Efficient biomass value chains for heat production from energy crops in Ukraine

The purpose of the paper is to identify the most energy efficient value chains using solid biomass of specially grown energy crops and the most significant parameters affecting their energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to determine the energy efficiency of value chains of heat production from energy crops. According to the methodology, the scope of the product system includes the raw material cycle of growing energy crops and the subsystem of transformation with production of thermal energy. Cumulative energy demand and energy yield coefficient were chosen as energy efficiency indicators. The product system was compared with a similar one using natural gas. The non-renewable energy yield coefficient was used to define how many times the energy output was bigger than the input of non-renewable energy. Assessment was conducted for two energy crops: Miscanthus as a typical representative of specially grown grassy energy crops and willow as a typical representative of specially grown woody energy crops. The growing of energy crops in Ukraine for the subsequent production of biofuel in the form of chips and their combustion in biofuel boilers are energetically effective with a maximum transportation distance of 400 km for Miscanthus chips and 180 km for willow chips.

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LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF HEAT PRODUCTION FROM WILLOW CHIPS OF SALIX VIMINALIS L. IN UKRAINE

Industrial Heat Engineering ◽

10.31472/ihe.2.2018.08 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 56-64

Author(s):

O.V. Tryboi

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Life Cycle Assessment ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Heat Production ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Energy Output ◽

Salix Viminalis ◽

Energy Yield ◽

Transportation Distance

The results of the life cycle assessment of heat production from willow chips of Salix Viminalis L. are presented. Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction are estimated. The influence of the most significant parameters is analyzed and optimal relationships are determined to ensure maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The purpose of the paper is to define the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of bioenergy value chain for heat production from willow chips of Salix Viminalis in Ukraine. The methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used, according to which, the scope of the product system includes the feedstock cycle of willow Salix Viminalis L. cultivation and harvest, and the subsystem of willow chips conversion to heat in a 500 kW biomass boiler. Cumulative energy demand and energy yield coefficient were chosen as energy efficiency indicators. The product system was compared with the similar one using natural gas. Non- renewable energy yield coefficient was used to define how many times the energy output was bigger than input of non- renewable energy. An acceptable value for renewable energy installations and systems is to receive twice as much energy output as was spent of non-renewable energy, however the recommended value assumed in the work is to receive a 5 times more energy output compared to non-renewable energy input. As an environmental sustainability indicator, a reduction of GHG emissions was used. The acceptable level of GHG emissions reduction was chosen at a level of 60% for the whole life cycle from cultivation-to-heat, compared to traditional heat production in gas boilers. Results of the assessment identified that the most significant parameter affecting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is transportation distance. The growing of willow Salix Viminalis L. in Ukraine for the subsequent production of biofuel in the form of chips and its combustion in biofuel boilers is environmentally sustainable with a maximum transportation distance of 390 km and energy efficient with a maximum transportation distance of 180 km.

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Energy Balance and Energy Use Efficiency of Annual Bioenergy Crops in Field Experiments in Southern Germany

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11091835 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1835

Author(s):

Robert Oliver Simon ◽

Kurt-Jürgen Hülsbergen

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Energy Use ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Energy Crops ◽

Energy Output ◽

Net Energy ◽

Energy Use Efficiency ◽

Energy Inputs ◽

Use Efficiency

The main objective of the cultivation of energy crops is the production of renewable energy, the substitution of fossil energy resources, and a substantial contribution to energy supply. Thus, energy yield and energy efficiency are the most important criteria for the assessment of energy crops and biomass-based renewable energy chains. Maize is the energy crop with the highest cultivation acreage in Germany because of its high energy yields, but is the subject of controversial debate because of possible detrimental effects on agro-ecosystems. This raises the question as to which energy crops and production systems could be used instead of maize, in order to increase crop diversity and lower environmental impacts. We examined yields, energy inputs, energy outputs, and energy efficiency of alternative energy crops (combinations of catch crops and main crops) compared to maize in four-year field experiments at three southern German sites by means of process analyses. Maize showed moderate energy inputs (11.3–13.2 GJ ha−1), with catch crops ranging from 6.2 to 10.7 GJ ha−1 and main crops ranging from 7.6 to 24.8 GJ ha−1. At all three sites, maize had the highest net energy output compared to the other crops (x¯ = 354–493 GJ ha−1), but was surpassed by combinations of catch and main crops at some sites (winter rye/maize: x¯ = 389–538 GJ ha−1). Although some combinations yielded higher net energy outputs than maize, no other crop or combination of crops outperformed maize regarding energy use efficiency (energy output/energy input: x¯ = 32–45).

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LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF HEAT PRODUCTION FROM ENERGY CROPS

Thermophysics and Thermal Power Engineering ◽

10.31472/ttpe.2.2021.6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 50-59

Author(s):

O.V. Tryboi ◽

T.A. Zheliezna ◽

A.I. Bashtovyi

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle Assessment ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽

Greenhouse Gas ◽

Heat Production ◽

Energy Crops ◽

Energy Yield ◽

Yield Coefficient ◽

Gas Emissions ◽

The Eu

The aim of the work is a life cycle assessment of heat production from energy crops by using energy yield coefficient and value of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. State of the art and prospects for growing energy crops in the EU and Ukraine are analyzed. Today, the area under energy crops in the EU and Ukraine is relatively small, but there is significant potential for the development of this sector, which requires further research and implementation of practical measures. Typically, the life cycle assessment of energy production from biomass includes a feedstock cycle, which begins with the phase of biomass collection, and a conversion subsystem. The main feature of the life cycle assessment concerning energy crops is including the phase of their growth in the feedstock cycle. Results of the study show that the energy efficiency of the life cycle of heat production from energy crops chips and pellets is quite high and meets the recommendation that the non-renewable energy yield coefficient should be at least more than 2. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during such a life cycle is 40-90% for a 500 kW boiler plant when transporting biofuels to the consumer at a distance of up to 500 km. Feasibility study of projects on growing energy crops and heat production from them shows that under the current conditions in Ukraine, such projects are on the verge of profitability and therefore may not be attractive enough for investors. To promote the development of this sector, it is recommended to introduce a state subsidy per hectare of a plantation area.

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Efficiency of Using Biomass from Energy Crops for Sustainable Bioenergy Development

Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism ◽

10.14505//jemt.v11.5(45).02 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1040

Author(s):

Maksym KULYK ◽

Oleksandrr KALYNYCHENKO ◽

Natalia PRYSHLIAK ◽

Viktor PRYSHLIAK

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Biomass Production ◽

Energy Crops ◽

Biomass Energy ◽

Energy Output ◽

High Yield ◽

Efficiency Coefficient ◽

Alternative Source ◽

Solid Biofuel ◽

Dry Biomass

The need to study energy crops as an alternative source of energy for providing the population and rural development is justified in the article. In the course of the study, the following methods were used: laboratory – to determine the moisture content in the phytomass, field – to determine the quantitative indicators of plants and biomass productivity, special – to determine the energy and economic efficiency of biomass production. Features of yield formation and yield of dry biomass of energy crops by quantitative indices of plants were determined. The economic and energy efficiency of biomass production, as well as the output of solid biofuel, its energy intensity and energy output have been calculated. A logistic scheme for biomass cultivation including the use and supply of biomass from biomass energy crops (from producer to consumer) has been developed. It has been found that switchgrass and giant miscanthus of the third to fifth year of vegetation form a high yield of dry biomass (up to 15.2 and 18.8 t / ha, respectively) with a maximum level of production profitability - up to 108.6% and 128.1%, provide high indicators of biofuel output (up to 18.2 and 24.0 t / ha) and energy (up to 313.0 and 396.0 GJ / ha) with an average level of energy efficiency coefficient (Kee> 4.5).

