

Ranu Pachauri2, Devesh Kumar3, Malini Balakrishnan3, Stefan Melnitzky4

Abstract:

The construction sector uses various metals like steel (for frames, reinforced concrete), iron (wrought iron for beams, trusses, girders), aluminium (ceiling and walls, window frames, HVAC systems etc.) and copper (cladding, electrical wiring, oil & gas lines). Due to increasing pressure on various resources like energy, chemicals and raw materials, economic edge can be sustained only through high resource efficiency. Adopting resource efficient cleaner production (RECP) measures will improve economic and environmental performance, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions; in turn, this will make them less vulnerable to changes in external conditions and more competitive. With co-funding from the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, the project METABUILD (www.metabuild-southasia.org) aims at implementing sustainable production processes and practices in 400 SMEs across Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka besides creating a conducive environment for further adoption of sustainable production processes in the metal products supply chain for the building and construction sector. In Nepal, the project has already engaged with 82 metal industries. These cover different sectors such as fabrication, wire drawing, electrical cables, re-rolling, galvanizing/ electroplating, casting etc. and are in multiple locations viz. Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Morang, Sunsari, Rupandehi, Bara, Parsa, Kaski districts. RECP measures such as use of daylight, replacement of inefficient lights by LED lights, power factor improvement, furnace modification, waste heat recovery, insulation etc. have been implemented. These have led to savings in energy and raw materials, at the same time reducing generation of wastes from these participating industries and improvement of occupational health and safety (OHS). This paper will explain the mode of engagement with industries, details of the resource efficiency measures implemented and estimated saving.

Keywords: Metal sector; Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP); No cost/low cost measures; Resource savings

1 Society for Environmental and Economic Development Nepal (SEED Nepal), Kathmandu, Nepal

2 STENUM Asia Sustainable Development Society, Gurugram, India 3 The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India 4 Austria Recycling, Vienna, Austria


1847

48

Modern Energy and its Influence on Gender Relations in Nepal: What Does the Evidence Say?

Rashmi Murali1*, Deborshi Brahmachari1, Bigsna Gill1

Abstract:

Access to modern energy is often seen as a prerequisite for the socio-economic development of a country. The availability of modern lighting sources has often been found to have benefited women, who have been traditionally responsible for the household chores in terms of reducing the drudgery and increasing their efficiency of time use. In this paper, we draw from the findings of a recently conducted primary survey of 220 households in Nepal with different types of access – both grid and off-grid- supported by qualitative interviews in order to look at how access to modern energy affects health, education, income generation, and decision making by women and men.

We look at the aspect of education being impacted by access to electricity through the lens of hours spent on homework, and the changes in school enrolment rates since gaining access. The study reveals that girls and boys in the Nepali households with access and higher levels of income tend to spend more hours studying. A positive correlation was also observed between the percentage of children enrolled in schools and the number of years since the household obtained electricity access. Further, electricity access has assisted health centres in the studied areas to offer various medical services to the people, including organizing family planning and vaccination camps. However, despite these services helping in improving the overall quality of life of women, decisions regarding health and education were found to be taken mostly by the man and sometimes jointly with their spouse, implying a limited space for women in terms of these decisions. Another aspect that was observed was that a large percentage of women were earning an income by running small shops. However, the decisions regarding how this income would be spent were often not taken by them independently. Though it is expected that electricity may benefit communities and households with improved enrolment rates of children, better health facilities and increased incomes, its direct effects in terms of changes in gender relations needs to be investigated further.

Keywords: Modern energy, human development, education, health, decision making

1 The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India


1848

49

Solar Greenhouse as an Energy Alternative Solution for Growing Vegetable in High Altitude Region: A Case of Baragaon, Mustang

Dip Pandey1

Abstract:

In cold and dry high desert climate such as in Mustang, Manang or Dolpa growing green vegetables is a challenging task despite solar radiation throughout the whole year. Harsh and snowy winter, turbulent wind, limited availability of arable lands and water impedes plant growth. Solar greenhouse (SGH) is a renewable energy-based alternative for growing vegetables in these zones round the year in surplus quantity. At present, a large quantity of vegetables is purchased from nearby market towns (Pokhara and Beni) at double the price. Promotion of greenhouse vegetable farming has not only potential to relieve local people from such financial burden but can even create new business opportunities. As vegetables produced at these altitudes use only organic manure, their quality is desirable for a market where demand for organic products is constantly increasing. From a literature study of SGH cases in Ladakh, Humla and Khumbu region it was found that varieties of vegetables could be grown even during winter when temperatures drop to -25°C. For instance, owners of specially designed SGHs in Ladakh ate eight times the volume of vegetables they had eaten prior to acquiring these SGHs and have seen their incomes rise by 30%.

The following article presents a study on SGH possibilities for vegetable farming in the Baragaon rural municipality of Mustang district, applying methods such as observations, informal interviews and stakeholder inclusion. Currently, there exists only rudimentary samples of plastic greenhouses in most villages, where only green leafy vegetables grow during winter. During summer, vegetable growth is conducted in open fields rather than inside the greenhouses. This is mainly due to their overheating caused by lack of ventilation. In Chhengor, one of the villages in Baragaon, organic farming is already taking a promising leap towards organic vegetable business. After discussion with farmers and other stakeholders appropriate design of SGH seems a good solution for durability of SGH structure and to ensure that varieties of vegetables grow in surplus quantity round the year. The article presents possibilities for SGH design and discuses factors for SGH establishment such as affordability, monitoring and maintenance. Additionally, it pinpoints infrastructural support such as agriculture policy at local level, for example in forms of subsidies and training of farmers to grant successful implementation of SGH approaches for high altitude settlements.

