Biomass Conversion Technologies for Renewable Energy and Fuels: A Review Note.

Abstract. An All Power Labs PP20 gasifier generation set (Berkeley, Calif.) was tested to evaluate its suitability for powering biomass conversion technologies (BCT) at remote forest operations sites. Feedstock of the species tanoak (), coast redwood (), and Douglas fir () were tested at moisture contents of 15% and 25% (wet basis). The PP20 was connected to a load bank with five different load profiles designed to simulate possible BCT loads. Two parameters of power quality, voltage variability, and frequency deviation, were determined to be within acceptable limits. The unit also successfully powered a remote biochar operation in Branscomb, California. Emissions of the PP20, when compared to diesel generator regulations, would meet non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) and NOX requirements but exceed the CO emissions limits by a factor of ten. The CO emissions could be reduced by adding a catalytic converter. The results indicate that it is possible to use a PP20 unit to provide electric power for the highly variable loads of a BCT system. Keywords: Bioenergy, Biomass conversion technology, Gasification, Renewable energy.

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Technological Alternatives or Use of Wood Fuel in Combined Heat and Power Production

Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University Environmental and Climate Technologies ◽

10.2478/rtuect-2013-0010 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 10-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jekaterina Rusanova ◽

Darja Markova ◽

Gatis Bazbauers ◽

Kārlis Valters

Keyword(s):

Renewable Energy ◽

Natural Gas ◽

Energy Use ◽

Biomass Conversion ◽

District Heating ◽

Power Production ◽

Combined Cycle ◽

Electricity Production ◽

Wood Fuel ◽

Conversion Technologies

Abstract Latvia aims for 40% share of renewable energy in the total final energy use. Latvia has large resources of biomass and developed district heating systems. Therefore, use of biomass for heat and power production is an economically attractive path for increase of the share of renewable energy. The optimum technological solution for use of biomass and required fuel resources have to be identified for energy planning and policy purposes. The aim of this study was to compare several wood fuel based energy conversion technologies from the technical and economical point of view. Three biomass conversion technologies for combined heat and electricity production (CHP) were analyzed: • CHP with steam turbine technology; • gasification CHP using gas engine; • bio-methane combined cycle CHP. Electricity prices for each alternative are presented. The results show the level of support needed for the analyzed renewable energy technologies and time period needed to reach price parity with the natural gas - fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) CHPss. The results also show that bio-methane technology is most competitive when compared with CCGT among the considered technologies regarding fuel consumption and electricity production, but it is necessary to reduce investment costs to reach the electricity price parity with the natural gas CCGT.

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An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14020497 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 497

Author(s):

Filippo Marchelli ◽

Giorgio Rovero ◽

Massimo Curti ◽

Elisabetta Arato ◽

Barbara Bosio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Lignocellulosic Residues ◽

Biomass Waste ◽

Slow Pyrolysis ◽

C And N ◽

Water Hydrolysis ◽

Conversion Technologies

Valorising biomass waste and producing renewable energy or materials is the aim of several conversion technologies. In this work, we consider two residues from different production chains: lignocellulosic residues from agriculture and wool residues from sheep husbandry. These materials are produced in large quantities, and their disposal is often costly and challenging for farmers. For their valorisation, we focus on slow pyrolysis for the former and water hydrolysis for the latter, concisely presenting the main literature related to these two processes. Pyrolysis produces the C-rich biochar, suitable for soil amending. Hydrolysis produces a N-rich fertiliser. We demonstrate how these two processes could be fruitfully integrated, as their products can be flexibly mixed to produce fertilisers. This solution would allow the achievement of balanced and tuneable ratios between C and N and the enhancement of the mechanical properties. We propose scenarios for this combined valorisation and for its coupling with other industries. As a result, biomass waste would be returned to the field, following the principles of circular economy.

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Replacing Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power with Renewable Energy: Utopia or Valid Option? A Swiss Case Study of Bioenergy

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13082051 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2051 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Renato Lemm ◽

Raphael Haymoz ◽

Astrid Björnsen Gurung ◽

Vanessa Burg ◽

Tom Strebel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Renewable Energy ◽

Energy Demand ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Potential Contribution ◽

Swiss Canton ◽

Future System ◽

Conversion Technologies ◽

The Impact

The transition towards a reliable, sustainable, low-carbon energy system is a major challenge of the 21st century. Due to the lower energy density of many renewable energy sources, a future system is expected to be more decentralized, leading to significant changes at the regional scale. This study analyzes the feasibility of the energy transition in the Swiss canton of Aargau as an illustrative example and explores different strategies to satisfy the local demand for electricity, heat, and fuel by 2035. In particular, we assess the potential contribution of biomass. Four scenarios demonstrate what energy demand proportion could be covered by bioenergy if different priorities were given to the provision of heat, electricity, and fuel. The impact of improved conversion technologies is also considered. The results show that the sustainably available renewable energy sources in canton Aargau will probably not be sufficient to cover its forecasted energy demand in 2035, neither with present nor future biomass conversion technologies. At best, 74% of the energy demand could be met by renewables. Biomass can increase the degree of autarky by a maximum of 13%. Depending on the scenario, at least 26–43% (2500–5700 GWh) of total energy demand is lacking, particularly for mobility purposes.