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Energy efficiency in small-scale biointensive organic onion production in Pennsylvania, USA

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170510000098 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 181-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Stephen R. Moore

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Food Production ◽

Food System ◽

Energy Output ◽

Small Scale ◽

Efficiency Ratio ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Fossil Energy ◽

Sustainable Food System

AbstractModern agriculture relies heavily on fossil energy for food production. Reducing fossil energy and replacing that energy with renewable energy is critical in attaining a sustainable food system. Hand-scale intensive food production offers a reduction in fossil energy and an increased use of renewable human-based energy. Using biointensive production techniques, onions (Allium cepa) were grown in Pennsylvania, USA. A life-cycle analysis was performed to monitor energy utilization. Individual human labor tasks were evaluated using the factor method. This method accounts for the type and duration of physical activity. The average yield of eight onion varieties utilizing biointensive production in standard-sized beds (9.3 m2;100 ft2) was 160.2 kg. The US average for mechanical onion production is 46.1 kg/9.3 m2 (100 ft2). The energy efficiency ratio, specific energy and energy productivity were 51.5, 0.03 MJ kg−1 and 32.2 kg MJ−1 (MJ=megajoule), respectively. When defined within common boundaries, these three relationships: energy input, energy output and yield productivity allow researchers, farmers and policy-makers to select production systems and/or practices that better manage fossil and renewable energy for food production. Current mechanized agriculture has an energy efficiency ratio of 0.9. With most energy being supplied by fossil fuels. The energy efficiency for biointensive production of onions in our study was over 50 times higher than this value (51.5) and 83% of the total energy required is renewable energy. Biointensive production offers a viable energy use alternative to current production practices and may contribute to a more sustainable food system.

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Prospects for growing and use of energy crops in Ukraine

Technical and technological aspects of development and testing of new machinery and technologies for agriculture of Ukraine ◽

10.31473/2305-5987-2021-1-28(42)-24 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

O.V. Tryboi ◽

◽

T.А. Zheliezna ◽

A.I. Bashtovyi

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Life Cycle Assessment ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽

Greenhouse Gas ◽

Heat Production ◽

High Energy ◽

Energy Crops ◽

Economic Indicators ◽

Gas Emissions

The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state, existing obstacles and prospects for growing and using energy crops in Ukraine. Different aspects such as the availability of unused land for cultivation, technical and economic indicators of relevant projects, as well as the results of life cycle assessment of heat production from energy crops are taken into account. Research methods include analysis and processing of official statistics on the area of land of different categories in Ukraine; performance of life cycle assessment for growing energy crops for heat production in terms of energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; carrying out of feasibility study of respective projects. Results of the study show that there are up to 4 million hectares of unused agricultural land in Ukraine annually, which can be used for growing energy crops without creating competition for food production and without violating the criteria of sustainable development. The life cycle of projects for growing perennial energy crops for heat production has high energy efficiency, and the value of greenhouse gas emissions reduction depends significantly on the distance of transportation of biofuels. However, projects for the cultivation of such energy crops as willow, poplar, and miscanthus have economic indicators on the verge of profitability, and therefore may not be attractive enough for investors. Conclusions. Growing and using energy crops is one of the most promising sectors of bioenergy in Ukraine. The advantages of this area are the ability to obtain all types of biofuels (solid, gaseous, liquid biofuels) to replace traditional energy sources, a positive impact on soil (increase in organic matter, phytoremediation of contaminated lands) as well as local economic development and job creation in the regions. To improve the economic performance of the relevant projects, it is necessary to introduce a state subsidy for the cultivation of energy crops at the level of 20-24 thousand UAH per ha, depending on the type of crop.

