Leonard Maduabuchi AKUWUEKE

Mr. Leonard Maduabuchi AKUWUEKE


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 August 2024 in Agriengineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
macmanus Chinenye ndukwumacmanus Chinenye ndukwu
macmanus Chinenye ndukwu
GUGodwin Usoh
Godwin Usoh
Godwin Edem AkpanGodwin Edem Akpan
Godwin Edem Akpan
LALeonard Maduabuchi AKUWUEKE
Leonard Maduabuchi AKUWUEKE
Inemesit EkopInemesit Ekop
Inemesit Ekop
FAFidelis Abam
Fidelis Abam
This study evaluates a solar PV-powered evaporative cooling system for vegetable cooling. The system features dual cooling chambers with two different biomass pads, operating at different temperatures. To assess its potential, the research examines the evolution of temperature and humidity of the cooling chamber, evaporative effectiveness, cooling capacity, coefficient of performance (COP), energy metrics, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall cost. The results show that the system achieved a temperature depression range of 0.22 to 5.2 °C and 0.57 to 10.94 °C for wood shavings and polyurethane foam, respectively, under no-load conditions, while the values were 0.79 to 4.7 °C and 1.22 to 9.88 °C, with average values of 3.09 and 7.0 °C, for the same materials under loaded conditions. Loaded conditions also yielded a cooling capacity of 5.7 to 33.93 W for wood shavings and 8.13 to 75.55 W for polyurethane foam. The cooling efficiency ranged from 19.9 to 96.42% for polyurethane foam and 3.62 to 60% for wood shavings. The system’s COP was higher than that of solar-powered mechanical chillers, ranging from 2.37 to 22.92. The energy production factor was 2.3 to 2.4, with a lifecycle conversion efficiency of 0.5 and an energy payback time of 1.1 and 2.2 years for using polyurethane foam and wood shavings, respectively. The net present value was positive, and the levelized cost of energy was low, at 36.7 to 38.3 NGN/kWh (0.043–0.045 USD/kWh), making it a viable alternative to grid-based energy systems in Nigeria. Additionally, the system offers significant CO2 mitigation potential, with estimated carbon credits of NGN 65,059 (USD 71.56) and NGN 98,576.49 (USD 108.43) over its lifetime.