Patcharin Jongjai 2020/01/28 , ( 459 views)
On 28 January 2020, UBU held a press conference for the first 2020 Research and Innovation Exhibition at Joint Space, Thep Yothi Road, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Assistant Professor Dr. Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha, President of UBU, presided over the event and reported the details of the event. Afterward, she presented bouquets to congratulate three notable individuals who have been awarded by various national research organizations. Firstly, Associate Professor Dr. Kulachate Pianthong, Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, UBU was awarded during theThailand Energy Awards 2019 organized by the Ministry of Energy. Associate Professor. Dr.Siriporn Jungsuttiwong, Lecturer at the Faculty of Science, received the 2019 TRF-OHEC-Clarivate Analytics Research Excellence Award presented by the Thailand Research Fund, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Mr. Jing Dinchertchu, Manager of Power God Limited Partnership and inventor,received an award from Thailand Energy Awards 2019 organized by the Ministry of Energy.
Professor Dr. Kulachate Pianthong and Mr. Jing Dinchertchu’s collaboratively developed a high efficiency biomass boiler, a cylindrical biomass burner and a hot air generator. Their inventions received the Award of Excellence in Innovation in the Alternative Energy Category. Their hot air generator was designed to be used with the cylindrical biomass burner. It can also be used in various drying processes.It is most suitable for SMEs and large community enterprises because itcan reduce energy costs of drying more than 10 times compared with the use of LPG or electricity. The temperature and conditions in the drying room can be effectively controlled which results in a 5 times shorter drying time. This reduces production costs and increases productivity at the same time.
Ms. Jungsuttiwong’s research project involved the design and development of graphene nano-sheets. The research was a theoretical study onthe quantum chemical calculationsof catalysts / adsorbents using the Density Functional Theory, an accurate computational chemistry.The results of this researchcan be used to screen types of catalysts/adsorbents in laboratories. It can also be used to effectively design and develop absorbent materials to eliminate pollutants. Ultimately, it can be enhanced and adapted to be used during daily life by the general public.
Assistant Professor Dr. Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha stated that one of UBU’s primarymissions is to focus on research development. One of the university’s strategies to reach this mission is to conduct research and create innovations that will support the development of communities. Motivated by the mission, UBU is committed to improving life quality and economically mobilizing the people living in the southern part of the Northeast region of Thailand. The university recognizes the importance of research and innovation and wants to ensure it is practical for the local communities to use. So far, the research and innovations developed by UBU researchers have immensely contributed toward the development of many communities.
Furthermore, the exhibition at the UBU Joint Space also displayed other research projects and innovations. The products and their innovators are listed as follows:
- Glow in the dark light switch plates made of rubbers by Assistant Professor Dr. Kittiya Wongkhan and Assistant Professor Dr. Rukkiat Jitchati, lecturers from the Faculty of Science.
- A saving energy building model by Assistant Professor Dr. Rukkiat Jitchati, lecturer from the Faculty of Science.
- Network peripheral devices with servicesby Assistant Professor Dr. Chatchawin Namman, lecturer from the Faculty of Science.
- The production of biogas from animal waste as an alternative energy in householdsby Assistant Professor Dr.Uthai Unphim, lecturer from the Business School.
The various innovations that were created from these researchers can be further developed and applied by various stakeholders: the general public, entrepreneurs, government organizations and private agencies. Additionally, the innovations can help reduce living expenses while increasing incomes. Due to its multiple benefits and versatility, UBU organized the research showcase to ensure that all community members have accessibility toward the latest innovations. UBU hopes that the network built at the activity continues to expand and strengthen through the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Revised and translated by: Jarinda Boonjan
Original (Thai) version by: Tippawan Valuvanathorn
English revised by: Thaviny Shaipitisiri
Photos by: Tippawan Valuvanathorn/The Faculty of Science