Energies

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 1503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Parametric Study on Dynamic Biogenic Carbon of Harvested Wood Products: Biomass Rotation Period vs. Product Lifetime

by Stéphane Kouamé and Ali Ghannadzadeh

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073163 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

Harvested wood products (HWPs) are a class of products that are recognized for their potential to mitigate climate warming: the absorption of CO₂, which is necessary to the growth of their biomass feedstock, temporarily reduces the amount of CO₂ present [...] Read more.

Harvested wood products (HWPs) are a class of products that are recognized for their potential to mitigate climate warming: the absorption of CO₂, which is necessary to the growth of their biomass feedstock, temporarily reduces the amount of CO₂ present in the Earth’s atmosphere, effectively mitigating global warming. This study decided to look into the effect of changing two important parameters associated with HWPs: the rotation period of the biomass used for their raw material (effectively, the rate of CO₂ absorption), and the length of their lifetime (effectively, the amount of time the captured carbon is stored within them in the form of embodied carbon). For this purpose, a carbon accounting calculator, Quantis’ Biogenic Carbon Footprint Calculator for Harvested Wood Products (BCFC-HWP), was employed. The Biogenic Global Warming Potential (GWP_bio) metric, which was used by the BCFC-HWP to describe the climate impact of a wooden product’s embodied carbon, was analyzed for its evolution with respect to the two identified parameters. The results showed that while GWP_bio followed a consistent decrease with respect to the product lifetime parameter, it showed a non-consistently evolving trend with respect to biomass rotation period i.e. first decreasing then increasing. This made the confrontation of both parameters’ effect complex mathematically, such that no clear-cut conclusions on the relative benefits of changing one parameter versus the other were made. Nonetheless, a valuable resolution was made based on the observations regarding the evolution of GWP_bio with respect to the lifetime of an HWP: the results indicated that extending the lifetime of an HWP is an advantageous strategy in decreasing the climate effect of the considered product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Reaction Parameters on the Synthesis of Fatty Acid Octyl Esters and Investigation of Applications Properties of Its Blends with Mineral Diesel

by Mia Gotovuša, Marko Racar, Lucija Konjević, Jelena Parlov Vuković and Fabio Faraguna

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073071 - 28 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1424

Abstract

The first aim of this paper is to study the influence of four parameters of the transesterification reaction—reaction temperature (40–80 °C), time (1–3 h), the molar ratio of 1-octanol to sunflower oil (4:1–10:1) and mass fraction of the catalyst (1–3 wt%)—on the conversion [...] Read more.

The first aim of this paper is to study the influence of four parameters of the transesterification reaction—reaction temperature (40–80 °C), time (1–3 h), the molar ratio of 1-octanol to sunflower oil (4:1–10:1) and mass fraction of the catalyst (1–3 wt%)—on the conversion of oil to biodiesel (octyl esters of fatty acids), with potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. The highest conversion, of 99.2%, was obtained at 60 °C, a molar ratio of 1-octanol to sunflower oil of 10:1, and with 2 wt% of the catalyst after an hour. The optimal conditions determined with response surface methodology (RSM) when aiming for the lowest possible parameter values and a conversion of 95% or higher were a temperature of 40 °C, time of 1 h, 1-octanol to oil molar ratio at 8.11:1 and mass fraction of catalyst of 2.01%. Furthermore, post-synthesis and purification (>99%), the application properties of pure fatty acid octyl esters (FAOCE) and their blends with mineral diesel and 1-octanol were evaluated. Standardized tests were conducted to measure the fuel’s density, viscosity, cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and lubricity. The addition of FAOCE in mineral diesel increases its density, viscosity, and lubricity. When added up to 20 vol%, FAOCE did not have an influence on the blend’s CFPP value. Still, all the blend property values fell within the limits required by standard EN 590. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Emissions and Efficiency of Two Types of Burners When Burning Wood Pellets from Different Suppliers

by Grzegorz Pełka, Marta Jach-Nocoń, Marcin Paprocki, Artur Jachimowski, Wojciech Luboń, Adam Nocoń, Mateusz Wygoda, Paweł Wyczesany, Przemysław Pachytel and Tomasz Mirowski

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041695 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2828

Abstract

Wood pellets play an important role among biomass materials used as fuel. At the same time, today’s economic, environmental, political and social realities, as well as other circumstances related to fuels used for heat generation, mean that there is demand for increasingly efficient [...] Read more.

Wood pellets play an important role among biomass materials used as fuel. At the same time, today’s economic, environmental, political and social realities, as well as other circumstances related to fuels used for heat generation, mean that there is demand for increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly combustion sources. As is well known, each combustion source has a different efficiency due to its intended use, design, principle of operation and the type and composition of the fuel burned. The amount of pollutants emitted into the environment during combustion also largely depends on these factors. The aim of this study was to compare the flue gas emissions and efficiency of two pellet burners of different design, burning certified A1 wood pellets from different suppliers. The emission requirements were met during the combustion of wood pellets in a boiler with the two burners tested (one with a moving grate and an overfed burner). The analyses and studies carried out aim to improve the capability of managing the efficiency and environmental performance of the heat source (i.e., a boiler or a burner) and the fuel (type of wood pellets). This is done in the context of demonstrating a better combustion source when selecting the right burner and fuel in terms of efficiency and emissions. In this paper, comparisons of flue gas emissions are presented along with characteristics in the form of graphs, as well as thermal and combustion efficiencies for the corresponding solid fuel used in the form of wood pellets. After comparing the emissions, it was found that the statistical averages of CO, NOx, dust and VOCs were similar for combustion at full power using the burners tested. Taking into account the pollution levels at combustion, it can be said that the difference in CO emissions at full and minimum combustion is lower for the experimental burner compared with the moving grate burner (reference burner). In summary, it can be concluded that the experimental overfed burner under consideration can be successfully used as a solid fuel boiler to burn wood pellets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Pyrolysis Gas Composition Based on the Gibbs Equation and TGA Analysis

by Izabela Wardach-Świȩcicka and Dariusz Kardaś

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031147 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2315

Abstract

Conventional methods used to determine pyrolysis gas composition are based on chemical kinetics. The mechanism of those reactions is often unknown, which makes the calculations more difficult. Solving complex chemical reactions’ kinetics involving a nonlinear set of equations is CPU time demanding. An [...] Read more.

Conventional methods used to determine pyrolysis gas composition are based on chemical kinetics. The mechanism of those reactions is often unknown, which makes the calculations more difficult. Solving complex chemical reactions’ kinetics involving a nonlinear set of equations is CPU time demanding. An alternative approach is based on the Gibbs free energy minimization method. It requires only the initial composition and operation parameters as the input data, for example, temperature and pressure. In this paper, the method for calculating the pyrolytic gas composition from biogenic fuels has been presented, and the thermogravimetric experimental results have been adopted to determine the total gas yield. The studied problem has been reduced to the optimization method with the use of the Lagrange multipliers. This solution procedure is advantageous since it does not require knowledge of the reaction mechanism. The obtained results are in good agreement with experimental data, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small-Scale Hybrid Methanol–Methane Production Based on Biogas: Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis of the Economic Sustainability

by Rosa Zuloeta Bonilla and Ramchandra Bhandari

Energies 2022, 15(24), 9329; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249329 - 9 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1393

Abstract

This study investigates the economic viability at the pre-feasibility level of a hybrid methanol and biomethane plant based on biogas coupled to a photovoltaic (PV) power plant and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The reference case settled in Uganda consisted of two [...] Read more.

