Biomass gasification is a versatile thermochemical process that can be used for direct energy applications and the production of advanced liquid and gaseous energy carriers. In the present work, the results are presented concerning the H2 production at a high purity grade from biomass feedstocks via steam/oxygen gasification. The data demonstrating such a process chain were collected at an innovative gasification prototype plant coupled to a portable purification system (PPS). The overall integration was designed for gas conditioning and purification to hydrogen. By using almond shells as the biomass feedstock, from a product gas with an average and stable composition of 40%-v H2, 21%-v CO, 35%-v CO2, 2.5%-v CH4, the PPS unit provided a hydrogen stream, with a final concentration of 99.99%-v and a gas yield of 66.4%.

Renewable energy consumption is the call by United Nation Sustainable Development Goals, and sustainable consumption is the only solution for the future. This study found that the solution to the framed problem has a requirement to categorize the green consumer value parameters in hierarchy of importance for five specific RESs and their alignment with environment policy based on a comparison of Poland and India. The study revealed the importance of each criterion for renewable energy sources providing, a comparative table of Poland and India. The methodological approach used secondary data for selecting countries, and primary data are used for statistical analysis of Automatic Linear Modelling. The research concludes that the CRITERIA4 is one of the most important that emerged with all five RESs for Poland and three RESs for India. Both countries are aligned with the UN sustainable development goals and are switching over to all means of sustainability. Poland scores a higher value of... [more]

Pellets are solid biofuels with a combustion efficiency of 85−90%, low CO2 emissions and costs, great comfort and versatility. However, the ash generated during combustion can present sintering and fusibility, decreasing boiler efficiency and potentially malfunctioning. Ash composition indexes can be useful to predict observed ash sintering and fusion but require further analysis for a variety of feedstocks. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the mineral composition of pellet ash from 15 biomasses of forest and agro-industrial sources on observed pellet ash slagging using a laboratory test. The chemical composition of pellets and the indexes B, NaK/B, SiP/CaMg and SiPNaK/CaMg at 550 and 1000 °C were determined. Pearson correlation tests were also performed between cumulative percentages of slag at different sieve sizes. The concentrations of CaO ranged from 4.49 to 65.95%, MgO varied from 1.99 to 17.61%, and the SiO2 concentration was between 16.11 and 28.24% and... [more]

When designing biomass-to-biofuel supply chains, the biomass uncertainty, seasonality and geographical dispersion that affect economic viability need to be considered. This work presents a novel methodology that can optimize the design of biofuel supply chains by adopting a decentralized network structure consisting of a mix of fixed and mobile processing facilities. The model considers a variable biomass yield profile and the mobile fast pyrolysis technology. The mixed-integer linear programming model developed identifies the optimal biofuel production and biomass harvesting schedule schemes under the objective of profit maximization. It was applied in the case study of marginal lands in Scotland, which are assumed to be planted with Miscanthus. The trade-offs observed between economies of scale against the transportation costs, the effect of the relocation costs and the contribution of storage capacity were investigated. The results showed that, in most cases, harvesting is most conc... [more]

The pH and substrate-to-inoculum ratio (S/I) are important parameters in the anaerobic fermentation of agroindustrial residues, and therefore the optimization of these two parameters is needed for a stable, efficient, and sustainable reactor operation. In this work, the parameters pH (5−9) and S/I (0.5−3 gVS gVS−1) were optimized to produce biobased volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from hydrothermally pretreated olive mill solid waste (HPOMSW). The response variables evaluated in the Doehlert design were total VFAs concentration (tVFAs) (mg L−1) and amounts (%) of isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids on the VFAs profile. The pH was the variable that most influenced the mixed culture fermentation of HPOMSW, proving to be a key parameter in the process. Microbial community analyses of conditions 1 (S/I = 3 gVS gVS−1 and pH = 7) and 4 (S/I = 1.13 gVS gVS−1 and pH = 5) showed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes accounted for more than 87% of the total microorganisms identified for... [more]

One of the unconventional, innovative ways of using biomass is using it as a component of high-energy material. According to conceptual assumptions, biomass can act as an energy carrier in modified high-energy materials-explosives (EX). Modification of the composition of the explosive requires the development of a method of introducing an additional component and changes its explosive and operational parameters (including safety). Thermodynamic calculation programs allow you to model the predicted energetic parameters of an explosive in order to select prospective compositions without the need to carry out a large number of costly and time-consuming field tests. This enables more effective design of new explosives compositions by narrowing down the scope of field tests using the “in situ” method. The use of renewable biomass as a corrector of EX properties may be a pro-environmental approach and reduces the production costs of the product. The thermodynamic simulations performed showed... [more]