Keywords: Solar greenhouse, solar energy, organic vegetables, entrepreneurship, small-scale farmers.

1 Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


1849

50

Impact of Rural Economic Zone Powered by RE Mini-Grids on Climate Change and Economic Growth of a Rural Village

Hardik Pokhrel1*, Sushmita Dulal1

Abstract:

Nepal is one of the most vulnerable country in terms of effect of climate change. At the same time, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with 1,003.64 USD (July 2018) per capita income. This puts a burden on Nepal to gear towards a low carbon economy, given that climatic effects like changes in monsoon patterns will exacerbate the current situation on low economic growth. Therefore, there is a need of a model that contributes economic growth as also contributes to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) Mini-grids have been long been touted as that model and Nepal has degree of success with ~2000 micro hydro power plants. However, these systems driven by subsidy and grant capital has faced scaling and other challenges due to low demand in the villages. This paper discusses the development of Rural Economic Zone (REZ) powered by DRE mini-grid as a potential solution. A case study is presented with feasibility analysis along with impacts of the business model on climatic, social and economic dimensions. A tool like Community Assessment tool is developed and presented to access and spatial representation showing tons of GHGe mitigated along with other dimensions namely, economic, social, environmental and current local governance structure. Due to the introduction of REZ, a typical village has a potential to mitigate over 300 tons of GHGe with positive impacts on irrigation practices needed due to change in monsoon patterns. From an economic and social dimension, it catalyzes growth of agro-based enterprises and milk chillers with energy sourcing from low carbon sources as well model access to clean drinking water.

Keywords: Climate change, Mini-grids, Rural Economic Zone, Reliable electricity

1 WindPower Nepal, Lalitpur, Nepal


1850

51

Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Net-metering Implementation in Rooftop Solar PV in Nepal

Hardik Pokhrel1*

Abstract:

While a plethora of new hydro generation capacity are, being constructed, other forms of energy like solar is still undeveloped in Nepal. As of May 2018, the total installed capacity of Nepal stands at 1060 MW, among which mere 0.68 MW (0.06%) is solar. Solar Rooftop holds potential for development of solar and recognizing this, AEPC had urban solar program with capital subsidy element. In addition, NEA announced Alternative Electricity Connected to Grid 2018, with Feed in Tariff of NRs 7.30 for 3 years paving way for net metering in solar rooftop. This paper discuss the techno-economic feasibility of solar net metering across domestic (both individual and high-rise apartments), commercial and institutional consumers with the FiT offered. The analysis is done in both scenarios; where there is no export to grid and where there is export to the grid possible. Sample data on LCOE and kWh demand for each segments are collected and system size and solar production is calculated using Helioscope. Along with this, rate of return and payback years is calculated with current benchmark pricing and industry wide assumptions. The results of these analyses shows higher payback period (6-9 years) and unattractive return (<15%) in the BOOT model for rooftops. Even in segments like high-rise apartments and commercial consumers with minimum 500 kW size where returns are higher (>20%), limitations as rooftop space makes net metering an un-attractive proposition. This paper also provides current policy landscape and envisages addressing policy gaps, and learnings from international arena on success of net-metering including financial incentives and regulations provided to drive the net-metering growth in Nepal.

Keywords: Solar, Net-metering, Distributed Grid Integrated System, Feed-in Tariff, Renewable Energy

1 WindPower Nepal


1851

52

Performance and Techno-Economic Analysis of Compact Biogas Plant in Comparison with Existing Modified GGC-2047 Model

Biogas Plant and FRP biogas plants

Susma Poudel1*, Ajay Kumar Jha1

Abstract

Various ongoing researches on biogas plant modification have been going on to maximize the biogas production and reduce the existing limitations in biogas plants. In between the compact bio gas plant, recently designed and installed at Nawalparasi, has a distinct feature with gasholder tank positioned vertically in between slurry outlet tank and digester. The compact biogas hence occupies small space and is easy for any maintenance as it does not consists of any mechanical fittings and joints. This research is aimed at comparison of total bio gas production per kg of dung for compact biogas plant with various existing plants with same parameter and its financial analysis along with modification. In compact bio gas plant, average consumption per day was 600liter /day and biogas consumption was found to be 30 liter per kg of feed stock at an average ambient temperature of 300 C. Methane content in biogas was 42%. Net present value, internal rate of return and payback period of compact biogas plant was found to be Rs. 42,952, 15% and 7.4 years respectively. The modification of compact biogas included change in dimension of digester and gas storage tank. The gas storage tank volume is almost doubled. The slope and size of inlet pipe is changed for easy flow of feedstock to digester, installation of mixing chamber of size 0.04 m3 to enhance biogas production by proper mixing of feedstock, installation of manual agitator of length 3.1 meter for proper mixing of feed in digester, additional inlet design for toilet connection and recirculation pathway of inoculums back to digester to enhance biogas production. These modifications increased the cost of compact biogas plant by 14%.

Keywords: compact biogas plant, biogas, methane

1 Pulchowk campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1852

53

Voltage Stability Study of Eastern Bhutan’s Transmission Network

Pravakar Pradhan1*, Jurmi Dorji1, Pema Lhamo1,

Tenzin Namgyel1, Lobzang Tenzin1

Abstract:

Voltage stability of the system is the ability to sustain stable voltages at all buses in a network during disturbance. Voltage instability occurs when the voltage in the network drops or increases continuously and the power supply is disturbed. To maintain equilibrium of the system, it is important to do voltage instability studies in electric power system. This paper presents the voltages instability analysis of Bhutan transmission network especially in Eastern grid by using power-voltage (PV) curve and reactive power-voltage (QV) curve, and East-West Interconnection. The power flow analysis for mesh-type power network is carried out in DIgSILENT PowerFactory and the plotting of PV and QV curve is carried out in Microsoft Excel. The two load scenario: peak generation with corresponding load, mean generation with corresponding load is used to perform the load flow and corresponding voltage stability studies. During peak generation, the voltage profile in all the buses in Bhutan power network is equal to nominal voltage. However, during the mean generation the voltage profile especially in Eastern grid is very poor. For the PV and QV curve method the bus with minimum voltage level is required. Yurmo 132kV bus has the drastic drop in voltage and this bus was used for the studies. The results thus obtained have been validated with MIPower and PSSE software.