This study investigates the economic viability at the pre-feasibility level of a hybrid methanol and biomethane plant based on biogas coupled to a photovoltaic (PV) power plant and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The reference case settled in Uganda consisted of two units powered by a 200 kW PV plant and grid power: a 25 Nm³/h anaerobic digester and a 140 kW PEM electrolyzer-based methanol plant. Its production of 33.3 tons of methanol and 70.1 tons of biomethane per year can provide cooking fuel for 750 households. Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate the impact of the three main factors on the simple payback period (PBP). The size of the PV plant had the most significant impact on PBP, followed by the cost of electricity, the interaction between these factors, and the PEM electrolyzer capital cost reduction, in this contribution order. These findings point to energy generation costs as the primary factor affecting the economic viability of these small-scale designs, even more than the PEM’s capital cost. The response surface analysis revealed that only in a reduced region of the design space are values found that meet the threshold of 10 years for plant economic viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Clean Forest—Project Concept and Early Results

by João Gomes, Jaime Puna, António Marques, Jorge Gominho, Ana Lourenço, Rui Galhano and Sila Ozkan

Energies 2022, 15(24), 9294; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249294 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

The Clean Forest project aims to valorize forest biomass wastes (and then prevent their occurrence as a fuel source in forests), converting it to bioenergy, such as the production of 2nd generation synthetic biofuels, like bio-methanol, bio-DME, and biogas, depending on the process [...] Read more.

The Clean Forest project aims to valorize forest biomass wastes (and then prevent their occurrence as a fuel source in forests), converting it to bioenergy, such as the production of 2nd generation synthetic biofuels, like bio-methanol, bio-DME, and biogas, depending on the process operating conditions. Valorization of potential forest waste biomass thus enhances the reduction of the probability of occurrence of forest fires and, therefore, presents a major value for local rural communities. The proposed process is easy to implement, and energetically, it shows significantly reduced costs than the conventional process of gasification. Additionally, the input of energy necessary to promote electrolysis can be achieved with solar energy, using photovoltaic panels. This paper refers to the actual progress of the project, as well as the further steps which consist of a set of measures aimed at the minimization of the occurrence of forest fires by the valorization of forest wastes into energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

11 pages, 1263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogen Production by Immobilized Rhodopseudomonas sp. Cells in Calcium Alginate Beads

by Eleftherios Touloupakis, Angeliki Chatziathanasiou, Demetrios F. Ghanotakis, Pietro Carlozzi and Isabella Pecorini

Energies 2022, 15(22), 8355; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15228355 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The present investigation concerns the potentiality of Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells to produce clean energy such as molecular hydrogen (H₂). The abovementioned goal could be reached by improving the capability of purple non-sulfur bacteria to produce H₂ via a photofermentative process [...] Read more.

The present investigation concerns the potentiality of Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells to produce clean energy such as molecular hydrogen (H₂). The abovementioned goal could be reached by improving the capability of purple non-sulfur bacteria to produce H₂ via a photofermentative process through the enzyme nitrogenase. Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells were immobilized in calcium alginate gel beads and cultured in a cylindrical photobioreactor at a working volume of 0.22 L. The semi-continuous process, which lasted for 11 days, was interspersed with the washing of the beads with the aim of increasing the H₂ production rate. The maximum H₂ production rate reached 5.25 ± 0.93 mL/h with a total output of 505 mL. The productivity was 40.9 μL (of H₂)/mg (of cells)/h or 10.2 mL (of H₂)/L (of culture)/h with a light conversion efficiency of 1.20%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Gas Network with Linepack Managing to Increase Biomethane Injection at the Distribution Level

by Marco Cavana and Pierluigi Leone

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8198; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218198 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

The current situation in Europe calls for the need of urgent measures to find sustainable alternatives to its outer dependence on natural gas. Biomethane injection into the existing gas infrastructure is a fundamental opportunity to be promoted that, however, causes increasing complexities in [...] Read more.

