Editorial

2 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends

by Lyes Bennamoun

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051717 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342

In 2020, the World Bioenergy Association published an interesting report about the global development of using biomass and bioenergy along with statistics and trends [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

Research

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10 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Alkaline Pretreatment on the Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass from Rice Husk

by Chi-Hung Tsai, Yun-Hwei Shen and Wen-Tien Tsai

Energies 2023, 16(2), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020679 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1091

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass from rice husk (RH) is a renewable resource for fuel production, but it could pose ash-related challenges. This work focused on investigating the effects of pretreatment at different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (i.e., 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M) on [...] Read more.

Lignocellulosic biomass from rice husk (RH) is a renewable resource for fuel production, but it could pose ash-related challenges. This work focused on investigating the effects of pretreatment at different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (i.e., 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M) on the calorific values and ash contents of treated RH products, and also finding the optimal torrefaction conditions. The results showed that alkaline pretreatment by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reduced the ash content in the RH samples by over 85 wt%. Due to its relatively excellent calorific values and low ash content, the RH sample with 0.25 M NaOH pretreatment (i.e., RH-25) was chosen as a starting feedstock in the subsequent torrefaction experiments as a function of 240–360 °C for holding time of 0–90 min. In addition, the surface properties by scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also used to observe the elemental compositions preliminarily. Based on the fuel properties of the torrefied RH products, the optimal torrefaction conditions can be found at around 280 °C for holding 30 min. As compared to the calorific value of the RH-25 (i.e., 18.74 MJ/kg) and its mass yield (i.e., 0.588), the calorific value, enhancement factor and energy yield of the optimal product were 28.97 MJ/kg, 1.55 and 0.91, respectively. Although the resulting product has a high calorific value like coal, it could have slight potential for slagging and fouling tendency and particulate matter emissions due to the relatively high contents of silicon (Si) and sodium (Na), based on the results of EDS and FTIR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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10 pages, 1415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass from Sapindus Pericarp Extraction Residue under a Wide Range of Pyrolysis Conditions

by Wen-Tien Tsai, Tasi-Jung Jiang, Yu-Quan Lin, Xiang Zhang, Kung-Sheng Yeh and Chi-Hung Tsai

Energies 2021, 14(21), 7122; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217122 - 01 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1941

Abstract

In this work, a novel biomass, the extraction residue of Sapindus pericarp (SP), was torrefied by using an electronic oven under a wide range of temperature (i.e., 200–320 °C) and residence times (i.e., 0–60 min). From the results of the thermogravimetric analysis [...] Read more.

In this work, a novel biomass, the extraction residue of Sapindus pericarp (SP), was torrefied by using an electronic oven under a wide range of temperature (i.e., 200–320 °C) and residence times (i.e., 0–60 min). From the results of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of SP, a significant weight loss was observed in the temperature range of 200–400 °C, which can be divided into the decompositions of hemicellulose (major)/lignin (minor) (200–320 °C) and cellulose (major)/lignin (minor) (320–400 °C). Based on the fuel properties of the feedstock SP and SP-torrefied products, the optimal torrefaction conditions can be found at around 280 °C for holding 30 min, showing that the calorific value, enhancement factor and energy yield of the torrefied biomass were enhanced to be 28.60 MJ/kg, 1.36 and 82.04 wt%, respectively. Consistently, the values of the calorific value, carbon content and molar carbon/hydrogen (C/H) ratio indicated an increasing trend at higher torrefaction temperatures and/or longer residence times. The findings showed that some SP-torrefied solids can be grouped into the characteristics of a lignite-like biomass by a van Krevelen diagram for all the SP-torrefied products. However, the SP-torrefied fuels would be particularly susceptible to the problems of slagging and fouling because of the relatively high contents of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) based on the analytical results of the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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17 pages, 26450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Producer Gas from Redgram Stalk and Combustion Chamber Types on the Emission and Performance Characteristics of Diesel Engine

by K. M. Akkoli, N. R. Banapurmath, Suresh G, Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar, T. M. Yunus Khan, Maughal Ahmed Ali Baig, M. A. Mujtaba, Nazia Hossain, Kiran Shahapurkar, Ashraf Elfasakhany, Mishal Alsehli, V. S. Yaliwal and S. A. Goudadi

Energies 2021, 14(18), 5879; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185879 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

The engine performance has been improved by modifying the combustion chamber shape of the diesel engine for dual-fuel operation with liquid fuel and producer gas (PG). The combined effect of gaseous fuel from redgram stalk and combustion chamber type on the emission and [...] Read more.

