Sunday E. Etuk, Louis E. Akpabio, and Kenneth E.

Akpabio

DETERMINATION OF THERMAL PROPERTIES OF Cocos Nucifera TRUNK FOR PREDICTING TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH ITS THICKNESS
Sunday E. Etuk,* Louis E. Akpabio, and Kenneth E. Akpabio
Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

1. INTRODUCTION
Most building materials, particularly roofing and walling materials, are good conductors of heat. Materials like zinc and aluminum are commonly used in the form of sheet metal for roofing and walling in building construction, but these materials are known to have a high ability to conduct heat due to solar radiation into the interior space of a building, a situation that causes discomfort in indoor spaces in tropical regions. Some researchers [13] observed that knowledge of thermal properties of different walling materials is very important in the choice of the type of materials to be used in the construction of a selfcooling or passively cooled building design. Heat flow through any building material is dependent on the thermal properties of the material [1]. In tropical countries some local timbers with particularly useful properties are used for construction of walls of buildings [4]. Bolza and Keating [5] investigated some properties and characteristics of 700 species of Africa timbers. Most commonly used African timber species with useful properties for building construction are becoming scarce and are being made extinct due to deforestation, and increasing demand for wood for furniture making, boat construction, and firewood. Such scarcity has resulted in the search for alternative sources of timber material with suitable building construction properties: coconut trunk is one such timber [6]. Coconut is a monocotyledonous plant in the palmae family, with solid unbranched trunks and fan-shaped pinnate leaves at full maturity. A typical full grown coconut tree can be taller than 20m [79]. According to Etukudo [9] coconut fruit is a very useful source of fat and oil. Opeke [10] discovered that the main constituents of the coconut water are water, sugar enzymes, and vitamins especially ascorbic acid; it is planted, primarily, for the nut and its water rather than for timber. However, people in the rural area of Southern Nigeria specifically have been using the trunk of old coconut palm for rafters, purlines, window, and door frames. That is done when the coconut yield tends to reduce to zero; at that point, there is no need to allow it to stand, the trunks of those felled coconut palm are then used as wood-based building material. Ajibola and Falade [6] have investigated the mechanical properties of coconut timber. Akpabio et al. [1] studied the thermal properties of some palm fibers and established that oil and raffia palm fibers are good thermal insulators. This work is aimed at studying the thermal properties of coconut timber and to present a model for the prediction of temperature variation with thickness of the sample as building construction material.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sunetuk2002@yahoo.com

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2. THEORY In view of the urgent need to house large numbers of people throughout the world and the rapid expansion in industry and the strenuous efforts being made to provide facilities as economically and as quickly as possible, some form of interim guidance relating to thermal requirements is urgently required and the most realistic approach is to try and interpret existing data in terms of the particular conditions [11]. Such data can be established through rigorous research findings and calculations. Heat experienced in interior spaces is propagated through roofs and walls by processes of conduction and radiation. Collieu and Powney [12] observed that the exact nature of heat transmission by the process of conduction depends on the bonding between molecules, such that those which are relatively rigidly bound, will pass energy more easily than those which are weakly bound. Akpabio et al. [1] observed that radiation transport is strongly dependent on temperature and becomes significant at high temperatures, while convection can be neglected for small pore sizes. It was also their observation that the temperature of porous material at any depth depends on the net amount of heat absorbed by the material (a factor of thermal conductivity), the heat energy required to bring about a given change in temperature of the material (thermal capacity), and the energy required for changes such as evaporation which occur constantly at the surface. Temperature variations with thickness of solid materials, a factor which depends on the thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, density, thermal absorptivity, and diffusivity of the material, determine whether or not the material can be used as a heat conductor or insulator. The heat flow in any solid material is usually expressed by the following one dimensional unsteady heat conduction equation 2T = x
2

c T. K t

(1)

