Monitoring absolute vertical land motions and absolute sea-level changes from GPS and tide gauges data over French Polynesia

In this study,we estimate the absolute vertical land motions at three tidal stations with collocated Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)receivers over French Polynesia during the period 2007-2020,and obtain,as ancillary results,estimates of the absolute changes in sea level at the same locations.To verify our processing approach to determining vertical motion,we first modeled vertical motion at the International GNSS Service(IGS)THTI station located in the capital island of Tahiti and compared our estimate with previous independent determinations,with a good agreement.We obtained the following estimates for the vertical land motions at the tide gauges:Tubuai island,Austral Archipelago-0.92±0.17 mm/yr,Vairao village,Tahiti Iti:-0.49±0.39 mm/yr,Rikitea,Gambier Archipelago-0.43±0.17 mm/yr.The absolute variations of the sea level are:Tubuai island,Austral Archipelago 5.25±0.60 mm/yr,Vairao village,Tahiti Iti:3.62±0.52 mm/yr,Rikitea,Gambier Archipelago 1.52±0.23 mm/yr.We discuss these absolute values in light of the values obtained from altimetric measurements and other means in French Polynesia.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Design Optimization of a Lattice Tower: Structure and Foundations

Produced in power plants, electrical energy is transported to places of consumption via the electricity network. At the heart of this network are the supports that allow electricity to be efficiently transported over long distances, guaranteeing the security and supply of energy to the various centers of use. In the construction of a line, supports occupy an important part in terms of safety and construction cost. It is therefore essential to optimize their use to reduce the cost of transmission lines. This work addresses this problem, which focuses on the optimal utilization of X-lattice towers in the construction of overhead power lines. The challenge is to reconcile the search for optimal cost and respect for the design, resistance and service constraints of the structure. To do this, a parameter having a strong correlation with the weight, foundation and construction cost of the X-lattice tower for 161 kV lines is determined as an important cost variable. This parameter is the wheelbase of the towers. The junction point between the structure and the foundations is obtained by measuring the forces at the base of the tower following the lowering of the loads. These efforts make it possible to size foundations which are of the inverted or isolated sole type. The results obtained reveal that from 8 meters in width, the wheelbase gradually changes until the optimum is obtained at 6.29 meters. With this wheelbase, the production cost is optimal. It clearly emerges from this study that the construction of lattice pylons with a wheelbase of approximately 6.29 meters makes it possible to optimize the cost of construction of 161 kV lines in the Republic of Benin.

Numerical Modeling and Technico-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Energy Production System for Self-Consumption: Case of Rural Area in the Comoros

This study aims to provide electricity to a remote village in the Union of Comoros that has been affected by energy problems for over 40 years. The study uses a 50 kW diesel generator, a 10 kW wind turbine, 1500 kW photovoltaic solar panels, a converter, and storage batteries as the proposed sources. The main objective of this study is to conduct a detailed analysis and optimization of a hybrid diesel and renewable energy system to meet the electricity demand of a remote area village of 800 to 1500 inhabitants located in the north of Ngazidja Island in Comoros. The study uses the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro to conduct simulations and optimize the analysis using meteorological data from Comoros. The results show that hybrid combination is more profitable in terms of margin on economic cost with a less expensive investment. With a diesel cost of $1/L, an average wind speed of 5.09 m/s and a solar irradiation value of 6.14 kWh/m2/day, the system works well with a proportion of renewable energy production of 99.44% with an emission quantity of 1311.407 kg/year. 99.2% of the production comes from renewable sources with an estimated energy surplus of 2,125,344 kWh/year with the cost of electricity (COE) estimated at $0.18/kWh, presenting a cost-effective alternative compared to current market rates. These results present better optimization of the used hybrid energy system, satisfying energy demand and reducing the environmental impact.

Combination of Tsoft and ET34-ANA-V80 software for the preprocessing and analysis of tide gauge data in French Polynesia

Since 2008 a network of five sea-level monitoring stations was progressively installed in French Polynesia.The stations are autonomous and data,collected at a sampling rate of 1 or 2 min,are not only recorded locally,but also transferred in real time by a radio-link to the NOAA through the GOES satellite.The new ET34-ANA-V80 version of ETERNA,initially developed for Earth Tides analysis,is now able to analyze ocean tides records.Through a two-step validation scheme,we took advantage of the flexibility of this new version,operated in conjunction with the preprocessing facilities of the Tsoft software,to recover co rrected data series able to model sea-level variations after elimination of the ocean tides signal.We performed the tidal analysis of the tide gauge data with the highest possible selectivity(optimal wave grouping)and a maximum of additional terms(shallow water constituents).Our goal was to provide corrected data series and modelled ocean tides signal to compute tide-free sea-level variations as well as tidal prediction models with centimeter precision.We also present in this study the characteristics of the ocean tides in French Polynesia and preliminary results concerning the non-tidal variations of the sea level concerning the tide gauge setting.

