7.4 – Energy and the community

7.4.5 – Assistance to Low-Carbon Innovation

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively supports the development of sustainability-related startups and provides assistance to Low-Carbon Innovation through its PEMULA@UKM offering funding, mentorship and networking. Between 2022 to 2024, UKM has successfully established 18 start-up and spin-offs, several of which are focused on sustainability and were initiated by university staff and researchers. These startups operate under a structured university-managed ecosystem that promotes innovation and societal impact, especially in areas related to environmental sustainability, green technology, promotes energy transition, low-carbon solutions and social well-being. More information can be found at www.ukmace.com.

In 2024, UKM implemented 6 innovative sustainability projects focused on energy and climate change. These projects include advanced applications like remote sensing for carbon monitoring, solar-assisted heat pumps, novel photovoltaic systems, hydrogen as an alternative fuel, and frameworks for renewable energy training. Examples of assistance projects in energy and climate change available at UKM.

Sustainability Projects in Energy and Climate Change

No	Title	Synopsis
1	Fuel cell power generation system using Solid State Hydrogen Reactor Link: www.ukm.my/beritaukm/selfuel-bangunkan-sistem-janakuasa-sel-fuel-dengan-teknologi-hidrogen/	This project began with a Consultancy Research Agreement signed, involving UKM Pakarunding, NanoMalaysia Berhad, Nano Commerce Sdn. Bhd., and Hypertech Industries Sdn. Bhd. Through this agreement, UKM was entrusted with the responsibility to develop a fuel cell power generation system with power capacities of 1 kilowatt (kW) and 5 kW, complete with a state-of-the-art gas purification system. The hydrogen produced using this technology will be used as fuel for the fuel cell power system, with the primary goal of generating clean and efficient electricity. This project holds great potential, especially in providing energy solutions for remote areas that have yet to receive access to grid electricity. What makes this technology unique is its ability to operate using significantly less energy compared to conventional methods, and its capability to run independently without relying on external power sources.
2	OcularSense Link: www.ukmace.com/technologies/ocularsense  www.instagram.com/p/C3ZM1AmvR4O	OcularSense is a low-cost solution consisting of multi-depth cameras to provide 360 degrees of surrounding data with unique system configurations. It is designed to be integrated with an industrial mobile robot using up to 6 multi depth cameras allocated at the bottom of each side of the robot. New object detection and tracking using machine learning based-algorithms with optimized computation is developed to support this system. To address the challenges at hand, three main issues need to be resolved. First, it is crucial to lower the use of wasteful resources, aiming to enhance efficiency by minimizing materials, energy, or other resources that are not utilized effectively. Second, the computational cost must be reduced; this involves optimizing algorithms and processes to lower the expenses and time required for computations, thereby making them more resource-efficient.
3	UKM Air Quality Monitoring Station Link: www.derialah.com/board	The UKM Air Quality Monitoring Station dashboard provides real-time environmental data to monitor air quality and weather conditions across the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) campus. Developed by Derialah EA System, a UKM startup company, the dashboard displays essential information such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), weather conditions, health impact assessments, and geographic monitoring of station locations. The UKM Air Quality Monitoring Station dashboard functions as a real-time platform to monitor air quality and weather conditions across the campus. It provides live data on the Air Quality Index (AQI), temperature, humidity, and health recommendations to help users make informed decisions about outdoor activities. The dashboard also includes short-term forecasts and an interactive map showing the status of monitoring stations. Overall, it supports health awareness, environmental management, and campus sustainability efforts through timely and localized data.
4	Taveekun Fertilizer   Link: www.malaysiatribune.news/bisnes-ekonomi/baja-taveekun-diiktiraf-miliki-teknologi-pertanian-bersih-cat www.ukmace.com/technologies/a-smart-farming-system-cat	Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through its innovative startup company Pertanian Bersih Sdn Bhd (PBSB), has established a collaboration with renowned fertilizer company Taavekun in research and development (R&D) towards sustainable agriculture. CAT is a safe and integrated farming system that combines agricultural materials and methods based on scientific knowledge. It is applied at the early stages of the value chain to enhance crop yield and quality while preserving the harmony of soil, plants, the environment, and biodiversity.
5	Solar Collector Apparatus Link: www.facebook.com/share/16zR65PjS8	This cutting-edge technology harnesses the power of the sun to deliver exceptional performance. It features outstanding heat exchange through the strategic use of fins as extended surfaces attached to the absorber plate. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional heating systems. The system incorporates Silicon Carbide (SiC) blended with paraffin wax as nano-enhanced Phase Change Material (PCM), encapsulated in cylindrical capsules placed at the back of the plate. The combination of fins and nano-enhanced PCM in cylindrical capsules significantly increases thermal conductivity, allowing the heater to operate up to 4 additional hours—even during cloudy weather or in the absence of direct sunlight.
6	Novel absorber tube for a PVT-PCM system consisting of sheet-connected to the micro fin tubes with twisted tape (MFT.TT.) Link: www.facebook.com/share/1B8JBqPDfo	The PVT-PCM system is a revolutionary innovation in photovoltaic thermal technology. This system features a phase change material (PCM) container that unlocks the potential for more advanced energy utilization. At its core is a novel absorber tube, sheet-connected to micro fin tubes (MFT), located beneath the PV panel. It’s more than just a system – it’s a fusion of exceptional efficiency. Inside the MFT, a twisted tape (TT) adds another dimension of innovation, optimizing performance and output. The PVT-PCM system addresses the challenge of overheating by keeping the PV panel cool, thereby significantly enhancing electrical generation efficiency. The excess heat produced is not wasted – instead, it is used to heat water, making the system an eco-friendly and efficient solution. This PVT-PCM system stands as a symbol of green innovation, uniting energy efficiency, smart design, and environmental sustainability.