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32 pages, 7003 KiB  
Article
Solar, Wind, Hydrogen, and Bioenergy-Based Hybrid System for Off-Grid Remote Locations: Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis
by Roksana Yasmin, Md. Nurun Nabi, Fazlur Rashid and Md. Alamgir Hossain
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7020036 - 23 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2566
Abstract
Transitioning to clean energy in off-grid remote locations is essential to reducing fossil-fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy growth. While hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), including multiple renewable energy (RE) sources and energy storage systems are instrumental, it requires technical reliability [...] Read more.
Transitioning to clean energy in off-grid remote locations is essential to reducing fossil-fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy growth. While hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), including multiple renewable energy (RE) sources and energy storage systems are instrumental, it requires technical reliability with economic efficiency. This study examines the feasibility of an HRES incorporating solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuel energy at a remote location in Australia. An electric vehicle charging load alongside a residential load is considered to lower transportation-based emissions. Additionally, the input data (load profile and solar data) is validated through statistical analysis, ensuring data reliability. HOMER Pro software is used to assess the techno-economic and environmental performance of the hybrid systems. Results indicate that the optimal HRES comprising of photovoltaic, wind turbines, fuel cell, battery, and biodiesel generators provides a net present cost of AUD 9.46 million and a cost of energy of AUD 0.183, outperforming diesel generator-inclusive systems. Hydrogen energy-based FC offered the major backup supply, indicating the potential role of hydrogen energy in maintaining reliability in off-grid hybrid systems. Sensitivity analysis observes the effect of variations in biodiesel price and electric load on the system performance. Environmentally, the proposed system is highly beneficial, offering zero carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to the global net-zero target. The implications of this research highlight the necessity of a regional clean energy policy facilitating energy planning and implementation, skill development to nurture technology-intensive energy projects, and active community engagement for a smooth energy transition. Potentially, the research outcome advances the understanding of HRES feasibility for remote locations and offers a practical roadmap for sustainable energy solutions. Full article
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42 pages, 2069 KiB  
Review
Economic Value Creation of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Variable Renewable Energy Resource Integration to Power Systems: A Systematic Review
by Arsalan Masood, Ubaid Ahmed, Syed Zulqadar Hassan, Ahsan Raza Khan and Anzar Mahmood
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2599; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062599 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1771
Abstract
The integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) sources in power systems is increased for a sustainable environment. However, due to the intermittent nature of VRE sources, formulating efficient economic dispatching strategies becomes challenging. This systematic review aims to elucidate the economic value creation [...] Read more.
The integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) sources in power systems is increased for a sustainable environment. However, due to the intermittent nature of VRE sources, formulating efficient economic dispatching strategies becomes challenging. This systematic review aims to elucidate the economic value creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supporting the integration of VRE sources into power systems by reviewing the role of AI in mitigating costs related to balancing, profile, and grid with a focus on its applications for generation and demand forecasting, market design, demand response, storage solutions, power quality enhancement, and predictive maintenance. The proposed study evaluates the AI potential in economic efficiency and operational reliability improvement by analyzing the use cases with various Renewable Energy Resources (RERs), including wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, ocean, bioenergy, hydrogen, and hybrid systems. Furthermore, the study also highlights the development and limitations of AI-driven approaches in renewable energy sector. The findings of this review aim to highlight AI’s critical role in optimizing VRE integration, ultimately informing policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders about the potential of AI for an economically sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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21 pages, 1704 KiB  
Article
Applications of Renewable Energies in Low-Temperature Regions: A Scientometric Analysis of Recent Advancements and Future Research Directions
by César Rodríguez-Aburto, José Poma-García, Jorge Montaño-Pisfil, Pablo Morcillo-Valdivia, Roberto Solís-Farfán, José Curay-Tribeño, Alex Pilco-Nuñez, José Flores-Salinas, Freddy Tineo-Cordova, Paul Virú-Vasquez and Luigi Bravo-Toledo
Energies 2025, 18(4), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040904 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 983
Abstract
This study presents a scientometric analysis of renewable energy applications in low-temperature regions, focusing on green hydrogen production, carbon storage, and emerging trends. Using bibliometric tools such as RStudio and VOSviewer, the research evaluates publication trends from 1988 to 2024, revealing an exponential [...] Read more.