The current situation in Europe calls for the need of urgent measures to find sustainable alternatives to its outer dependence on natural gas. Biomethane injection into the existing gas infrastructure is a fundamental opportunity to be promoted that, however, causes increasing complexities in the management of natural gas grids. At the gas distribution level, the lack of a monitoring system and suitable software for the simulation, management, and verification of gas networks may act as barriers to a widespread diffusion of a biomethane production and injection chain. A transient fluid-dynamic model of the gas network is developed to perform estimations of the natural gas grid capacity in situations of production-consumption mismatch, taking into account the linepack as a gas buffer stock. The model is applied to the gas distribution network of a small urban-rural area. The aim is to assess the role of the linepack in determining the gas network receiving capacity and to test smart management of pressure set-points and injection flow rate to minimize biomethane curtailment. Results show that biomethane unacceptability can be reduced to 10% instead of 27% (obtained when following the DSOs state-of-the-art current procedures), thus highlighting the importance of the implementation of transient simulation software but also underlining the need for smarter control systems, actuators, and data management platforms for a transition to smart digital gas grids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Oil Production from Multi-Waste Biomass Co-Pyrolysis Using Analytical Py–GC/MS

by Sabah Mariyam, Mohammad Alherbawi, Naim Rashid, Tareq Al-Ansari and Gordon McKay

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7409; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197409 - 9 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

Background: Bioenergy attracts much attention due to the global demand for renewable and sustainable energy resources. Waste biomass feedstocks—date pits, coffee waste, and cow dung—require efficient and environmentally friendly waste-management technologies such as pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis occurs at fast heating rates (10–100 °C/s), [...] Read more.

Background: Bioenergy attracts much attention due to the global demand for renewable and sustainable energy resources. Waste biomass feedstocks—date pits, coffee waste, and cow dung—require efficient and environmentally friendly waste-management technologies such as pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis occurs at fast heating rates (10–100 °C/s), generates high bio-oil yields, and is the most widely used process for biofuel generation. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of pyrolysis between single, binary, and ternary feeds on thermal degradation behavior and bio-oil composition. Methods: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at 30 °C/min from room temperature to 850 °C to understand the thermal degradation behavior of the biomasses. A Pyroprobe^® reactor—a micro-scale pyrolyzer—was used to conduct the fast pyrolysis at 500 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/s, and the volatile contents were quantified using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Results: The (TGA) showed three main stages of decomposition following dehydration, devolatilization, and char degradation for the different single and multiple feeds. According to the identified compounds, the bio-oil components are broadly identified as aldehydes, amines, aliphatic, aromatics, alcohols, furans, ketones, and acids. The three single-biomass pyrolysis products have four compounds in common, acetic acid and ketone groups (acetic acid, 2-propanone, 1-hydroxy-, benzyl methyl ketone, and 1,2-cyclopentanedione). Conclusion: The bio-oil generated from the feeds comprises great potential for volatiles, diesel, and gasoline production with carbon atoms ranging from C2–C33. Future studies should focus on understanding the effect of procedural parameters, including blending ratio, temperature, and heating rates, on bio-oil composition. Additional molecular techniques should be employed to understand biomass components’ reaction mechanisms to produce useful bio-oil products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Use of Woody Biomass in Poland: Its Resources and Harvesting Form

by Marek Wieruszewski, Aleksandra Górna, Zygmunt Stanula and Krzysztof Adamowicz

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6812; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186812 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

Currently, woodchips and logging residues form the greatest share of biomass fuels used to generate heat in combined heat and power plants. They are supplied from various regions of the EU. The calorific values of the wood species used as biomass may vary [...] Read more.

