Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.5
2.7
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel
share announcement

Biomass Energy and Biomass as a Clean Renewable Fuel

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 44382

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. João Carlos de Oliveira Matias

E-Mail Website
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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Leonel Nunes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 4735 KiB  
Article
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 33 | Viewed by 11628
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 [...] Read more.
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 12680 KiB  
Article
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 - 07 Apr 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6140
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 [...] Read more.
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3580 KiB  
Article
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 13 | Viewed by 2649
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) [...] Read more.
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1270 KiB  
Article
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 - 01 Oct 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3933
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 [...] Read more.
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 NOx and CO emissions. By increasing the mixing ratio (MR), SO2 was reduced while NOx 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)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 5770 KiB  
Article
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 2501
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 PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide [...] Read more.
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 PM2.5 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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

29 pages, 3244 KiB  
Review
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 10 | Viewed by 3642
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 [...] Read more.
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 234 KiB  
Review
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 - 03 Apr 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4212
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Review
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 - 05 Dec 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8911
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 ∘ 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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop