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In March, we helped with a study initiated by City Hall and several universities, including ISA. The aim of this study was to collect data about waste production in different parts of the city. This data will later be used to calculate a better route for the garbage collection  system and to measure how much energy can be won from the garbage using renewable energy methods such as converting biomass to energy. In addition, this data should form the basis for the introduction of a recycling system.

The first part of the study was to find families who wanted to participate in the project. After that, each family got 2 garbage bins, one for organic and one for inorganic waste. During the next 8 days we visited each family to see how much waste was produced. We separated the garbage into several categories and then weighted it. All the data was documented with a spreadsheet.

The aim of this thesis was to find the best possible setup for the aquaponic systems. We observed and analysed how different setups (numbers of fish) would affect the grow rate of the plants. Different plants were used, such as : basil, lettuce, arugula, spinach and flower of Jamaica.

The aim of this thesis was to measure the effectiveness of macadamia shells in the production of different gases which could later be used to obtain energy. A number of variables were measured during the experiments including the calorific value of the gas, % of gas production (H2, CO, CH4, CnHm, CO2) and the variation of temperatures. As the macadamia industry in the D.R is currently experiencing a significant increase, this study will help in the development of future gas production plants which will use macadamia shells.

As the cooperation between Ecoselva and the University ISA continues, the next generation of volunteers (2018/2019) arrived. Johannes and Jonas will work in the Lab. for Renewable Energy while Can will be working in the Lab. for Biotechnology and the Nursery.

Eng. Julián Cuervo presented a simulation of the energy component of the project Fondocyt consortiated by UAPA, UCNE and ISA at the International Book Fair in Santo Domingo.
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The project aims to design a Software for Solid Waste Management with Energy Component. The technological platform to be developed will indicate which process is best adapted, in addition to predicting the amount of energy to be produced through the waste. Integrating this together with a serie of tools such as: geographic information systems with distribution routes, quantity and types of waste per site. The tools mentioned will provide a solution that will facilitate the waste management of the municipalities of Santiago de Los Caballeros and San Francisco de Macorís  in a more efficient manner, likewise it should have well-defined policies and appropriate technologies.

This project will be carried out by the UAPA, UCNE and ISA consortium of universities, which have formed a multidisciplinary team made up of its most competent human capital to develop such work and, in the future, expand and replicate this project in all corners of the country. The LER will function as a laboratory for the characterization of waste using a calorimetric pump to determine the calorific value. Subsequently, the appropriate technologies for their transformation will be selected, quantifying the amount of energy to be produced.

Time of the project: 24 months

Project Budget: USS$100,000.00

Reseachers

Nelson J. Abreu Ventura – Main Reseacher - UCNE

Margarita Betances Domínguez – Co-Researcher- ISA

Julián Cuervo – Co-Reseacher- ISA

Diógenes A. Martínez Silverio - Software Specialist – UAPA

Wigberto Luciano Ortega – Software Specialist - UCNE

Joan Manuel Gregorio Pérez - Software Specialist - UAPA

Luis Manuel Tavárez Salcedo -Software Specialist - UCNE

Two volunteers of "Liter of Light" presented their project in ISA University. Many students came to inform themselves about the project. The volunteers gave detailed information about the design of the lamps, which are powered by a solar panel an can be used in poor communities in the absence of electicity. In the end, they invited to participate in a workshop to learn the construction of the lamps and informed about opportunities to be part of the project as a volunteer. 

Two undergraduate studentes of Ecology and Envrionmental Managment, Anatheydi Castillo and José Martínes, did an investigation in the R.E.L. last year and won in the this years contest from CEICYT. 

The topic of their thesis was:

Evaluación del Potencial Energético de Diferentes Rangos de Tamaños en Tallos de Moringa oleifera y Leucaena leucocephala mediante el Proceso de Gasificación.

We provide the summary of their research here for download in spanish:

The german enterprise Solarzentrum Bayern, S.R.L. realized a donation of photovoltaic equipment to the R.E.L. Four panels with 270W, two batteries with 6V and 320A and all connecting systems were donated. This equipment is immensely usesful for the aquaponic systems because the pumps will work with solar energy. This is important to have a continuos porcess of water cleaning in the absence of electricity. 

Ing. Bernhard A. Frey indicated that this donation should help ISA Universtiy to extend its offer in knowledge of solar energy. Furthermore, he intends to realize a change in education and reach the younger generation to accomplish a transition towards renewable energy in the future.