Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Optimal Design of Modular Cogeneration Plants for Hospital Facilities and Robustness Evaluation of the Results

Significance Statement

A cogeneration technique such as the combined heat and power generation offers prospects for emission of non-toxic gases which are in serious need for the energy demand world. Hence several research efforts have been conducted to obtain a desirable balance between energy supply and economic objectives.

Researchers from University of Naples Federico II in Italy proposed a new methodology which involves a coupled calculation algorithm to genetic optimization algorithm MOGA II and a multi-objective robust design optimization approach in order to determine the capabilities of an optimized combined heat and power plants in hospital facilities. The research work is now published in Energy Conversion and Management.

The calculation algorithm developed to the genetic optimization algorithm compares the specific load profiles of two Italian hospital facilities while considering the combined heat and power system-user interaction with the sole objective of increasing the total primary energy conversion and reducing the simple payback period. The multi-objective optimization approach which also involves robust design optimization involved a sensitivity analysis which accommodates certain uncertainties economic-wise and energy as well.

The authors implemented two management strategies in the calculation algorithm; maximum primary energy savings management MPESM logic and maximum profitability management MPM logic. They investigated load profiles of the two hospital facilities were the S. Paolo hospital in Naples and the second, Oncological Reference Center of Basilicata CROB.

Pareto optimal front solutions derived from the multi-objective optimization approach when using the MPSEM strategy in a hospital facility of S. Paolo showed that plant configurations which aid the overall energy savings favors the simple payback period. A multiple gas engine of two and three, gave an optimum relation between the energy and economic results. A reasonable Pareto optimal front solutions were observed in the total primary energy savings at a value greater than 16.5%, the simple payback period between 2.9- 4.6 years and engines between one to three with an electrical power range between 260-570KW for each. The MPM logic had a decreased efficiency in designing an optimized plant configuration.

The Pareto optimal front solutions when considering a hospital facility of CROB indicated a higher value of total primary energy savings at 18.2%, while the simple payback period is a little above 3 years with three combined heat and power engines of 440KW. With the use of MPM logic strategy, a decrease in total primary energy savings of 0.5% was discovered. Compared to that of S. Paolo hospital facility, that of CROB had a higher total primary savings value in all cases.

Results from the Pareto optimal solutions for the first multi-objective optimization approach used in the S. Paolo hospital indicated a higher economic sensitivity compared to the energetic sensitivity as standard deviation accounted up to 7% of its mean value ratios under 3% for total primary energy savings. The most stable plant design for the two hospital facilities was also provided.

However, the multi-objective robust design optimization in order to derive a last-longing solution economically and energetically, gave Pareto optimal solutions with standard deviation for a simple payback period less than 3.5% of its mean value, which reaches 7% of the total primary savings in hospital facility of S. Paolo. Pareto optimal solutions for the hospital facility in the CROB had a standard deviation of simple payback less than 2.5% of its mean value while reaching 6% of the total primary energy savings.

The optimization tool proposed in this study provides a reasonable approach for determining long-lasting performance for the combined heat and power plant while considering its effect on the economy and energy supply.

About The Author

Massimiliano Muccillo received his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, in 2008, discussing a thesis addressing the study of the prototype of a variable valve actuation system for a motorcycle engine. He received his Ph.D degree in Engineering of Mechanical Systems at the University of Naples Federico II, in 2012, discussing a thesis addressing the use of the multi-objective approach for the optimization of cogeneration systems. Since 2012, he has been a Research fellow at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Naples Federico II.

His research interests include modeling, analysis and optimization of spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion, CHP systems and ORC systems. SAE member since 2012. ATI member since 2012. Author of about 25 scientific publications (13 SCOPUS). “Key Scientific Article contributing to the excellence in Energy research” by RENEWABLE ENERGY GLOBAL INNOVATIONS (http://ift.tt/2ndOosK) in 2014.

About The Author

Alfredo Gimelli associate Professor of Fluid Machines and Energy Systems at the Department of industrial Engineering of the University of Napoli Federico II (Italy). Scientific Council Member of the Industrial Engineering doctoral since 2012. Scientific Council Member of the Mechanical Engineering doctoral since 2008. Research interests are related to: – Internal Combustion Engines: Experiments and Modeling;- Energy Efficiency; – Renewable Energy: Biomass, CSP Thermodynamic Cycles and Syngas from Waste; – Combined Heat and Power; – Multi Objective Optimization; – ORC Power Plants. Graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Napoli (Italy) in 1994. Philosophic Doctor in Mechanical Engineering in 1999. SAE member since 2003. ATI member since 1997.