This study presents a scientometric analysis of renewable energy applications in low-temperature regions, focusing on green hydrogen production, carbon storage, and emerging trends. Using bibliometric tools such as RStudio and VOSviewer, the research evaluates publication trends from 1988 to 2024, revealing an exponential growth in renewable energy studies post-2021, driven by global policies promoting carbon neutrality. Life cycle assessment (LCA) plays a crucial role in evaluating the environmental impact of energy systems, underscoring the need to integrate renewable sources for emission reduction. Hydrogen production via electrolysis has emerged as a key solution in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, while carbon storage technologies, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), are gaining traction. Government policies, including carbon taxes, fossil fuel phase-out strategies, and renewable energy subsidies, significantly shape the energy transition in cold regions by incentivizing low-carbon alternatives. Multi-objective optimization techniques, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are expected to enhance decision-making processes, optimizing energy efficiency, reliability, and economic feasibility in renewable energy systems. Future research must address three critical challenges: (1) strengthening policy frameworks and financial incentives for large-scale renewable energy deployment, (2) advancing energy storage, hydrogen production, and hybrid energy systems, and (3) integrating multi-objective optimization approaches to enhance cost-effectiveness and resilience in extreme climates. It is expected that the research will contribute to the field of knowledge regarding renewable energy applications in low-temperature regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)
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22 pages, 2516 KiB  
Review
Microbial Fuel Cells and Microbial Electrolysis Cells for the Generation of Green Hydrogen and Bioenergy via Microorganisms and Agro-Waste Catalysts
by Xolile Fuku, Ilunga Kamika and Tshimangadzo S. Munonde
Nanomanufacturing 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing5010003 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2449
Abstract
A national energy crisis has emerged in South Africa due to the country’s increasing energy needs in recent years. The reliance on fossil fuels, especially oil and gas, is unsustainable due to scarcity, emissions, and environmental repercussions. Researchers from all over the world [...] Read more.
A national energy crisis has emerged in South Africa due to the country’s increasing energy needs in recent years. The reliance on fossil fuels, especially oil and gas, is unsustainable due to scarcity, emissions, and environmental repercussions. Researchers from all over the world have recently concentrated their efforts on finding carbon-free, renewable, and alternative energy sources and have investigated microbiology and biotechnology as a potential remedy. The usage of microbial electrolytic cells (MECs) and microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is one method for resolving the problem. These technologies are evolving as viable options for hydrogen and bioenergy production. The renewable energy technologies initiative in South Africa, which is regarded as a model for other African countries, has developed in the allocation of over 6000 MW of generation capacity to bidders across several technologies, primarily wind and solar. With a total investment value of R33.7 billion, the Eastern Cape’s renewable energy initiatives have created 18,132 jobs, with the province awarded 16 wind farms and one solar energy farm. Utilizing wastewater as a source of energy in MFCs has been recommended as most treatments, such as activated sludge processes and trickling filter plants, require roughly 1322 kWh per million gallons, whereas MFCs only require a small amount of external power to operate. The cost of wastewater treatment using MFCs for an influent flow of 318 m3 h−1 has been estimated to be only 9% (USD 6.4 million) of the total cost of treatment by a conventional wastewater treatment plant (USD 68.2 million). Currently, approximately 500 billion cubic meters of hydrogen (H2) are generated worldwide each year, exhibiting a growth rate of 10%. This production primarily comes from natural gas (40%), heavy oils and naphtha (30%), coal (18%), electrolysis (4%), and biomass (1%). The hydrogen produced is utilized in the manufacturing of ammonia (49%), the refining of petroleum (37%), the production of methanol (8%), and in a variety of smaller applications (6%). Considering South Africa’s energy issue, this review article examines the production of wastewater and its impacts on society as a critical issue in the global scenario and as a source of green energy. Full article
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29 pages, 6511 KiB  
Review
Analysis of the Sugarcane Biomass Use to Produce Green Hydrogen: Brazilian Case Study
by Gustavo Henrique Romeu da Silva, Andreas Nascimento, Diego Nascimento, Julian David Hunt and Mauro Hugo Mathias
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031675 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
Conventional hydrogen production processes, which often involve fossil raw materials, emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study critically evaluates the feasibility of using sugarcane biomass as an energy source to produce green hydrogen. In the 2023/2024 harvest, Brazil, the [...] Read more.