The influence of pressure waves in tidal gravity records

For the reduction of atmospheric effects,observed gravity has initially been corrected by using the computed barometric admittance k of the in situ measured pressure,expressed in nms-2/hPa units and estimated by least squares method.However,the local pressure changes alone cannot account for the atmospheric mass attraction and loading when the coherent pressure field exceeds a specific size,i.e.,with increasing periodicities.To overcome this difficulty,it is necessary to compute the total atmospheric effect at each station using the global pressure field.However,the direct subtraction of the total gravity effect,provided by the models of pressure correction,is not yet satisfactory for S2 and other tidal components,such as K2 and P1,which include solar heating pressure tides.This paper identifies the origin of the problem and presents strategies to obtain a satisfactory solution.First,we set up a difference vector between the tidal factors of M2 and S2 after correction of the pressure and ocean tides effects.This vector,hereafter denoted as RES,presents the advantage of being practically insensitive to calibration errors.The minimum discrepancy between the tidal parameters of M2 and S2 corresponds to the minimum of the RES vector norm d.Secondly we adopt the hybrid pressure correction method,separating the local and the global pressure contribution of the models and replacing the local contribution by the pressure measured at the station multiplied by an admittance kATM.We tested this procedure on 8 stations from the IGETS superconducting gravimeters network(former GGP network).For stations at an altitude lower than 1000 m,the value of dopt is always smaller than0.0005.The discrepancy between the tidal parameters of the M2 and S2 waves is always lower than0.05% on the amplitude factors and 0.025° on the phases.For these stations,a correlation exists between the altitude and the value kopt.The results at the three Central European stations Conrad,Pecny and Vienna are in excellent agreement(0.05%) with the DDW99NH model for all the main tidal waves.

Study of the Thermal Characteristics of a Geomaterial:Case of SavèGranites in the Republic of Benin

This work focuses on the valorization of local materials.The rock that is granite,a material used in construction thanks to its mechanical resistance,is the subject of our study.The granite of the commune of Savè,made it possible to appreciate the thermal behavior of this rock studied with a view to its use as a building material.To this end,a thermal diffusivity measurement test was carried out on this material.Thus,we made samples which were then connected to a data acquisition box via thermocouples.A Python script is used to ensure the collection of temperature values over time.From this thermal diffusivity test carried out on the granite taken from the Savèbreasts,we obtained an average diffusivity a=5.84×10^(-6)m^(2)/s.As a result,the thermal effusivity and the heat capacity of the material were determined having respectively the value 1,351.09 J/(K·m^(2)·s^(1/2))and 547,945.21 J/(m^(3)·K).These different results highlight a thermal characterization of Savègranites as a relevant material in the design and construction of an energy-efficient eco-housing.

Estimation of Thermodynamic Parameters for Better Conservation of Fresh Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Knowledge of the state of water balance of agro-food products is an essential step in drying or storage operations for preservation. Our study made it possible to determine the thermodynamic parameters which influence the storage conditions of fresh tomatoes grown in the south of Benin;and to predict its hygroscopic behavior during post-harvest storage. The desorption isotherms obtained at 40℃, 50℃ and 60℃, by the static gravimetric method using saturated saline solutions, are compared with those of the theoretical models of Brunauer, Emmet and Teller (BET), SMITH, PELEG and Guggenheim-Anderson-Boer (GAB). An adjustment of the experimental points, on the theoretical models, was made thanks to the numerical method which exploits the fminsearch algorithm under the MATLAB software, version R2018a. The GAB model at 50℃ faithfully reproduces the experimental desorption curves for water activities from 5.5% to 82.3%. The net isosteric heat of sorption was determined using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, it increases when the degree of dehydration of the product increases. The applied isokinetic theory and enthalpy-entropy compensation are consistent.

Stabilization of Clay Soil for the Durability of Structures: Case Study of the Soils of the Locality of Zalimé, Commune of Zogbodomey in the Republic of Benin

Structures erected on swelling clay soils are subjected to several stresses which are at the origin of the premature deterioration of the infrastructures. The soils being supports for the works, the improvement of their weak characteristics with cotton fibers will not only increase the bearing capacities of these soils and the resolution of the environmental problem, by eliminating the CO2 produced by the burning of the stems after harvest. The objective of this study is to contribute to the improvement of the characteristics by cotton stalk powder of the swelling clay soils used as the foundation of the infrastructures in order to guarantee their durability. Identification and mechanical parameterization tests were carried out on raw soil samples taken at 1.5 meters deep and on samples improved with cotton stalk powder at different levels (3%, 6% and 10%). The results from the physical tests reveal that the soil studied is very plastic silt. As for the mechanical tests, it appears that by adding 3% cotton stalk powder to dry density which goes from 1.435 t/m3 compared to the control sample with a dry density of 1.50 t/m3;which reflects an improvement in the compaction characteristics of the soil studied. The dry densities are 1.445 t/m3 and 1.29 t/m3 for the samples improved with 6% and 10% cotton stalk powder.