Currently, woodchips and logging residues form the greatest share of biomass fuels used to generate heat in combined heat and power plants. They are supplied from various regions of the EU. The calorific values of the wood species used as biomass may vary significantly depending on the moisture and composition of the fuel, harvest seasonality, location, and other factors. This article presents the main resources of forest biomass and its characteristic features, as well as the calorific value of woodchips depending on the moisture content. Our research is based on the source data of forest resources from the State Forests National Forest Holding (PGLLP) in Poland. The research conducted by the main forestry enterprise in Poland covered a period of four years. The data on the harvesting of woodchips and logging residues converted into the calorific values of biomass were based on our research and a review of reference publications. Standard methods were used in the research, which included an analysis of the species and assortment structure of the forest biomass of energetic significance that was available for use. The research showed that the moisture content of the woodchips and lump wood was about 30%. The average annual energy value of the wood in the total area of forest resources was 0.07 GJ/ha, whereas the highest value was 0.14 GJ/ha. Between 2018 and 2021, the average energy resources of forest biomass in Poland increased from 351.8 TJ to 498.4 TJ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 4218 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applicability and Trend of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Bioenergy Research between 1991–2021: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Yi Cheng, Chuzhi Zhao, Pradeep Neupane, Bradley Benjamin, Jiawei Wang and Tongsheng Zhang

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031235 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2752

Abstract

The bibliometric analysis investigated the impact of publications on trends in the literature and bioenergy research using artificial intelligence (AI) from 1991 to 2021. In this study, 1721 publications were extracted from the Web of Science, and an analysis of the countries, authorship, [...] Read more.

The bibliometric analysis investigated the impact of publications on trends in the literature and bioenergy research using artificial intelligence (AI) from 1991 to 2021. In this study, 1721 publications were extracted from the Web of Science, and an analysis of the countries, authorship, institutions, journals, and keywords was visualised. In the recent decades, this field has entered an outbreak phase. India was the most productive country in this area, followed by China, Iran, and the US. It also noted several notable differences between trends and subjects in developed and developing countries. The former led this field at the initial stage and later attached importance to using AI for research feedstock and impact assessment. Developing countries encouraged the advancement of this area and emphasised the feedstock usage of phase treatment and process optimisation. In addition, a co-authorship and institutes study revealed that authors and institutes in distant regions rarely collaborated. The journal analysis shows strong links between Energy, Fuel, and Energy Conversion and Management. Machine learning is by far the most common application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in bioenergy research, with 53% of the articles using it. In these AI-related publications, the keyword artificial neural network (ANN) appeared most frequently in the articles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2338 KiB

Open AccessReview

Utilisation of Spatial Data in Energy Biomass Supply Chain Research—A Review

by Olli-Jussi Korpinen, Mika Aalto, Raghu KC, Timo Tokola and Tapio Ranta

Energies 2023, 16(2), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020893 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1665

Abstract

The supply logistics of energy biomasses generally involves a complex system of supply chains, which aim to achieve timely and cost-efficient feedstock deliveries to biomass demand points. The performance of supply chains is often examined in case studies where spatial data about biomass [...] Read more.

The supply logistics of energy biomasses generally involves a complex system of supply chains, which aim to achieve timely and cost-efficient feedstock deliveries to biomass demand points. The performance of supply chains is often examined in case studies where spatial data about biomass sources and transportation networks are deployed in varying resolutions and to different geographical extents. In this paper, we have reviewed 94 publications, in which spatial data were used in case studies that focused on analysing and optimising energy biomass supply chains. The reviewed publications were classified into 16 categories, according to the publication year, study methods and objectives, biomass types, supply system complexity and the spatial features of each study area. This review found that the use of geographical information systems in this context has increased in popularity in recent years, and that and the multiformity of the applied methods, study objectives and data sources have increased simultaneously. Another finding was that most of the studies that we reviewed focused on countries in which spatial biomass and transport network data of high quality were unrestrictedly available. Nevertheless, case studies, including spatial data from multiple countries, were represented marginally in the papers that we reviewed. In this paper we also argue that a standard way of reporting geographical contents in biomass case studies should be developed to improve the comprehension and reproducibility of the publications in this field of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

44 pages, 1674 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Diesel Production via Deoxygenation Process: A Review

by Stefania Lucantonio, Andrea Di Giuliano, Leucio Rossi and Katia Gallucci

Energies 2023, 16(2), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020844 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4631

Abstract

The environmental impact of traditional fuels and related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) has promoted policies driven towards renewable fuels. This review deals with green diesel, a biofuel obtained by catalytic deoxygenation of edible and non-edible biomasses. Green diesel, biodiesel, and petrodiesel are compared, [...] Read more.

