On the Thermal Distribution in Oncological Hyperthermia Treatments

The temperature is one of the principal controlling parameters of oncological hyperthermia. However, local heating forms a complicated thermal distribution in space and has developed over time, too. The decisional factors are the heterogeneity of the targeted volume, the electrolyte perfusions controlled by thermal homeostasis, and the spreading of the heat energy with time. A further complication is that the energy absorption sharply changes by depth, so the spatiotemporal development of the temperature distribution requires specialized methods to control. Most of the temperature imaging facilities (thermography, radiometry, electric impedance tomography, etc.) are less precise than the medical practice needs. In contrast, precise point sensing (like thermocouples, thermistors, and fluoroptical methods) is invasive and measures only a discrete point in the robustly changing thermal map. The two most precise thermal imaging methods, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance are expensive and have numerous technical complications. Our objective is to show the complexity of the temperature distribution inside the human body, and offer a relatively simple and cheap method to visualize its spatiotemporal development. A novel emerging technology, the application of ultrasound microbubble contrast agents is a promising method for solving complicated tasks of thermal distribution deep inside the living body. Noteworthy, the temperature distribution does not determine the full hyperthermia process, nonthermal effects make considerable impact, too. Additionally to the difficulties to measure the thermal heterogeneity during hyperthermia in oncology, numerous nonthermal processes, molecular and structural changes are triggered by the incoming electromagnetic energy, which presently has no spatiotemporal visualization technique. Microbubble imaging has a suitable spatiotemporal thermal resolution, and also it is sensitive to nonthermal effects. Its application for characterization of the modulated electrohyperthermia (mEHT) may open a new theranostic facility, using the synergy of the thermal and nonthermal effects of the radiofrequency delivered energy. This complex approach gives facility to follow the mEHT processes, and the proposed microbubble ultrasound imaging has a particularly promising advantage sensing and acting also nonthermally, having potential to characterize the thermally conditioned nonthermal electromagnetic effects in oncologic hyperthermia. The mEHT combined with microbubble ultrasound images could be a robust theranostic method against cancer.

Effect of Dietary Components on the Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontics Brackets after Thermal Aging

Introduction: The stability of orthodontic brackets throughout orthodontic treatment plays a critical role in the treatment’s effectiveness. The present in vitro study was designed to assess the impact of various dietary components on the performance of orthodontic brackets. Methods: Metal orthodontic brackets were bonded to 66 extracted anterior teeth divided into groups based on the solution type: Milk, Gatorade, Cold Coffee, and a control group using water. Each group consisted of 20 teeth except for the control group, which included six teeth. The bracketed teeth were submerged in their respective solutions for 15 minutes three times daily at different intervals to mimic an in vivo environment and were stored in artificial saliva at room temperature (23?C). The specimens underwent artificial aging through 10,000 cycles of thermocycling (representing one clinical year) between 5?C and 55?C. Shade measurements were taken using a VITA Easy Shade device, capturing the classic shade and L*, a*, and b* values. Delta E values were calculated immediately post-bonding and after 7 days, 1 month, 1, and 2 clinical years. The shear bond strength of each bracket was measured using an ultra-tester machine. Results: After two clinical years, significant differences in ΔE color values were observed across all groups, with the most substantial change noted in teeth immersed in cold coffee. Brackets submerged in milk demonstrated lower shear bond strength than other solutions, whereas the control group exhibited the highest shear bond strength (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The study indicates that dietary components significantly influence tooth color stability and the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, underscoring the importance of considering these factors in orthodontic treatment planning.

Further Analysis of Machine Tool Dimensional Accuracy and Thermal Stability under Varying Floor Temperature

Machining is as old as humanity, and changes in temperature in both the machine’s internal and external environments can be of great concern as they affect the machine’s thermal stability and, thus, the machine’s dimensional accuracy. This paper is a continuation of our earlier work, which aimed to analyze the effect of the internal temperature of a machine tool as the machine is put into operation and vary the external temperature, the machine floor temperature. Some experiments are carried out under controlled conditions to study how machine tool components get heated up and how this heating up affects the machine’s accuracy due to thermally induced deviations. Additionally, another angle is added by varying the machine floor temperature. The parameters mentioned above are explored in line with the overall thermal stability of the machine tool and its dimensional accuracy. A Robodrill CNC machine tool is used. The CNC was first soaked with thermal energy by gradually raising the machine floor temperature to a certain level before putting the machine in operation. The machine was monitored, and analytical methods were deplored to evaluate thermal stability. Secondly, the machine was run idle for some time under raised floor temperature before it was put into operation. Data was also collected and analyzed. It is observed that machine thermal stability can be achieved in several ways depending on how the above parameters are joggled. This paper, in conclusion, reinforces the idea of machine tool warm-up process in conjunction with a carefully analyzed and established machine floor temperature variation for the approximation of the machine tool’s thermally stability to map the long-time behavior of the machine tool.

Experimental Study of the Thermal Behavior of a Bioclimatic Building Prototype in a Sahelian Zone

Buildings constructed with modern materials (cement blocks, sheet metal, reinforced concrete, etc.) in the Sahelian zone often generate excessive electricity consumption and consequently very high electricity bills. This study is a contribution to the development of new building types based on the principle of bioclimatic construction. The aim is to find materials suited to the Sahelian climate and improve thermal comfort. To this end, an experimental study of the hygrothermal behavior of a bioclimatic building prototype with a domed roof is being carried out. Site meteorological data, air temperature and relative humidity of the building’s internal environment were measured for three climatic seasons in Burkina Faso. The data acquisition system consists of thermocouples, solarimeters and humidity meters, and the data are processed using Excel and Origin Pro software. The results show that, despite the high temperature values (between 36˚C and 39˚C) of the internal environment measured in the hot season, good thermal performance is achieved, in particular an average phase shift of 7.17 h and an average damping of 10.81˚C. The dome-roofed building could therefore contribute to limiting heat transmission to the building interior, improving thermal comfort all year round. Analysis of humidity profiles shows that indoor humidity varies between 66% and 80% for the September period, and between 44% and 69% for the January period. The high values of internal ambient humidity could be reduced by very good ventilation of the building. This study shows that the proposed bioclimatic building prototype with domed roof could be integrated into the Sahelian habitat.

Static and Thermal Analysis of Aluminium (413,390,384 and 332) Piston Using Finite Element Method

The main objective of this research was to examine the suitability of aluminium alloy to design a piston of an internal combustion engine for improvement in weight and cost reduction. The piston was modelled using Autodesk Inventor 2017 software. The modelled piston was then imported into Ansys for further analysis. Static structural and thermal analysis were carried out on the pistons of the four different materials namely: Al 413 alloy, Al 384 alloy, Al 390 alloy and Al332 alloy to determine the total deformation, equivalent Von Mises stress, maximum shear stress, and the safety factor. The results of the study revealed that, aluminium 332 alloy piston deformed less compared to the deformations of aluminium 390 alloy piston, aluminium 384 alloy piston and aluminium 413 alloy piston. The induced Von Mises stresses in the pistons of the four different materials were found to be far lower than the yield strengths of all the materials. Hence, all the selected materials including the implementing material have equal properties to withstand the maximum gas load. All the selected materials were observed to have high thermal conductivity enough to be able to withstand the operating temperature in the engine cylinders.

Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo—Epoxy Reinforced Composite for Thermal Insulation

As global warming intensifies, researchers worldwide strive to develop effective ways to reduce heat transfer. Among the natural fiber composites studied extensively in recent decades, bamboo has emerged as a prime candidate for reinforcement. This woody plant offers inherent strengths, biodegradability, and abundant availability. Due to its high cellulose content, its low thermal conductivity establishes bamboo as a thermally resistant material. Its low thermal conductivity, enhanced by a NaOH solution treatment, makes it an excellent thermally resistant material. Researchers incorporated Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) and Kaolin fillers into the epoxy matrix to improve the insulating properties of bamboo composites. These fillers substantially enhance thermal resistance, limiting heat transfer. Various compositions, like (30% HGM + 25% Bamboo + 65% Epoxy) and (30% Kaolin + 25% Bamboo + 45% Epoxy), were compared to identify the most efficient thermal insulator. Using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) ensures uniform distribution of fillers and resin, creating a structurally sound thermal barrier. These reinforced composites, evaluated using the TOPSIS method, demonstrated their potential as high-performance materials combating heat transfer, offering a promising solution in the battle against climate change.

