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19 pages, 24596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Improvement in the Combustion Chamber and the Radiant Surface to Reduce the Emission of Particles in Biomass Cooking Stoves Used in Araucanía, Chile

by Robinson Betancourt Astete, Nicolás Gutiérrez-Cáceres, Marcela Muñoz-Catalán and Tomas Mora-Chandia

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7205; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137205 - 27 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2299

Abstract

Solid particle emissions from burning wood in three internal combustion biomass cooking stoves commonly used in southern Chile were compared. Each stove was used to show differences in sealing systems, combustion chamber shape, and heating surfaces in order to optimize biomass combustion and [...] Read more.

Solid particle emissions from burning wood in three internal combustion biomass cooking stoves commonly used in southern Chile were compared. Each stove was used to show differences in sealing systems, combustion chamber shape, and heating surfaces in order to optimize biomass combustion and the energy produced at a low manufacturing cost. The influence of cooking stove design along with particle and gas emissions that resulted from the biomass combustion within the cooking stove was investigated in this study. Levels of diverse atmospheric contaminants, such as particulate matter, emission factor, NO_x, CO₂, and CO, and the temperature of the flue gases were determined with the Ch-28 method and UNE-EN 12815. The average emission of particulate matter was significantly reduced by modifying the geometry of the combustion chamber and heating surface of each stove, resulting in 5 g/h particle emissions in conventional equipment and 2 g/h in the improved equipment. In relation to gas emissions, there was a 25% maximum decrease in NO_x gases and 35% in CO after modifying the heating surface of each stove. This background supports the evidence of technological improvement with high environmental impact and low economic cost for local manufacturers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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22 pages, 3120 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of District Heating and Cooling Energy Systems in Spain: Resources, Technology and Management

by Beatriz María Paredes-Sánchez, José Pablo Paredes, Natalia Caparrini and Elena Rivo-López

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105442 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

District heating and cooling (DHC) systems play an important role under the new European Union (EU) energy transition strategy. Thermal energy networks are helping to stimulate the development of alternative technologies based on a broad range of renewable energy sources. The present study [...] Read more.

District heating and cooling (DHC) systems play an important role under the new European Union (EU) energy transition strategy. Thermal energy networks are helping to stimulate the development of alternative technologies based on a broad range of renewable energy sources. The present study analysed the current situation of DHC systems in Spain and provides an overview of the challenges and future opportunities that their use will entail. Its objective is to assess thermal energy conversion and management from a holistic perspective, including a study of existing energy infrastructures. The focus of this study lies on Spain given the country’s abundance of natural resources such as renewable energy sources including solar energy, biomass and geothermal energy, among others, as well as its strategic location on the map of the EU. Based on the analysis of the three factors for energy conversion in a district heating system, namely resources, technology, and management, the methodology provided an assessment of the different factors involved in running a DHC system. The results show an estimated total production for DHC networks of 1448 MW_th, of which 72% is supplied purely by renewable energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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11 pages, 1864 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Determination of the Optimal Operative Conditions for the Torrefaction of Olive Waste Biomass

by Jaime Martín-Pascual, Joaquín Jódar, Miguel L. Rodríguez and Montserrat Zamorano

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166411 - 10 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

The need for new energy sources and the problems associated with waste in the agroforestry industry are an opportunity for the recovery of this waste. For the use of this agricultural waste as energy, different pretreatments, such as torrefaction, can be carried out. [...] Read more.