Conventional hydrogen production processes, which often involve fossil raw materials, emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study critically evaluates the feasibility of using sugarcane biomass as an energy source to produce green hydrogen. In the 2023/2024 harvest, Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, processed approximately 713.2 million metric tons of sugarcane. This yielded 45.68 million metric tons of sugar and 29.69 billion liters of first-generation ethanol, equivalent to approximately 0.0416 liters of ethanol per kilogram of sugarcane. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, resulting in the assessment of 335 articles. The study has identified seven potential biohydrogen production methods, including two direct approaches from second-generation ethanol and five from integrated bioenergy systems. Experimental data indicate that second-generation ethanol can yield 594 MJ per metric ton of biomass, with additional energy recovery from lignin combustion (1705 MJ per metric ton). Moreover, advances in electrocatalytic reforming and plasma-driven hydrogen production have demonstrated high conversion efficiencies, addressing key technical barriers. The results highlight Brazil’s strategic potential to integrate biohydrogen production within its existing bioenergy infrastructure. By leveraging sugarcane biomass for green hydrogen, the country can contribute significantly to the global transition to sustainable energy while enhancing its energy security. Full article
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24 pages, 3795 KiB  
Review
Systematic and Bibliometric Review of Biomethane Production from Biomass-Based Residues: Technologies, Economics and Environmental Impact
by Gonçalo A. O. Tiago, Naresh P. B. Rodrigo, Gonçalo Lourinho, Tiago F. Lopes and Francisco Gírio
Fuels 2025, 6(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6010008 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2617
Abstract
Fossil fuels drive global warming, necessitating renewable alternatives such as biomethane (or renewable natural gas). Biomethane, primarily produced through anaerobic digestion (AD), offers a cleaner energy solution but is limited by the slow AD process. Biomass gasification followed by syngas methanation has emerged [...] Read more.
Fossil fuels drive global warming, necessitating renewable alternatives such as biomethane (or renewable natural gas). Biomethane, primarily produced through anaerobic digestion (AD), offers a cleaner energy solution but is limited by the slow AD process. Biomass gasification followed by syngas methanation has emerged as a faster alternative. This review examines advancements in these processes over the last decade (2015–2024), focusing on techno-economic and life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. Techno-economic analyses reveal that biomethane production costs are influenced by several factors, including process complexity, feedstock type and the scale of production. Smaller gasification units tend to exhibit higher capital costs (CAPEX) per MW capacity, while feedstock choice and process efficiency play significant roles in determining overall production costs. LCA studies highlight higher impacts for gasification and methanation due to energy demands and associated emissions. However, integrating renewable hydrogen production through electrolysis, along with innovations such as sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG), can enhance overall system efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. This review critically evaluates the technical and economic challenges, along with the opportunities for optimizing biomethane production, and discusses the potential for these technologies to contribute to sustainable bioenergy solutions in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels and Bioenergy: New Advances and Challenges)
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14 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Congolese Woody Biomass and Its Potential as a Bioenergy Source
by Maryse D. Nkoua Ngavouka, Tania S. Mayala, Dick H. Douma, Aaron E. Brown, James M. Hammerton, Andrew B. Ross, Gilbert Nsongola, Bernard M’Passi-Mabiala and Jon C. Lovett
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010371 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
This study assesses and characterizes six woody biomass (WB) species commonly harvested in the Republic of Congo: Millettia laurentii (WB1), Millettia eetveldeana (WB2), Hymenocardia ulmoides (WB3), Markhamia tomentosa (WB4), Pentaclethra eetveldeana (WB5), and Hymenocardia acida (WB6). Characterization was performed using proximate analysis with [...] Read more.
