Energies

Editorial

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4 pages, 177 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

CCUS Strategies as Most Viable Option for Global Warming Mitigation

by Alberto Maria Gambelli

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4077; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104077 - 13 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1217

Abstract

The decarbonization of energy-consuming industrial sectors is nowadays becoming one of the most relevant challenges to counteract global warming and the consequences related to it [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

Research

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15 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigation of CO₂ Emissions from Commercial Ships: Evaluation of the Technology Readiness Level of Carbon Capture Systems

by Valentina Bortuzzo, Serena Bertagna and Vittorio Bucci

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3646; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093646 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2946

Abstract

The challenge of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the shipping sector is a pressing issue that is yet to be fully overcome. While new fuels and technologies hold promise for the future, they are not currently viable solutions on a large scale in [...] Read more.

The challenge of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the shipping sector is a pressing issue that is yet to be fully overcome. While new fuels and technologies hold promise for the future, they are not currently viable solutions on a large scale in the short-term. One strategy that is being considered as a way to reduce CO₂ and CO emissions in the immediate future is carbon capture technology. Additionally, the possibility of a carbon tax being implemented in the future further strengthens the case for the adoption of this technology, which is already quite mature and in use in industries, although it has yet to be developed in the maritime sector. In this paper, the authors start from the definition of carbon capture technology to provide a technical overview of the solutions that are currently available to the maritime sector. Given the absolute innovation of such systems for application on board ships, the authors studied their installation and developed appropriate schemes to illustrate the feasibility of integration of these new technologies on board. Furthermore, the authors highlight the different levels of technological readiness of the proposed systems based on their potential for implementation on board commercial vessels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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19 pages, 2830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the Calcium Looping Process for Thermochemical Storage of Variable Energy

by Kelly Atkinson, Robin Hughes and Arturo Macchi

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3299; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073299 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2146

Abstract

The calcium looping (CaL) process, which exploits the reversible calcination of calcium carbonate, has been proposed as a solution to the challenges facing deployment of concentrated solar power (CSP). As an extension of the work undertaken to date, this project proposes a novel [...] Read more.

The calcium looping (CaL) process, which exploits the reversible calcination of calcium carbonate, has been proposed as a solution to the challenges facing deployment of concentrated solar power (CSP). As an extension of the work undertaken to date, this project proposes a novel configuration of the CSP-CaL process which may offer advantages over other proposed configurations, including a reduction in process equipment requirements, elimination of pressure differentials between vessels, and a reduction in compression duty during the energy discharge period. The results obtained through process simulation indicate that the proposed process can achieve round-trip efficiencies in the range of 32–46% and energy storage densities in the range of 0.3–1.0 GJ/m³. These parameters are strongly dependent on the residual conversion of the CaO sorbent as well as the efficiency of the power cycles used to remove heat on the carbonator side of the process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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13 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Media Coverage of Carbon Capture and Storage: An Analysis of Established and Emerging Themes in Dutch National Newspapers

by Emma ter Mors, Esther van Leeuwen, Christine Boomsma and Renate Meier

Energies 2023, 16(4), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16042056 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Policymakers in several European countries are considering the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as part of a strategy to prevent further climate change. Successful CCS implementation requires societal support but planned CCS projects have encountered significant opposition. In this study, [...] Read more.

Policymakers in several European countries are considering the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as part of a strategy to prevent further climate change. Successful CCS implementation requires societal support but planned CCS projects have encountered significant opposition. In this study, we examine the CCS coverage in Dutch national newspapers from 2017 to 2019, a period during which the Dutch CCS landscape underwent several substantial changes, and compare the results to those of earlier media analyses conducted between 1991 and 2011. Most of the 324 articles identified discussed CCS in a neutral (36.4%) or balanced (24.4%) manner, and more critical articles than supportive ones were found (23.1% vs. 16.0%). Consistent with the earlier media analyses, the potential of CCS to reduce carbon dioxide emissions was a major theme in the positive portrayal of CCS, while the argument that CCS implementation is needed for the prompt reduction in emissions gained prominence. High CCS deployment costs and the perception that CCS is an unproven technology have remained major themes in the negative portrayal of CCS. The availability of and preference for alternative solutions was a more prominent theme in the conversation compared to earlier years, whereas the subject of CCS safety was discussed less than before. The study illustrates how media coverage can shed light on the evolving relationships between society and CCS, and on the established and emerging themes in arguments used for and against the technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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15 pages, 6805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of a Commercial 3D Printer for the Construction of a Bio-Hybrid Device Based on Bioink and Adult Human Mesenchymal Cells

by Giulio Morelli, Teresa Pescara, Alessia Greco, Pia Montanucci, Giuseppe Basta, Federico Rossi, Riccardo Calafiore and Alberto Maria Gambelli

Energies 2023, 16(1), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010374 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

The biofabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds using 3D printers and cell-containing bioinks is very promising. A wide range of materials and bioink compositions are being created and tested for cell viability and printability in order to satisfy the requirements of a bioink. This methodology [...] Read more.

The biofabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds using 3D printers and cell-containing bioinks is very promising. A wide range of materials and bioink compositions are being created and tested for cell viability and printability in order to satisfy the requirements of a bioink. This methodology has not still achieved technological maturity, and the actual costs mean that they are often inaccessible for researchers, consequently lowering the development and extending the required times. This research aims to apply this methodology on a laboratory scale by re-adapting a commercial 3D printer, consequently lowering the costs and energy impacts, and, at the same time, ensuring a level of accuracy extremely close to the currently adopted devices and, more in general, suitable for the scopes of the research. To accomplish this, we assembled a biomimetic scaffold made of human Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cells (hUCMS), cellulose, and alginate. Various molds were used to produce 3D scaffolds of different sizes. After bioprinting, cell viability was analyzed using ethidium bromide and fluorescein diacetate, and a histological stain was used to evaluate cell and bioink morphology. All of the examined bioinks had a uniform final 3D structure and were stable, easily printable, and procedure-adapted. Up until 21 days of culture, the bioinks remained unaltered and were simple to manipulate. After 7 and 21 days of cell culture, the hUCMS in the cellulose/alginate-based bioinks exhibited cell viabilities of 95% and 85%, respectively. The cells did not present with a fibroblast-like shape but appeared to be round-shaped and homogeneously distributed in the 3D structure. Biomimetic bioink, which is based on cellulose and alginate, is an appropriate hydrogel for 3D bioprinting. This preliminary work illustrated the potential use of these two biomaterials for the 3D bioprinting of mesenchymal stem cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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16 pages, 4438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Effect of SDS and Micron Copper Particles Mixture on Carbon Dioxide Hydrates Formation

by Yan Li, Alberto Maria Gambelli and Federico Rossi

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6540; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186540 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2210

Abstract

CO₂ hydrate formation and dissociation are the fundamental processes for investigating hydrate-based carbon storage. To better understand CO₂ hydrate phase behaviors in the presence of surfactant and solid additives, this study reports the effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and micron [...] Read more.

CO₂ hydrate formation and dissociation are the fundamental processes for investigating hydrate-based carbon storage. To better understand CO₂ hydrate phase behaviors in the presence of surfactant and solid additives, this study reports the effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and micron Cu particles on the formation of CO₂ hydrates in the presence of porous quartz sands in a lab-scale reactor. This research is part of a wider study focused on defining the properties of solid additives, produced via gas-atomization, on the formation and dissociation of gas hydrates. The morphology of CO₂ hydrate formed in SDS solution shows dispersed crystal particles due to the increase of surface tension. SDS works as the kinetic promoter on CO₂ hydrates formation whereas the addition of Cu particles inhibits CO₂ gas consumption. The mixture additives show a faint kinetic inhibit effect, in which the Brownian motion restrictions may be responsible for the inhibition of CO₂ hydrate production. The solid additives also showed a weak thermodynamic effect on CO₂ hydrate phase equilibrium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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15 pages, 2296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Measurement-Based Method for Assessing Global Warming Mitigation via High-Albedo Solutions

by Federico Rossi, Mirko Filipponi, Beatrice Castellani, Stefania Bonafoni and Chaouki Ghenai

Energies 2022, 15(15), 5695; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155695 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

Global warming mitigation via terrestrial albedo increase has been widely investigated in literature; the proposed methodologies relate CO₂ compensation to albedo increase generally via the concept of Radiative Forcing (RF). However, literature methods calculate RF by averaged input data, without [...] Read more.

Global warming mitigation via terrestrial albedo increase has been widely investigated in literature; the proposed methodologies relate CO₂ compensation to albedo increase generally via the concept of Radiative Forcing (RF). However, literature methods calculate RF by averaged input data, without considering RF variation due to many local and temporal phenomena. For instance, an average value of compensated effect of albedo change (Δα = 0.01) is 3 kg CO_2eq/m², which has been introduced no matter the position and climatic condition of the site. In our study, we propose a novel procedure to measure RF continuous time history by means of ground measurements, astronomical equations, and satellite calibration. The procedure is called RF-meter. In this way, a more accurate assessment of compensated CO₂ may be achieved. A test facility is also designed and proposed to double check the procedure, and preliminary results are reported in order to show and test the calibration procedure. It is expected that albedo-increased surfaces as well as cool roofs and/or other technical solutions will be eligible to obtain Emission Credits (EC). The proposed procedure will aid in the assignment of EC to High-Albedo Solutions (HAS), as it could represent an objective and accurate method to relate the albedo increase to a corresponding CO₂ offset. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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Review

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29 pages, 2289 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Carbon Capture and Valorization Technologies

by Jiban Podder, Biswa R. Patra, Falguni Pattnaik, Sonil Nanda and Ajay K. Dalai

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062589 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5446

Abstract

Global fossil fuel consumption has induced emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂), which has emanated global warming. Significant levels of CO₂ are released continually into the atmosphere from the extraction of fossil fuels to their processing and combustion for heat [...] Read more.

Global fossil fuel consumption has induced emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂), which has emanated global warming. Significant levels of CO₂ are released continually into the atmosphere from the extraction of fossil fuels to their processing and combustion for heat and power generation including the fugitive emissions from industries and unmanaged waste management practices such as open burning of solid wastes. With an increase in the global population and the subsequent rise in energy demands and waste generation, the rate of CO₂ release is at a much faster rate than its recycling through photosynthesis or fixation, which increases its net accumulation in the atmosphere. A large amount of CO₂ is emitted into the atmosphere from various sources such as the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles and manufacturing industries. Thus, carbon capture plays a key role in the race to achieve net zero emissions, paving a path for a decarbonized economy. To reduce the carbon footprints from industrial practices and vehicular emissions and attempt to mitigate the effects of global warming, several CO₂ capturing and valorization technologies have become increasingly important. Hence, this article gives a statistical and geographical overview of CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions based on source and sector. The review also describes different mechanisms involved in the capture and utilization of CO₂ such as pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuels technologies, direct air capture, chemical looping combustion and gasification, ionic liquids, biological CO₂ fixation and geological CO₂ capture. The article also discusses the utilization of captured CO₂ for value-added products such as clean energy, chemicals and materials (carbonates and polycarbonates and supercritical fluids). This article also highlights certain global industries involved in progressing some promising CO₂ capture and utilization techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Research Trends of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS))

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