Keywords: Voltage Instability, PV and QV Curves, DIgSILENT PowerFactory

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Rinchending, Phuntsholing, Bhutan


1853

54

Public Bus Accessibility and its Implications in Energy and Environment: A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley

Anita Prajapati1*, Tri Ratna Bajracharya1,

Nawraj Bhattarai1, Yngve Karl Froyen2

Abstract:

Growing demand for transport activities has raised numerous transport problems mainly traffic congestion, environmental and energy issues. Efficient public bus services can be one of the sustainable solutions for meeting the local transport demands. But the inefficient operation of public bus services in most of the developing countries has worsened the situation. The multiple service providers, in such open market, compete with each other for their own benefits by adding the number of bus services rather than providing good services to users. Consequently, the number of buses increases that result in higher energy demand and GHG emission. This paper thus aims to analyze the impact of such informal and unregulated transport system prevalent in most of the developing countries focusing mainly on energy and the environment point of views. The study is carried out for the case of Kathmandu valley where the public bus service is owned and operated by multiple service providers. ArcGIS is used to model a public bus network using data available from an open street map. Potential Impact on energy and environment is analyzed using energy modelling tool LEAP. Results show that considerable improvement in energy and emissions can be achieved by improving the public bus services. This paper thus highlights the need for investment in improving access to good public bus services for the sustainable transport planning of the valley.

Keywords: Public transport, accessibility, energy

1 Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal 2 Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Norway


1854

55

Technical and Economic Assessment for the Promotion of Non-Carbonized Pellets in MSME Sector in Nepal

Suyesh Prajapati1*, Aadit Malla1, Narayan Prasad Adhikari2,

Shubha Laxmi Shrestha2

Abstract:

Pellets are densified biomass fuel compatible for industrial use. Pellets can be used as alternative fuel source in many medium, small and micro enterprises (MSME) such as dairy, dyeing, khoa making, pickle making, yogurt making and soap making enterprises in Nepal. Despite of the presence of large number of such industries and abundant biomass resources, production and application of pellets as a fuel source is almost negligible in Nepal. Hence, to assess the benefits of using pellets as alternative fuel, an applied research of pellets application was carried out in a dyeing industry.

Energy, environment and economic performances of the dyeing industry was compared between the baseline scenario of utilizing sawdust and wood chips mixture in loose form with that of non-carbonized pellets application as an alternative fuel. Results showed decrease in specific energy consumption by 6% on utilizing non-carbonized pellets compared to baseline. In terms of the environmental performance, emission of CO decreased from 100 Mg/L to 10 Mg/L and CO2 emission decreased from 7.5% to 4%. Similarly, suspended particulate matter emission (SPM) decreased from 37.4 mg/Nm3 to 14.8 mg/Nm3 but the negligible increment of NO2 emission was observed. However, emission of SO2 increased significantly from 3.3µgm/m3 to 33.7µgm/m3. High Sulphur content was found in the pellet which could be from the binder used for pellet production, but could not be confirmed. The economic analysis revealed that the energy cost was almost twice with pellet application which was mainly because of the higher cost of imported pellets. If the production could be initiated in Nepal, utilizing the abundantly available local biomass resources, the cost could be considerably lowered thus making use of such fuel highly feasible.

Keywords: MSMEs, non-carbonized pellets, specific energy consumption, environment emissions, economic performances

1 MinErgy Pvt. Ltd., Gusingal, Lalitpur, Nepal 2 Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal


1855

56

Overview and Feasibility of Floating Solar Photovoltaic System in Nepal

Ashuhang Rai1*, Ashutosh Timilsina2**, Beni Nepali3***

Abstract:

As a next generation technology, Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) System has had a remarkable growth in the field of Renewable Energy since 2014 with an installed capacity of more than 200 MWp as of 2017. Interest in FSPV system is on the rise compared to its land-based counterpart due to significant benefits like an increased efficiency of the panel, omission of land-related cost and cost of the mounting structure along with environmental benefits like water conservation of the reservoir through a reduced rate of evaporation and containment of algae boom. In this paper, the overall benefit of exploiting FSPV system in case of Nepal has been explored and the techno-economic feasibility of such system in Nepalese scenario has been analyzed. Improvement in efficiency of the panel has been calculated mathematically which also seems to support results from previous works. After analyzing the techno-economic benefits, it was found that FSPVs, even though having a marginal financial profit at current PPA rate of Rs. 7.3/kWh, can still prove beneficial if used concomitantly with storage type hydropower plants.