For a semi-infinite homogeneous solid with constant thermal properties, Equation (1) can be solved when the boundary condition at the material surface is known. The energy balance equation at the material surface is used as a boundary equation, which is expressed as [13, 14] k ( T/ x )x=0 = h ( TA Tx=0 ). Where TA = Tatm + R (2) (3)

is known as the solar temperature; k = thermal conductivity of the material; T= temperature of the material; h = heat transfer coefficient at the surface of the material; Tatm = atmospheric air temperature; = Solar radiation absorptivity at the surface; = intensity of solar radiation; = long wave emissivity of the surface; and R = difference between the incident long wave radiation and the radiation emitted from the surface. The general solution of the one dimensional heat conduction equation (assuming T is finite when x ) may be written as T(x ,t) = A0 + Am exp [i (m t + m x )]. (4) m=1 Where m = m1/2 (1 i); = (c/2k)1/2;c= specific heat capacity of the material; = density of the material and = 2/period. Equation (4) gives the dependence of material temperature with thickness on the periodic variation of temperature at the surface. TA can be expressed as Fourier series thus: TA = a 0 + (am1 cos (m t) + am2 sin (m t)) m=1 + am exp (i (m t - m)). m=1 (5)

= a0

Substituting for T(x ,t) from Equation (4) and for TA from Equation (5) in Equation (2) and considering the real part, one obtains [15]:

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T(x ,t) = a0 + Bm exp (m1/2 x) cos (m t- m1/2 x-m-m) m=1 where Bm = am ((1+ m1/2 )2 + m2 )-1/2 = K/h = (K c/2)1/2/h m= tan-1 (m1/2/(1 + m1/2)) and a0 represents the average daily material temperature.

(6)

The daily temperature variation at different depths of the material is given by Equation (6) with m = 0, =2/24hr, Bm = am; the equation above is modified into the following convenient form [1, 3, 16, and 17]: T(x,t) = Tm As exp(x) cos [{(tto) x/}]. Where As = daily temperature amplitude at the surface of the coconut trunk sample, i.e. at x = 0, t = time of the day in hours, x = the coordinate through the thickness of the coconut trunk sample, to = time of minimum temperature at the surface in hours, = thermal absorptivity (m-1), = angular velocity (365 days cycle). Tm is calculated from the hourly surface temperature average Thss (C) as Tm = (Thss/24)
m=1 24

(7)

(8)

Thus, on a 24 hour period, Equation (7) above takes the form: T(x,t) = Tm As exp( x) cos [(2/24) {(tto) 12x/}] (9) The measurement of the thermal conductivity k, density and specfic heat capacity c, of any material enables the determination of the value of thermal diffusivity , for the material using the equation given by [18, 19] = k/(c) the thermal diffusivity , value is used in calculating the thermal absorptivity , from [1] = [/2]1/2. 3. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL METHOD 3.1 Materials Three samples of coconut (Cocos nucifera) trunks were collected from Nung Oku Ibesikpo in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. The samples were collected fresh and seasoned to dry completely of moisture to a constant mass. These were labled and shaped to the required sample specimens of 6.05 0.05cm and 2.50 0.05cm as diameter and thickness respectively. 3.2 Experimental method Thermal conductivities were determined for each of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) trunk sample using the steady state method. Lees disc apparatus was used [3]. Dry coconut palm trunk samples were used to avoid the problem of redistribution of water under the influence of a temperature gradient [20]. The heat conducted across the sample, at the steady state, equals the rate at which it is emitted from the exposed surface. (11) (10)

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The specific heat capacity was determined for each sample by method of cooling correction, described by [21, 22], which takes care of any heat that might be lost due to radiation. Copper constantan thermocouple was used for temperature measurement. Bulk densities were measured for each trunk sample using the weighing and displacement methods [1, 17]. Thermal diffusivity, , and absorptivity, , were calculated for each sample using Equations (10) and (11) respectively . 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results in this report as shown in Table 1 have been compared with values reported by other researchers for other wood-based heat insulating materials. The density and thermal conductivity values obtained in this investigation are within the range of values of other commonly used wood-based insulators given by [23], as shown in Table 2. Thermal resistivity, a reciprocal of thermal conductivity, is another important thermal property of any construction material. It is the resistance of a material to heat flow irrespective of its thickness. The result shows 8.2908 0.1367 W-1 m K as the thermal resistivity value for the sample. This value is within the range of values (0.735 16.130 W-1 m K) given by Agarwal [24] for commonly used building materials including wood-based insulating materials. The result indicates (1.198 0.006) x 103 J kg-1 K-1 as the specific heat capacity value for dry Cocos nucifera trunk sample. This is also within the range of values (0.837 1.884) x 103 J kg-1 K-1 for some commonly used building materials, including wood, as given by [11]. Considering the above and the fact that thermal diffusivity of a material depends on the values of its thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat capacity, while thermal absorptivity is a function of thermal diffusivity, it therefore follows that 14.701 0.131 m-1, and (1.68 0.03) x 10-7 m2 s-1, recorded as the values of solar radiation absorptivity and thermal diffusivity values respectively for the sample favors it as a good thermal insulating material. Substituting the mean value of the absorptivity into equation (9): T(x,t) = Tm As exp (14.701x) cos [0.026 (tt0) 14.701x] Predicts the coconut palm trunk temperature at any given thickness x, and time of day t. (12)