Optimisation of Thermal Comfort of Building in a Hot and Dry Tropical Climate: A Comparative Approach between Compressed Earth/Concrete Block Envelopes

Compressed earth blocks (CEB) are an alternative to cement blocks in the construction of wall masonry. However, the optimal architectural construction methods for adequate thermal comfort for occupants in hot and arid environments are not mastered. This article evaluates the influence of architectural and constructive modes of buildings made of CEB walls and concrete block walls, to optimize and compare their thermal comfort in the hot and dry tropical climate of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Two identical pilot buildings whose envelopes are made of CEB and concrete blocks were monitored for this study. The thermal models of the pilot buildings were implemented in the SketchUp software using an extension of EnergyPlus. The models were empirically validated after calibration against measured thermal data from the buildings. The models were used to do a parametric analysis for optimization of the thermal performances by simulating plaster coatings on the exterior of walls, airtight openings and natural ventilation depending on external weather conditions. The results show that the CEB building displays 7016 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 80.1% of the time, and the concrete building displays 6948 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 79.3% of the time. The optimization by modifications reduced the discomfort to 2918 and 3125 hours respectively;i.e. equivalent to only 33.3% for the CEB building and 35.7% for the concrete building. More study should evaluate thermal optimizations in buildings in real time of usage such as residential buildings commonly used by the local middle class. The use of CEB as a construction material and passive means of improving thermal comfort is a suitable ecological and economical option to replace cementitious material.

Experimental Study of the Influence of Intrinsic Parameters on the Thermal Reactivity of Sawdust, Polyethylene Terephthalate and Composite

Several works have been based on the study of thermal variations in biomass to derive more valuable products such as fuels capable of replacing oil in the event of a crisis or activated carbon used as an adsorbent material, widely used in industry for the elimination of unwanted materials, both in liquid and gaseous environments. A study of thermal parameters such as: heating speed, retention time, drying temperature, carbonization temperature, particle size, was carried out with the aim of determining the characteristic factors of the carbonization of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sawdust (SC) and sawdust/polyethylene terephthalate (CPS) mixture. The results of the immediate analysis revealed a very low level of ash in PET (0.013%) compared to the level of ash in sawdust (2.9%), as well as a high level of fixed carbon (82.960%), which suggests the presence of mineral oxides and a significant carbon matrix unlike PET, which indicates a very significant organic matrix (essentially made up of organic matter) with the absence of mineral oxides. The study of thermal parameters showed the water loss from Sawdust (SC) and the Sawdust/Polyethylene terephthalate (CPS) mixture, an increase with temperature, unlike that of PET whose variation is essentially zero. Without heat treatment, sawdust alone contains approximately 7% water. The optimal drying temperature for this study is 110˚C for a stay of 24 hours. It appears that the largest mass losses for the PET samples are between 87.19% and 96.05%, followed by that of the mixture, between 47.33% and 64.37%. And the lowest are observed, those of sawdust (from 24.02% to 62.6%). However, here we can say that the influence of the mass is not great, given the slight difference between the losses by temperature. The results of the study of the influence of grain size showed that the differences are insignificant, even if we vary the diameter of the grains from simple to triple. To better minimize physical constraints such as the intragranular diffusibility of the volatile matter and the homogeneity of the temperature in the grains, 75 μm particles are found to be optimal for our study. It can be noted when studying the heating rate that the mass loss at the end of the reaction is approximately the same depending on each precursor material. However, it has been demonstrated that the heating rate strongly influences the nature of the reaction products both for volatile materials and for the solid residue as well as on the kinetic parameters of the chemical reaction. Furthermore, the variation in apparent density shows a decrease as a function of the increase in the residence time of the materials in the reactor. As the carbonization time increases, the apparent density decreases. We note, for the lignocellulosic material, that the apparent density stabilizes after 60 minutes.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cryotherapy, Thermal Ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment: A Pilot Study among Zambian Women

Background: Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatments have become essential interventions to manage cervical lesions. Majority of the recipients of these treatments are women within the reproductive age group, who according to literature may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This pilot study is part of a study investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who received Cryotherapy, Thermal ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure compared to the untreated women in Zambia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study analyzed records of 886 (n = 443 treated and n = 443 untreated) women aged 15 - 49 years. The women were either screened with Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or treated for Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia at the Adult Infectious Disease Centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Women meeting the criteria were identified using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid screening records and telephone interviews to obtain the adverse pregnancy outcome experienced. Data were analysed using STATA version 16 to determine the prevalence and obtain frequency distribution of outcomes of interest. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression estimated odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes across the three treatments. Results: The respondents were aged 15 to 49 years. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed to be more prevalent in the treatment group (18.5%) compared to the untreated group (5.4%). Normal pregnancy outcomes were lower in the treated (46.3%;n = 443) than the untreated (53.7%;n = 443). The treated group accounted for the majority of abortions (85.2%), prolonged labour (85.7%) and low birth weight (80%), whereas, the untreated accounted for the majority of still births (72.7%). Women treated with cryotherapy (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.32 - 4.49, p = 0.004), thermal ablation (aOR = 6.37, 95% CI = 0.99 - 41.2, p = 0.052) and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (aOR = 9.67, 95% CI = 2.17 - 43.1, p = 0.003) had two-, six- and ten-times higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes respectively, relative to women who required no treatment. Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent among women who have received treatment in Zambia. The findings indicate that treating Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia has been linked to higher chances of experiencing abortion, delivering low birth weight babies and enduring prolonged labor that may result in a caesarean section delivery. Cervical neoplasia treatments, particularly Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, are associated with significantly increased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is essential to include information about prior Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatment outcomes in obstetric care.

