THERMAL

This study investigates the potential of eggshell waste as a reinforcement material in aluminum matrices for kitchenware applications, aiming to enhance material properties. Composites were fabricated with 7%, 10%, and 13% eggshell reinforcement and subjected to tensile testing, Brinell hardness testing, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) to assess mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties. Tensile testing revealed a significant increase in Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) with 13% reinforcement, reaching 134.29 MPa, though ductility was reduced. SEM analysis of the 10wt% composite showed a finer textured structure but non-uniform particle distribution. EDS confirmed calcium presence, and showed reduced oxygen content. Brinell hardness exhibited a positive correlation between the weight percentage of eggshell in the aluminum composite, which showed that higher eggshell content within the tested range leads to increased hardness. DSC indicated that eggshell addition altered thermal characteristics, with the 13wt% composite showing a slightly higher melting temperature and changes in heat of fusion. These results demonstrate that eggshell reinforcement enhances the tensile strength, hardness and modifies the thermal behaviour of aluminum

This report is based on the design and simulation of a solar thermal system that can be used for the provision of hot water in domestic and office applications. The increasing cost of conventional sources of energy coupled with the unreliability of the electricity supply has created problems in the provision of hot water services. The problem can be solved using solar energy, which is sustainable in this context. The main goal of this study was to design an optimal solar thermal system for the provision of hot water services. The system was designed using a flat-plate solar collector, storage tank, pump, and control unit. The mathematical models of the system's thermal behavior were formulated, after which the system was simulated using numerical methods. The system's parameters, including mass flow rate, tilt angle of the solar collector, and insulation properties, were varied to assess their impact on the system's performance. Simulation results indicated that it was possible for the system to produce enough hot water for domestic and office use. The system also indicated improved thermal efficiency for lower flow rates and optimized collector orientation. The study also indicated that improved system insulation reduced losses and improved system performance. In conclusion, the designed solar thermal heating system proved to be an effective and environmentally friendly solution for hot-water supply. The optimization analysis provides useful guidelines for improving system efficiency and adapting the design for practical implementation in similar climatic regions.