The need for new energy sources and the problems associated with waste in the agroforestry industry are an opportunity for the recovery of this waste. For the use of this agricultural waste as energy, different pretreatments, such as torrefaction, can be carried out. Torrefaction is a thermochemical treatment involving energetic densification of biomass at temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 °C under an inert and anaerobic environment. This study developed a numerical model to evaluate the effect of temperature and residence time of torrefaction on biomass from olive tree waste to determine optimum operative conditions for the process. Four temperatures and four residence times, in the operation range of the process, were tested to determine the weight loss and the higher heating values (HHVs) of the torrefied sample. From these data, a numerical model was developed to infer the complete behavior of the process in the temperature range between 200 and 300 °C and in the residence time range of a few minutes to 2 h. The HHV of the torrefied sample increased at a temperature between 200 and 275 °C. However, from 275 to 300 °C, there was an HHV decrease. The effect of the residence time depended on the torrefaction temperature. At low temperatures, there were no statistically significant differences, although an increase of HHV was detected under 120 min. However, at 250 °C this effect was reversed, and statistically significant differences were not observed between 30 and 120 min. Overall, the increase of temperature in the torrefaction process reduces the residence time needed to achieve the maximum HHV. As a result, the optimum conditions of torrefaction for this biomass were, approximately, 275 °C and 30 min of residence time. This reaction yielded an optimum 5830 cal/g HHV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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24 pages, 3744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioenergy for a Cleaner Future: A Case Study of Sustainable Biogas Supply Chain in the Malaysian Energy Sector

by Nur Izzah Hamna A. Aziz, Marlia M. Hanafiah, Shabbir H. Gheewala and Haikal Ismail

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3213; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083213 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5821

Abstract

A life cycle assessment (LCA)-based environmental sustainability evaluation conceptual framework of biogas production has been proposed to improve the sustainability of biogas supply chains. The conceptual framework developed in this study can be used as a guideline for the related stakeholders and decision [...] Read more.

A life cycle assessment (LCA)-based environmental sustainability evaluation conceptual framework of biogas production has been proposed to improve the sustainability of biogas supply chains. The conceptual framework developed in this study can be used as a guideline for the related stakeholders and decision makers to improve the quality and enhance the sustainability of biogas production in Malaysia as well as promoting biogas as a clean, reliable and secure energy. A case study on an LCA analysis of a zero waste discharge treatment process has been conducted. In the zero discharge treatment system, biogas can be produced with a maximum water recycle and reuse. It was indicated that the biogas production and zero discharge treatment of a palm oil mill effluent were environmentally sustainable as the system utilized organic waste to produce bioenergy and achieved zero discharge. However, there were other aspects that should be taken into consideration, particularly regarding the sources of electricity and upstream activity, to ensure the sustainability of the system holistically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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10 pages, 2218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Utilization of Algae Biomass Waste Enteromorpha Resulting in Green Tide in China: Pyrolysis Kinetic Parameters Estimation Based on Shuffled Complex Evolution

by Lingna Zhong, Juan Zhang and Yanming Ding

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052086 - 08 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Enteromorpha is a species of algae biomass that is spread widely and has resulted in green tides in China in recent years. It was urgent to explore an appropriate method for taking advantage of the ocean waste as an energy supply in the [...] Read more.

Enteromorpha is a species of algae biomass that is spread widely and has resulted in green tides in China in recent years. It was urgent to explore an appropriate method for taking advantage of the ocean waste as an energy supply in the current sustainable development. Pyrolysis, as the first step of thermochemical conversion in energy utilization, was given attention in order to study its behavior based on thermogravimetric experiments over a wide heating-rate range from 5 to 60 K/min. The whole pyrolysis process was divided into three stages: water evaporation, the main components decomposition, and carbonate decomposition. To estimate the detailed kinetic parameters (activation energy, the pre-exponential factor, and reaction order etc.), the Kissinger method was used to establish the original kinetic parameters at different stages and provide the parameter search range for the next heuristic algorithm, and then the Shuffled Complex Evolution optimization algorithm was coupled and first applied to the algae biomass pyrolysis. Eventually, the predicted results of mass loss rate based on the optimized kinetic parameters agreed well with the thermogravimetric experimental data, with the R² value being up to 0.92 for all the heating rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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Review

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21 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential Contribution of Decentralized Anaerobic Digestion towards Urban Biowaste Recovery Systems: A Scoping Review

by Eftychia Ntostoglou, Dilip Khatiwada and Viktoria Martin

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13435; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313435 - 04 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2043

Abstract

The potential contribution of decentralized approaches in implementing biowaste recovery systems has attracted interest in urban policy making and scientific research. Although the scientific literature on the topic is rapidly increasing, it is still limited and scattered. A comprehensive overview of current scientific [...] Read more.