Numerical Assessment of the Thermal Efficiency of a Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (CPV/T) Hybrid System Using Air as Heat Transfer Fluid

In this paper, we propose a thermal model of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal concentration system. Starting from the thermal balance of the model, the equation is solved and simulated with a MATLAB code, considering air as the cooling fluid. This enabled us to evaluate some of the parameters influencing the electrical and thermal performance of this device. The results showed that the temperature, thermal efficiency and electrical efficiency delivered depend on the air mass flow rate. The electrical and thermal efficiencies for different values of air mass flow are encouraging, and demonstrate the benefits of cooling photovoltaic cells. The results show that thermal efficiency decreases air flow rate greater than 0.7 kg/s, whatever the value of the light concentration used. The thermal efficiency of the solar cell increases as the light concentration increases, whatever the air flow rate used. For a concentration equal to 30 sun, the thermal efficiency is 0.16 with an air flow rate equal to 0.005 kg/s;the thermal efficiency increases to 0.19 with an air flow rate equal to 0.1 kg/s at the same concentration. An interesting and useful finding was that the proposed numerical model allows the determination of the electrical as well as thermal efficiency of the hybrid CPV/T with air flow as cooling fluid.

Hygrothermal Properties of a Composite Based on Clay Soils and Diatomite

The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the use of diatomite as a mineral additive in the composition of compressed earth blocks. The aim is to study the influence of diatomite on the hygrothermal behaviour of composites based on clay soils. For this reason, two clay soils with different physicochemical and mineralogical compositions were incorporated with diatomite at percentages ranging from 5% to 50% with a step of 5 to produce compressed earth blocks. After assessing the hydric and thermal characteristics of the composites, it was found that the incorporation of diatomite into the clay matrix favours the absorption of water by capillary action for all the composites. The diatomite-amended blocks subjected to the rain erosion test were less eroded than the unamended blocks. In addition, BYD composites were found to be more resistant than BTD composites, due to the high percentage of clay in T soil. The thermal conductivity of the latter decreases respectively from 0.72 to 0.29 W/m∙K for BTD composites and from 0.52 to 0.21 W/m∙K for BYD composites. This reduction proves the thermal insulating properties of diatomite. Despite the high capillary absorption capacity of these composites, they have good thermal properties, enabling them to be used in the construction of buildings for improved indoor thermal comfort.

Numerical Investigation of Thermal Behavior of CNC Machine Tool and Its Effects on Dimensional Accuracy of Machined Parts

The dimensional accuracy of machined parts is strongly influenced by the thermal behavior of machine tools (MT). Minimizing this influence represents a key objective for any modern manufacturing industry. Thermally induced positioning error compensation remains the most effective and practical method in this context. However, the efficiency of the compensation process depends on the quality of the model used to predict the thermal errors. The model should consistently reflect the relationships between temperature distribution in the MT structure and thermally induced positioning errors. A judicious choice of the number and location of temperature sensitive points to represent heat distribution is a key factor for robust thermal error modeling. Therefore, in this paper, the temperature sensitive points are selected following a structured thermomechanical analysis carried out to evaluate the effects of various temperature gradients on MT structure deformation intensity. The MT thermal behavior is first modeled using finite element method and validated by various experimentally measured temperature fields using temperature sensors and thermal imaging. MT Thermal behavior validation shows a maximum error of less than 10% when comparing the numerical estimations with the experimental results even under changing operation conditions. The numerical model is used through several series of simulations carried out using varied working condition to explore possible relationships between temperature distribution and thermal deformation characteristics to select the most appropriate temperature sensitive points that will be considered for building an empirical prediction model for thermal errors as function of MT thermal state. Validation tests achieved using an artificial neural network based simplified model confirmed the efficiency of the proposed temperature sensitive points allowing the prediction of the thermally induced errors with an accuracy greater than 90%.

