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Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2020) | Viewed by 53357

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. João Carlos de Oliveira Matias

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Guest Editor

GOVCOPP, Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: sustainability in general; sustainable energy systems; sustainable industrial engineering and management; sustainable management systems: quality and sustainability; maintenance and sustainability; occupational health and safety and sustainability; sustainable energy; sustainable and lean production; circular economy
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Prof. Dr. Leonel Nunes

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1. PROMETHEUS - Unidade de Investigação em Materiais, Energia e Ambiente para a Sustentabilidade, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua da Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Alvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
2. GOVCOPP - Unidade de Investigação em Governança, Competitividade e Políticas Públicas, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
3. DEGEIT - Departamento de Economia, Gestão, Engenharia Industrial e Turismo, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: biomass; biomass energy; biomass supply chains; biomass conversion technologies; sustainability and circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The long-term transformation of the energy industry, from fossil to sustainable energy sources, is one of the central challenges of the 21st century. Such a transition requires many changes on a technical and organizational level. The successful implementation of the energy transition requires not only sufficient generation capacity from renewable energies, but also an efficient, intelligent, decentralized, and secure infrastructure for the distribution, storage, and use of electricity and heat. The resulting change in the energy industry poses major challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. On the one hand, this creates great opportunities for the development of new business models, products, and processes; on the other hand, a stronger networking of decentralized system components also entails risks, which are due in particular to the increased use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the automation of processes. The goal must therefore be to create solutions for a sustainable energy system that is economically, environmentally, and socially viable, while meeting high security requirements.

This Special Issue will focus on sustainable energy systems. On the one hand, several innovative and alternative concepts could be presented, but also the topics of energy policy, circular economy, life cycle assessment and supply chain could play a major role. Models on various temporal and geographical scales could be developed to understand the conditions of technical, as well as organizational change. New methods of modeling, which can fulfil technical and physical boundary conditions and nevertheless consider economic environmental and social aspects, could be developed.

Prof. Dr. João Carlos de Oliveira Matias
Prof. Dr. Leonel Nunes
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Biomass energy
New business models
Biomass conversion technologies
New biomass processes
New biomass products
Biomass supply chains
Sustainable biomass energy systems
Circular economy
Sustainability

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugarcane Industry Waste Recovery: A Case Study Using Thermochemical Conversion Technologies to Increase Sustainability

by Leonel J. R. Nunes, Liliana M. E. F. Loureiro, Letícia C. R. Sá and Hugo F. C. Silva

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6481; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186481 - 17 Sep 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 14118

Abstract

The sugarcane industry has assumed an increasingly important role at a global level, with countries such as Brazil and India dominating the field. However, this causes environmental problems, since the industry produces large amounts of waste, such as sugarcane bagasse. This by-product, which is energetically partially recovered in sugar mills and in the pulp and paper industry, can make a significant contribution to the general use of biomass energy, if the usual disadvantages associated with products with low density and a high moisture content are overcome. From this perspective, thermochemical conversion technologies, especially torrefaction, are assumed to be capable of improving the fuel properties of this material, making it more appealing for potential export and use in far-off destinations. In this work, sugarcane samples were acquired, and the process of obtaining bagasse was simulated. Subsequently, the bagasse was dried and heat-treated at 200 and 300 °C to simulate the over-drying and torrefaction process. Afterward, product characterization was performed, including thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, calorimetry, and energy densification. The results showed significant improvements in the energy content, from 18.17 to 33.36 MJ·kg⁻¹ from dried bagasse to torrefied bagasse at 300 °C, showing that despite high mass loss, there is potential for a future value added chain for this waste form, since the increment in energy density could enhance its transportation and use in locations far off the production site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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25 pages, 12680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study about Biomass Torrefaction on an Industrial Scale: Solutions to Problems Related to Self-Heating, Difficulties in Pelletizing, and Excessive Wear of Production Equipment

by Leonel J.R. Nunes

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(7), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072546 - 7 Apr 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7264

