Journal of Energy and Environment Technology of Graduate School Siam Technology College

Small Modular Reactor (SMR)

2025-02-19T08:35:43+07:00

Today, countries around the world are aiming to change the traditional model of energy production that mainly uses fossil fuels. Whether it is natural gas, coal, or oil, which is the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, to the production of new forms of energy that do not cause environmental impacts, or commonly known as clean energy such as solar, wind, water, and nuclear. Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere in very small amounts. Especially compared to energy production using fossil fuels, clean energy sources do not have all the advantages. Some energy sources are not stable enough to be used, and they may require relatively high resources and investments. So nuclear energy is therefore another option for countries that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere or to zero carbon emissions. This is because it is the main cause of the global warming problem that we are facing today. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) It is an independent small-scale nuclear power generation system that can generate electricity completely on its own, and has many advantages, such as continuous power generation. It has no carbon dioxide emissions and uses little construction space. It also has a high security protection system. In the future, it is expected that small modular nuclear power plants (SMR) will play an increasingly important role in generating electricity from clean energy.

A Systematic Review: Carbon Footprint Reduction and Technological Transition in the Compressor Industry for Sustainability

2025-10-30T09:52:01+07:00

This study examines greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the compressor manufacturing industry at both the organizational level and the broader industrial context. The objective is to assess mitigation potential across the value chain (Scope 1–3) under ongoing technological transitions and evolving global market demands. The analysis reveals that electricity consumption (Scope 2) is the largest source of GHG emissions in compressor manufacturing. High electricity use in metal forming, machining, system testing, and continuous machine operation contributes to Scope 2 emissions that clearly exceed those from Scope 1 sources (fuel combustion and refrigerant leakage). Although Scope 3 emissions include embodied carbon in metal raw materials, upstream material processing, and transportation to export markets, these values vary significantly depending on supplier-specific data and supply-chain structures. A global market review shows that China dominates the compressor market with a 42–43% share, followed by Europe, the United States, and India. Each region is rapidly adapting to environmental regulations and low-carbon technology requirements, which directly influence the competitiveness of Thai manufacturers within international supply chains. On the technological front, key mitigation opportunities include efficiency improvements in inverter compressors, adoption of low-GWP refrigerants, advanced engineering design, and comprehensive energy-management systems. These measures can collectively achieve approximately 20–38% emission reduction, with the most significant impact linked to reductions in electricity consumption—therefore directly targeting Scope 2, the highest-emitting category. From an industrial perspective, the compressor sector is considered a “fast-transition” industry compared to heavy industries that depend on high-cost decarbonization technologies. As such, it plays an important role in lowering organizational carbon footprints, enhancing competitiveness, and meeting stricter environmental requirements in export markets. These developments also support the long-term sustainability strategy of Thai manufacturers as they progress toward Net Zero targets.

Sustainable Energy Development in Thailand

2025-12-20T11:18:17+07:00

Energy is a fundamental factor for economic security and quality of life. Since humans began using natural energy and gradually transforming into electricity and fossil fuels, electricity was initially used only in urban areas. Currently, Thailand has a nationwide electricity system. Power generation technology has been continuously developed, starting with diesel generators, boilers, coal/lignite power plants, hydroelectric power plants, combined cycle power plants, and the development of digital technology in smart grid systems. The main agencies responsible for the power system, such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), have collaborated to manage the efficient production, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as promote electricity use in all sectors, from industry, services, transportation, agriculture, to households. However, Thailand still faces challenges in energy security, food security, and national security. The transition to renewable energy, including solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and biogas are to response to climate change. The government has supported clean energy, green energy, alternative energy, new energy, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles (EV), and community energy development such as waste to energy, etc. There are tax incentives, investment, and electricity rates to support the private sector. And has drawn up the following energy development plans: 1. Thailand Power Development Plan (PDP) 2. Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) 3. Energy Efficiency Plan / Energy Conservation Plan (EEP) 4. Natural Gas Management Plan (Gas Plan) and Oil Management Plan (Oil Plan). All energy development plans are to prepare for the goal of carbon neutrality by 2025-2030, moving towards a bio-circular green economy for sustainable national development.

EFFECT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ON WELDED JOINTS BETWEEN SS304 AND Q245 USING GTAW

2025-10-22T08:55:35+07:00

This research aims to study the effect of energy and environment on welded joints of SS304 and Q245 steel of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) using filler metal AWS A5.9: ER309L. The specimen dimension was 150 × 100 mm with a thickness of 6 mm. The results of the experiment found that characteristics of deep penetration and melting between the weld metal and consistent metal work and there is perfection between the weld metal and the base metal. The welding GTAW technique process will produce an average maximum tensile strength of 463.64 MPa. The maximum hardness in the heat effected zone (HAZ SS304) is 182 HV and the lowest hardness in the base metal zone (HAZ SS304) is 130 HV. The microstructure structures of the weld zone consist of dendrite ferrite and austenite matrix, which resulted in the heat affected zone will have higher hardness than the base metal. Temperature results obtained from the infrared thermometer and numerical simulation different of 5% which is an acceptable value. The summary result, it can be concluded that the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) uses less energy than the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) due to the lower heat consumption, but produces higher quality and cleaner results. Environmentally, GTAW welding has a lower impact than SMAW welding, particularly in terms of smoke and slag generation, making it more environmentally friendly.