The engine performance has been improved by modifying the combustion chamber shape of the diesel engine for dual-fuel operation with liquid fuel and producer gas (PG). The combined effect of gaseous fuel from redgram stalk and combustion chamber type on the emission and performance of blended-fuel of diesel and HOME biodiesel–PG has been investigated. In this experimental study, four varieties of combustion chambers hemispherical (HCC), low swirl (LSCC), dual swirl (DSCC), and toroidal re-entrant (TRCC) were analyzed comprehensively. The results presented that the TRCC configuration with a given nozzle geometry has 9% improved brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and 10.4% lower exhaust gas temperature (EGT). The smoke, unburnt hydrocarbon (UBHC), and carbon monoxide (CO) decreased by 10–40%, but a 9% increase in nitrogen oxides (NO_X) emission levels was observed with TRCC. The delay period and combustion period were decreased by 5% and 7%. The fuel replacement of about 71% for the diesel–PG combination with HCC and 68% for the HOME–PG combination with TRCC was achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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14 pages, 1207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Single- vs. Two-Stage Process for the Anaerobic Digestion of Liquid Cow Manure and Cheese Whey

by Margarita Andreas Dareioti, Aikaterini Ioannis Vavouraki, Konstantina Tsigkou and Michael Kornaros

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5423; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175423 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

The growing interest in processes that involve biomass conversion to renewable energy, such as anaerobic digestion, has stimulated research in this field in order to assess the optimum conditions for biogas production from abundant feedstocks, like agro-industrial wastes. Anaerobic digestion is an attractive [...] Read more.

The growing interest in processes that involve biomass conversion to renewable energy, such as anaerobic digestion, has stimulated research in this field in order to assess the optimum conditions for biogas production from abundant feedstocks, like agro-industrial wastes. Anaerobic digestion is an attractive process for the decomposition of organic wastes via a complex microbial consortium and subsequent conversion of metabolic intermediates to hydrogen and methane. The present study focused on the exploitation of liquid cow manure (LCM) and cheese whey (CW) as noneasily and easily biodegradable sources, respectively, using continuous stirred-tank reactors for biogas production, and a comparison was presented between single- and two-stage anaerobic digestion systems. No significant differences were found concerning LCM treatment, in a two-stage system compared to a single one, concluding that LCM can be treated by implementing a single-stage process, as a recalcitrant substrate, with the greatest methane production rate of 0.67 L CH₄/(L_R·d) at an HRT of 16 d. On the other hand, using the easily biodegradable CW as a monosubstrate, the two-stage process was considered a better treatment system compared to a single one. During the single-stage process, operational problems were observed due to the limited buffering capacity of CW. However, the two-stage anaerobic digestion of CW produced a stable methane production rate of 0.68 L CH₄/(L_R·d) or 13.7 L CH₄/L_feed, while the total COD was removed by 76%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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18 pages, 2481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasonically-Assisted Dissolution of Sugarcane Bagasse during Dilute Acid Pretreatment: Experiments and Kinetic Modeling

by Deslin Nadar, Kubendren Naicker and David Lokhat

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5627; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215627 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

Ultrasonic irradiation is known to enhance various physicochemical processes. In this work, the effect of ultrasound on the dissolution of sugarcane bagasse was studied, with the specific aims of quantifying the effect at low solids loading and mild reaction conditions, and determining whether [...] Read more.

Ultrasonic irradiation is known to enhance various physicochemical processes. In this work, the effect of ultrasound on the dissolution of sugarcane bagasse was studied, with the specific aims of quantifying the effect at low solids loading and mild reaction conditions, and determining whether the enhancement of dissolution by ultrasound is independent of temperature. The effects of agitation speed, reaction time, and sonication were examined on the dissolution of the biomass substrate at varying reaction temperatures during the pretreatment process. Sugarcane bagasse was mixed with a 0.3 M solution of sulfuric acid in a reaction vessel to undergo pretreatment. A kinetic model was applied to the mass dissolution of the biomass, as sonicated runs showed higher mass losses at each reaction time, compared to the non-sonicated runs. The ultrasonic enhancement in mass dissolution was seen to increase for an increase in the reaction time. It was observed that the induction period for the dissolution was eliminated by the application of ultrasound. Ultrasound was found to be more effective than temperature at enhancing mass dissolution at low solids loadings, and the effect of ultrasound was also found to be dependent on the temperature employed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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14 pages, 1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Storage Conditions of Mixed Biomass Pellets for Bioenergy Generation: Study of the Thermodynamic Properties

by Lyes Bennamoun, Merlin Simo-Tagne and Macmanus Chinenye Ndukwu

Energies 2020, 13(10), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13102544 - 17 May 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

Experimental and mathematical modeling of the moisture sorption isotherms for biomass pellets during storage is performed in this study. The tested pellets are a mixture of 50% wood: spruce or pine, and 50% switchgrass agricultural biomass. Storage conditions, i.e., temperature and humidity, are [...] Read more.

