Activity Report of Open Application Program 2023 vol.16 (Course A)
Sakura Science Program at Waseda Saito Lab.
Report from Waseda University
The Sakura Science Program aims to foster scientific collaboration and cultural exchange among students from different countries. In previous year, University of Indonesia ran a Sakura Science Program partnering with Tohoku University. This year, in 2024, University of Indonesia ran the Sakura Science Program once more, collaborating with Waseda University, for seven days starting 29th of January until 4th of February in Nishi-Waseda Campus, Shinjuku City, Tokyo. In this program, there were 10 representatives from University of Indonesia consisting of Dr. Eng. Arnas, S.T., M.T. as supervisor, a doctoral student, and the rest are undergraduate students.
The program commenced with a warm welcome by Professor Niccolo, an Associate Professor of Waseda University, by presenting insights into Waseda University. He also presented his research on Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning. He also introduced the Saito Laboratory, which focuses on analysis theory of energy systems, control of energy saving system, thermal fluid dynamics of micro and macro phenomena, and next generation heat pump technology.
On the following day, participants went on a campus tour with the first stop being the Saito Laboratory working space for students, post-doctoral researchers and professors, as well as visiting researchers from industry.
For instance, participants learned about the work of one of the Waseda graduate students, about frost formation phenomenon within heat pumps operated in winter environments. Afterward, participants visited the air conditioning experimental testing facility for dynamic performance evaluation of variable-speed air conditioners and heat pumps. The equipment can replicate the outdoor environment and 2 indoor spaces under various controlled conditions within 3 psychrometric chambers. This experimental room is able to freely mimic different building features by relying on a numerical software, called "virtual room emulator". In this manner, the limited constraint of space dimensions of the actual physical space of the facility is enhanced by the possibility of a numerical model combined with the reconditioning unit of each psychrometric chamber to freely control the indoor temperature and humidity. Hence, further research opportunity is available by developing simulation based on calculations obtained from the experiments.
The discussion made clear the importance of effectively combining theoretical and numerical research approaches with experimental activities. Additionally, several of the presented research contents demonstrate how the development of next-generation, more efficient and automatized systems is closely linked to understanding, analyzing, and optimizing their dynamic operation for reducing the energy required by field installations.
Besides those locations, participants also visited Saito Lab, Sakti Lab, and other facilities in Waseda University. During the tour, University of Indonesia students are accompanied by Waseda graduate students as it's easier for them to ask more detailed questions about study and research opportunities in Japan, especially in Waseda University.
Active discussion always accompanied each activity and light-hearted chatting about Japanese and Indonesian culture filled in the rest of the time.
On the third day, Assistant Prof. Sholahudin conducted a workshop about machine learning applied to modelling and control of next-generation thermal systems. A preliminary lecture and discussion was then followed by a practical tutorial about the deep-learning toolbox available within Waseda.
This subject generated a great deal of interest, and stimulated ideas on how to make effective use of the data availability of Saito lab, where data are extensively collected with advanced experimental equipment and integrated by numerical results.
Throughout the program, several research presentations were being held by both of Waseda University and University of Indonesia. Some of the research topics that were presented are:
- Frost formation phenomena
- Two-phase flow heat transfer modelling of cryogenic fluids under forced convection for the development of liquid hydrogen vaporizer
- Simulation technology to evaluate performance of next generation refrigerants
- Emulator-type testing methodology to assess the dynamic performance of air conditioner
- Real-time energy management system for dynamic heat pump system
At the end of presentations, participants shared their questions and looked closer at the programs created in the research. In addition to research presented, a brief of Indonesia culture was presented to enrich each cultural understanding between Japan and Indonesia.
Eventually, presentations and following discussions showed how this broad spectrum of subjects are deeply interconnected by a solid bottom-up investigation approach, consistently directed towards a common purpose.
In the end of the Sakura Science program, participants went to Tokyo Big Sight convention hall, Odaiba to attend International HVAC Exhibition. Participants were able to learn deeper about Japanese and multinational companies in HVAC industries. However, the highlight of the day was witnessing Professor Saito's awarding speech for the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA), recognizing outstanding contributions in research that bridges industry and academia.
Finally, PRf. Saito awarded all the participants with a certificate of completion of the Sakura Science Program.
In conclusion, all participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Sakura Science Program, extending heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to its success. This includes the dedicated support from the staff, researchers, and students of Waseda University who collaborated with the program, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.