This study assesses and characterizes six woody biomass (WB) species commonly harvested in the Republic of Congo: Millettia laurentii (WB1), Millettia eetveldeana (WB2), Hymenocardia ulmoides (WB3), Markhamia tomentosa (WB4), Pentaclethra eetveldeana (WB5), and Hymenocardia acida (WB6). Characterization was performed using proximate analysis with a Thermo Gravimetric Analyser (TGA), ultimate analysis with a CHNS Analyser, higher heating value (HHV) determination, metal content analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation. The proximate analysis results showed that volatile matter varied between 74.6% and 77.3%, while the ultimate analysis indicated that carbon content ranged from 43% to 46%, with low nitrogen content. XRF analysis revealed low levels of heavy metals in all samples. The HHV results, using three models (Dulong’s equation, Friedl, and proximate analysis), showed higher values with Friedl’s method (17.3–18.2 MJ/kg) and proximate analysis (15.26–19.23 MJ/kg) compared to Dulong’s equation (13.9–14.9 MJ/kg). Savannah biomass (WB6) exhibited high AGB (7.28 t), 14.55 t/ha, and carbon stock (7.28 t). Compared to forest biomass, savannah biomass presents a higher potential for bioenergy production. Minimal statistical analysis of wood biomass showed that parameters such as volatile matter (VM), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and calculated HHV have low variability, suggesting the biomass is relatively homogeneous. However, moisture and nitrogen showed significant standard deviations, indicating variability in storage conditions or sample nature. Statistical analysis of forest biomass estimation revealed different mean values for diameter, AGB (t and t/ha), and carbon stock, with high standard deviations, indicating a heterogeneous forest with both young and mature trees. These analyses and estimates indicate that these WB species are suitable for biofuel and bioenergy production using gasification, pyrolysis, and combustion processes. Among these thermochemical processes, gasification is the most efficient compared to combustion and pyrolysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy and Bioproducts from Biomass and Waste)
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47 pages, 5769 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Sustainable Energy Through Cutting-Edge Waste Biorefinery Technologies
by Yen-Yi Lee, Masimukku Srinivaas, I-Cheng Li, Kapa Keharika, Ramyakrishna Pothu, Rajender Boddula, Noora Al-Qahtani, Bo-Wun Huang and Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
Reactions 2024, 5(4), 1101-1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5040059 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2523
Abstract
Biorefineries play a critical role in addressing current global sustainability challenges by converting renewable biomass into valuable products such as biofuels, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The necessity of biorefineries has increased due to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, mitigating climate [...] Read more.
Biorefineries play a critical role in addressing current global sustainability challenges by converting renewable biomass into valuable products such as biofuels, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The necessity of biorefineries has increased due to the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, and reducing environmental impact. Utilizing agricultural byproducts, forest residues, and municipal waste, biorefineries harness feedstock through techniques such as pretreatment, anaerobic digestion, and thermochemical transformation, alongside advanced methods including electrochemical processes, hydrogenation of bio-derived substances, and the implementation of complex biocatalysts within biomass-oriented biorefineries. These processes enhance the efficiency of bioenergy production by breaking down complex biomass into simpler components. The current capacity of biorefineries is expanding globally, with increasing interest in advanced technologies such as gasification, fermentation, and enzymatic conversion. While biorefineries offer significant potential for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy, challenges such as scalability and cost efficiency remain. Future trends include integrating new biotechnological advances and optimizing resource recovery systems to improve yield, profitability, and sustainability in the bioeconomy. Full article
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7 pages, 233 KiB  
Communication
Bioenergy Production from Sorghum Distillers Grains via Dark Fermentation
by Ching-Chun Lu and Chiu-Yue Lin
BioTech 2024, 13(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13040055 - 7 Dec 2024
Viewed by 952
Abstract
Sorghum distillers grains (SDGs) produced from a sorghum liquor company were used for generating biohydrogen via dark fermentation at pH 4.5–6.5 and 55 °C with a batch test, and the biohydrogen electricity generation potential was evaluated. The experimental results show that pH markedly [...] Read more.