Analysis of CO_2 utilization into synthesis gas based on solar thermochemical CH_4-reforming

In this study, the solar thermochemical reactor performance for CO_2 utilization into synthesis gas(H_2+ CO) based on CH_4 reforming process was investigated in the context of carbon capture and utilization(CCU) technologies. The P1 radiation heat transfer model is adopted to establish the heat and mass transfer model coupled with thermochemical reaction kinetics. The reactor thermal behavior with direct heat transfer between gaseous reactant and products evolution and the effects of different structural parameters were evaluated. It was found that the reactor has the potential to utilize by ～60% of CO_2 captured with 40% of CH_4 co-fed into syngas(72.9% of H_2 and 27.1% of CO) at 741.31 k W/mof incident radiation heat flux. However, the solar irradiance heat flux and temperature distribution were found to significantly affect the reactant species conversion efficiency and syngas production. The chemical reaction is mainly driven by the thermal energy and higher species conversion into syngas was observed when the temperature distribution at the inner cavity of the reactor was more uniform. Designed a solar thermochemical reactor able to volumetric store concentrated irradiance could highly improve CCU technologies for producing energy-rich chemicals. Besides, the mixture gas inlet velocity, operating pressure and CO_2/CH_4 feeding ratio were crucial to determining the efficiency of CO_2 utilization to solar fuels. Catalytic CO_2-reforming of CH_4 to chemical energy is a promising strategy for an efficient utilization of CO_2 as a renewable carbon source.

A Comparative Study of the Phase Distribution in Carbon-Silica Hybrid Fillers for Rubber Obtained by Different Methods

Different types of carbon-silica fillers were prepared via pyrolysis-cum-water vapor of waste green tires tread and impregnation method. Dual phase fillers have been characterized by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) or STEM-EDX. Phase distribution in hybrid fillers for rubber was investigated. The results achieved show that the conditions of obtaining influence the distribution and the location of the phases in the carbon-silica hybrid fillers as well as their most essential characteristics including specific area, oil absorption number, iodine adsorption number, ash content and others.

Analysis of Lateritic Soil Reinforced with Palm Kernel Shells for Use as a Sub-Base Layer for Low-Traffic Roads

In tropical areas,palm oil production generates significant amounts of waste,including palm kernel shells.The use of this waste in the civil engineering sector,presents a very challenging task.In the present study,the production of lateritic soil(A-2 in GTR classification and A-7-6(9)in HRB classification)reinforced with palm kernel shells is considered.In order to improve their performances,these materials are mixed using the Fuller’s parabolic law.Moreover,experimental tests are used to characterize the physical and mechanical geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil.After characterizing the matrix(i.e.,lateritic soil)and the inclusions(i.e.,palm kernel shells)in their natural state,it is found that Avrankou’s lateritic soil has a high level of fine particles(56.6%),high plasticity(PI=21%)and low lift(ICBR=17%);which makes it unusable in the pavement layer.Results also prove that the mixture composed of 39%of lateritic soil volume and 61%of PKS with a CBR index equals to 30 and the mixture composed of 45%of lateritic soil,40%PKS and 15%of lagoon sand with a CBR index equals to 41 can be used as sub-base layer for roads for low and medium traffic,respectively.

Elaboration of a Road Material Based on Clayey Soil and Crushed Sand

To contribute to the enhancement of unconventional local materials used for road construction,this study characterizes a crushed sand 0/5,a clayey soil and the litho-stabilized material without and with hydraulic binder and determines their use in accordance with some reference specifications(CEBTP 1984).It is shown that the different components are not usable alone in pavement base.Indeed,the plasticity index obtained for the clayey soil is 21%,a value higher than the imposed standards.In addition,the grading of the 0/5 crushed sand does not fit into the range proposed by CEBTP.A combination of these two(02)components is therefore considered to obtain a suitable material usable for the sub-base.This new material does not enter any class of the CEBTP lateritic soils.In order to be used in base layer,a treatment with hydraulic binder is carried out with the intention to improve its mechanical performances.The optimal dosage of hydraulic binder to achieve the desired mechanical performance is obtained by studying the evolution of the mechanical characteristics of the mixture.After this treatment,the Bearing Ratio index of the mix increases from 37 to 223 for the optimal dosage and the dry compaction density decreases from 2.11 to 2.06 g/cm3 while the optimal water content increases from 9%to 10.1%.