Experimental and mathematical modeling of the moisture sorption isotherms for biomass pellets during storage is performed in this study. The tested pellets are a mixture of 50% wood: spruce or pine, and 50% switchgrass agricultural biomass. Storage conditions, i.e., temperature and humidity, are tested by varying the environment conditions in a conditioning chamber. The experimental results show that the moisture sorption isotherms are not affected by the temperature. Nevertheless, the equilibrium moisture content depends on the kind of the tested pellets. Mathematical modeling of the experimental isotherms is performed using four common models: the Oswin, GAB, Henderson and Peleg models. The Oswin model is defined as the most appropriate model to predict the moisture sorption isotherms of the spruce–switchgrass pellets. It presents a coefficient of determination equal to 0.998, a standard error around 0.049 and a chi-square approaching 0.007. On the other hand, Henderson and GAB models show the best results for pine–switchgrass pellets, with a coefficient of determination varying between 0.998 and 0.997, a standard error range 0.054–0.065 and chi-square error between 0.008 and 0.009. The thermodynamic properties, which include the net isosteric of heat and the entropy changes of sorption, are also determined for all tested samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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Review

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27 pages, 1333 KiB

Open AccessReview

Machine Learning Applications in Biofuels’ Life Cycle: Soil, Feedstock, Production, Consumption, and Emissions

by Iftikhar Ahmad, Adil Sana, Manabu Kano, Izzat Iqbal Cheema, Brenno C. Menezes, Junaid Shahzad, Zahid Ullah, Muzammil Khan and Asad Habib

Energies 2021, 14(16), 5072; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165072 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3817

Abstract

Machine Learning (ML) is one of the major driving forces behind the fourth industrial revolution. This study reviews the ML applications in the life cycle stages of biofuels, i.e., soil, feedstock, production, consumption, and emissions. ML applications in the soil stage were mostly [...] Read more.

Machine Learning (ML) is one of the major driving forces behind the fourth industrial revolution. This study reviews the ML applications in the life cycle stages of biofuels, i.e., soil, feedstock, production, consumption, and emissions. ML applications in the soil stage were mostly used for satellite images of land to estimate the yield of biofuels or a suitability analysis of agricultural land. The existing literature have reported on the assessment of rheological properties of the feedstocks and their effect on the quality of biofuels. The ML applications in the production stage include estimation and optimization of quality, quantity, and process conditions. The fuel consumption and emissions stage include analysis of engine performance and estimation of emissions temperature and composition. This study identifies the following trends: the most dominant ML method, the stage of life cycle getting the most usage of ML, the type of data used for the development of the ML-based models, and the frequently used input and output variables for each stage. The findings of this article would be beneficial for academia and industry-related professionals involved in model development in different stages of biofuel’s life cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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15 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessReview

GIS Application for the Estimation of Bioenergy Potential from Agriculture Residues: An Overview

by Avinash Bharti, Kunwar Paritosh, Venkata Ravibabu Mandla, Aakash Chawade and Vivekanand Vivekanand

Energies 2021, 14(4), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14040898 - 09 Feb 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4401

Abstract

Agriculture residue is a promising resource of energy. It can be seen as a source of power production. In India, there is a huge amount of biomass available, but it cannot be used in proper ways, and with the help of GIS it [...] Read more.

Agriculture residue is a promising resource of energy. It can be seen as a source of power production. In India, there is a huge amount of biomass available, but it cannot be used in proper ways, and with the help of GIS it can be customised. In the present paper, it is estimated that biomass reserves are available for power generation. The biomass produced by the surplus agricultural crops is reflected as a source of fuel for electricity generation. The data taken by satellite are useful for assessment of the areas with the help of satellite images taken in high resolution, which increases the preciseness of estimation. An agriculture cropland map with agricultural statistics has been analyzed in GIS to discover the agricultural straw potential for bioenergy generation. Due to unawareness about the benefits and uses of GIS, the modern farming sector bears a loss of huge bioenergy potential every year. To overcome the above mentioned challenges, the agricultural system needs a major shift from conventional farming to smart farming practices with the help of GIS. Agricultural waste is the best source for bioenergy production, and it can be used as biomass for meeting renewable energy goals in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioresource Technology for Bioenergy: Development and Trends)

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