Synthesis of wood surface protection coating from agricultural wastes using green technology
Principal Investigator: Asst. Prof. Dr. Duangamol Tungasmita, Chulalongkorn University
Oil palm empty fruit bunches are by-products of palm oil production. They contain lignocellulose that can be developed into wood coatings used for the protection and refinement of wood and wood-made furniture. The stringent regulation on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content in wood coatings has caused the shift from petroleum-based to biobased wood coatings, thus presenting an opportunity for utilizing oil palm empty fruit bunches in the production of wood coatings. This project aims to develop green wood coatings using oil palm empty fruit bunches as feedstock and characterize their physical and chemical properties. Green technology is employed to convert lignocellulose in oil palm empty fruit bunches into modified lignin and biobased solvents, both of which are mixed to obtain green wood coatings. Results of this project will not only offer a solution to waste utilization, but also create a green product for both local and international markets.
Production of green fuel and synthetic fuel from green technologies for transportation
Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suwimol Wongsakulphasatch, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok
Fossil fuels are one of the contributors to climate change and air pollution as its combustion releases greenhouse gases and particulate matters (PM2.5). Reducing fossil fuel use can be done by adding or replacing it with biobased fuels such as biodiesel as well as employing green technology in the production process. This project aims at developing the production of bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD) from palm oil and its by-products, as well as a green process for the production of synthetic fuel. The result of this project will represent a clean renewable energy innovation with commercial viability. Joining forces with PMU-C to sponsor this project are PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, Verasuwan Company Limited, Cherdchai Corporation Company Limited and Polawat Engine Company Limited. The project is carried out by a research team consisting of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Suranaree University of Technology, Silpakorn University and Mahidol University.
Hybrid artificial intelligence optimizer for biodiesel and ethanol distiller for higher energy efficiency and automated early anomaly detection in biodiesel and ethanol industries
Principal Investigator: Mr. Wiroon Tanthapanichakoon, Global R&D Company Limited
Not only are distillation columns the most important component of biodiesel and ethanol distillation operation, they also represent the highest energy consumption part. To save energy, optimizers are employed to improve their performance. However, optimizers used in Thailand are mostly imported. This project aims to develop an AI-powered hybrid optimizer for distillation column to improve energy efficiency and prevent process anomaly. The success of this project will not only contribute to the energy saving, but also replace imported products.