Virtual Simulation Program to Enhance Learning of Bomb Calorimeter Operation for Engineering Education

2025-10-22T13:43:27+07:00

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a virtual simulation-based learning program for bomb calorimeter operation to enhance practical learning in thermal technology courses. The program was developed using Unity and Vuforia platforms, based on the ADDIE instructional design model and grounded in Constructivist Learning Theory and Multimedia Learning Theory. The participants were 18 fourth-year students majoring in Mechanical Technology Education. Research instruments included the virtual simulation program, an expert evaluation form, and a user satisfaction questionnaire. The expert evaluation indicated that the developed program achieved a very good level of quality, with mean scores of X̄ = 4.50, S.D. = 0.50 for content quality and X̄ = 4.50, S.D. = 0.40 for media design. User satisfaction was rated high (X̄ = 4.20, S.D. = 0.00). A paired-sample t-test revealed a statistically significant improvement in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (p < 0.05), confirming that the virtual simulation effectively enhanced students’ conceptual understanding of energy analysis and combustion processes. In conclusion, the developed virtual simulation serves as a high-quality instructional tool that reduces the limitations of real laboratory practice in terms of safety, time, and cost. It also supports flexible, self-directed learning and can be applied to thermal energy-related courses. Future developments may include integrating interactive quizzes or augmented reality (AR) features to further enrich engagement and the overall learning experience.

AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT BASED ON LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT APPROACH FIR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES: A CASE STUDY OF CONCENTRATED CAR WASH PRODUCTS IN A CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN SAMUT PRAKAN PROVINCE

2025-11-05T15:05:36+07:00

This study aims to evaluate the primary sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from concentrated car wash products manufactured by Standard Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and to propose appropriate, sustainable strategies for reducing these emissions. The assessment employs a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework within a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) system, providing foundational data for analyzing and mitigating GHG emissions across the entire supply chain. The process is divided into five key stages: raw material acquisition, production, product distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life waste management. Results indicate that the consumer use stage contributes the highest GHG emissions at 81.4% of the total, followed by raw material acquisition (15.75%), waste management (1.23%), distribution (1.08%), and production (0.53%). Reduction strategies encompass all life cycle phases: adopting recycled or biodegradable packaging materials; prioritizing domestic raw materials and environmentally certified suppliers; enhancing production efficiency through high-efficiency motors, renewable energy systems, and Lean Manufacturing principles; optimizing logistics via route planning, consolidated delivery schedules, and clean-energy vehicles; designing energy- and water-efficient products, promoting Reuse/Refill programs, and providing sustainable usage guidelines; implementing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for waste management, developing packaging return initiatives, and partnering with certified waste disposal facilities. Additionally, corporate carbon management plans, employee and supplier training, and regular Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP)/Carbon Footprint Organization (CFO) reporting foster continuous improvement aligned with Net Zero goals. The integration of LCA and targeted GHG reduction measures across the supply chain is essential for enhancing product sustainability and effectively minimizing environmental impacts.

COMPARISON OF LIGHT INTENSITY FROM INNOVATIVE LAMP COVERS AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MATERIALS USED TO CREATE EACH TYPE OF LAMP COVER

2025-12-20T11:28:50+07:00

The objective of this research was to design and develop an innovative lamp cover using recycled materials and to evaluate the luminous efficiency of eight different material types: compact discs, aluminum cans, future boards, clear plastic sheets, foam, wood, cardboard, and foil. The experimental variables were controlled using a 15-watt LED bulb installed at a height of 2 meters, enclosed within a frustum of a quadrilateral pyramid structure with a 40-degree incline. The light intensity data were collected using an EXTECH 407026 lux meter in accordance with CIE 1931 standards. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Independent Samples t-tests to compare the illumination levels between each material type and the control group (without a cover), and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the significant differences in mean light intensity among the eight material types.
The results indicated that the type of material significantly influenced light intensity (p < 0.05). Foil yielded the highest mean intensity at 77.6 lux, followed by foam 74.0 lux and aluminum cans 70.1 lux, all of which were significantly higher than the control group 30.4 lux. The findings demonstrate that the strategic design of lamp covers, utilizing optimized geometric dimensions combined with high-reflectivity and superior light distribution materials, can enhance lighting efficiency by more than 155.26%. This innovation not only improves the working environment in compliance with occupational health and safety standards but also promotes energy efficiency and sustainable waste management based on circular economy principles within the workplace.