Sorghum distillers grains (SDGs) produced from a sorghum liquor company were used for generating biohydrogen via dark fermentation at pH 4.5–6.5 and 55 °C with a batch test, and the biohydrogen electricity generation potential was evaluated. The experimental results show that pH markedly affects hydrogen concentration, hydrogen production rate (HPR) and hydrogen yield (HY), in that high acidic pH values result in high values. The HPR and HY ranged from 0.76 to 3.2 L/L-d and 21.4 to 62.3 mL/g chemical oxygen demand, respectively. These hydrogen production values were used to evaluate bioelectricity generation using a newly developed gas/liquid-fuel engine. The results show a new and prospective biomass source for biohydrogen production, bioelectricity generation and simultaneously solving the problem of treating SDGs when producing kaoliang liquor. Applications of the experimental results are also discussed. Full article
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19 pages, 2436 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Analysis of Territorial Case Studies for the Integration of Biorefineries and Green Hydrogen
by Aristide Giuliano, Heinz Stichnothe, Nicola Pierro and Isabella De Bari
Energies 2024, 17(23), 5966; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235966 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
To achieve sustainable development, the transition from a fossil-based economy to a circular economy is essential. The use of renewable energy sources to make the overall carbon foot print more favorable is an important pre-requisite. In this context, it is crucial to valorize [...] Read more.
To achieve sustainable development, the transition from a fossil-based economy to a circular economy is essential. The use of renewable energy sources to make the overall carbon foot print more favorable is an important pre-requisite. In this context, it is crucial to valorize all renewable resources through an optimized local integration. One opportunity arises through the synergy between bioresources and green hydrogen. Through techno-economic assessments, this work analyzes four local case studies that integrate bio-based processes with green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources. An analysis of the use of webGIS tools (i.e., Atlas of Biorefineries of IEA Bioenergy) to identify existing biorefineries that require hydrogen in relation to territories with a potential availability of green hydrogen, has never been conducted before. This paper provides an evaluation of the production costs of the target products as a function of the local green hydrogen supply costs. The results revealed that the impact of green hydrogen costs could vary widely, ranging from 1% to 95% of the total production costs, depending on the bio-based target product evaluated. Additionally, hydrogen demand in the target area could require an installed variable renewable energy capacity of 20 MW and 500 MW. On the whole, the local integration of biorefineries and green hydrogen could represent an optimal opportunity to make hydrogenated bio-based products 100% renewable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Hydrogen for Industries and Biorefineries)
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15 pages, 3295 KiB  
Article
High-Efficiency Hydrogen Recovery from Corn Straw Hydrolysate Using Functional Bacteria and Negative Pressure with Microbial Electrolysis Cells
by Ravi Shankar Yadav, Weihua He, Dandan Liang, Chao Li, Yanling Yu, Kamran Ayaz and Yujie Feng
Water 2024, 16(17), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172423 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1325
Abstract
This study attempts to overcome the challenges associated with the degradation of complex organic substances like corn straw hydrolysate in hydrogen recovery by strategically enriching functional microbial communities in single-chamber cubic microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). We applied negative pressure, using acetate or xylose [...] Read more.
