K.B. Samo

Study of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) as Natural Corrosion Inhibitor for Aluminum Alloy in Seawater

Commercial henna (Lawsonia inermis) was investigated to inhibit the corrosion of aluminum alloy through immersion in seawater. The aluminum alloy (5083) was prepared in size of 25mm × 25mm × 3mm. The immersion test was conducted in seawater with different concentration of henna, 100ppm, 300ppm, 500ppm for duration of 60 days. Four characterizations were performed in this study which was weight loss study, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and adsorption isotherm. The results indicated that henna has major constituents of lawsone which contributed to the chemisorptions or adsorption process by forming an isolation layers on the aluminum alloy surface which follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was found that the protection layer attached on metal was not permanent and precipitation occurred as the time increases. The highest inhibition efficiency was found at 88% (500ppm). This research found that henna is an excellent natural inhibitor for aluminum alloy in seawater.

Wind Resource Investigation of Terengganu in the West Malaysia

The analysis of wind data collected from the Renewable Energy Research Center, University Malaysia Terengganu (RERC UMT) using NRG Symphonie data retriever in Kuala Terengganu between the years 2004 and 2007. The RERC UMT station is located at 4°13.6′ N and 103°26.1′ E. Wind data were recorded at a height of 18 m above the ground level. This paper presents wind characteristics of the study site in Terengganu. The daily, monthly and annual wind speed values have been studied together with their prevailing direction. The monthly average wind speed and yearly mean wind speed for Kuala Terengganu ranged from 2.0–5.2 m/s and 2.9 m/s respectively. Northeast monsoon season (November to March) mean wind speed was 3.9 m/s for the same period. The average Weibull shape parameter k and scale parameter c were 1.76 and 3.21 m/s respectively for this period. The wind power is lowest during southwest monsoon season and highest during the northeast monsoon season (mean value 84.60 W/m2). The wind energy density is lowest at 11.33 W/m2 in June 2005, highest at 154.02 W/m2 in January 2007. The monthly average wind energy density and probability of wind to exceed of electricity generation wind speed 2.5 m/s were found as 40.52 W/m2 and 0.51 based on Weibull distribution, respectively. The annual average turbulence intensities were 0.58 and no significant seasonal variation in turbulence intensity was observed. In conclusion, wind energy could be used to provide power during the northeast monsoon season at the study site, using small (kW range) wind machines.

A Review of Ocean Wave Power Extraction; the primary interface

This paper aims to describe the importance of data, data collection methods, parameters to estimate the potential of wave energy and environmental impacts. The technical and economical status in wave energy conversion is outlined. Power and energy efficiency relationships are discussed. Many different types of wave-energy converters have been detailed. The progress in wave energy conversion in Malaysia is reviewed.

Effects of Low Proportion Palm Fatty Acids Methyl Ester Blends on the Performance and Combustion of Marine Diesel Engine

Shipping activities are major contributors to air pollution at sea which mostly occur as a result of ships exhaust emissions. Stringent emission limits imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and concerns about the depletion of fossil fuel reserves have hastened the need to find new alternative fuels for marine engines. This study investigates the effects of a low proportion of palm fatty acid methyl ester (PFAME) biodiesel which is renewable and environmentally friendly fuel on marine diesel engines performance and combustion characteristics. The results revealed the use of PFAME biodiesel blends reduces the harmful gases emission CO2 and NOX emission up to 9.1% and 7.8%, respectively. Oxygen elements in biodiesel has contributed to increase peak in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate up to 2.7% and 4.5% respectively, thereby promoting complete combustion. Besides that, the brake specific fuel consumption raised by 18.8% at higher engine speeds. This finding suggests that a low concentration of PFAME biodiesel is suitable for use in marine diesel engines without engine modification, thereby providing a positive benefit to the environment in terms of lower emission of toxic gases.