The potential contribution of decentralized approaches in implementing biowaste recovery systems has attracted interest in urban policy making and scientific research. Although the scientific literature on the topic is rapidly increasing, it is still limited and scattered. A comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge is thus needed to support future research on decentralized options for biowaste recovery systems. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a mature biowaste treatment technology that recovers energy and nutrients, and can close urban resource loops. Through a scoping literature review, this paper investigated decentralized AD and its potential contribution in implementing urban biowaste recovery systems. We identified opportunities and challenges for planning of decentralized AD, and concluded that these mainly concern: (a) digestate management; (b) the potential for local circularity with product valorization in outlets such as urban agriculture; and (c) the development and application of decision support tools. The findings highlighted the need to enhance scientific evidence on the impact of decentralized AD in different urban contexts. Results from published studies were highly context-specific, making it difficult to draw general conclusions. This study can support the transition to integrated planning of AD and wider urban biowaste recovery systems. Such planning must include a comprehensive analysis of configuration approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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17 pages, 1673 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methodological Approaches to Optimising Anaerobic Digestion of Water Hyacinth for Energy Efficiency in South Africa

by Obianuju Patience Ilo, Mulala Danny Simatele, S’phumelele Lucky Nkomo, Ntandoyenkosi Malusi Mkhize and Nagendra Gopinath Prabhu

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6746; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126746 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2971

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion has been identified as a feasible fragment of a bioeconomy, yet numerous factors hinder the adoption of the technology in South Africa. Apart from its energy recovery, other nonmarket advantages support the technology. Though it may be challenging to have a [...] Read more.

Anaerobic digestion has been identified as a feasible fragment of a bioeconomy, yet numerous factors hinder the adoption of the technology in South Africa. Apart from its energy recovery, other nonmarket advantages support the technology. Though it may be challenging to have a price tag, they provide clear added worth for such investments. With a growing energy demand and global energy transitions, there is a need to sustainably commercialise the biogas industry in South Africa. Most studies are at laboratory scale and under specific conditions, which invariably create gaps in using their data for commercialising the biogas technology. The key to recognising these gaps depends on knowing the crucial technical phases that have the utmost outcome on the economics of biogas production. This study is a meta-analysis of the optimisation of anaerobic digestion through methodological approaches aimed at enhancing the production of biogas. This review, therefore, argues that regulating the fundamental operational parameters, understanding the microbial community’s interactions, and modelling the anaerobic processes are vital indicators for improving the process stability and methane yield for the commercialisation of the technology. It further argues that South Africa can exploit water hyacinth as a substrate for a self-sufficient biogas production system in a bid to mitigate the invasive alien plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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14 pages, 2918 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recycling Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends

by José María Fernández-González, Carmen Díaz-López, Jaime Martín-Pascual and Montserrat Zamorano

Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4798; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114798 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4300

Abstract

The organic fraction is usually the predominant fraction in municipal solid waste, so its recycling is a potential alternative to disposal in landfill sites, as well as helping to reach targets included in the European Circular Economy Package. The existing body of knowledge [...] Read more.

The organic fraction is usually the predominant fraction in municipal solid waste, so its recycling is a potential alternative to disposal in landfill sites, as well as helping to reach targets included in the European Circular Economy Package. The existing body of knowledge in this research field is very large, so a comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature has been considered of interest to provide researchers and professionals with a detailed understanding of the status quo and predict the dynamic directions of this field. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis have been performed to provide objective criteria for evaluating the work carried out by researchers and a macroscopic overview of the existing body of knowledge in this field. The analysis of 452 scientific articles published from 1980 to 2019 has shown that the application of composting technologies is relevant, especially since 2014, when policies aimed at reducing emissions to the atmosphere were increased and focused on the use of this waste fraction to produce biogas. Nevertheless, the scientific field is still evolving to impose a model of a circular economy; in fact, emerging studies are being conducted on the production of biomethane, contributing to the decarbonised energy system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)

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