This study attempts to overcome the challenges associated with the degradation of complex organic substances like corn straw hydrolysate in hydrogen recovery by strategically enriching functional microbial communities in single-chamber cubic microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). We applied negative pressure, using acetate or xylose as electron donors, to mitigate the hydrogen sink issues caused by methanogens. This innovative method significantly enhanced MEC performance. MECs enriched with xylose demonstrated superior performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate 3.5 times higher than that achieved by those enriched with acetate. Under negative pressure, hydrogen production in N-XyHy10 reached 0.912 ± 0.08 LH2/L MEC/D, which was 6.7 times higher than in the passive-pressure MECs (XyHy10). This advancement also resulted in substantial increases in current density (73%), energy efficiency (800%), and overall energy efficiency (540%) compared with MECs operated under passive pressure with 10% hydrolysate feed. The enrichment of polysaccharide-degrading bacteria such as Citrobacter and Pseudomonas under negative pressure underscores the potential for their industrial application in harnessing complex organic substrates for bioenergy production in single-chamber MECs. This is a promising approach to scaling up bioenergy recovery processes. The findings of this research study contribute significantly to the field by demonstrating the efficacy of negative pressure in enhancing microbial activity and energy recovery, thereby offering a promising strategy for improving bioenergy production efficiency in industries. Full article
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14 pages, 2359 KiB  
Article
FTIR Analysis for Determining Stability of Methanol–HVO Blends for Non-Road Engine Application
by F. Balogun, H. Wang-Alho, K. Sirviö and M. Mikulski
Energies 2024, 17(16), 3921; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17163921 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1845
Abstract
The Green Deal targets, along with tightening emissions legislation, foster research on alternative propulsion systems. In non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), these efforts largely rally around sustainable fuels while keeping the benefits of energy security (multi-fueling) high. In this context, the blends of Hydrogenated [...] Read more.
The Green Deal targets, along with tightening emissions legislation, foster research on alternative propulsion systems. In non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), these efforts largely rally around sustainable fuels while keeping the benefits of energy security (multi-fueling) high. In this context, the blends of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Methanol (MEOH) are amongst the most promising yet under-researched alternatives and, as such, need dedicated methods for determining their suitability in engine applications. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analytics for determining the stability of MEOH-HVO mixtures. The research considers temperature effects during storage by conditioning the test samples at −20 °C and +20 °C. The stability of the blends and different co-solvents is analysed after six weeks, and FTIR spectra are used to identify the chemical bonds. From FTIR analysis, blending MEOH20 with 1-dodecanol results in stable homogenous alkyl-ether fuels, while the MEOH20 blend with methyl-butyrate results in ester fuels. There are observable differences in the blend samples according to their storage temperatures. In conclusion, both fuel blend samples formed different fuel types, which are stable and homogenous at room temperature, posing great potential for their applicability in different NRMM types. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Solutions for Baltic-Nordic Region 2024)
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18 pages, 2660 KiB  
Article
Ionic Liquid Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Sugarcane Cellulose to Produce Reducing Sugar
by Ruihuan Liu, Jiying Li, Enming Liu, Ahmad Ali, Zicheng Li and Shun Yao
Biomass 2024, 4(3), 886-903; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4030049 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1440
Abstract
As the most abundant bioenergy raw material in nature, cellulose can be converted into sugar by hydrolysis, which can be further degraded to produce downstream chemicals, such as polyols. Hydrolysis technology is one of the key steps in the development and utilization of [...] Read more.
As the most abundant bioenergy raw material in nature, cellulose can be converted into sugar by hydrolysis, which can be further degraded to produce downstream chemicals, such as polyols. Hydrolysis technology is one of the key steps in the development and utilization of cellulosic biomass resources. In this study, the ionic liquid (IL)-catalyzed hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose into reducing sugar was studied. Firstly, the hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose in different ionic liquids (including benzothiazolomethane sulfonate, [HBth][CH3SO3] and 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl)-imidazolium hydrogen sulfate, [C3SO3Hmim]HSO4) in heterogeneous and homogeneous systems to produce reducing sugar was studied. In a homogeneous system, the catalytic effect of an ionic liquid on sugarcane cellulose was explored. The pretreatment, IL dosage (0.1~1.0 g), reaction temperature (100~180 °C), addition of water (0~500 μL), and time (1~6 h) were all discovered as key conditions for hydrolysis. The acidity of an acidic ionic liquid is a key factor affecting the hydrolysis of sugarcane cellulose; meanwhile, effective pretreatment and water are also important. As a comparison, the catalytic effect of [C3SO3Hmim]HSO4 in heterogeneous systems (the maximum yield of 5.98% for total reducing sugars, TRS) was not as good as that of [HBth][CH3SO3] in homogeneous systems (33.97%). A higher temperature does not necessarily lead to an increased TRS yield, but it will make the maximum TRS appear earlier. At last, 732 cationic ion exchange resin was used to investigate the separation of reducing sugar and ionic liquid, and the recovery of ionic liquid was investigated by an adsorption–desorption experiment. The ionic liquid can be well separated from TRS in the [HBth][CH3SO3] and reused at least five times. Full article
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20 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Multi-Biofuel Production during Cultivation of the Green Microalga Tetraselmis subscordiformis
by Marcin Dębowski, Magda Dudek, Joanna Kazimierowicz, Piera Quattrocelli, Paulina Rusanowska, Łukasz Barczak, Anna Nowicka and Marcin Zieliński
Energies 2024, 17(15), 3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153670 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1132
Abstract
Research to date has mainly focused on the properties and efficiency of the production of selected, individual types of biofuels from microalgae biomass. There are not enough studies investigating the efficiency of the production of all energy sources synthesised by these microorganisms in [...] Read more.