Abstract

The search for different forms of biomass that can be used as an alternative to those more traditional ones has faced numerous difficulties, namely those related to disadvantages that the majority of residual forms present. However, these residual forms of biomass also have advantages, namely the fact that, by being outside the usual biomass supply chains for energy, they are usually much cheaper, and therefore contribute to a significant reduction in production costs. To improve the less-favorable properties of these biomasses, thermochemical conversion technologies, namely torrefaction, are presented as a way to improve the combustibility of these materials. However, it is a technology that has not yet demonstrated its full potential, mainly due to difficulties in the process of scale-up and process control. In this article it is intended to present the experience obtained over 5 years in the operation of a biomass torrefaction plant with an industrial pilot scale, where all the difficulties encountered and how they were corrected are presented, until it became a fully operational plant. This article, in which a real case study is analyzed, presents in a descriptive way all the work done during the time from when the plant started up and during the commissioning period until the state of continuous operation had been reached. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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15 pages, 3580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Temperature and Substrate Particle Content on Granular Sludge Bed Anaerobic Digestion

by Fasil Ayelegn Tassew, Wenche Hennie Bergland, Carlos Dinamarca and Rune Bakke

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10010136 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3044

Abstract

Influences of temperature (25–35 °C) and substrate particulate content (3.0–9.4 g total suspended solids (TSS)/L) on granular sludge bed anaerobic digestion (AD) were analyzed in lab-scale reactors using manure as a substrate and through modeling. Two particle levels were tested using raw (RF) and centrifuged (CF) swine manure slurries, fed into a 1.3-L lab-scale up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactor (UASB) at temperatures of 25 °C and 35 °C. Biogas production increased with temperature in both high- and low-particle-content substrates; however, the temperature effect was stronger on high-particle-content substrate. RF and CF produced a comparable amount of biogas at 25 °C, suggesting that biogas at this temperature came mainly from the digestion of small particles and soluble components present in similar quantities in both substrates. At 35 °C, RF showed significantly higher biogas production than CF, which was attributed to increased (temperature-dependent) disintegration of larger solid particulates. Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) based modeling was carried out by separating particulates into fast and slow disintegrating fractions and introducing temperature-dependent disintegration constants. Simulations gave a better fit for the experimental data than the conventional ADM1 model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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15 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electricity Evaluation and Emission Characteristics of Poultry Litter Co-Combustion Process

by Xuejun Qian, Seong Lee, Raghul Chandrasekaran, Yulai Yang, Marc Caballes, Oludayo Alamu and Guangming Chen

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 4116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194116 - 1 Oct 2019

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4651

Abstract

Electricity generation and emission characteristics during the poultry litter and natural gas co-combustion process has rarely been studied. In this study, a Stirling engine was successfully integrated into the existing lab-scale swirling fluidized bed combustion system in order to further investigate the poultry litter and natural gas co-combustion process. Electricity, gaseous emissions, particulate matter (PM), and fly ash composition were analyzed under various operating conditions. Results indicated that the electricity reached 905 W under a water flow rate of 13.1 L/min and an engine head temperature of 584 °C. It was found that excess air (EA) ratios between 0.79 and 1.08 can relatively produce more electricity with lower emissions. At a secondary air (SA) height of 850 mm, secondary air/total air (SA/TA) ratios between 0.22 and 0.44 may significantly reduce NO_x and CO emissions. By increasing the mixing ratio (MR), SO₂ was reduced while NO_x increased at the beginning of co-combustion process but then decreased again. Additionally, PM results were lower than Maryland emissions standards. The fly ash results showed a higher nutrient content (close to 16%). This study shows the possibility of using poultry litter as a sustainable energy source for energy production while emitting lower emissions in the small decentralized combustion system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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12 pages, 5770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Impact Assessment of Banagrass-Based Cellulosic Ethanol Production on Hawaii Island: A Spatial Analysis of Re-Suspended Soil Dust and Carbon Dioxide Emission

by Chinh C. Tran and John F. Yanagida

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(13), 2648; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9132648 - 29 Jun 2019

