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New Insights into Integration of Biofuels for Power Generation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 April 2025) | Viewed by 895

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Energy Integration Laboratory, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HDI 3DH, UK
Interests: biofuels; turbomachinery; low-carbon energy generation

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Energy Integration Laboratory, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HDI 3DH, UK
Interests: biofuels; biochar; anaerobic digestion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, biofuels and biomass have emerged as key players in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. These bio-based energy carriers not only offer a promising alternative to conventional fuels but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security. The conversion technologies associated with these resources, such as anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification, have seen significant advancements, improving efficiency and scalability.

Moreover, the integration of bio-based fuels with energy conversion systems such as micro gas turbines and gas engines presents unique opportunities to harness the full potential of these renewable resources. These technologies have shown promise in both small-scale distributed power generation and larger-scale industrial applications. However, challenges remain in integrating and optimizing these systems for performance, reliability, and environmental impact.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the latest research and technological advancements in the production, conversion, and application of biofuels and biomass. We seek contributions that explore innovative approaches, experimental studies, modelling, and system integration related to these sustainable energy resources.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Production and utilization of biofuels;
  • Advanced anaerobic digestion techniques for biogas production;
  • Pyrolysis and gasification processes for bio-oil and syngas generation;
  • Development and optimization of micro gas turbines and gas engines for biofuel applications;
  • Integration of bio-based energy carriers in hybrid energy systems;
  • Environmental impact assessment and life cycle analysis of bioenergy systems;
  • Novel applications of biofuels in transportation and industrial sectors;
  • Modelling and simulation of biofuel production and conversion processes;
  • Challenges and solutions in the large-scale deployment of bioenergy technologies;
  • Innovations in feedstock preparation and pretreatment for bioenergy production.

We invite researchers, engineers, and practitioners working in the field of bioenergy to contribute their latest findings and developments. Your submissions will help advance the understanding and implementation of sustainable energy solutions that are crucial for a greener future.

Prof. Dr. John Allport
Dr. Gina Javanbakht
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • biofuels
  • biomass
  • anaerobic digestion
  • pyrolysis
  • gasification
  • biogas
  • bio-oil
  • syngas
  • micro gas turbines
  • gas engines
  • energy conversion systems
  • hybrid energy systems
  • environmental impact assessment
  • sustainable energy
  • renewable energy sources
  • feedstock preparation
  • pretreatment innovations
  • bioenergy technologies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 813 KiB  
Article
Influence of Microwave Thermohydrolysis on Biomass Digestion
by Anna Nowicka, Magda Dudek, Marcin Dębowski, Marek Markowski, Ireneusz Białobrzewski and Marcin Zieliński
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061370 - 11 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 521
Abstract
This study analyzed the effects of thermohydrolysis on the anaerobic conversion efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, comparing conventional and microwave heating methods. The research aimed to identify the optimal temperature and duration for biomass pre-treatment to maximize biogas output. Four temperatures (100 °C, 130 [...] Read more.
This study analyzed the effects of thermohydrolysis on the anaerobic conversion efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, comparing conventional and microwave heating methods. The research aimed to identify the optimal temperature and duration for biomass pre-treatment to maximize biogas output. Four temperatures (100 °C, 130 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C) and six durations (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 min) were tested. The results showed that microwave heating increased biogas production compared to conventional heating at the same temperatures and durations. At 150 °C, microwave heating for 20 min produced 1184 ± 18 NmL/gVS of biogas, which was 16% more than the 1024 ± 25 NmL/gVS achieved through conventional heating. Statistically significant differences in biogas output between microwave and conventional heating were observed at 130 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C, with the greatest difference recorded between 130 °C and 150 °C: 13% for conventional heating and 18% for microwave heating. Notably, increasing the temperature from 150 °C to 180 °C did not result in a statistically significant rise in biogas production. The energy balance analysis revealed that microwave heating, despite its lower efficiency compared to conventional heating, resulted in higher net energy gains. The most favorable energy balance for microwave heating was observed at 150 °C, with a net gain of 170.8 Wh/kg, while conventional heating at the same temperature achieved a gain of 126.2 Wh/kg. Microwave heating became cost-effective starting from 130 °C, yielding an energy surplus of 18.2 Wh/kg. The maximum energy output from microwave conditioning was 426 Wh/kg at 150 °C, which was 158 Wh/kg higher than conventional heating. These findings suggest that microwave thermohydrolysis, particularly at 150 °C for 20 min, enhances both biogas production and energy efficiency compared to conventional methods. The results highlight the potential of microwave pre-treatment as an effective strategy to boost methane fermentation yields, especially at temperatures above 130 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Integration of Biofuels for Power Generation)
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