Thermal Performance Analysis of Plaster Reinforced with Raffia Vinifera Particles for Use as Insulating Materials in Building

The present study focuses on the formulation of new composite consisting of plaster and raffia vinifera particle (RVP) with the purpose to reducing energy consumption. The aim of this study is to test this new compound as an insulating eco-material in building in a tropical climate. The composites samples were developed by mixing plaster with raffia vinifera particles (RVP) using three different sizes (1.6 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm). The effects of four different RVP incorporations rates (i.e., 0wt%, 5wt%;10wt%;15wt%) on physical, thermal, mechanicals properties of the composites were investigated. In addition, the use of the raffia vinifera particles and plaster based composite material as building envelopes thermal insulation material is studied by the habitable cell thermal behavior instrumentation. The results indicate that the incorporation of raffia vinifera particle leads to improve the new composite physical, mechanical and thermal properties. And the parametric analysis reveals that the sampling rate and the size of raffia vinifera particles are the most decisive factor to impact these properties, and to decreases in the thermal conductivity which leads to an improvement to the thermal resistance and energy savings. The best improvement of plaster composite was obtained at the raffia vinifera particles size between 2.5 and 4.0 mm loading of 5wt% (C95P5R) with a good ratio of thermo-physical-mechanical properties. Additionally, the habitable cell experimental thermal behavior, with the new raffia vinifera particles and plaster-based composite as thermal insulating material for building walls, gives an average damping of 4°C and 5.8°C in the insulated house interior environment respectively for cold and hot cases compared to the outside environment and the uninsulated house interior environment. The current study highlights that this mixture gives the new composite thermal insulation properties applicable in the eco-construction of habitats in tropical environments.

Effects of Anthropogenic CO2 and Thermally-Induced CO2 on Global Warming

Changes in CO2 and temperature are correlated, but it is difficult to observe which is the cause and which is the effect. The release of CO2 dissolved in the ocean into the atmosphere depends on the atmospheric temperature. However, examining the relationship between changes in CO2 caused by other phenomena and temperature is difficult. Studies of soil respiration (Rs) since the late 20th century have shown that CO2 emissions from soil respiration (Rs) are overwhelmingly greater than CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. This is also noted in the IPCC carbon budget assessment. In this paper, the dependences of Rs on temperature, time, latitude, precipitation, seasons, etc., were investigated using the latest NASA database. The changes in temperature and Rs correlated well. There is also a good correlation between Rs and CO2 generation. Therefore, an increase in temperature results in an increase in CO2. On the other hand, there is no evidence other than model calculations that an increase in anthropogenic CO2 is mainly linked to a rise in temperature. The idea that global warming is caused by anthropogenic CO2 production is still a hypothesis. For these reasons, the relationship between global warming and anthropogenic CO2 should be reconsidered based on physical evidence without preconceptions. .

Analyzing Thermal Stratification and Nanoparticle Shapes Influence on an EMHD Ternary Nanofluid Flow amidst Two Spinning Disks

The present study examines the thermal distribution of ternary nanofluid flow amid two spinning disks influenced by electric and magnetic fields. Keeping in view the shape of the particles, the electrically conducting ternary nanofluid is analyzed with variable thermophysical features. Three types of nanoparticles namely Copper, Aluminum Oxide, and Graphene with spherical, cylindrical, and platelet shapes are taken respectively and are immersed in a (50-50)% ratio of water and ethylene glycol mixture which acts as a base fluid. The anticipated problem is addressed by employing a reliable and user-friendly numerical bvp4c built-in collocation scheme. This solution is then showcased through illustrations and tables. Strengthening the radiation results in an enhanced heat transfer rate. Radial and azimuthal velocities once rotation of disks is enhanced. The key findings provide a strong theoretical background in photovoltaic cells, solar collectors, radiators, solar water heaters, and many other applications.

Real Time Thermal Image Based Machine Learning Approach for Early Collision Avoidance System of Snowplows

In an effort to reduce vehicle collisions with snowplows in poor weather conditions, this paper details the development of a real time thermal image based machine learning approach to an early collision avoidance system for snowplows, which intends to detect and estimate the distance of trailing vehicles. Due to the operational conditions of snowplows, which include heavy-blowing snow, traditional optical sensors like LiDAR and visible spectrum cameras have reduced effectiveness in detecting objects in such environments. Thus, we propose using a thermal infrared camera as the primary sensor along with machine learning algorithms. First, we curate a large dataset of thermal images of vehicles in heavy snow conditions. Using the curated dataset, two machine-learning models based on the modified ResNet architectures were trained to detect and estimate the trailing vehicle distance using real-time thermal images. The trained detection network was capable of detecting trailing vehicles 99.0% of the time at 1500.0 ft distance from the snowplow. The trained trailing distance network was capable of estimating distance with an average estimation error of 10.70 ft. The inference performance of the trained models is discussed, along with the interpretation of the performance.