The environmental impact of traditional fuels and related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) has promoted policies driven towards renewable fuels. This review deals with green diesel, a biofuel obtained by catalytic deoxygenation of edible and non-edible biomasses. Green diesel, biodiesel, and petrodiesel are compared, with green diesel being the best option in terms of physical–chemical properties and reduction in GHGE. The deoxygenation process and the related types of catalysts, feedstocks, and operating conditions are presented. Reactor configurations are also discussed, summarizing the experimental studies. Several process simulations and environmental economic analyses—up to larger scales—are gathered from the literature that analyze the potential of green diesel as a substitute for petrodiesel. In addition, current industrial processes for green diesel production are introduced. Future research and development efforts should concern catalysts and the use of waste biomasses as feedstock, as well as the arrangement of national and international policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessReview

Combined Biological Method for Simultaneous Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide and Volatile Methylsiloxanes from Biogas

by Kazimierz Gaj and Klaudia Cichuta

Energies 2023, 16(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010100 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) are key pollutants from the point of view of the operators of biogas plants. H₂S poses corrosive hazards, while VMSs transform into difficult-to-remove deposits, reducing the availability and yield of biogas combustion [...] Read more.

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) are key pollutants from the point of view of the operators of biogas plants. H₂S poses corrosive hazards, while VMSs transform into difficult-to-remove deposits, reducing the availability and yield of biogas combustion equipment. This study provides a critical overview and evaluation (so-called SWOT analysis) of implemented and promising methods to reduce the content of the above pollutants in biogas, with particular emphasis on biological techniques. The aim of the analyses was to develop an innovative concept for a hybrid biological method for the combined removal of H₂S and VMSs using the same device, i.e., a two-phase biotrickling filter (BTF), in which the organic phase that intensifies the mass transfer of VMSs is in the form of a low-viscosity methyl silicone oil. The finally developed technological schematic diagram includes the basic devices and media streams. The concept is characterized by closed media circuits and comprehensively solves the problem of purifying biogas from sewage sludge. In conclusion, key issues requiring further research are identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1501 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cheese Whey as a Potential Feedstock for Producing Renewable Biofuels: A Review

by Carlos S. Osorio-González, Natali Gómez-Falcon, Satinder K. Brar and Antonio Avalos Ramírez

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6828; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186828 - 18 Sep 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3819

Abstract

Agro-industrial residues such as bagasse, pomace, municipal residues, vinasse and cheese whey are an environmental problem around the world, mainly due to the huge volumes that are generated because of the food production to satisfy the nutritional needs of the growing world population. [...] Read more.

Agro-industrial residues such as bagasse, pomace, municipal residues, vinasse and cheese whey are an environmental problem around the world, mainly due to the huge volumes that are generated because of the food production to satisfy the nutritional needs of the growing world population. Among the above residues, cheese whey has gained special attention because of its high production with a worldwide production of 160 million tons per year. Most of it is discarded in water bodies and land causing damage to the environment due to the high biological oxygen demand caused by its organic matter load. The environmental regulations in developing countries have motivated the development of new processes to treat transform cheese whey into added-value products such as food supplements, cattle feed and food additives. In addition, during the last decade, several processes and technologies have been developed to produce bioenergy through the biotechnological process using cheese whey as a potential feedstock. This review discusses the production of bioethanol, biohydrogen, biomethane and microbial lipid-biodiesel production using cheese whey as a potential substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Trends in Biofuels and Bioenergy for Sustainable Development

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI