19 August 2024
Syafrijal S.Kom
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DELISERDANG, Lecturers and students of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) of the University of North Sumatra (USU), carried out community service through the economic and social scheme of the Community Service/Service Institute of the University of North Sumatra (LPPM-USU). This activity was centered in Tadukan Raga Village, STM Hilir District, Deliserdang, Thursday (4/7).
The service was chaired by Ir. Rivaldi Sidabutar S.T., M.T. with members Ir. Muhammad Thoriq Al Fath, S.T., M.T., Ir. Nisaul Fadilah Dalimunthe, S.T., M.Eng., and Ir. Gina Cynthia Raphita Hasibuan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. They were assisted by five undergraduate students of the USU Faculty of Engineering, namely Aravi Zalsa Ramadhan, Michael, Indah Mutya Sari and Janeta Fazriah Rambe.
In the community service entitled "Wood Waste Conversion Technology as Wood Pellet Fuel (Productive Energy from Low-cost Lumber Extraction Technique) on a Wood Fuel Stove Prototype for the Community in Tadukan Raga Village, STM Hilir District, Deliserdang Regency", the lecturers and students simulated the use of wood waste that had been converted into Wood Pellets in a modified stove that can be used directly by the community.
"In this activity, we will not only reduce wood waste, but also provide education to the community, that waste in the surrounding environment can be processed into useful products and reduce fuel use in daily activities. The community can also sell this product to increase income and improve the family economy," said the head of the community service team, Ir. Rivaldi Sidabutar, S.T., M.T. in his speech.
The community service activity that was recently held brought a breath of fresh air in efforts to develop alternative energy. The event was opened with a comprehensive presentation of material, providing participants with insight into the potential and benefits of using wood pellets as fuel.
The peak of the event was marked by a simulation session demonstrating the use of wood pellet products on a modified stove. Participants had the opportunity to witness firsthand the efficiency and effectiveness of this innovation, which promises a cleaner and more sustainable energy solution.
"Several residents, especially housewives, were very enthusiastic about participating in this activity, and some also tried using this product when we demonstrated its use. Many residents actively asked questions and wanted to know how the manufacturing process was," said a member of the community service.
Meanwhile, the local head of the environment, admitted that he was happy to welcome the community service activities held by lecturers and students of the USU FT. "As the head of the environment in this village, I saw that residents were very enthusiastic about the arrival of lecturers and students of the USU Faculty of Engineering in carrying out their community service," he said.
"Considering that in our area the source of raw materials for wood pellets is very abundant, we hope that this community service can improve the economy of local residents and knowledge about the utilization of unused waste," he said.
This program is considered right on target considering the abundance of raw materials in the area. With the transfer of knowledge from the USU team, it is hoped that residents can process wood waste into products with high economic value, while reducing waste that has been neglected.
The event was closed with a group photo and the handover of products and wood pellet prototypes by the head of the community service team to the Head of the Environment in Tadukan Raga Village.