Table 1. Thermal Properties of Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm) Trunk

Density () kgm x10
-3 3

Thermal Conductivity (k) Wm K

-1 -1

Specific heat Capacity (c) Jkg K x 10

-1 -1 3

Thermal Resistivity (r) W mK

-1

Thermal Diffusivity () M s x 10
2 -1 -7

Thermal Absorptivity () m-1

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

0.593 0.597 0.601

0.120 0.118 0.124

1.204 1.204 1.286

8.3333 8.4746 8.0645

1.68 1.64 1.73

14.713 14.891 14.498

Mean value (M) Mean value Standard Error (M SD)

0.597

0.121

1.198

8.2908

1.68

14.701

0.59700.0027

0.1210.002

1.1980.006

8.29080.1367

1.680.03

14.7010.131

Equation (12) gives the required model for predicting temperature variation with thickness of coconut palm trunk samples. The equation shows the periodic variation in temperature with time of the day, with the thickness determining a phase constant. The equation indicates that amplitude decays exponentially with the thickness of the sample and the solar radiation absorptivity [3].

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Table 2. Density and Thermal Conductivity of Solids (at Room Temperature) [23] Material Oak wood Pine wood Pine fiberboard Brick building Asbestos cement sheet Density (kgm-3) 770 570 256 2300 150 Thermal conductivity K (Wm-1 K-1) 0.160 0.138 0.052 0.600 0.319

The use and application of Equation (12) enables the mathematical determination of temperatures of the sample of any given thickness. It is useful in the choice of thickness required for efficient thermal insulation even at the hottest time of the day. This can be achieved by fixing the required temperature value and substituting the respective values of Tm, As, t, and to for determination of thickness x. The mere fact that trunks of old coconut palm trees are commonly used for rafter, purline, window, and door frames by people in the rural area of Southern Nigeria attests to its structural suitability and durability as a building construction material. This also suggests that old coconut palm trunk is free from insect infestation and fungal decay provided it is not exposed to moisture or rain. Further research into its mechanical properties with a view to establishing scientifically tested data on its structural suitability is recommended. Individuals as well as government should establish coconut palm plantation. Such plantation would first provide the coconut for domestic use as well as for export, thereby improve the economic situation of both the individuals and nation. The trunk of unproductive coconut palm trees due to old age should be used as insulating panels for interior building design. This, if implemented would augment our wood-based resources. The making of coconut palm trunk into panels of broad sheet with required thickness for construction of ceiling board as well as used as walling material for thermal resistant buildings should be encouraged. 5. CONCLUSION From the experimental results Coco palm (Cocos nucifera) trunk has low thermal conductivity, resulting in high thermal resistivity that favors it as interior building insulation construction material for naturally cooled building design in tropical region. Comparing the result with other wood-based thermal insulators such as oakwood a Pinewood; coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) trunk has lower thermal conductivity resulting in high thermal resistivity. It is therefore a better heat insulating material than some known and commonly used timber resources. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to thank LASE Radon / Radiation Research Group for providing the financial support in this project. REFERENCES
[1] [2] L. E. Akpabio, S. D. Ekpe, S. E. Etuk, and K. E. Essien Thermal Properties of Oil and Raffia Palm Fibres, Global J. of Pure and Appl. Sci., 7 (3) ( 2001), pp. 575578. G. T. Akpabio Thermal Responses of Different Walling Materials for a Self-Cooling Building DesignPreliminary Investigation, Global J. of Pure and Appl. Sci., 5 (1) (1999), pp. 139141.