Experimental studies have shown that bioethanol production from biomass sources has been reported to be influenced by several process parameters. It is not entirely known, however, how the interaction of these factors affects the concentration of bioethanol production. In this study, the use of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) in predictive modeling of bioethanol production from fountain grass has been investigated. Parametric analysis showing the interaction effect of time, pH, temperature, and yeast extract on the bioethanol production was examined. The effect of kernel functions on the performance of the GPR in modeling the prediction of bioenergy output was also examined. The study shows that the kernel function, namely, rotational quadratic (RQGPR), squared exponential (SEGPR), Matern 5/2 (MGPR), exponential (EGPR), and the optimizable (Opt.GPR.), had varying effects on the performance of the GPR. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.648, 0.670, 0.667, 0.762, and 0.993 were ob... [more]

Micro-cogeneration (micro-combined heat and power) is a technology that simultaneously produces decentralized thermal and electrical energy with a power of less than 50 kWel. This technology consists of using the waste heat generated by a thermodynamic process to meet the heating and hot water demands of buildings. The use of biomass as a fuel offers important advantages: use of a renewable energy, carbon neutrality, availability, and low cost. Furthermore, the analysis and optimization of hybrid energy systems, which include existing micro-cogeneration systems powered by renewable energy, is a scientific challenge needing experimental characterization of such micro-cogeneration systems. In this context, a biomass Stirling micro-CHP unit (μCHP), was tested to characterize its energy performance. A dynamic model based on these experimental investigations was developed to evaluate its thermal power output and energy efficiencies. The dependence of the nominal load on the water flow rate... [more]

The present work focuses on the quality of char and primary tar produced from fast pyrolysis in N2 and CO2 of lignocellulosic biomasses: walnut shells (lignin-rich), straw (hemicellulose-rich) and pinewood (cellulose-rich). Heat treatments are carried out in a heated strip reactor (HSR) at 1573 and 2073 K for 3 s, with a heating rate of 104 K/s. The equipment allows for quenching the volatiles as soon as they are emitted. Chars are analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis in air. Results are compared with the products obtained from raw lignin, pure cellulose and pure hemicellulose. Cellulose and hemicellulose tars are dominated by anhydrous monosaccharides, which are scarce in straw tar and abundant in walnut shells tar. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are present in the primary products, in particular for walnut shells. The most reactive char is the one obtained from straw and the least reactive is the walnut shells char. Severe heat treatment and a CO2 atmosphere generate additio... [more]

In this article, we present the possibility of applying the concept of elasticity in the system of sustainable energy development through the use of wood biomass. We used a dual (socio-ecological and economic) approach to sustainable energy development. The research was carried out using the methods of reduction reasoning, scientific observation, and examination of source documents. We identified crisis threats in the context of sustainable energy development. Then, we analyzed the supply of wood biomass in Poland, taking into account its geographical location. As a result, we identified and characterized the causal relationships between the assumptions of the concept of resistance and the sustainable development of energy with the use of wood biomass. We found that the concepts of resilience can be adapted to assessing energy sustainability. This adaptation is based on resilience, flexibility, and strategic ability to revitalize the country. We found that five key threats (extreme wea... [more]

To close an existing literature gap, we explore the conditions critical for the enactment of local energy transition and the shift to decarbonized renewable heating systems in the public sector of the most carbon-intensive European region of the Western Balkans. We select and then analyze the municipality of Priboj, which stands out among 150 municipalities in Serbia due to its effective promotion of local energy transition. The analysis provides a rich empirical illustration of a specific path that enables the local level to embark on a tailor-made energy transformation in an underdeveloped and path-dependent national policy framework. By linking a multi-level perspective of sustainability transitions to accounts of path dependency, we advance the understanding of the critical determinants and frameworks of local energy transition. Our analysis is enhanced with an investigation of the role of key actors and governance modes. A shared understanding of innovative solutions and existing... [more]

Biomass as a clean and renewable source of energy has immense potential to aid in solving the energy crisis in the world. In order to accurately predict the fluidization behavior of biomass particles using the Eulerian−Eulerian approach and the kinetic theory for granular flows (KTGF), employing appropriate models that adapt to irregularly shaped particles and can precisely predict the interaction between particles is crucial. In this study, the effects of varying radial distribution functions (RDF), frictional viscosity models (FVM), angles of internal friction (ϕ), and stress blending functions (SBF) on the performance of two-fluid models (TFM) were investigated. Simulation predictions were compared and validated with the previous experiments in the literature on Geldart B biomass particles of walnut shells. When applying sphericity to account for size irregularities of biomass particles, the results of this study demonstrated that predictions of both the Ma−Ahmadi and the Carnahan−S... [more]

