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In recent years, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are contributing a major share in Thailand and benefit the environment. Most of the EV charging stations are sourced from solar energy as it becomes a carbon-free source of energy production. Secondly, Thailand is rich in solar irradiance, and higher irradiance leads to higher power production. On the other hand, in tropical conditions, solar Photovoltaic (PV) module temperature increases following the solar irradiance due to high ambient temperature, resulting negative impact on the efficiency and lifespan of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Further, to increase PV power production, in this study, different rates of cooling strategies are proposed. The study found that reducing the temperature by 5% to 25% resulted in increased average power outputs of 5947.94W, 6021.43W, 6094.92W, 6168.41W, and 6241W, respectively. Notably, 25% of the cooling rate achieved higher production. However, it is lower than the nominal power production. Following that, economic analysis and environmental impacts are analyzed for Thailand's EV charging station using a different cooling rate of PV module. Overall, it is concluded that, depending on the economic viability of the EV charging station, cooling technology can be applied, and it will benefit the EV charging station both economically and environmentally. To further enhance the solar PV power production approach for EV charging stations in Thailand, it is imperative to prioritize future endeavors towards optimizing cooling technology, integrating energy storage, and implementing supportive policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubberwood biomass is widely available in the southern region of Thailand and it has high potential for biofuel applications. Applications of this biomass still have some limitations, however, such as low energy properties and high biological decomposition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to enhance the fuel properties of rubberwood biomass by a torrefaction process. Rubberwood sawdust (RWS) was torrefied at different temperatures (200, 250, and 300 °C) and for various times (20, 40, and 60 min) in a moving bed reactor. The product yield and characteristics of torrefied RWS were investigated. Results showed that the solid yield of torrefied RWS was in the range of 39.07–88.69%, depending on temperature and time. The fuel atomic ratios of torrefied RWS were better than of raw RWS. The energy content and energy density of torrefied RWS were clearly enhanced (19.78–27.17 MJ/kg and 4.94–6.59 GJ/m3). ICP-OES results revealed a variation of inorganic elements in torrefied RWS, which was consistent with the ash components given by XRF. Ash fusion temperature of raw RWS and torrefied RWS ashes was stable at 1458 °C. The slagging index of torrefied RWS was decreased, while its fouling index was elevated. [Display omitted] • Yield and properties of torrefied RWS were clearly influenced by temperature. • Fuel atomic ratios and energy properties of RWS were improved by torrefaction. • Fusion temperature of torrefied RWS ash was above 1458 °C. • Torrefaction increased fouling index of RWS but reduced its slagging index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy has gained great interest in the recent years for being environmentally friendly and renewable energy resource. Southern Thailand is well-known for agro-industry including rubber tree plantations and processing, which provide biomass that could be applied to produce bioenergy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the energy potential of Rubber Wood Chips (RWC), Rubber Wood Pellets (RWP), Unburned Char (UBC) from rubber wood, blended RWC:UBC (50:50%) and blended RWP:UBC (50:50%). The physiochemical properties including bulk density, proximate composition, ultimate composition, heating value, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and lignocellulose content were determined for the biomass samples. The thermochemical conversion of biomass to syngas was performed using a downdraft gasifier operated at equivalence ratio 0.3. The results showed that the biomass was rich in carbon (content ranging from 44.77 to 58.54%) making it suitable for use as a solid fuel for gasification or combustion. The moisture contents of the biomass samples were below 10%. The contents of volatile matter in RWC and RWP were 74.40 and 75.40%, respectively. The UBC had a high fixed carbon content (50.60%) and comparatively low volatile matter (19%). The bulk densities of RWC, RWP and UBC were 193, 555 and 177 (kg/m3), respectively. The TGA showed the maximum weight loss of RWC and RWP around 400 °C, but this was at 800 °C for UBC. The higher heating values of RWC, RWP and UBC were 17.8 MJ/kg, 17.4 MJ/kg and 19.3 MJ/kg, respectively. The RWC and RWP had high cellulose and hemicellulose contents while UBC was rich in lignin. The syngas obtained from any of these biomass samples was mainly CO (10.81-22.67%) and CH4 (0.06-3.16%) with the lower heating value ranging from 2.78 to 4.72 MJ/Nm3. These results indicate that rubber wood biomass in various forms has relatively high potential for bioenergy applications via gasification, and it can help to support the renewable energy sector in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates and quantifies biomethanation improvements from practical schemes of retrofitting anaerobic plug flow (PF) digester for piggery wastewater (1% total solids concentration). First, batch assays were performed to seek the optimal scenario for substrate solubilization. By regulating micro-aeration at different levels, results showed that ORP −420 ± 10 mV promoted