UNS – The Dean of the Vocational School (SV) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and a lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS, Prof. Dr.Eng. Ir. Herman Saputro, M.Pd., M.T., has been inaugurated as a professor in the field of Machine Design Expertise. Prof. Herman, the 80th professor in FKIP and the 303rd at UNS, was officially conferred the title on Monday (16/12/2024) in the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium.
Prof. Herman delivered his inaugural speech titled “Designing Mobile Power Plants Using Waste Materials with a Micro Combustor System.” He highlighted the dual challenges of waste management and the growing energy demand. Waste management in Indonesia, he noted, remains a complex issue requiring comprehensive solutions due to its environmental, health, economic, and social implications.
“Data from the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation shows that daily waste production in Indonesia reaches 99.713,18 tons. One potential solution is Waste-to-Energy (WtE). WtE can serve as a basis for future renewable energy systems that are both economical and environmentally friendly. If managed with the right technology and environmental considerations, WtE can be classified as green energy. According to the Directorate General, Indonesia’s WtE potential could reach 2.379,96 megawatts,” Prof. Herman said during his remarks.
Prof. Herman and his team have developed a tool to process waste into a green energy source. The development of the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project led by Prof. Herman is divided into three stages: processing solid waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF-5), carrying out the pyrolysis and gasification of RDF-5, and utilizing syngas and liquid fuel for the development of mobile power plants based on a micro combustor system. At the laboratory scale, the tool has proven successful in converting waste into electrical energy. This innovative device has also been patented under registration number P00202209096.
“The development of the micro combustor, designed to generate electricity from waste-based fuels, is a pivotal innovation in this research. This tool aims to revolutionize energy generation. Through studies conducted in Japan and outer space stations, we have produced valid findings with significant potential for clean energy development in aviation. This project also supports efforts to achieve net-zero emissions in the aviation sector,” Prof. Herman explained.
Prof. Herman’s research achievements, including three patents, underscore the success and practical applications of the technologies developed. These innovations reflect a significant contribution to the renewable energy sector.
“With support from the government and international collaboration, this research demonstrates that Indonesians are capable of contributing to environmentally friendly technological innovations. These findings can serve as an inspiration for future generations,” he added.
Chair of the UNS Professors’ Council, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his admiration for the exceptional expertise of the newly inaugurated professors. He emphasized the hope that their skills would help address pressing issues in Indonesia, particularly those related to waste and energy. Through its professors, UNS is committed to contributing solutions to societal challenges.
HUMAS UNS
