Development of a simulation model for a three-dimensional wind velocity field using Ténès Algeria as a case study

A mathematical simulation model was developed that can determine the three-dimensional wind velocity field over a complex terrain. The Ténès area in the Valley of Cheliff in Algeria was used as a case study. This region is exposed to south-west circulation that makes it favorable to the use of wind energy. Knowledge of wind fields is crucial for predicting the dispersion of pollutants, for forecasting meteorological weather, for fire spread prediction and in the design and implementation of wind turbines. By means of a mass consistent model, an in-house program was developed to calculate the three-dimensional wind velocity field in the study region. The model was supported by a numerical box in which flow through is allowed for in the upper and lateral boundaries. The bottom boundary through which no flow through occurs was determined by the topographic relief at the surface. From measured wind velocities, observed values were calculated by interpolation-extrapolation. Using an optimization method, the adjusted velocities were obtained from constraints, observed velocities and the continuity equation. The model was verified with wind point data, the relative error did not exceed 6%.     

A mass consistent model application to the study of phenomenon in advance of sand towards the Algerian High Plains

For the study of the phenomenon of the Algerian High Plains turning into a desert, two approaches were used. The first consists of the processing of data measured on the level of weather stations located on the soil and the second by the use of a model allowing the interpolation and the extrapolation of data measured at 700 Hpa towards the soil, taking into account the terrain conditions. The two methods showed that the dominant winds are in the northern and western sectors, suggesting that the wind is not the principal factor in the progress of the sand towards north.     

A comparative study of tartrazine degradation using UV and solar fixed bed reactors

The fixed bed reactor was combined with a solar photoreactor and UV lamp reactor. This hybrid photoreactor used a heterogeneous photocatalysis process (TiO₂/UV) as a tertiary treatment for the degradation of tartrazine dye in water. The solar reactor removed almost all organic compounds from the wastewater. Photocatalysis was optimized using a parametric study to improve the influence of different parameters on the degradation efficiency. Color removals when using solar, UV lamp and hybrid reactors present 99%, 30%, and 99%, respectively. Tartrazine removal kinetics followed a pseudo-first order model. The hybrid solar and UV lamp system combination was a feasibility choice for removing both dyes from wastewater.     

On the use of wind energy to power reverse osmosis desalination plant: A case study from Ténès (Algeria)

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of wind energy resources for seawater reverse osmosis desalination (SWRO), in a case study region of Ténès Algeria, by using commercial Wasp software. An economic analysis of the environmental benefits was also done using RETScreen software to give details about financial investment hazards and CO₂ emissions reduction. An energy yield and economical analysis was performed of a hypothetical wind farm consisting of 5 wind turbines of type Bonus 2 MW. It was found that wind energy can successfully power a SWRO desalination plant in the case study region.     

Prediction of a high swirled natural gas diffusion flame using a PDF model

The paper deals with the numerical prediction of a high swirling non-premixed confined natural gas diffusion flame in order to predict the pollutant emissions NO_x using the PDF model coupled with the Reynolds stress model (RSM). A chemical equilibrium model in conjunction with the assumed shape of the PDF is adopted. The chemical combustion reactions are described by nine species and eight reactions [Westbrook CK, Dryer FL. Chemical kinetic modelling of hydrocarbon combustion. Progr Energy Combust Sci 1984;10:1-57]. The PDF of the mixture fraction is described with a β-function. In order to predict the NO_x emissions, a NO_x post-processor of the Fluent code has been performed. The concentration of O and OH radicals are obtained assuming the partial-equilibrium assumption and using a PDF in terms of temperature. The numerical simulation of various factors influencing the combustion process are examined and compared favourably with experimental results.     

Thermal control influence on energy efficiency in domestic refrigerator powered by photovoltaic

This paper studies the importance of temperature control in household refrigerator on the environmental and economic plan. Refrigerator energy consumption is greatly affected by room temperature, door opening and thermostat regulation. A household refrigerator powered by photovoltaic energy was tested in laboratory to determine the effect of thermal regulation on energy consumption. Our investigation reveals that there is a difference in minimal average temperature between the thermostat and the evaporator for three different thermostat positions. This difference in temperature was justified by three parameters: the bad contact between the thermostat bulb and the surface of the evaporator, thermostat thermal inertia and the error due to the mechanical control of the thermostat. Finally, this work allows us an estimate of the energy saving by the kWh electricity price in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) Vs Europe region depending on the number of refrigerators. The energy optimization decreases the aggressive methods of electricity production. The Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy present an important alternative on the three planes Energy, Economic and Environmental (3E).     

Performance analyses of Cu–Cl hydrogen production integrated solar parabolic trough collector system under Algerian climate

The potential of hydrogen production by thermochemical cycle in Algeria using solar radiation as heat sources is estimated under the climate conditions of the country. The study analyzes an integrated copper–chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical cycle with solar parabolic trough system for hydrogen production. In order to determine the most promising solar sites available for deploying the integrated system, the direct normal solar irradiance (DNI) for horizontal tracking system oriented in North-South has been estimated and compared for different locations. Heat gain from parabolic trough collector model is evaluated under Algerian conditions. To describe the different steps of the Cu–Cl cycle for hydrogen production, we perform a thermodynamic analysis accounting for relevant chemical reactions and including the determination of the energy necessary to the cycle. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of heat gain from the parabolic trough collector (PTC) on the hydrogen production rate. Furthermore, the rate production of hydrogen by the Cu–Cl cycle is analyzed and compared for performance improvement of the system for different climatic regions in Algeria. Simulation results reveal great opportunities of hydrogen production using Cu–Cl cycle combined with solar PTC in the south of Algeria with annual hydrogen production exceeds 84 Tons H₂/year (around 0,30 kg/m²/day).