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Acid and Alkali Pre-treatment Effects on CO2 Assisted Gasification of Pine Wood

Journal of Energy Resources Technology ◽

10.1115/1.4051145 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Jinhu Li ◽

Kiran Raj Goud Burra ◽

Zhiwei Wang ◽

Xuan Liu ◽

Ashwani K. Gupta

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Alkali Treatment ◽

Batch Reactor ◽

Energy Output ◽

Energy Yield ◽

Boudouard Reaction ◽

Acid Pretreatment ◽

Pine Wood ◽

Co2 Gasification ◽

Pre Treatment

Abstract Biomass gasification in CO2 is a promising thermochemical pathway to help assist with growing issues of CO2 in the environment. However, high reaction temperature requirement and low reaction rate is limiting its development. To resolve these issues, the effect of acid and alkali pre-treatment on the pyrolysis and CO2-gasification of pine wood was examined using a semi-batch reactor. The temporal behavior of syngas components, energy, and their yield, and energy efficiency was quantified. Results showed that while acid pretreatment of biomass with lower alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs) content was beneficial for the CO and syngas yield, the alkali pretreatment with higher AAEM content showed the opposite trend. In contrast, the CO2 assisted gasification of alkali pretreated biomass improved the CO and syngas yield due to catalytic influence of AAEM on the Boudouard reaction, while the acid washed biomass yielded the lowest syngas yield. During gasification, the syngas yield, energy yield and overall energy efficiency were enhanced by 83.44 %, 44.64 % and 44.58 %, respectively using alkali treatment. The results revealed that alkali pre-treatment is an effective catalytic incorporation pathway to improve the syngas, energy output, and reactivity to CO2 gasification.

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SMART VILLAGE STRATEGY AS A PROSPECTIVE DIRECTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY INDEPENDENT VILLAGE TERRITORIES

Black Sea Economic Studies ◽

10.32843/bses.64-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ilona Yasnolob ◽

Yana Radionova ◽

Eugen Bereznytsky

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Social Innovation ◽

Energy System ◽

Value Chains ◽

Energy Costs ◽

Economic Sustainability ◽

Long Run ◽

Local Value

The article provides a scientific and theoretical justification of new business models and structures of energy infrastructure development. It is determined that with the increase of decentralization of energy production more and more communities and enterprises can play a certain role in the energy system. It is noted that the first step towards building a community energy system is the process of uniting and coordinating stakeholders to build a legal, administrative and managerial structure. In rural areas, the community's energy initiative has been found to increase economic sustainability and lead to social innovation, increase the number of people who can access the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency through the Smart Village strategy approach. The initiation and implementation of Smart Village strategies can be based on existing initiatives and can be funded from a variety of public and private sources. Rural communities can include one or more settlements, without any restrictions on administrative boundaries or population. It has been proven that in rural areas, the community energy initiative through the Smart Village strategy approach increases economic sustainability and leads to social innovation, increases the number of people who can access the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Smart Villages develop and implement their strategy to improve their economic, social and environmental conditions, relying on a participatory responsibility approach, in particular by mobilizing solutions offered by digital technologies. Local energy generation means that profits and energy costs do not flow from the region, and can help reduce energy costs in the long run, while stimulating the emergence of local value chains. The main purpose of the infrastructure is to enable the generation of energy at the local level, which will ensure the concentration of energy costs in the region to reduce energy costs in the long run, while stimulating the emergence of local value chains. The article gives examples of effective implementation strategies Smart Village in the European Union.

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ELECTRIC DISCHARGE WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND CRITERIA OF EXPEDIENCY OF THEIR USE

Praci Institutu elektrodinamiki Nacionalanoi akademii nauk Ukraini ◽

10.15407/publishing2021.58.090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 (58) ◽

pp. 90-99

Author(s):

V. Bereka ◽

◽

I. Kondratenko ◽

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Electric Discharge ◽

Yield Criterion ◽

Energy Output ◽

Energy Yield ◽

Processing Efficiency ◽

Discharge Water ◽

Industrial Implementation ◽

Different Types ◽

Treatment Technologies

The analysis of the known results of processing model aqueous solutions with different types of electric discharge using the AOT technology is carried out. Comparison of the processing efficiency for the decomposition of model pollutants for energy yield criterion (Y), as well as the prospects for further industrial implementation of the technology for the criterion of expected productivity, is carried out. The factors that influence the value of energy output and energy efficiency, in general, are determined. Ref. 17, fig. 2, tables 2.

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