Viewed by 2870

Abstract

Environmental impacts from the development of banagrass (Pennisetum purpureum)-based ethanol production on Hawaii Island may create air quality problems. Air pollutants considered in this study include re-suspended soil dust (also known as PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission. The resulting pollutant emissions are then compared against the Federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) significant standard for the environmental impact assessment. This study combines GIS and a mathematical computational model to logically and effectively examine potential spatial impacts of ethanol development on air quality on Hawaii Island. This study found that mechanical harvesting of banagrass generates higher dust emission than other agricultural crops. The total PM10 emission of 248.18 tons per year was found statistically equivalent to the PSD significant permitting requirement limit of 250 tons per year (tpy) and thus considered as a major stationary source of fugitive dust pollution. The annual CO₂ emission amount of 19,371.72 tons is less than the PSD significant permitting requirement of 75,000 tons of CO₂ per year. As a result, this estimated amount is not considered as a major stationary source of pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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Review

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29 pages, 3244 KiB

Open AccessReview

Renewable Energy and Sustainability from the Supply Side: A Critical Review and Analysis

by Susana Garrido, Tiago Sequeira and Marcelo Santos

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 5755; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10175755 - 20 Aug 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4574

Abstract

This article provides a critical review of the literature on the relationship between renewable energies and sustainability considering the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. First, a bibliometric tool is used and then a more in-depth analysis of selected literature is performed, focusing on the type of renewable energy analyzed and the level of development of countries, the dimension of sustainability focused on and the country’s development level, and the type of renewable energies focused on and the dimension of sustainability analyzed. It represents a milestone in the topic giving insights on the state of the art of the research on this research area, enhancing empirical evidence on the kind of relationships and developing a discussion on how closely aligned the political and institutional discourses are with the research concerns. We conclude that, while studies on lower-income countries focus on lower-rung energies, studies on higher-income countries focus on the study of more diversified sources. Moreover, wind–solar energy is the most reported in the articles concerned with environmental sustainability. Our main recommendation is to further investigate the implementation of modern renewable energies in developing countries, to help those countries to climb the energy ladder toward cleaner energy supply. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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11 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential of Coal–Water Slurries as an Alternative Fuel Source during the Transition Period for the Decarbonization of Energy Production: A Review

by Leonel J.R. Nunes

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(7), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072470 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5288

Abstract

Coal–water slurry or coal–water mixture (CWS or CWM) is a complex solid–liquid dispersion. Several research works have been done concerning the production and use of CWSs being developed worldwide in several different governmental, industrial and academic facilities. In the present paper, studies on the developments achieved in the past three decades with regard to the field mentioned above are systematically reviewed, with particular regard to several different aspects during the combustion process. The structure and properties of the coal are highlighted, as are the different additives used and their adaptability with different types of coal, where the particle size distributions are of great importance in determining both the slurryability of coal and the rheological behavior of a produced CWS for its intended characteristics. At a time when there is much debate about the end of the age of coal as a primary source of thermal and electrical energy, alternative forms of use that can contribute to the reduction of pollutant emissions, as well as particles, in the atmosphere offer alternatives that may allow us to continue using coal, at least during this transition period until a viable alternative is found. In-depth knowledge of these coal slurries may allow, in the future, the development of similar products produced from fuels derived from biomass, such as charcoal or torrefied biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

24 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessReview

Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide with Metal Oxides in Packed Bed Reactors—A Review from a Modeling Perspective with Practical Implications

by Ramiar Sadegh-Vaziri and Matthaus U. Babler

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(24), 5316; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9245316 - 5 Dec 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 10659

Abstract

Sulfur, and in particular, H

_{2}

S removal is of significant importance in gas cleaning processes in different applications, including biogas production and biomass gasification. H

_{2}

S removal with metal oxides is one of the most viable alternatives to achieve deep desulfurization. [...] Read more.

Sulfur, and in particular, H

_{2}

S removal is of significant importance in gas cleaning processes in different applications, including biogas production and biomass gasification. H

_{2}

S removal with metal oxides is one of the most viable alternatives to achieve deep desulfurization. This process is usually conducted in a packed bed configuration in order to provide a high solid surface area in contact with the gas stream per unit of volume. The operating temperature of the process could be as low as room temperature, which is the case in biogas production plants or as high as 900

^{\circ}

C suitable for gasification processes. Depending on the operating temperature and the cleaning requirement, different metal oxides can be used including oxides of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn. In this review, the criteria for the design and scale-up of a packed bed units are reviewed and simple relations allowing for quick assessment of process designs and experimental data are presented. Furthermore, modeling methods for the numerical simulation of a packed bed adsorber are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel)

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