In the second issue for 2012, we present a selection of 11 papers representing topics that range through energy, manufacturing, management, construction and education.
We start with three papers on the theme of energy. The first paper, by Yung et al., provides a comparison of two similar products from the perspective of energy consumption and the need for design changes to meet European Union legislation on energy-using products. This is followed by a paper by Srinivasa Rao et al. who consider the performance of a solar-powered cooker and propose a design that maximises heat transfer. The third paper, by Sharma and Singh, deals with the implementation of a voltage and frequency controller for an isolated asynchronous generator-based three-phase autonomous wind energy conversion system for a remote rural location.
The first of the three papers with an emphasis on manufacturing and/or design reports a study by Vinodh and Srikrishna in which eco-quality function deployment has been applied for a 95 kV disconnecting switch used as a part of an electrostatic precipitator in power plants. This is followed by a paper authored by S. Senthil Kumaran et al. who present the unique environmentally friendly aspects associated with an innovative welding process namely friction welding of tube-to-tube plate using an external tool. The final paper in this set is by M. Taher Halimi et al. and provides an insight into the design and development of a novel comfort liner for a motorcycle helmet based on the use of natural fibre.
For the management theme we present two papers. In the first, Davies considers how manufacturing companies can economically introduce environmentally friendly practices to their production operations and advocate economical organisational and operational learning over time. This is followed by a paper by Ratnayake and Markeset who consider the management of physical assets to increase the sustainable value of an asset intensive business in a more holistic way.
The first of two papers with a construction theme considers the harvesting of heat from asphalt pavements. In this paper, Mallick et al. report experimentation to evaluate the effect of variables to enable a predictive model to be developed. In the second paper, Pacheco-Torgal et al. report concerns about the long-term durability of carbon fibre-reinforced concrete and promote the use of polymer additions for denser microstructure and better durability.
This is followed by the final paper of the issue which addresses an educational theme. Gaidajis et al. present a comprehensive study regarding the assessment of sustainable development integration in Greek university schools of engineering.