Mechanical engineering students defended their thesis on thermal energy storage
Mechanical engineering students defended their thesis on thermal energy storage
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Five undergraduate engineering students from the University of Santo Tomas successfully defended their thesis today at the Fr. Roque Ruaño Building, May 14, 2025. Carlos Alberto R. Alvarez, Kenneth Charles A. Dizon, Izach D. Lardizabal, Virgil Paolo G. Lopez, and Craig Jenson G. Ong presented their pioneering work titled "Chitosan/Banana Peel Hydrochar @ Paraffin Composite Beads as a Phase Change Material in Packed Bed Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit."
Under the guidance of their adviser, Engr. Edgar Clyde R. Lopez, Ph.D., and co-adviser Engr. Edward Henrick H. Aguda, MSMgtE, PME, the group developed a sustainable and efficient thermal energy storage system using low-cost, biodegradable materials.
Their research centers on the innovative synthesis of a novel phase change material (PCM) using banana peel-derived hydrochar (BPHC) and chitosan, integrated within a paraffin matrix. The composite beads, when used in a packed bed configuration, exhibited superior thermal performance, including improved heat absorption, retention, and controlled release.
The study highlights the potential of agricultural waste, specifically banana peels, as a valuable resource in creating next-generation, eco-friendly PCMs, reinforcing the feasibility of integrating sustainability and engineering innovation.
This work is not only a testament to scientific rigor but also to the growing commitment of young engineers to address global energy challenges through sustainable technologies.The implications of this research are far-reaching, especially for developing thermal management systems that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
The thesis defense celebrated the team's dedication and interdisciplinary approach. Their success not only underscores the academic excellence of UST’s engineering program but also signals a promising future for green energy solutions led by the next generation of Filipino engineers.
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