Keywords: Floating Solar Photovoltaic System (FSPV), PV Cell Efficiency, Solar Feasibility, Techno-Economic Analysis

1 Don Bosco Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lalitpur, Nepal 2 HIF Renewable Energy, Kathmandu, Nepal 3 Gandaki Hydropower Ltd., Nepal

Corresponding Emails: * [email protected]

** [email protected], *** [email protected]

1856

57

Demand Characteristics of Electricity in Residential Sector of Kathmandu valley

Utsav Shree Rajbhandari1*, Laxman Poudel1, Nawraj Bhattarai1

Abstract:

Planning for electricity demand is a vital as the characteristics of different electricity generation systems vary temporally – both hourly in a day as well as seasonally in a year. Thus this study focuses on evaluating the demand characteristic of electricity in residential sector within urban boundaries of three districts in Kathmandu Valley. It has addressed variations in demand in form of load curve based on hourly peak demand during a day. The demand characteristics have been affected in recent years are primarily influenced by two factors – the trade debacle in 2015 and the end of load-shedding. A typical family with owned household would have highest demand with loads spread over various time of the day. While the one in rented family would have least demand level with most characteristic peaks. But in overall, there are peculiar morning and evening peaks, in addition to small early morning peak. The current technology interventions and electricity consumption pattern with reference in earlier years depicts the change in energy technology preference. The reduction in daily demand pattern as well as total electricity demand are majorly due to replacement of older technologies with more efficient appliances as well as reduced use of inverters for battery charging. Thus, it can be said that a stringent condition can enforce people to change to efficient technologies as well as proper supply can reduce unnecessary demand in battery charging. On other hand, similar trend, and hence the increase in electricity demand, can be anticipated in other flourishing urban areas of the country. Additionally, it is beneficial to have the demand characteristics of each sector separately - which can be useful to design the decentralized systems for specific sector.

Keywords: Urban, Nepal, Electricity, Statistical prediction, Load curve

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1857

58

Assessment of Urban Rooftop Grid Connected Solar Potential in Nepal

Jagan Nath Shrestha1, Debendra Bahadur Raut2*

Abstract:

The power shortage problem faced by Nepal since last two decades is one of the major hurdles for its socio-economic development. At present load shedding is being managed by significant import of electricity from India thus increasing trade deficit of Nepal. The accelerated alternative methods of generation of electricity in Nepal need to be explored. This paper assesses the potential of rooftop solar Photovoltaic (PV) system in residential buildings in there major cities namely Kathmandu valley, Pokhara and Biratnagar of Nepal. The data indicated in this paper are collected from the predefined set of questionnaire and field survey in the randomly sampled households in 2016. Form the quantitative analysis of the data, it is found that the average roof top area available for PV installation in residential buildings are 14.5 sq. m, 12.45 sq. m and 19 sq. m for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar cities respectively. Considering 557,027 residential buildings in Kathmandu; 77,523 in Pokhara and 33,075 in Biratnagar, total PV power potential is estimated to be 810 MWp, 96.5 MWp and 63.5 MWp in respective cities. To estimate the energy potential the annual average peaksun hours considered are 5.54, 5.58 and 5.13 for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar city respectively, data taken from Solar and Wind Resource Assessment (SWERA) report. The total power potential in all three cities is found to be 970 MWp which could generate 1,310 GWh that comes out to be 24% of the electricity sold by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in fiscal year 2017/18. If shade free roof top space available of the 50% residential buildings are utilized for PV installation (333,762 numbers), about 12% of the Nepal’s utility electricity sold in the fiscal year 2017/18 could be saved annually. The technical barriers for the grid connection of roof top solar is not a major issue now as NEA has set the guidelines for it.

Keywords: Rooftop Solar, Residential Power Potential, Grid Connection, Energy Yield

1 Center for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University 2 Post Graduate Studies and Research Center, Acme Engineering College


1858

59

Study on Behavioural Adaptation for the Thermal Comfort and Energy Saving in Japanese Offices

Hom B. Rijal1*, Michael A. Humphreys2 and J. Fergus Nicol2

Abstract:

Office workers use a variety of adaptive opportunities to regulate their indoor thermal environment. The behavioural adaptations such as window opening, clothing adjustments, heating/cooling use are one of the important factors for the adaptive thermal comfort. It is well-known that they are the most important contributors in the adaptive thermal comfort model. Thus, if we understand the behavioural adaptation properly, we can explain the mechanism of the adaptive model. In addition, the indoor thermal environment is often adjusted using the air conditioning in Japanese office building to improve the thermal comfort and productivity. Thus, it is necessary to conduct research on the behavioural adaptation in the offices because the occupant behavior is different to the dwellings.

In order to record the seasonal differences in behavioural adaptation and to develop an adaptive algorithm for Japanese offices, we measured temperatures in 11 office buildings and conducted the thermal comfort and occupant behaviour survey for over a year in Japanese offices. We collected 4,660 samples from about 1350 people.

The proportion of ‘open window’ in the free running mode (neither heating nor cooling being used) is significantly higher than that of the air conditioned mode. The behavioural adaptation is related to the outdoor air temperature. The behavioural adaptation predicted by the regression analysis is in good agreement with the measured data. These findings can be applied to the building thermal simulation to predict the behavioural adaptation and energy use in office buildings.

Keywords: Office buildings, Thermal comfort, Occupant behaviour, Window opening, Clothing adjustment, Heating and cooling use

1 Department of Restoration Ecology & Built Environment, Tokyo City University, Japan 2 Department of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University, UK


1859

60

Role of Nuclear Electricity in Low Carbon Economy

S. M. Sirazam Sadekin1*, Sayma Zaman1,

M.A.R. Sarkar2, Major Md. Altab Hossaina1

Abstract:

To deal with climate change, low carbon economy is a necessity for the present world. Energy requirement is growing faster in each decade. Over the long term some of the traditional sources (coal, gas, oil) have become inadequate to meet up the increasing demand. Current consumption rate of fossil fuel will make them extinct by year 2050 to 2100. Based on these facts nuclear power plant is a strategic choice to develop a clean energy. This paper is an outcome of review - role of nuclear technology in low carbon economy in modern era. Though nuclear energy can't be called as 'carbon neutral' but it gives rise to much less emission of carbon dioxide than fossil fuels. Comparing with other energy structures nuclear electricity chain emits limited amount of greenhouse gas emission. Despite the uncertainty of building future nuclear power plants, this paper further discussed climate policies have larger impact than the policies that are against nuclear electricity production. The safety issue which is a public concern is also discussed here in short.

