Using Solar Thermal Collectors for Plastic Recycling in Additive Manufacturing

Authors

  • Wrya Monnet Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7235-1905
  • Joseph Ray Carroll Department of Civil Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq
  • Paul Dirk Embery English Language Center, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjse.v2n1y2018.pp43-47

Keywords:

solar, thermal, recycling, plastic, 3d printing

Abstract

Solar thermal applications vary widely across many different fields. This research aims to introduce the concept of using solar thermal energy in a new application for recycling waste plastic for use in 3D printing. In some countries or regions, waste plastic is not collected for recycling and thrown into landfills. This leads to serious local and global environmental pollution. In additive manufacturing, plastic is one of the main materials used to build 3D models. In this work we suggest a novel way to produce extruded filament for 3D printing from waste plastic using solar energy. The concept relies on using a Scheffler fixed focus solar collector to heat the barrel of a filament extruder rather than using electrical heaters. The barrel of the filament extruder is heated by a receiver in the focal point of the solar collector. The molten plastic is then extruded through a nozzle to produce filament. This concept of using solar power for extruding 3D printing filament is an environmentally friendly way to turn waste plastic into useful 3D printing material especially in areas where recycling of plastics does not exist and electrical power is limited.

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Author Biographies

  • Wrya Monnet, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq

    He received a postdoctoral degree in 2002 in telecommunication from INT Evry, France following a PhD in Signal Processing in 2001 from University of Nice university of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, France and a DEA from INP-ENSEEIHT Toulouse, France. Since then he accumulated 10 years working experience in technological companies in France; 6 years of which as an R&D Engineer in audio signal processing and home automation systems, then 4 years in real time embedded systems development for avionic navigation systems. Prior to his studies in France, he obtained his MSc in Electronics and Telecommunications from University of Technology, Baghdad in 1991. Since 2012, he is an assistant professor in Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the University of Kurdistan Hewler. He worked as assistant lecturer in the College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department at University of Salahaddin in Erbil from 1992 until 1995. He is interested in applied researches in Embedded Systems used in industry, signal processing in different areas: biomedical, Audio, Telecommunications, Navigation systems and connected information systems and robotics. Teaching topics: Digital Signal Processing, Embedded Systems, Electronics, Computer architecture, Programmable Devices, Navigation Systems, Industrial instrumentation and control System.

  • Joseph Ray Carroll, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq

    Dr. Joseph Carroll joined the UKH staff as an Assistant Professor in the Natural Resources Engineering and Management (NREM) department in September 2014. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University where he specialized in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and specifically concentrated on external aerodynamics of small unmanned aerial vehicles. Dr. Carroll has a love for teaching and students and is always looking for new ways to motivate students inside and outside the classroom. With his background in mechanical engineering, he teaches many of the first and second year mechanics related courses at UKH through which he integrates practical demonstrations into the class room lectures along with hands on assignments for students to better grasp and apply the concepts.

  • Paul Dirk Embery, English Language Center, University of Kurdistan Hewler, Kurdistan Region - F.R. Iraq

    Dirk Embery has a BA in Asian Studies and a CELTA from Cambridge University. He has over 20 years of teaching experience around the world. He has worked alongside NGOs to establish a woodworking center for refugees and IDPs. He has a keen interest in building various do-it-yourself projects and helping students learn how to work with their hands on practical projects.

References

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Published

2018-06-30

Issue

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

Using Solar Thermal Collectors for Plastic Recycling in Additive Manufacturing. (2018). UKH Journal of Science and Engineering, 2(1), 43-47. https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjse.v2n1y2018.pp43-47