MOTIVECTION : Journal of Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial Engineering

Modification of Bentonite with Nano Silica Oxide (SiO₂) for the Purification Process of Crude Palm Oil (CPO)

2025-09-23T23:45:12+00:00

The efficiency of β-carotene removal is a critical parameter in commercial refining, as it directly influences the overall process effectiveness; therefore, the selection of appropriate bleaching agents is crucial. The limited effectiveness of Bleaching Earth (BE) in refining crude palm oil (CPO) to meet color standards poses a challenge. To improve BE's performance, natural bentonite was modified with nano-SiO₂ through a facile-mixing method. Bentonite was modified with nano-SiO₂ in concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% w/v, to assess the effectiveness of this modified bentonite in the CPO bleaching process. Bleaching was conducted at 90°C with a BE concentration of 0.5% w/v for 30 minutes. Characterization confirmed successful integration of modified Bentonite indicated by enhancing surface area. Bentonite modified with 15% nano-SiO₂ showed a significant improvement in bleaching performance, reducing β-carotene content to 553.84 ppm compared to 630.36 ppm with unmodified bentonite. The red/yellow color value also decreased to 1.5/15 from the original CPO value of 2.1/21, along with a reduction in FFA value. The results of this study indicate that modifying bentonite with nano silica oxide offers a solution to reduce the amount of bentonite used in the bleaching process.

Design of an Off-Grid Solar PV System for a Renewable Energy-Based Home in Bengkulu

2025-09-23T23:57:18+00:00

Bengkulu Province has a solar energy potential of 3,475 MW, with an average daily solar irradiance duration of 5.9 hours in 2022 and 8.3 hours in 2023. This study designs an off-grid solar PV system for a renewable energy-based home (REH) model in the coastal area of Bengkulu City. The REH is a home with electrical energy independence that utilizes renewable energy systems to generate electricity. This study focuses on the REH powered by solar energy, intended for a modest home with a power capacity equivalent to a 900 VA PLN customer classification. The data on solar energy potential in the coastal area of Bengkulu City used in this study is from the Global Solar Atlas. The data analysis confirmed the need for the REH model to generate electricity from solar energy, requiring 12 units of 120Wp PV modules in a PV array. An appropriate solar charge controller for this REH model is the MPPT SCC with a rating of 48 V 30 A. Based on the selected PV modules and the daily load of the REH model, the required 48 V battery capacity is 300 Ah, and the PSW Inverter 2,000 VA 48 V.

Contribution of B35 Biodiesel to Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Target and Challenges for B40 Implementation

2025-09-24T00:11:42+00:00

Indonesia aims for 23% renewable energy by 2025 and a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. B35 biodiesel, a blend of 35% palm oil-based biodiesel and 65% diesel, is a key strategic solution for this energy transition. This study, using a mixed method approach with regression analysis, analyzed data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Indonesian palm oil industry reports. It aimed to quantify B35's contribution to the renewable energy mix and project outcomes for a potential B40 policy. An in-depth analysis was conducted to identify the success factors and challenges of biodiesel implementation. Results show B35 biodiesel significantly contributes to Indonesia's renewable energy goals, reaching 38% in 2023 and 38.75% in 2024. Its implementation also led to substantial savings of IDR 120.54 trillion in 2023 and IDR 123 trillion in 2024 by substituting fossil fuel imports. Regression projections suggest that B40 biodiesel could further increase renewable energy contributions to 40.7% with a 15.62 million kL production target in 2025. Additionally, biodiesel usage reduces CO₂ emissions by 8-11% compared to conventional diesel. In conclusion, B35 biodiesel plays a vital role, contributing nearly 40% to Indonesia's national renewable energy. For successful B40 implementation and to optimize biodiesel's role in achieving 2025 targets, a stable Crude Palm Oil (CPO) supply, a USD 4.1 billion infrastructure investment, consistent policy frameworks, feedstock diversification, carbon tax implementation, and strong inter-ministerial collaboration are essential.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of Crude Palm Oil and Kernel Production

2025-09-24T00:27:12+00:00

Palm oil had become one of Indonesia’s leading commodities, contributing significantly to national economic development; however, it faced sustainability challenges, particularly concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with international standards. This study examined the measurement of environmental impact per monetary unit of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and kernel production in Palm Oil Mill X, by integrating environmental and socio-economic impacts through Eco-efficiency Analysis. The environmental impact assessment was conducted using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, while the socio-economic impact values were measured using the Economic Input-Output (EIO) method. The data used in this study consisted of primary data and secondary data. Primary data were collected directly from Palm Oil Mill X, including information on production volumes, energy consumption and waste generation. Secondary data were obtained from published literature, government reports and national statistical database to complement and validate the primary data used in the analysis. The study evaluated eleven environmental impact categories, one of which was GWP. The research findings indicated that for a functional unit of 1 ton of CPO, the GWP was measured at 556.31 kg CO₂ eq/ton CPO, with approximately 80% of the GWP originating from CPO processing and wastewater (POME). In terms of socio-economic aspects, the wage multiplier was recorded at 0.930 and the tax contribution at 0.0698, demonstrating the significant contribution of the palm oil industry to labor income. The final economic contribution value (G⁺) was noted to be Rp 23,728,407/ton CPO. The results of the Eco-efficiency Analysis revealed that the GWP per Rupiah was 2.34 × 10⁻⁵ kg CO₂ eq/Rp, indicating opportunities for emission reduction through the use of cleaner energy. This study provided a quantitative overview of the interrelationship between environmental performance and socio-economic benefits, serving as a strategic reference for enhancing the sustainability of the palm oil industry.