Keywords: Climate change, Carbon emission, Nuclear electricity, Nuclear reactor, Low carbon economy

1 Nuclear Science & Engineering department, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka – 1216, Bangladesh

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh


1860

61

Study on Household Energy Usage Patterns in Urban and Rural Areas of Nepal

Shahi Dinesh Kumar1*, Rijal H. B.1, Shukuya Masanori1

Abstract:

At the last decades, the household’s energy demand has increased significantly in various countries including Nepal. In the case of Nepal, 94% energy use is in the domestic sector. There is a possibility of huge increase of electricity production but we are still suffering in the load shedding due to the high demand of the electricity. Electricity use is an important factor for the quality of life and development of a nation. There are not sufficient number of research done about electricity use in different climatic regions of Nepal which are analyzed by the income level of residents. This study gives descriptive information on household’s energy uses patterns and also investigates electricity use rate, using electrical appliances in households. This study also identifies the major source of energy use and awareness of energy use. The data were collected from 442 households of three regions in winter season of 2017. Kalikot is a rural area, Chitwan is a semi urban, and Kathmandu is urban area. We have collected electricity bills, family income and family size, electricity using appliances, expenditure for energy and energy use for heating/cooling, cooking and lighting. The electricity was used only for lighting purpose in the rural area but other electrical appliances were used in semi-urban and urban areas. The amount of electricity use has not affected by household income level in the rural area but it has effected in semi-urban and urban areas. The level of education affects the use of the LED significantly. This study would be helpful to know the electricity use patterns which is useful for energy saving and energy management of the rural and urban areas of Nepal.

Keywords: Household, rural, urban, electrical appliances, income, household size, energy saving

1 Graduate School of Environment and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Yokohama, Japan


1861

62

Crosscutting Approaches in Local Governments in State No. 7, Nepal

Ek Raj Sigdel1*, Martina Maria Keitsch2

Abstract:

The Constitution of Nepal, Local Governance and Operationalization Acts (LGOA), 2017, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (DRRMA), 2017, Climate Change Policy (CCP), 2011 and the model planning guidelines for local governments are examples that prioritize SDG and crosscutting issues to address climate change, environmental issues and sustainable livelihoods at national, state and local level. This article investigates how policy aims to meet the SDG on a local level were introduced in State no 7. In 2017, local governments of State no 7, the former Far-Western-Development Region started incorporating cross cutting issues in policies and annual development plans. Developing green, clean and bright cities was the focus in the election agenda of major political parties that was happened in 2017.

Following the introduction, the second section of the article analyses how local governments under State 7 development policies are connecting climate change, disaster mitigation and sustainable livelihood in annual development policies and plans. Section three discusses issues and selected planning activities related to the development of green, clean and bright cities and analyses benefits and challenges of these activities. Section four describes how the capacity of the State and Local Government can be enhanced and gives recommendations for future planning and design of local development policies and activities for crosscutting issues. Findings of the article indicate that local government in State no 7 has great potential for activities such as sustainable tourism, hydropower development, etc. Natural resources are however under great anthropogenic pressure mainly due to settlement expansion and agriculture land development. Extended technical support to local governments to integrate climate change and sustainable livelihood into development plans allows to apply strategies that mitigate SDG cross-cutting challenges.

Keywords: Environment, local government, environment mainstreaming

1 World Wildlife Fund, Nepal 2 Norwegian University of Science and Technology


1862

63

Assessment of Energy Efficiency on Urban Kathmandu Neighbourhood from Gendered Energy Cultures Framework

Bindu Shrestha1*, Sushil B. Bajracharya1, Sudarshan R. Tiwari1

Abstract:

The urban household has a high potential for energy saving and reducing carbon emission however it has been less prioritized in Nepalese energy policy. Though the sustainable development has set 2030 goals to achieve combined impact on energy emphasizing the role of women, Nepal is still lagged behind in framing the role of women in energy properly. Urban women have a triple role with a major responsibility for cooking that is one of a major sector to reduce energy in Kathmandu. Household energy is highly influenced by human behaviour, energy culture, and practices in Kathmandu for shifting to cleaner energy, which is not considered in the policy. This paper aims to assess the energy practices identifying trade-offs of energy transition to cleaner technology from the questionnaire survey, observation, interviews, and quantitative analysis in terms of a gender perspective. The analysis is based on gendered energy cultures framework through the attributes of cognitive norms, energy practice, and material culture to understand urban Kathmandu neighbourhood. The field study showed that urban households are suffered from energy inaccessibility, inequality, and insecurity results in fuel stacking, socio-economic disparity, and environmental impacts. In conclusion, the energy saving and reduced carbon emissions can be solved through the leading role of women as a change of agent with active participation, incentives, commitment, two-way communication, and awareness to improve the situation

Keywords: Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, Energy Consumption, Gendered Energy Cultures

1 Department of Architecture & Urban Planning, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1863

64

Embodied Energy in Low Rise Building Structural Systems

Jagat Kumar Shrestha1

Abstract:

Building constructions are generally recognized for the substantial consumption of natural resources and energy consumption. The most common structural materials used in the Nepalese context are steel, concrete, timber, bricks, stone and compressed stabilized earth blocks after 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Massive construction activities have been taken in the reconstruction of buildings after the earthquake in Nepal. Cost, the speed of construction, the mechanical performance have been usually the main criteria while selecting the structural system of the building. However, the environmental impact of the structural material is typically ignored. Although there are many studies that have studied the energy consumption of buildings, they focus mostly on operational energy because it has the highest energy consumption in its building life cycle. This paper introduces a framework for the environmental evaluation of structural materials, in which it calculates the embodied energy of the material production and construction as the main parameter for comparison considering all the main factors in the estimation of embodied energy including production, transportation, construction, and the waste of materials. The results indicate that the manufacturing stage of the structural materials of the buildings has the most significant impact on the embodied energy and GHG emissions. The findings will be useful for performing energy informed structural design of buildings that hold environmental merits.