Composite Panels from the Combination of Rice Husk and Wood Chips with a Natural Resin Based on Tannins Reinforced with Sugar Cane Molasses Intended for Building Insulation: Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Properties

The objective of this work is to develop new biosourced insulating composites from rice husks and wood chips that can be used in the building sector. It appears from the properties of the precursors that rice chips and husks are materials which can have good thermal conductivity and therefore the combination of these precursors could make it possible to obtain panels with good insulating properties. With regard to environmental and climatic constraints, the composite panels formulated at various rates were tested and the physico-mechanical and thermal properties showed that it was essential to add a crosslinker in order to increase certain solicitation. an incorporation rate of 12% to 30% made it possible to obtain panels with low thermal conductivity, a low surface water absorption capacity and which gives the composite good thermal insulation and will find many applications in the construction and real estate sector. Finally, new solutions to improve the fire reaction of the insulation panels are tested which allows to identify suitable solutions for the developed composites. In view of the flame tests, the panels obtained are good and can effectively combat fire safety in public buildings.

Comprehensive Examination of Solar Panel Design: A Focus on Thermal Dynamics

In the 21st century, the deployment of ground-based Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules has seen exponential growth, driven by increasing demands for green, clean, and renewable energy sources. However, their usage is constrained by certain limitations. Notably, the efficiency of solar PV modules on the ground peaks at a maximum of 25%, and there are concerns regarding their long-term reliability, with an expected lifespan of approximately 25 years without failures. This study focuses on analyzing the thermal efficiency of PV Modules. We have investigated the temperature profile of PV Modules under varying environmental conditions, such as air velocity and ambient temperature, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This analysis is crucial as the efficiency of PV Modules is significantly impacted by changes in the temperature differential relative to the environment. Furthermore, the study highlights the effect of airflow over solar panels on their temperature. It is found that a decrease in the temperature of the PV Module increases Open Circuit Voltage, underlining the importance of thermal management in optimizing solar panel performance.

Development of Morus alba Reinforced Poly-Lactic Acid with Elevated Mechanical and Thermal Properties

This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively - to produce composite materials. In addition, another composite with the same fiber volume is treated with a 4% NaOH solution to improve mechanical properties. The composites are processed by twin-screw extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Tensile strength measurements of raw fibers and NaOH-treated fibers were carried out using a single-fiber tensile test with a gauge length of 40 mm. It was observed that the NaOH surface treatment increases the resistance against tensile loading and exhibited improved properties for raw fiber strands. The diameter of the fibers was measured using optical microscopy. During this research, flexural tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature measurements (HDT) were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite samples. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of NaOH-treated Morus alba-reinforced polylactic acid outperform both virgin PLA samples and untreated Morus alba samples.

Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Conductivity and Other Thermophysical Properties of Nanofluids Based on Functionalized (-OH) Mwcnt Nanoparticles Dispersed in Distilled Water

A possible way to increase thermal conductivity of working fluids, while keeping pressure drop at acceptable levels, is through nanofluids. Nanofluids are nano-sized particles dispersed in conventional working fluids. A great number of materials have potential to be used in nanoparticles production and then in nanofluids;one of them is Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT). They have thermal conductivity around 3000 W/mK while other materials used as nanoparticles like CuO have thermal conductivity of 76.5 W/mK. Due to this fact, MWCNT nanoparticles have potential to be used in nanofluids production, aiming to increase heat transfer rate in energy systems. In this context, the main goal of this paper is to evaluate from the synthesis to the experimental measurement of thermal conductivity of nanofluid samples based on functionalized (-OH) MWCNT nanoparticles. They will be analyzed nanoparticles with different functionalization degrees (4% wt, 6% wt, and 9% wt). In addition, it will be quantified other thermophysical properties (dynamic viscosity, specific heat and specific mass) of the synthetized nanofluids. So, the present work can contribute with experimental data that will help researches in the study and development of MWCNT nanofluids. According to the results, the maximum increment obtained in thermal conductivity was 10.65% in relation to the base fluid (water).