[3] S. D. Ekpe and G. T. Akpabio, Comparison of Thermal Properties of Soil Samples for a Passively Cooled Building Design, Tr. J. of Physics, 18(1994), pp.117122. [4] [5] S. D. Ekpe, L. E. Akpabio, E. E. Eno, and S. E. Etuk, Gamma Radiation Determination of Transverse Absorption Coefficient of Wood, Global J. of Pure and Appl. Sci, 6 (1) (2000), pp. 157-160. E. Bolza and W. G. Keating, African Timbersthe Properties, Use and Characteristics of 700 Species. Melbourne, Australia: Division of Building Research Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, 1972.

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K. Ajibola and F. Falade, Determination of Some Structural Properties of African Palm Timber (Elais quineensis), Ife J. Technol., 1 (2) (1990), pp. 2429 Child R. Coconut 2nd edn. Harlow: Longman, 1974, pp.123. J. H. E. Moore, Botany and Classification of Palms, J. Am. Hort. Soc., 40 (1) (1961), pp. 1726. I. Etukudo, Forests: Our Divine Treasure. Uyo: Dorand Publishers, 2000, pp. 16,79.

[10] L. K. Opeke, Tropical Tree Crops. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd, 1987, pp. 168. [11] J. F. Van Straaten, Thermal Performance of Buildings. National Building Research Institute. South Africa Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria. Elsevier, Amsterdam (1967). [12] A. M. B. Collieu and D. J. Powney, The Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Materials. London: Edward Arnold, (1977), pp. 6473. [13] A. K. Khatry, M. S. Sodha, and M. A. S. Malik, Periodic Variation of Ground Temperature with Depth, Solar Energy 20 (1978), pp. 425 427. [14] M. S. Sodha, I. C. Goyal, S. C. Kaushik, G. N. Tiwari, and A. K. Seth, Periodic Heat Transfer With Temperature Dependent Thermal Conductivity. Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 22 (1979), pp. 777 781. [15] Salah ElDin, On the Heat Flow into the Ground, Renewable Energy, 18 (1999), pp. 473490 [16] Y. Mahrer J. Soil Sc., 134 (6) (1982), pp. 381387. [17] S. D. Ekpe, L. E. Akpabio, and E. E. Eno, Thermal Properties of Soil Samples in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, Global J. of Pure and Appl. Scs, 2 (1) (1996), pp. 4552. [18] T. S. Silva, A. S. Alves, U. Pepe, H. Tsuzuki, O. Nakamura, M. M. F. DAguitar Neto, S. Y. An, A. Ferreira da Silva, and N. Veissid, Thermal Diffusivity of Lead Iodide, J. of Appl. Physics, 83 (11) (1998), pp. 61936195. [19] B. M. Suleiman, M. Gustavsson, E. Karawachi, and A. Lunden, Thermal Properties of Lithium Sulphate, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., 30 (21) (1997), pp. 25532560. [20] R. D. Jackson and S. A. Taylor, Heat Transfer, Methods of Soil Analysis, Agronomy Monograph. (Academic Press) 9(1) (1965), pp. 349360. [21] F. Tyler A Laboratory Manual of Physics, 4th edn, (SI Version). London: Edward Arnold, (1971), pp.112113. [22] P. N. Okeke, J. C. Osuwa, A. I. Menkiti, C. O. Ofoegbu, C. E. Okeke, and H. U. Emereole Preliminary Practical Physics Manual, Nigerian University Physics Series, 2 (1991), pp. 222232. [23] J. Twidell and T. Weir, Renewable Energy Resources. London: E. and F. N. Spon, 1990, pp. 418. [24] K. N. Agarwal, Thermal Data of Building Fabrics and Their Applications in Building Design, Building Digest No. 52. Roorkee, India: Central Building Research Institute, 1967.
Paper Received 3 March 2002; Revised 19 October 2003; Accepted 13 January 2004 (as a Technical Note).

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