Keywords: Structural materials, Embodied energy, Structural system

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal


1864

65

Study on Adaptive Thermal Comfort in Naturally Ventilated Secondary School Buildings in Nepal

Mishan Shrestha1*, H.B. Rijal1, Masanori Shukuya1

Abstract:

Most of the classroom in Nepalese school buildings are thermally less acceptable due to the poor thermal insulation. They are extreme cold in winter and extreme hot in summer season leading for the discomfort in classroom. Thermally uncomfortable classroom causes the negative impact in the academic performance of students. Therefore, there should be serious attention to improve the indoor thermal environment of classroom. There are limited indoor thermal environment studies conducted in Nepalese residential buildings but not at all in school buildings yet.

This study investigated the students’ perceptions on thermal comfort inside the classroom of secondary school buildings during the autumn season of 2017 in a temperate climate (Dhading, Kathmandu and Nuwakot districts) of Nepal. 22 classrooms (33 students in average in each class) of 8 school buildings with a total of 818 students aged 12-18 years, 329 (40%) males and 489 (60%) females were participated in the survey. The questionnaire survey and thermal measurement were conducted during the regular lesson periods in each classroom. Students voted before, middle and after each class of 45-minute period.

About 76% responses were found to be in either of slightly cold, neutral or slightly hot. The results show that the comfort temperature of students was around 28 °C, 26°C and 24°C in Dhading, Kathmandu and Nuwakot districts, respectively. However, the mean comfort temperature and preferred temperature was found to be around 27 °C and 26 °C respectively. The findings of this study may hopefully invoke the awareness of the school building designers, teachers and students to maintain the thermally comfortable school buildings without using mechanical system.

Keywords: Naturally ventilated School building, Thermal comfort, Thermal sensation, Comfort temperature, Preferred temperature

1 Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Yokohama, Japan


1865

66

Optimal Battery Sizing for Grid Interactive Photovoltaic System in Nepal

Narayan Shrestha1*, Sanjeev Ray1

Abstract:

This paper describes an approach to determine the optimal battery size for grid interactive photovoltaic (PV) system for a typical non-commercial customer in Nepal. Battery storage is an effective means for reducing the intermittency of electricity generated by PV system. Hourly load data, hourly PV output data and time of day (TOD) tariff of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) are used for optimization. The hourly PV output data is generated using System Advisory Model (SAM) of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) using NREL National Solar Radiation Database for Nepal. Electricity is generated from PV and is used to supply the demand from loads. Excess electricity generated from PV is stored in battery to be used later or supplied to grid if battery storage is fully charged. If PV generation and battery discharging are not sufficient to meet the demand, utility grid power has to be purchased to supply to the load. This optimization process should be repeated throughout all the hours of the selected year and the total annual operating cost is to be calculated. Then the battery capacity, which generates the minimum annual operating cost, is selected as the optimum battery capacity. It has been found that installation of battery energy storage system is becoming more beneficial.

Keywords: Photovoltaic System (PV), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Optimization, Grid Connected

1 Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu


1866

67

Revisiting Ecovillage as a Sustainable Settlement from a System's Perspective – A Case of Bandipur, Nepal

Bijay Singh1*, Mahesh Shrestha1, Martina Maria Keitsch2

Abstract:

Many ecovillage advocates, especially from academic and grey literature, emphasize that intentional community like ecovillage (EV) is a local level sustainable settlement of living in response to the widely discussed unsustainability of modern lifestyles. From the authors' point of view, theoretically, it bypasses existing planning policies, and development processes that covers the broader area and includes stakeholders such as government, experts, and other authorities. Practically, ecovillage focuses on short term local projects often developed separately in each dimension of sustainability. This often leads to EV being an oddity in the broader surrounding. The aim of this article is to analyse EV as a sustainable settlement within a broader region through system perspective comprising of local ecological, economic and social factors and influenced by dynamic regional structures and relationships. The historical development of Bandipur is presented as case example. The research sees system theory as a strong methodological framework for understanding EV concepts in integrative manner spatially and temporally. The article starts with the literature review of various secondary sources, journals, narratives, conference papers on sustainability, ecovillage, system perspective. Further, the article uses observation and open-ended interviews with various stakeholders conducted in Bandipur which is triangulated with various secondary resources on Bandipur. Based on study done in Bandipur, findings indicate that in order to broaden the spectrum of EV and SD, spatially, the components of EV have to be represented in terms of sustainable interconnectedness and relationship and scaled up to regional level. In terms of time, relationships have to be represented in cultural values that could be handed over to future generations. The article concludes that from a system's perspective, the ecovillage strategies should correspond to policies and vice versa for the sustainable relationships.

Keywords: Bandipur, ecovillage, sustainability, system perspective

1 Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Nepal 2 Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway


1867

68

Is Solar Powered Irrigation Technology Sustainable Option for Groundwater Irrigation Management in Nepal’s Terai?