Development and Performance Comparison of an Automatic Solar Tracking System for Photovoltaic Panels

2025-12-26T13:18:50+07:00

This research focuses on the development and performance evaluation of an automatic solar tracking photovoltaic system, compared with a fixed solar panel system. One of the main limitations of fixed solar panel systems is their inability to continuously face the sun perpendicularly, resulting in suboptimal energy generation and reduced investment efficiency. Therefore, this study aims to propose an effective approach to enhance energy production efficiency. The objectives of this research are to develop a prototype of an automatic solar tracking system and to compare the energy generation performance between a fixed solar panel system and an automatic solar tracking system. The developed tracking system utilizes five Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to detect the direction of sunlight and control servo motors to continuously adjust the orientation of the solar panel so that it remains perpendicular to the sun’s rays. Experimental results under clear-sky conditions indicate that the solar tracking system generated a total energy output of 91.18 Wh, which is higher than the 71.04 Wh produced by the fixed system. This represents an efficiency improvement of approximately 29%. The results demonstrate that adjusting the orientation of the solar panel significantly enhances energy production.

IMPROVING THE PROPERTIES OF CO-FUEL PELLETS FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE AND RICE STRAW

2025-12-26T13:12:40+07:00

This study investigates an approach to improving the properties of fuel pellets derived from wastewater sludge, which typically exhibit low heating values and poor mechanical strength due to the absence of natural binding components within their structure. Rice straw was incorporated as a co-feedstock in the production of mixed sludge-based fuel pellets. Five mixing ratios were formulated and pelletized, after which their physical and energy-related properties were analyzed. In addition, an economic feasibility assessment was conducted at both laboratory and industrial scales using NPV, IRR, B/C ratio, and payback period as key performance indicators. The results indicate that the incorporation of rice straw enhances the heating value of the mixed pellets, with the value increasing proportionally to the rice straw content HHV 12.56–17.19 MJ/kg. Higher proportions of rice straw also significantly improved pellet durability due to the presence of lignin, which acts as a natural binder that strengthens the structural cohesion of the pellets, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakage. From the economic evaluation, it was found that mixed fuel pellets at laboratory scale begin to show favorable economic returns from the SS50:RS50 ratio onward, yielding an NPV of 6,060.29–48,328.03 THB, an IRR of 4.97–31.19%, a B/C ratio of 105.17–144.64%, and a payback period of 3.00–7.94 years. At the industrial scale, positive economic feasibility was observed starting from the SS65:RS35 ratio, with an NPV of 14,393,556.80–43,271,672.47 THB, an IRR of 8.75–23.64%, a B/C ratio of 111.11–135.17%, and a payback period of 2.85–3.96 years.

ENERGY CONSERVATION IN LIGHTING AND COOLING SYSTEMS IN THE FROZEN SEAFOOD PRODUCTION PROCESS. CASE STUDY: FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTION AND SELLS COMPANY IN NADEE DISTRICT, SAMUTH SAKORN PROVINCE

2025-12-24T16:42:48+07:00

The purpose of this research is to study the appropriate methods for reducing energy consumption in the Frozen Seafood production process by analyzing the energy used in the process with the appropriate measures. Due to in the past, the case study company used a lot of electric energy in lighting and cooling systems in its Frozen Warehouse. From studying found that the total energy consumption in lighting and cooling systems is as high as 338,109.74 KWh/year, with an electric energy cost of 1,254,387.13 baht/year. It accounts for 61.87% of electric energy consumption. Therefore, we have analyzed the measures to reduce energy consumption in order to reduce costs in the process which there are many measures can be used but two main measures have been chosen namely the measure to reduce the amount of unnecessary light by changing to LED with high lighting efficiency and low electricity consumption and also environmentally friendly and another one measure is to increase the cooling temperature from the original too low setting. By using comparative analysis and economic evaluation methods, the amount of electricity used in lighting and cooling systems in Frozen Warehouses can be reduced by 96,797.92 KWh/year and electric energy cost of 379,045.34 baht/year or a reduction of 30.22% with a payback period of 5 months.

SEASONAL VARIATION OF MICROPLASTICS ABUNDANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS IN LANDFILL SOIL AT AN INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY

2025-12-29T13:26:30+07:00

This study examines the seasonal variation in the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in soil from a landfill site at an integrated waste management facility in Lampang Province, Thailand. Soil samples were collected during wet and dry seasons, and waste composition analysis was conducted to classify plastic waste into seven types. Microplastics were isolated using wet peroxide oxidation and density separation, characterized by fluorescence microscopy, and identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed that plastic waste comprised an average of 20.19 ± 2.20% of total waste, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being predominant in both wet (71.57%) and dry (68.20%) seasons. Microplastic abundance was significantly higher in the dry season (1,013.33 ± 220.30 particles/kg) compared to the wet season (413.33 ± 151.44 particles/kg). Fragments were the dominant morphology, accounting for 63.46% and 85.71% in wet and dry seasons, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between seasons. The major polymer types identified were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS), with significantly different distributions between seasons. Notably, despite LDPE being the most abundant plastic waste type (> 68%), no LDPE or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics were detected in soil samples, suggesting differential degradation rates among polymer types. These findings highlight that seasonal variation plays a crucial role in influencing microplastic accumulation and distribution in landfill soil, with dry season conditions favoring both enhanced photodegradation of plastics and reduced leaching of microplastics from surface soil. The study provides baseline data for developing season-specific waste management strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution from landfill sites.