Conference Agenda

As the society energy demands continues to grow, it is increasingly important to improve the exploitation of renewable energy sources, such as wind energy. The strategies outlined in the literature show that there is an interest to enhance small-scale wind turbine performance. Small-scale wind turbines have been successfully installed in remote areas with no access to the electricity grids, and in distributed generation grids. To maximize the energy produced by wind turbines it is important to select the correct airfoil. The aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine is directly related to its energy production. This study aims at providing a complete experimental analysis on the SG6043 airfoil. The objective is to evaluate the aerodynamic behaviour of the proposed airfoil in 2D models, incorporating flow control devices such as flaps, vortex generators, and microtabs. Multiple tests have been run on the modified models of the airfoil in a wind tunnel. These tests aim to compare the drag and lift forces and the aerodynamic performance across all airfoil models. The analysis shown promising results as one of modifications reach up to 35% of dynamic performance increase compared to the nonmodified airfoil.

This paper focuses on the development of an open source simulator for real-time prediction of hydraulic parameters during oil well drilling. In the oil industry, the drilling operation is inherently complex and requires accurate monitoring of drilling fluids to ensure drilling efficiency and safety. The simulator, developed in Python, integrates the Herschel-Bulkley rheological model, as well as the effects of rotation, drill pipe buckling and eccentricity in all annular sections, facilitating the calculation of critical hydraulic parameters.

In the oil well drilling industry, updating and monitoring hydraulic parameters are essential to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. However, current methods often lack accuracy and do not allow real-time adjustments, which can result in unplanned downtime and increased operational risks. This work aims to develop an open source simulator that allows real-time prediction of hydraulic parameters while drilling, thus improving decision making and operational efficiency.

The project has demonstrated that by simulating and calculating hydraulic parameters and pressure drops, it is possible to identify and predict problems during drilling, thus improving the efficiency and safety of operations.

To improve the accuracy and usefulness of the simulator, it is recommended that data from several wells be collected and analyzed to validate real-time predictions. In addition, the integration of more advanced rheological and hydraulic models should be explored. It is also crucial to allow customized modifications to the simulator based on user experience and specific design criteria, thus providing a flexible and adaptable tool for various drilling conditions.

The accumulation of disposable face mask waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created the need to develop sustainable solutions for its management and valorization. This study analyzed the characterization of Diesel B5 S-50 blends with a pyrolytic liquid fuel obtained from the catalytic pyrolysis of disposable face masks, with the aim of assessing its feasibility as an alternative fuel. To achieve this, blends containing 5%, 10%, and 15% pyrolytic liquid by volume were formulated and characterized using ASTM standard methods to determine their physicochemical properties. The results show that the incorporation of pyrolytic liquid does not significantly affect fuel quality, as all formulations comply with the requirements established in Supreme Decree No. 092-2009-EM and its errata. An increase in the cetane index was observed, indicating improved combustion efficiency, along with a reduction in sulfur content and carbon residue, suggesting a lower environmental impact in terms of emissions. However, the calorific value slightly decreased in blends with a higher proportion of pyrolytic liquid. The volatility, fluidity, and chemical stability analysis demonstrated that the addition of pyrolytic liquid does not generate significant changes in the distillation profile, viscosity, or pour point of Diesel B5 S-50, indicating that these blends could be used in diesel engines without compromising performance

The drying process plays a fundamental role in preserving the flavor and aroma of the cocoa bean. This study proposes an energy analysis evaluating the working fluid in the drying chamber during the cocoa bean dehydration process using a hybrid solar-biomass system, using methodologies with an analytical approach applied to experimental data obtained from a flat plate solar collector and a pellet biomass burner (cocoa hulls). In the development of the study, three operating scenarios were established, where it is possible to know the behavior of the working fluid provided by the equipment individually and as a hybrid system. Ten kilograms of freshly fermented cocoa with a moisture content of 65% were used, calculating a direct relationship between the percentage of moisture content and the weight of the product. The results obtained in the study indicate that the percentage of moisture present at the end of the drying process is 8% with a weight of 4.3 kg in 28 hours

Panama, while being a country with the fifth place of most annual precipitation, it is facing immense challenges regarding its water management. An aging distribution network and dated regulations in the sector have created an environment where it’s estimated that around 39% of all water produced is unaccounted for as “Non-Revenue Water”. This presents a major challenge for the potable water utility company, Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (IDAAN), which faces multiyear operational deficits and is actively seeking new ways to aid in the reduction of operational losses. A solution can be found through the application of Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology to enhance the information obtained by the service provider from consumers and their water usage. This research, performed in the jurisdictions of Betania, a mostly residential neighborhood from the 1970’s located in Panama City intends to show the operation, future and results provided by a metering network enabled by Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) networking. Through the application of LoRa communication technology, the data obtained from several dwellings equipped with Smart Water Meters using AMR technology can be analyzed to determine water demand behavior and peak factors of water consumption to support changes in current water distribution system design. Preliminary analysis of the data shows an average consumption of 407.5 ±98 L/person/day with hourly and daily peak factors of 1.9 and 1.13, respectively.

This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru through the behavior of macroeconomic variables during the 2018-2021 period. Key indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), interest rate, imports, exports, exchange rate, and oil price were examined. Initially, a correlation analysis was conducted among these variables concerning the oil price. The Shapiro-Wilk test was then applied to assess data normality; variables that did not follow a normal distribution were transformed using the Box-Cox and Johnson methods. Subsequently, the Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron tests were performed to verify stationarity, determine the number of lags, and establish the order of integration. A Vector Autoregression (VAR) model was then estimated to analyze the interrelation among the variables, complemented by a Granger causality test and a Structural VAR (SVAR) model. Additionally, the Hodrick-Prescott filter was applied to evaluate long-term trends. Finally, impulse-response functions were generated to examine the effect of shocks on macroeconomic variables in the long run.

This research examines the utilization of oil-contaminated sands (OCS) in pavement building to tackle environmental and economic challenges. Hydrocarbon contamination alters the geological and physical properties of oil sands, an underexploited resource. This study investigates the impact of OCS on sand density, permeability, shear strength, and plasticity, which influence compaction and stability. The study will standardize the classification of OCS to facilitate road development. Oil sand combined with diverse fine aggregates is evaluated to improve mastic compositions for patching in low-traffic, tropical roadways. Density, triaxial strength, compaction, and petroleum hydrocarbon analysis were conducted to assess the potential usage of treated OCS in asphalt mixtures. The results should demonstrate that the incorporation of OCS minimizes waste and landfill disposal while offering a cost-effective binder alternative for pavement construction. The study aims to identify optimal mix proportions that reconcile strength and durability, facilitating cost-effective and sustainable road infrastructure solutions.