Bhesh Raj Thapa1*, Baburam Paudel2, Rabindra Karki3,

Manita Raut1, Michael Scobie4, Erik Schmidt4

Abstract:

The most densely populated Terai Plains of Nepal with poor access to irrigation water in the dry season resulting the food insecure community. Several initiatives have been carried out to improve the irrigation facilities by extracting the ground water resources using solar, diesel, and grid operated electric pumps. Sustainability of all those initiatives and identifying the most viable solution is always in question. In this context, this study attempts to assess the cost effectiveness of these pumping technologies considering life cycle cost (LCC) in the context of Terai region of Nepal. Observation, Key informant interview (KII), in depth interview, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted in 14 different sample sites to assess the performance of technology, life cycle cost and unit water cost (UWC) in different capacity utilization factors (CUFs), farmer’s perception, affordability, and profitability. The characteristics considered while selecting the sample sites were of size of pumping system, date of installation, beneficiary households, grid situation, solar vendor, implementing organization, major application of solar pumped water, and major cost associated. Low utilization factor of solar pumps has been observed in almost all sites. Solar pumps become expensive than diesel pump, if it is operated at less than 45% CUF. Grid operated electric pumps are found cost effective than diesel and solar, if gridline is near to pump site. If solar pump is operated at 10% CUF, the per unit water cost is NPR. 24.4, and the cost is reduced to NPR. 2.83, if it is operated at 90% CUF. Solar pumps need to be operated at least 700 hours per year to compete with diesel pump. The payback period for solar pump was calculated considering cost per unit of water at three different price NRs 5.51, 7.92, and 10 and found as 6.97, 4.1, and 3.14 year respectively for 70% utilization factor. High upfront cost of solar powered system, poor access to financing and technology seems to be hindering factor to popularize the system. Effective supply chain network, easy access to repairing service, introduction of cash crops instead of traditional crops, promotion of micro irrigation techniques, better access to finance and technology, operation of solar pump at high CUF through grid connection to sell/buy surplus/deficit energy, and subsidized price of solar operated irrigation technology could help to become solar powered techniques as sustainable option in near future to popularize and easy operation for irrigation water management in Terai Region of Nepal. However, Government needs to formulate and implement the policy for utilization and overexploitation of groundwater resources with expansion of solar, diesel, and electric operated pumps in near future to make groundwater resources sustainable.

Keywords: Cost effectiveness of groundwater pumping, Groundwater pumping, Solar pumped irrigation system

1 International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Nepal Office, Lalitpur, Nepal 2 Renewable World, Nepal Office, Lalitpur, Nepal 3 International Development Enterprises, Pulchowk, Nepal 4 University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia


1868

69

Study on Winter Indoor Thermal Environment of Temporary Shelters Built in Nepal after Massive Earthquake 2015

Rita Thapa1*, Hom Bahadur Rijal1, Masanori Shukuya1, Hikaru Imagawa1

Abstract:

Natural disasters and wars are main reasons that force people to leave their homes and consequently require urgent needs including temporary shelters. After massive earthquake 2015, thousands of Nepalese who lost their home were doomed to live in temporary shelters, mostly self-built by using zinc/tarpaulin sheets which can hardly provide sufficient thermal comfort. We need to analyze the thermal characteristics of the temporary shelters for creating a better environment for their own sake. Thus, this study tries to evaluate the winter indoor thermal environment of different types of local materials used for insulation in these investigated shelters. The indoor and outdoor thermal environment was measured by digital data loggers at the 10 minute intervals for winter in thirteen different shaped shelters in main three earthquake affected districts: Gorkha, Shindhupalchowk and Lalitpur. The mean indoor and mean outdoor air temperatures were found 12.3°C and 10.1°C. The total heat loss coefficient estimated in thirteen shelters ranges from 74.8 to 325.9 W/K and their specific values with respect to the ranges from 8.1 to 20.4 W/(m2.K). These values are very large in comparison to those in ordinary houses; this is the major reason of low indoor air temperature especially during nighttime. This suggests that some insulating materials need to be added or replaced with the materials used for the improvement for better indoor thermal environment.

Keywords: Nepal-Earthquake, Temporary shelters, Indoor thermal environment, Thermal insulation, Thermal adjustment

1 Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies, Tokyo City University, Yokohama, Japan


1869

70

Solid Particle Erosion Models and their Application to Predict Wear in Pelton Turbine Needle

Tri Ratna Bajracharya 1, 2, Rajendra Shrestha 1, Ashesh Babu Timilsina 1, 2*

Abstract:

Analysis of water quality of Himalayan originated rivers reveals the heavy sediment loading with a major portion of the sediment being hard mineral, quartz and feldspar. Despite the incorporation of desanders to reduce the sediment content passing through hydro mechanical parts, significant wear is being reported in south-Asian hydroelectric projects. Repeated impact of such solid particles which are harder than the material of mechanical parts (mostly steel) is known to cause the erosion. Flow parameters, impact angle, mechanical properties of material composing wall and sand particle, particle shape and size are commonly explored variables that affect the erosion of solid by the sediment-laden flow. In order to predict such erosion, starting with Finnie erosion model, several other erosion models considering aforementioned variables are proposed but are mostly case dependent. Application of numerical methods to understand flow problems constitutes the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Free surface jet and complex flow mechanism in buckets had been a major barrier to the application of CFD in case of Pelton turbines. Recent advancements in computational techniques and in technology has enabled to investigate flow in Pelton turbine by CFD and also study erosion. However, it is least understood which among the proposed erosion models will predict erosion occurring in Pelton turbine and assembly. This article explores about various erosion models and which among them shall best predict the erosion occurring in the Pelton turbine is discussed. A short list of erosion models is then given which can be applied for the case of erosion in Pelton turbine injectors.