Research to date has mainly focused on the properties and efficiency of the production of selected, individual types of biofuels from microalgae biomass. There are not enough studies investigating the efficiency of the production of all energy sources synthesised by these microorganisms in a single technological cycle. The aim of this research was to determine the possibilities and efficiency of the production of hydrogen, bio-oil, and methane in the continuous cycle of processing T. subcordiformis microalgae biomass. This study showed it was feasible to produce these three energy carriers, but the production protocol adopted was not necessarily valuable from the energy gain standpoint. The production of bio-oil was found to be the least viable process, as bio-oil energy value was only 1.3 kWh/MgTS. The most valuable single process for microalgae biomass conversion turned out to be methane fermentation. The highest specific gross energy gain was found after applying a protocol combining biomass production, hydrogen biosynthesis, and subsequent methane production from T. subcordiformis biomass, which yielded a total value of 1891.4 kWh/MgTS. The direct methane fermentation of T. subcordiformis biomass enabled energy production at 1769.8 kWh/MgTS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biofuel Production from Microalgae Biomass)
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11 pages, 1461 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Solid Biofuel Production: Transforming Sewage Sludge and Pinus sp. Sawdust into Resources for the Circular Economy
by Alex Borges Pereira, Antonio José Vinha Zanuncio, Amélia Guimarães Carvalho, Angélica de Cassia Oliveira Carneiro, Vinícius Resende de Castro, Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho, Olivia Pereira Lopes, Monique Branco-Vieira, Marcos Vinícius Ferreira, Rosana Maria Nascimento de Assunção and Solange de Oliveira Araujo
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4554; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114554 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2009
Abstract
The lack of adequate sanitation in Brazil overloads the health system and causes deaths. The utilization of sewage sludge hinders advancements in water treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of producing briquettes by blending sewage sludge with Pinus sp. sawdust. The [...] Read more.
The lack of adequate sanitation in Brazil overloads the health system and causes deaths. The utilization of sewage sludge hinders advancements in water treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of producing briquettes by blending sewage sludge with Pinus sp. sawdust. The sewage sludge was sourced from a water treatment facility, while the Pinus sp. sawdust was obtained from a sawmill. Elemental analysis, proximate analysis, and calorific value were evaluated for both biomasses. Briquettes were manufactured using a hydraulic press, varying the proportion of sewage sludge from 0% to 95%, followed by thermogravimetric analysis. Pinus sp. sawdust exhibited higher carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen content, whereas sewage sludge contained more nitrogen and sulfur. The sawdust had greater fixed carbon content, volatile matter, and calorific value, while the sewage sludge had higher ash content. Samples with higher sewage sludge content showed better thermal resistance, with 100% sewage sludge retaining 63.3% mass after exposure to 950 °C. Briquettes with higher sewage sludge content had increased energy density. Considering the elevated nitrogen, sulfur, and ash content, sewage sludge should be limited to 5% in briquette production with Pinus sp. sawdust. This research underscores a significant avenue for sewage sludge utilization and sustainable bioenergy production. Full article
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