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Renewable Energy Solutions for Baltic-Nordic Region 2023

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 3413

Special Issue Editors

Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
Interests: bioeconomy; biofuels; biomass conversion; biomethane; bioethanol; lignocellulosic biomass; pretreatment; renewable transport fuels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr., Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Interests: engine technology; combustion; optical diagnostics; propulsion systems
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Technology Innovation Institute, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center, Masdar City, P.O. Box 9639, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Interests: lignocellulosic biomass; anaerobic digestion; biofuel; bioethanol; biomethanol; biomethane; biogas; biomass pretreatment; zero-waste; second and third generation biofuel production
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biosystems Engineering (BSE) aims to become the leading annual conference in the Baltic region in fields related to traditional and modern engineering techniques and technical solutions applied to biological systems. The goal of BSE 2023 is to gather scholars from all over the world to present advances in the fields of biosystems engineering and to foster an environment conducive to exchanging ideas and information. This year the conference will take place virtually on an e-platform. However, we still hope to provide an environment in which individuals can develop new collaborations and meet experts on the fundamentals, applications, and products of the mentioned fields.

Among the more prominent topics of the conference are energy and fuels from renewable sources, bioenergy, waste-to-energy, energy efficiency, etc.

Prof. Dr. Timo Kikas
Dr. Marcis Jansons
Dr. Lisandra Rocha Meneses
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • smart energy systems
  • energy policy
  • energy system analysis
  • renewable energy resources
  • advanced sustainable energy conversion systems
  • renewable heat systems
  • biofuels and biorefineries
  • alternative fuels
  • hybrid and electric vehicles
  • energy storage
  • energy efficient appliances
  • energy efficiency in buildings

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2735 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Torrefaction and Alkaline Pretreatment on Sugar and Bioethanol Production from Wood Waste
by Margareta Novian Cahyanti, Sabarathinam Shanmugam and Timo Kikas
Energies 2023, 16(22), 7606; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227606 - 16 Nov 2023
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Abundant availability of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) coupled with diverse pretreatment methods have made it a promising option for energy production. However, it faces several challenges, some of which can be overcome by integrating pretreatment processes. The present study aims to optimize the integration [...] Read more.
Abundant availability of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) coupled with diverse pretreatment methods have made it a promising option for energy production. However, it faces several challenges, some of which can be overcome by integrating pretreatment processes. The present study aims to optimize the integration of two different pretreatment methods—torrefaction (to reduce moisture content and fractionate biomass) and alkaline pretreatment of wood waste (to delignify biomass)—and utilize it for bioethanol production. Pretreatment performance was evaluated based on delignification, biomass hydrolysis, and bioethanol production. Initially, torrefaction was performed in a continuous reactor at a temperature range of 225–300 °C, followed by optimization of the critical parameters of alkaline pretreatment of torrefied wood waste (TWW), that is, the temperature, reaction time, solid–liquid ratio, and alkali concentration. Subsequently, the chemical and carbohydrate compositions of raw wood waste (RWW) and TWW were studied, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol fermentation. Integrated pretreatment positively impacted the cellulose and glucose contents of raw and torrefied biomass at lower temperatures. The enzymatic hydrolysis of TWW treated with alkali produced higher levels of glucose and bioethanol than (stand-alone) TWW. These results can be used as a basis for choosing the most suitable pretreatment for enhanced biomass conversion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Solutions for Baltic-Nordic Region 2023)
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19 pages, 5196 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic and Economic Simulation of an Organic Rankine Cycle for the Utilization of Combustion Gas Produced in Small Landfills in Antioquia, Colombia
by Lisandra Rocha-Meneses, Jhojan Zea, Brandon Martínez, Carlos Arrieta, Mario Luna-del Risco, Sebastián Villegas and Carlos Arredondo
Energies 2023, 16(16), 6052; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16166052 - 18 Aug 2023
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Abstract
This study presents a simulation of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for the utilization of combustion gas produced in small landfills in Antioquia, Colombia, with a focus on the municipality of Angostura. This municipality has been chosen as the focus of this study [...] Read more.
This study presents a simulation of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for the utilization of combustion gas produced in small landfills in Antioquia, Colombia, with a focus on the municipality of Angostura. This municipality has been chosen as the focus of this study due to its growing population and industrial and tourism development, bringing with them the need for sustainable waste and energy management solutions. The proposed ORC system includes two evaporators, two turbines, a condenser, a pump, and a generator, similar to successful systems reported in the literature. A sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the impact of pressure, temperature, and mass flow on the system’s net power output and thermodynamic efficiency. The results showed that the system reached a net power output of 64.33 kW with an overall power plant efficiency of 13.03% and an investment cost of 192,340 USD based on a reference cost of 2990 USD/kW. The study also found that the system’s use in Angostura is economically feasible, with a net present value of 31,208 USD over a 10-year investment study. The sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature and pressure have direct effects on the system’s performance and economic viability. The municipality’s geomorphological characteristics were found to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination, while surface waters may still be vulnerable to contamination from leachates. Overall, this study highlights the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing an ORC system, in which the combustion heat from methane gas produced in small landfills in Antioquia, Colombia, is harnessed for energy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Solutions for Baltic-Nordic Region 2023)
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Review

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20 pages, 1290 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Socio-Economic, Technological, and Environmental Opportunities and Challenges for Renewable Energy Generation from Residual Biomass: A Case Study of Biogas Production in Colombia
by Lisandra Rocha-Meneses, Mario Luna-delRisco, Carlos Arrieta González, Sebastián Villegas Moncada, Andrés Moreno, Jorge Sierra-Del Rio and Luis E. Castillo-Meza
Energies 2023, 16(16), 5901; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165901 - 09 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
The escalating global energy demand, driven by heavy reliance on fossil fuels, worsens environmental degradation and triggers socio-economic shifts in extraction and refinery hubs. In Colombia, the energy matrix is predominantly fossil-based (76%), with hydroelectric power accounting for 70% of electricity generation. However, [...] Read more.
The escalating global energy demand, driven by heavy reliance on fossil fuels, worsens environmental degradation and triggers socio-economic shifts in extraction and refinery hubs. In Colombia, the energy matrix is predominantly fossil-based (76%), with hydroelectric power accounting for 70% of electricity generation. However, renewable energy sources only contribute 2% to the national energy mix. To reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, Colombia has presented an energy transition roadmap. The need for bioenergy production in Colombia arises from the residual biomass availability, the potential to provide sustainable energy access, and the potential to mitigate climate change impacts, while addressing energy poverty and enhancing energy security. This study presents an overview of biogas production in Colombia, emphasizing the need for financial resources to overcome barriers. Policy incentives, awareness campaigns, and research and development play a vital role in fostering social acceptance, technology adoption, and optimizing biogas production processes. Collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and local communities are recommended to ensure wide-scale adoption of biogas, promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. By enabling informed decision-making, this research supports the transition to renewable energy sources and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on bioenergy. The aim of this study is to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with biogas production in Colombia, including technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects, and provide recommendations for promoting its sustainable implementation and widespread adoption in the country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Solutions for Baltic-Nordic Region 2023)
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