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Glycosyl Hydrolases for Biomass Conversion Edited by Michael E. Himmel, John O. Baker (both at National Renewable Energy Lab), and John N. Saddler (University of British Columbia). American Chemical Society: Washington, DC (Distributed by Oxford University Press). 2001. x + 292 pp. $120.00. ISBN 0-8412-3681-X

Journal of the American Chemical Society ◽

10.1021/ja015264f ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 123 (30) ◽

pp. 7478-7478

Keyword(s):

British Columbia ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Biomass Conversion ◽

American Chemical Society ◽

Chemical Society ◽

Washington Dc ◽

Glycosyl Hydrolases ◽

Oxford University ◽

University Of British Columbia ◽

Oxford University Press

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Biomass Conversion Technologies

Greenhouse Gases Balances of Bioenergy Systems ◽

10.1016/b978-0-08-101036-5.00008-2 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 107-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Paul Adams ◽

Tony Bridgwater ◽

Amanda Lea-Langton ◽

Andrew Ross ◽

Ian Watson

Keyword(s):

Biomass Conversion ◽

Conversion Technologies

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Energi Terbarukan dari Jerami Padi : Review Potensi dan Tantangan Bagi Indonesia

Jurnal Keteknikan Pertanian ◽

10.19028/jtep.07.2.137-146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 137-146

Author(s):

Agus Haryanto ◽

Siti Suharyatun ◽

Winda Rahmawati ◽

Sugeng Triyono

Keyword(s):

Energy Source ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Rice Straw ◽

Energy Technology ◽

Energy Potential ◽

High Quality ◽

Combustion Properties ◽

Density Problem ◽

Conversion Technologies ◽

And Storage

Straw is a waste produced from the threshing and harvesting of rice. So far, rice straw has only been removed. In fact, it can be used as a potential energy source. This paper aims to examine the potential of rice straw as a renewable energy source in Indonesia. Opportunities and challenges were evaluated based on extensive and in-depth literature review. The paper discussed rice straw potential, its characteristics and benefits of using straw energy. Technology to convert rice straw into energy was also discussed. Results showed that renewable energy potential of rice straw is 28.8 TJ/year. Conversion technologies that can be applied include densification, combustion, gasification, and biogas. The biggest challenge for using rice straw energy is collection and transportation. Densification may overcome density problem by producing high quality pellets or briquettes that reduce transportation and storage costs. Straw characteristics need to be improved to increase its combustion properties.

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Biomass Feedstocks for Liquid Biofuels Production in Hawaii & Tropical Islands: A Review

International Journal of Renewable Energy Development ◽

10.14710/ijred.0.39285 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 111-132

Author(s):

Muhammad Usman ◽

Shuo Cheng ◽

Jeffrey Scott Cross

Keyword(s):

Fossil Fuels ◽

Energy Use ◽

Biomass Conversion ◽

Production Costs ◽

Renewable Energy Resources ◽

Tropical Islands ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Biomass Feedstocks ◽

Energy Demands ◽

Conversion Technologies

Many tropical islands, including Aruba, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Pacific Island countries, are entirely dependent on importing fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Due to global warming, improving energy use efficiency and developing regionally available renewable energy resources are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. This review analyzed and identified biomass feedstocks to produce liquid biofuels targeting tropical islands, particularly focusing on Hawaii as a case study. Transportation and energy generation sectors consume 25.5% and 11.6%, respectively, of Hawaii's imported fossil fuels. Various nonedible feedstocks with information on their availability, production, and average yields of oils, fiber, sugars, and lipid content for liquid biofuels production are identified to add value to the total energy mix. The available biomass conversion technologies and production costs are summarized. In addition, a section on potentially using sewage sludge to produce biodiesel is also included. Based on a comparative analysis of kamani, croton, pongamia, jatropha, energycane, Leucaena hybrid, gliricidia, and eucalyptus feedstock resources, this study proposes that Hawaii and other similar tropical regions can potentially benefit from growing and producing economical liquid biofuels locally, especially for the transportation and electricity generation sectors

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