Feasibility Study for a Hybrid Power Plant(PV-Wind-Diesel-Storage)Connected to the Electricity Grid

In this work,we present a feasibility study for a new hybrid power plant(PV-Wind-Diesel-Storage)directly connected to the electrical grid.Several simulations are performed to verify the performance of the hybrid system under different scenarios using real meteorological data.It is shown that the performances of the hybrid system connected to the electrical network depend obviously on the available energy resources and constraints because the renewable energies are intermittent.In addition,the price of the kWh of electricity supplied by the hybrid system is determined,which amounts to$0.209/kWh,which is very cost effective and satisfactory for the considered sample conditions(Comoros Island).

Study of the Porosity of the Tiles out of Vibrated Mortar by Microstructural Analysis

The promotion and the popularization of the micro concrete tiles in any locality obligation with a will of durable development pass by a standard of quality, which is based on the results of scientific and technical research taking account of local specificities. This work proposes to study the porosity of the micro concrete by micro structural analysis. From this study, it comes out that the variation of porosity compared to the ratio of the fine gravels (s/(s + g)) is decreasing. Indeed more the granular ratio increases less low is the density of pores of material. The decrease of porosity according to the granular rate is not infinite;it tends towards a minimum starting from a rate of fine gravel close to 50%. The results obtained justify well the ratio of fine gravel practised by tileries.

Design of a Hybrid System for Rural Area Electricity Supply in Comoros

Comoros Islands suffering from energy stress due to rolling power cuts in the country mainly due to problems with failures heat engines fuelled with diesel. These blackouts induce shortages of energy while demand for energy does not cease to grow with the population. An alternative way for the Comoros Islands to get out of this energy crisis is to exploit the existing energy renewable sources, in particular to invest in the hybrid energy, a promising technology in terms of economic efficiency. The north of Ngazidja Island, in the region of Mitsamiouli, is considered among the economic lungs of this Island. It is spread in the field of tourism but also an area developed in agriculture and fishing. The Village of Koua Mitsamiouli located in rural area of this region is well known for its efficient yield in agricultural production, although the latter suffers from an energy stress in its last years. This lack of energy and water permanently to farmers has caused its production capacity to fall. In order to increase its agricultural profitability, and to satisfy the needs of the population for their activities such as trade, health, education, banking transactions, product preserving in retail stores, the energy autonomy of this village is more than necessary. It is important to notice that, the use of renewable energies in Comoros is very limited by photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Hybrid technology and other renewable energy sources are not yet developed in Comoros Island. The main objective of this work is to propose the best possible sizing of a hybrid system for the production of electricity from renewable and non-renewable energy resources in order to satisfy the electrical needs in a reliable manner of the remote of village, Koua Mitsamiouli, for energetic autonomy. Indeed, two energy resources, composed by solar photovoltaic (PV) system and diesel generator are considered in the hybrid system. This study estimates the community demand with HOMER analysis. In order to check the performance of the overall system combination photovoltaic (PV)/generator, several numerical simulations were performed with the HOMER software using data from the national meteorological agency in Comoros and the results obtained by authors are satisfactory in terms of cost and reliability of the system.

Effect of Constant Magnetic Field on Convective Heat Transfer through Anisotropic River Beds

An analytical investigation is conducted to study the effect of magnetic field on convection heat transfer through packed porous beds which consists of a horizontal fluid layer (river bed) and a porous zone with anisotropic permeability and underlined by a surface heated by a constant temperature T1. The free surface of the fluid layer overlying the horizontal porous layer receives solar rays to length of day and is then considered heated isothermally at temperature T2 such as T1 T2. Flow in porous medium is assumed to be governed by the generalized Brinkman-extended Darcy law and in the fluid layer by the Navier-Stokes model. The Beavers-Joseph condition is applied at the interface between the two layers. The influence of Hartmann number and hydrodynamic anisotropy on the convective phenomenon is investigated analytically. It is found that the magnetic field, the anisotropic permeability and the thickness of the porous lining, ε, have a strong influence of the geothermal convective flow and the heat transfer rate.

Hydrodynamic Anisotropy Effects on Radiation-Mixed Convection Interaction in a Vertical Porous Channel

The effects of hydrodynamic anisotropy on the mixed-convection in a vertical porous channel heated on its plates with a thermal radiation are investigated analytically for fully developed flow regime. The porous medium is anisotropic in permeability whose principal axes are oriented in a direction that is oblique to the gravity. The generalized Brinkman-extended Darcy model which allows the no-slip boundary-condition on solid wall is used in the formulation of the problem. The flow reversal, the thermal radiation influence for natural, and forced convection are considered in the limiting cases for low and high porosity media. It was found that the anisotropic permeability ratio, the orientation angle of the principal axes of permeability and the radiation parameter affected significantly the flow regime and the heat transfer.