Indonesian Journal of Energy

Evaluating the Energy Performance of Transparent Photovoltaics for Building Windows in Tropical Climates

Laurentius Kevin Hendinata — 2024-08-29

Windows are a critical factor in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, especially in tropical climates, where they are exposed to high-intensity sunlight. The incorporation of transparent photovoltaics using various PV technologies offers the opportunity for windows to harness solar energy for building purposes. The energy-saving benefits of using transparent photovoltaics have been extensively analyzed in various countries, but there is still a lack of comparative studies focusing on tropical countries. Our study aims to fill this gap by assessing the potential of transparent photovoltaics in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings located in Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, and Kotoka. We developed an energy consumption model located in a tropical climate, utilizing the EnergyPlus software. The simulation results clearly indicate that integrating photovoltaics into the building is particularly advantageous due to consistent solar radiation and the need for cooling and ventilation, resulting in a substantial up to 59.3% reduction in total energy consumption. As a contribution, our research underscores the potential of transparent photovoltaics to revolutionize building energy efficiency in tropical climates, providing significant energy savings and promoting sustainable building practices. Addressing climate challenges, such as temperature and humidity management, necessitates the utilization of advanced materials and design strategies. Additionally, policy challenges encompass the requirement for favorable policies, incentives, and well-defined guidelines for the installation of PV windows.

Optimizing the Purging Interval of 1 kW PEM Fuel Cell Control System in Fuel Cell Vehicles

Kurniawan Kurniawan — 2024-08-29

This study was conducted to explore and understand the duration of purging in fuel cell control systems and their application in fuel cell vehicles, a critical aspect that has a significant impact on the overall performance and efficiency of vehicles or devices that use fuel cell technology. The method adopted in this research involves modeling and simulation using a simulation platform, SIMULINK-MATLAB; modeling is carried out with a program and then validated with test data. This approach allows researchers to replicate and analyze system dynamics virtually to identify existing systems so that empirical models can be identified. Apart from that, the performance characteristics of the given parameters can be known by knowing the model and simulation before the physical implementation is carried out. From the study results, it was found that the modeling carried out with transfer function model 0.02635 s + 1.036/s + 0.04359 and validated with the test results 87.19% fit to estimation data was quite valid so that the model identification could be said to be suitable for this study.

Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing Kinetic Façade Typology in Indonesia

Stephanus Wirawan Dharmatanna — 2024-08-29

The application of kinetic facade technology is gaining popularity worldwide as an innovative solution to enhance the environmental quality of buildings. However, in Indonesia, the implementation of kinetic facades remains limited and requires further in-depth study. Thus, our research aims to fill this gap by exploring the opportunities and challenges of implementing kinetic facade typologies in Indonesia. The research method involves a literature review and descriptive analysis. We collect data on the use of kinetic facades globally, analyze the factors influencing their implementation, and identify the opportunities and challenges encountered. The analysis results are expected to provide a better understanding of the implementation of kinetic facades in Indonesia. The identified opportunities include the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the interior and exterior environmental quality of buildings. The challenges identified may encompass technical aspects, regulations, financial issues, as well as market awareness and acceptance of this new technology. Our study contributes a foundation for further development of kinetic facades in Indonesia. With a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges, architecture practitioners, engineers, and policymakers can take appropriate steps to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities to integrate kinetic facades into building designs in Indonesia, promoting sustainable and innovative development in the architecture sector.

Drawing Insights from Japan's Energy Efficiency Policies for Indonesia's Progress

Togar Wiliater Soaloon Panjaitan — 2024-08-29

As archipelagic countries, Japan and Indonesia's electricity transmission and distribution infrastructures are island-specific. They have limited network areas and face similar risks caused by climate change. Energy conservation through technical approaches to improve energy efficiency is effective in combating climate change and generates more significant economic benefits. This study examines the strategies demonstrated by Japan to improve its energy efficiency and identifies the potential of adopting those strategies in Indonesia. This research includes an in-depth literature review and benchmarking approaches to the two countries' mitigation strategies. The study found that the Japanese approaches, such as the prioritization of strict regulations, extensive use of innovative technology, and solid industrial collaboration, can be adopted to improve energy efficiency in Indonesia. We also identified several obstacles to adopting those approaches in Indonesia, such as policy inconsistencies, limited financial incentives, and fragmented governance. Adopting the Japanese approaches in Indonesia needs clear energy labeling, more integrated energy management in large industries, appropriate electricity pricing, and efficient energy service company (ESCO) schemes.

Transformation of Lampung Natural Zeolite into Zeolite-A by Aluminium Addition and Application as Catalyst for Biomass Pyrolysis

Syayyidati Aulia — 2024-08-29

In this study, the transformed zeolite from Lampung natural zeolite (LNZ) was used as a catalyst for the pyrolysis of a mixture of cassava tubers and rubber seed oil to produce bio crude oil (BCO). Transformation of Lampung natural zeolite into zeolite-A was attempted by adjusting the Si/Al ratios to 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 transformed with and without aluminum addition and hydrothermal method with variation Si/Al ratio of 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0. The resulting products were specified as Zeo-C, Zeo-R1, Zeo-R1.5 and Zeo-R2.0. XRD analysis results show that Zeo-C and Zeo-R2 were transformed into zeolite-P, while zeolite-A, as targeted, was found in Zeo-R1 and Zeo-R1.5. SEM analysis results were also in accordance with XRD analysis results that showed the bipyramid crystal of zeolite-P in Zeo-C and Zeo-R2, while the cubic crystal of zeolite-A in Zeo-R1 and Zeo-R1.5. The BCO produced by using Zeo-C and Zeo-R1.5 as catalysts has the highest hydrocarbon content of 81% and 98%, respectively. Compared to previous studies, our study introduces an innovative approach by utilizing LNZ, a resource that has not been extensively explored, and combining cassava and rubber seed oil to produce bio-crude oil with a high hydrocarbon content. Our study contributes by promoting the use of underutilized biomass resources, potentially providing an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative for BCO production.