The recovery of vegetal waste for energy purposes is one of the ways to increase the amount of energy obtained from renewable sources. The Top-Lit Updraft (TLUD) gasification and combustion process is recognized as the least polluting of all other combustion processes, resulting in a sterile charcoal called biochar, which can be used as an amendment in agricultural soils. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of excess air in the combustion area compared to the (theoretical) calculated requirement for a TLUD energy module. Most scientific publications on this topic recommend primary/secondary air flow rate ratios of 1/3 or 1/4. In this study, the two recommended ratios were tested, and it was found that better energy results correspond to the ratio of 1/3. For this 1/3 ratio, the investigations continued in order to optimize the combustion process. The results achieved demonstrate that the excess combustion air flow of 30% improves the performance of the energy mo... [more]

Grass and other herbaceous biomass are abundant, but often under- or not utilized as a renewable resource. Here, the production of biochar from extensive late-harvest grass via multiple thermochemical conversion technologies was investigated at lab and farm scale for use in soil applications. While biochar is a product with highly diverse potential applications, it has a multitude of benefits for agricultural usage as a soil amendment, if the quality adheres to certain limit values of potentially toxic constituents. The results show that the biochar can adhere to all limit values of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) for utilization in agriculture. Generally, the contents of heavy metals were well below the proposed EBC limits and very low PAH concentrations in the biochar were achieved. The high ash content in the grass of 7.71 wt resulted in high nutrient concentrations in the biochar, of benefit in soil applications, but the ash also contains chlorine, nitrogen and sulphur, whic... [more]

This article is a brief and critical review of the state of the art in algae production in the food and energy industries. Review and experimental articles from the last five years were selected to recapitulate the reasons for interest in algae cultivation, for which we highlight the most valuable phytochemicals passing through their niches in the food market, their bioenergetic potential and the possible uses of algal waste biomass. In addition, we punctuate the advent of algae biorefineries. The objectives of this study were to list the main points related to interest in cultivation, drawing a parallel between the establishment of algae in the food market and its potential to establish itself in the energy market. It was concluded that the use of algae biorefineries has been used as a solution for the food, chemical and energy markets, despite the need for the development of broader research on industrial scale.

Biofuels have become a source of renewable energy to offset the use of fossil fuels and meet the demand for electricity, heat, and cooling in the industrial sector. This study aims to (a) develop a simulation of a trigeneration system based on a gas turbine cycle and an absorption chiller unit, using biomass and syngas from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) to replace the conventional system currently supplying the energy requirements of an instant coffee plant located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and (b) carry out an exergoeconomic analysis of the simulated system to compare the effects of different fuels. The results showed an increase in the exergetic efficiency from 51.9% to 84.5% when using a trigeneration system based on biomass instead of the conventional non-integrated system. Furthermore, the biomass-based system was found to have the lowest operating costs ($154.7/h) and the lowest heating, cooling, and power costs ($10.3/GJ, $20.2/GJ, and $23.4/GJ, respectively). Therefore, the results... [more]

Various techniques are implemented to reduce odor emission due to their potential multi-source nature. One modern approach is the use of thermochemically processed biomass to eliminate odors. Compared with raw biomass, processed biomass is characterized by greater porosity and an expanded specific surface. In these laboratory experiments, adsorption tests for a mixture of indole, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine are carried out using torreficates produced from biomass from the agri-food industry (walnut shells, orange peels, peach stones, and apple wood chips). This research is focused on the determination of the correlation between the physical-hydraulic properties of the torreficates and their ability to reduce the odors simulated by the selected compounds. The results indicate that 2,3-dimethylpyrazine and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine are not detected in any of the investigated low-temperature biochars. However, indole is detected in most materials, and its most signific... [more]

The production of biochar from biomass and industrial wastes provides both environmental and economic sustainability. An effective way to ensure the sustainability of biochar is to produce high value-added activated carbon. The desirable characteristic of activated carbon is its high surface area for efficient adsorption of contaminants. Feedstocks can include a number of locally available materials with little or negative value, such as orchard slash and crop residue. In this context, it is necessary to determine and know the conversion effects of the feedstocks to be used in the production of activated carbon. In the study conducted for this purpose; several samples (piñon wood, pecan wood, hardwood, dried grass, Wyoming coal dust, Illinois coal dust, Missouri coal dust, and tire residue) of biomass and industrial waste products were investigated for their conversion into activated carbon. Small samples (approximately 0.02 g) of the feedstocks were pyrolyzed under inert or mildly oxi... [more]

The availability of freshwater and energy is a serious issue in remote and islanded areas, especially at a small scale, where there may not be the possibility to access the grid and/or water distribution systems. In this context, polygeneration systems operating on the basis of local, renewable energy sources can be an answer to the users’ demand for electricity, heating, cooling, and domestic hot water. The scope of the proposed paper was to investigate, numerically, the energy and economic feasibility of a novel hybrid polygeneration system powered by biomass, solar, and wind energy for a micro-district of households. The proposed system consists of a biomass-fueled steam cycle, wind turbine, photovoltaic field coupled with thermal and electrical energy storage, adsorption chiller, and a reverse osmosis water desalination unit. The system is also assisted by an LPG generator set running as backup. The system provides space heating and cooling, electrical energy, and fresh and domesti... [more]

Currently, one of the main directions of agricultural development in Poland is the pursuit of sustainable development, rational management of material resources, and striving for energy self-sufficiency, while maintaining low greenhouse gas emissions. It is an alternative to constantly supported coal solutions. Sustainable development in the sense of processes taking place in enterprises affects many key areas of their activity. One of them is the measurement of efficiency, another is the compatibility with nature and the environment, and the perception of humans and their role. Measures of enterprises’ effectiveness should be considered in relation to the objectives of the enterprise. Biorefineries play a special role in shaping the new energy reality, being a system that connects various devices and biomass conversion processes to produce energy, fuel, and other valuable products. The essence of the functioning of biorefineries is as value chains; that is, a series of interrelated ac... [more]

Glycerol, a highly functionalised polyol, can be used as a platform molecule to produce a variety of high-value chemicals. As glycerol production is projected to increase over the coming years, it’s critically important that technology and infrastructure are developed to make use of the inevitable surplus. The catalytic production of ‘green’ mono alcohols from glycerol, in the absence of H2, is an emerging area of research that, in recent years, has generated significant industrial interest. Herein, we provide an update on recent advances in this field and discuss challenges which need to be overcome if this approach is to be considered viable industrially. The economic significance of using crude glycerol as a feedstock for glycerol valorisation strategies is also addressed and suggestions for improving the impact of research conducted in this field are proposed.

Due to global warming, technologies reducing CO2 emissions in the metallurgical industry are being sought. One possibility is to use bio-coke as a substitute for classic coke made of 100% fossil coal. Bio-coke can be produced on the basis of coal with the addition of substances of biomass origin. Blends for the production of bio-coke should have appropriate coke-making properties to ensure the appropriate quality of bio-coke. The article presents the results of the research on the influence of the addition (up to 20%) of bio-components of different origins to the coke blend on its coke-making properties, i.e., Gieseler Fluidity, Arnu—Audibert Dilatation and Roga Index. The bio-components used in the research were raw and thermally processed waste biomass of different origins (forestry: beech and alder woodchips; sawmill: pine sawdust; and the food industry: hazelnut shells and olive kernels) and commercial charcoal. Studies have shown that both the amount of additive and the type of ad... [more]

Due to global warming, technologies reducing CO2 emissions in the metallurgical industry are being sought. One possibility is to use bio-coke as a substitute for classic coke made of 100% fossil coal. Bio-coke can be produced on the basis of coal with the addition of substances of biomass origin. Blends for the production of bio-coke should have appropriate coke-making properties to ensure the appropriate quality of bio-coke. The article presents the results of the research on the influence of the addition (up to 20%) of bio-components of different origins to the coke blend on its coke-making properties, i.e., Gieseler Fluidity, Arnu—Audibert Dilatation and Roga Index. The bio-components used in the research were raw and thermally processed waste biomass of different origins (forestry: beech and alder woodchips; sawmill: pine sawdust; and the food industry: hazelnut shells and olive kernels) and commercial charcoal. Studies have shown that both the amount of additive and the type of ad... [more]

Increasing the share of renewable energy in the final energy consumption is a way to ensure independence from external supplies of fossil fuels, which is a fundamental political and economic challenge for many countries nowadays. One such country is Ukraine, which depended on Russian gas supplies and energy (electricity) from nuclear power plants. Russian gas is not delivered anymore to Ukraine, and Russians have recently taken over some of the nuclear power plants. The changes in the political situation force Ukraine to search for alternative energy sources. In countries with high agricultural production potential, one of the basic options seems to be popularization of modern methods of obtaining energy from biomass (bioenergy), which so far has played a minor role in the country’s energy mix (less than 2% in the case of Ukraine). The analysis carried out on the case of the Kyiv Region indicates that the annual economic potential of biomass in the region is equivalent to 1743 thousand... [more]

The study presents the results of research on using fixed-bed, activated carbon (AC) adsorbers in the cleaning of heavily tar-laden producer gas from the gasification of biomass. The efficiency of removal of organic compounds as well as the remaining adsorption capacity of the bed were determined using a spectrum of commonly applied diagnostic methods, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of the adsorbed compounds and changes in the pore volume of the bed material (IN, MN). The authors compare these lab quantifications with a simple technique which is based on the analysis of the changes in the position of temperature front in the bed. The main benefit of the latter is the possibility of performing the diagnostics of the bed “online” and using low-cost temperature measurements. The test was performed using a commercially available AC Desotec AIRPEL 10-3 and real producer gas obtained through the gasification of alder chips. For tar, VOC and C2−C5 compounds, the removal effic... [more]