maximal hydrolysis efficiency (η H), to as high as 49.5% above the control (without micro-aeration). However, organics were markedly lost by over oxidation beyond the optimal ORP. Sub-thermophilic (45 °C) was also proven as effective (p ≥ 0.05) as thermophilic (55 °C) temperature for hydrolysis with η H 89% higher than that of the ambient (mesophilic) temperature. In continuous digestion studies, the two-stage operations, achieved by adding a pre-hydrolysis (pHY) reactor (HRT 1 day) to the main PF reactor (HRT 4 days), were assessed under four retrofitting schemes. Results showed incremental improvements of each strategy applied and suggested the best overall system configuration of pHY 45 C − 420 mV + PF 45C with sludge re-hydrolysis. Methane yield was improved by 20.4% over the original PF digester operation. Next Generation Sequencing indicated significant changes in abundance and diversity of the major groups of organisms by the sub-thermophilic temperature that linked to the augmented biomethanation performance. Preliminary cost-benefit analysis is also presented. A full-scale implementation in a pilot farm in Thailand is under development. [Display omitted] • Advanced retrofitting schemes to piggery waste digestion were experimentally tested. • Pre-hydrolysis via micro-aeration is effectively controlled by redox potential. • Hydrolysis/acidogenic efficiency at 45 °C statistically equals to thermophilic 55 °C. • Sludge re-hydrolysis was proven the most effective scheme to enhance CH 4 yield. • Changes in microbial abundance and diversity at 45 °C are linked to CH 4 yield rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the conversion of durian peel to biochar and pyrolysis liquid via slow pyrolysis. The central composite design was utilized to optimize the conditions of three independent variables, namely pyrolysis temperature, cooling temperature, and holding time. Analysis of variance revealed that only pyrolysis temperature had a significant effect on biochar and pyrolysis liquid yields. The biochar and pyrolysis liquid yields fit by a second-order polynomial model agreed well with experimental results. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, the solid product yield decreased, while the pyrolysis liquid yield increased. The highest biochar and pyrolysis liquid yields were 56.11% and 38.53% that derive at 300 and 600 °C of pyrolysis temperature, respectively. The validation of both prediction models showed over 96% agreement. Biochar of high heating value (26.55 MJ/kg) was obtained at 600 °C pyrolysis temperature and 30 min holding time. According to the Van Krevelen plot, the molar ratios of the H/C and O/C of the biochar obtained at 600 °C of pyrolysis temperatures were similar to coal material. The high-quality biochar was of carbon storage class 4 according to the IBI classification; and the characteristics of pyrolysis liquid met community product standards of Thailand. An economic analysis was performed to assess the feasibility of converting 60 tons/year of durian peel into biochar and pyrolysis liquid. An internal project rate of return (IRR) of 25.91% with a payback period of 1.58 years was estimated. The findings of this study indicate the economic viability of immediately deploying large-scale pyrolysis utilizing a waste stream from agriculture. [Display omitted] • Pyrolysis temperature mainly determined biochar and pyrolysis liquid yields. • Maximum biochar (56%) and pyrolysis liquid yields (38%) were determined. • The biochar is rated as a high-class 4 of carbon storage by the IBI. • The durian peel pyrolysis liquid met community product standards of Thailand. • In an economic study IRR is 25.91% with a payback period of 1.58 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian peel is a type of biomass derived from agricultural residues, which are found in abundant in Thailand. This study aims to investigate the thermal and chemical properties of three indigenous durian peels, namely Monthong (MDP), Puangmanee (PDP), and Bacho (BDP), as well as the characteristics of biochar and pyrolysis liquid derived from slow pyrolysis of the durian peel. MDP had the greatest volatile matter and fixed carbon content, with 73.97 and 18.43 wt%, respectively. MDP was applied for further research in order to produce biochar and pyrolysis liquid at pyrolysis temperatures of 400 and 600 °C. The maximum biochar yield was 36.01% at 400 °C, while the maximum pyrolysis liquid yield was 37.25% at 600 °C. The largest high heating value of biochar (24.48 MJ kg−1) was obtained at 600 °C more than the high heating value of feedstock (14.32 MJ kg−1). Biochar obtained at 400 °C can be categorized as fertilizer class 4, while biochar obtained at 600 °C can be classified as carbon storage class 2 using the IBI biochar classification tool. The quality of the pyrolysis liquid was determined to be of 3.14 pH and 1.052 g mL−1 specific gravity at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C, which meets Thailand standards. As a result, both 400 °C and 600 °C pyrolysis liquids produced significant chemicals that are employed in a variety of industries. Consequently, this research is strongly recommended to be expanded to produce high-quality durian peel biochar and pyrolysis liquid. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive physical, chemical, thermal properties of durian peels were explored. • Durian peel biochar can be categorized by the IBI as carbon storage class 2. • The biochar can be classified by the IBI as a high fertilizer class 4. • Pyrolysis liquid derived from the durian peel meet Thailand standards. • 81 main compounds with essential chemicals were detected in the pyrolysis liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]