Keywords: Pelton Turbine, Erosion Model, Needle Erosion,

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University

2 Center for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University


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Modeling of Wind-Solar Hybrid Power System for Off-Grid in Nepal and A Case Study

Khagendra Thapa1*, Arbin Maharjan1, Kishor Kaphle1,

Kishor Joshi1, Manisha Rauniyar1 and Tara Aryal1

Abstract:

The adaptation of renewable energy has been increasing in a very encouraging way all over the world. Among various renewable energy resources, wind and solar energy are the promising sources of alternative energy. Wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) have been employed in parallel as a hybrid system for better electricity service. This paper presents a case study and modeling of wind-solar hybrid system in Hriharpur Gadi village, Sindhuli District, Nepal. The hybrid system yields 110kWh of energy per day meeting the village’s electricity demand of 87 kWh per day. Moreover, the hybrid power system with battery storage system is modeled using MATLAB simulator. Further, the improvising in the existing modeling has been presented to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Keywords: Wind energy, Solar photovoltaic, Battery, Hybrid power system

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, IOE, Tribhuvan University, Lalitpur, Nepal


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Gender and Energy for Space Heating and Cooling

Prerana Tuladhar1

Abstract:

Energy is one of the crucial aspect now-a-days to be considered from the household chores to the educational, transportation, industrial and many other sectors. Apart from cooking, space heating and cooling also have greater impact as buildings consume about 40% of world’s energy use and major part of energy is used for space heating and cooling (Tuladhar, Tiwari, & Bajracharya, 2017) . Gender is another aspect that should be taken in to consideration in the energy sector. Discrimination between men and women, either it may be in the knowledge regarding energy sector, profession, application and practices etc. is seen in our society. Therefore, this paper seeks to investigate the impacts of space heating and cooling in the energy consumption pattern of Residential buildings. This paper explores how the gender issues in the energy sector can be addressed and how can it lead towards the sustainable development of the society and then nation. At the same time, paper highlights the changes and improvements in the energy consumption pattern with the enrollment of women in the energy sector. The conclusions are derived from the several literature studies and explorative data analysis with the concern of gender relation with the energy efficiency in the space heating and cooling of residential buildings.

Keywords: Gender, Energy, Traditional Building, Modern Building, Space heating and cooling

1 Technical Interface, Kathmandu, Nepal


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Stakeholders’ Perception about the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Subsidy in Nepal

Ashma Vaidya1

Abstract

Given the sustainability and carbon emission issues associated with energy derived from fossil fuels, renewable energy (RE) is increasingly being recognized as a crucial link between energy access and sustainable development. This in turn, has led to the adoption of numerous strategies worldwide to facilitate the growth and expansion of renewable and modern energy systems. One of the widely used measures to stimulate demand and induce growth in decentralized renewables for energy access is energy subsidy. Consistent with this, renewable energy sector in Nepal is also largely driven by RE subsidies. Nevertheless, the gender and socioeconomic energy divide remains as a challenge. The knowledge about the broader impact of RE subsidies and efforts on women and marginalized communities remain largely fragmented and limited. In order to devise strategies to overcome energy divide and the associated challenges, understanding the effectiveness of the current RE efforts and policies is important. To this end, this study is geared toward understanding the perception of different stakeholders about the effectiveness of renewable energy subsidy policy. The study uses qualitative research method to pursue this aim, and focuses on biogas sector in Nepal. The study reveals that there is a mismatch between the policy implementation and the policy goals, which calls for greater coordination between stakeholders, and communication about policy mandates and provisions to the grassroots and women in particular.

Keywords: Renewable energy subsidy; Nepal; biogas; target subsidy

1 Centre for Rural Technology, Nepal (CRT/N), Lalitpur, Nepal


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Experimental Study on Tourism Waste Gasification in Tibet Plateau

Dan Zeng1*, Peng Zhou1, Xuebin Lyu1, Bu Duo1, Xiang Huang1

Abstract

Along with the rapid development of Tibetan tourism, the problem of tourism wastes has attracted wide attention and heated discussion from all walks of life. The innocuous treatment and resource utilization of tourism waste has become an important issue to solve the problem of tourism waste. This paper analyzed Tibet's tourism waste production, main physical components, elemental analysis, and industrial analysis through literature, field research, on-site sampling and indoor experimental test. The main influencing factors of tourism waste gasification were also discussed based on the production of main target gasification products. The results show that the per capita production of tourism waste in Tibet is 0.5kg/(d.p), the total annual production is 86 thousands ton for 2017. The main components of tourism waste is plastics (rubber), paper, up to 32.87% and 19.84% respectively, and others were degradable organics and inorganics mainly.

It also analyzed chemical element component, ash content ,water content and volatile content of tourism waste; In the gasification test, the gasification products mainly as H2, C2H4, C2H6, and C3H8 were also different obviously by different waste components; At temperatures above 800℃, the temperature has no obvious effect on the gasification products, the catalyst has no obvious effect on the gasification products, and the increase of air flow under certain air flow conditions has no obvious effect on the gasification products. The result will provide some references and science basis for tourism waste innocuous treatment and resource utilization engineering in Tibet plateau.

Keywords: Tibet, Tourism Waste, Characterics, Gasification Experiment, GC

1 Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, School of Science, Tibet University, 850000, Lhasa, China



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Documents

Contentsretrud.ioe.edu.np/downloads/RETRUD-18_AbstractBooklet.pdf · 2018-10-25 · Ayush Acharya, Hugh Watson, Devashis Shrestha, Vabish Karki 1802 Potential of crop residues for