Author of more than 70 scientific publications (40 SCOPUS – 15 ISI journals) and 1 European Patent. ACA Noise&Vibration Award in 2005. “Key Scientific Article contributing to the excellence in Energy research” by RENEWABLE ENERGY GLOBAL INNOVATIONS (http://ift.tt/2ndOosK) in 2014. Scientific responsible of more than 10 research programs/projects/contracts. Creator and founder of a high-tech company in the renewable and energy saving technologies.

Reference

Gimelli, A., Muccillo, M., Sannino, R. Optimal Design of Modular Cogeneration Plants for Hospital Facilities and Robustness Evaluation of the Results, Energy Conversion and Management 134 (2017) 20–31.

DII – Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy.

Go To Energy Conversion and Management Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Steam Reforming of n-dodecane over K2Ti2O5-added Ni-Alumina and Ni-Zirconia (YSZ) catalysts

Significance Statement

Diesel is known to contain high presence of hydrogen, which makes them a favorite source for catalytic conversion process of fuel. Hydrogen, which provides clean energy to the environment, is often produced through the catalytic conversion form of steam reforming process due to its high optimality and selectivity towards hydrogen.

The catalyst majorly used in a catalytic conversion of fuels to hydrogen in the steam reforming process, is nickel-based with other supporting materials such as alumina and yttrium-stabilized zirconia. However, deposition of carbon on catalyst during the steam reforming process limits the efficiency of the nickel supported catalyst. This as a result led to the introduction of second catalytic material such as K₂Ti₂O₅ which has high thermal stability and ability to oxidize the carbon deposits at the same time.

Researchers led by Professor Jong Shik Chung from Pohang University of Science and Technology in Republic of Korea investigated the addition of  K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on nickel supported on alumina Ni-Al₂O₃ and yttrium-stabilized zirconia Ni-YSZ catalyst in the steam reforming reaction of n-dodecane. The research work is now published in peer-reviewed journal, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

The authors investigated the performance of the added K₂Ti₂O₅ on nickel-based supported catalyst with the use of Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectrometer coupled with their total selectivity towards hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane.

At gas hourly space velocity of 15000h^-1, the yttrium-stabilized zirconia supports on the nickel catalyst possessed more selectivity towards hydrogen and other gases compared to other alumina supported catalyst. However, the addition of K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel supports on yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst maintained the conversion process without a decrease in its activities compared to others.

The decreased activity of K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel supported on alumina catalyst was due to the low contact between the nickel particles and K₂Ti₂O₅ phase as a result of the hindered presence of nickel particles in the alumina pores. This was a different case for that of yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst as nickel particles were found in the zirconia supports, aiding good contact.

At high gas hourly space velocity below 20000h^-1, the addition of K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel-supported yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst maintained good stability due to the oxidation of deposited carbon on the surface of the catalyst.  The addition of K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel-supported yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst also aided the non-existence of hard carbons except at gas hourly space velocity of 30000h^-1.

Results from transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy the authors indicated that both the present and absent K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel-based yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst were effective in selectivity of hydrogen at a gas hourly space velocity of 5000h^-1. The absence and presence of K₂Ti₂O₅ particles on the nickel-based yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst deactivates at gas hourly space velocity of 5000h^-1 and 20000h^-1 respectively.

This study was able to provide an absolute range of effectiveness of the added K₂Ti₂O₅ on yttrium-stabilized zirconia catalyst for the steam reforming process of n-dodecane.    

About The Author

Dr. Taewook Kim is a postdoctoral and assistant researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea. He received Ph.D. degree at the same university (POSTECH) in 2017. His research areas are Reforming Catalysts of Hydrocarbon and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

About The Author

Dr. Jong-Shik Chung is a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and a head of Institute of New and Renewable Energy at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea. His research areas are Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (Materials, Stacks, and System), Reforming Catalysts and Reformers, Desulfurization, and Waste water treatments.

Journal Reference

Kim, T., Song, K.H., Yoon, H., Chung, J.S. Steam Reforming of n-dodecane over K₂Ti₂O₅-added Ni-alumina and Ni-zirconia (YSZ) Catalysts, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 41 (2016) 17922-17932.

Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.

Go To International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Decision Framework for Feasibility Analysis of Introducing the Steam Turbine Unit to Recover Industrial Waste Heat Based on Economic and Environmental Assessment

Significance Statement

Various technologies involved in reduction of carbon emissions have been implemented in order to provide an equal source of energy supply and in essence, produce gases which are non-toxic to the environment. In view of advancing energy efficiency, recovery of heat energy from industrial waste which can be classified as a source of renewable energy can certainly satisfy both economic and environmental benefits.

A steam turbine unit can efficiently serve as one of the techniques used for waste heat recovery. However, little or no assessment has been made in essence, of providing a decision framework to test its economic and environmental impacts.

Wujie Zhang and colleagues from Zhejiang University in China provided a decision framework for initiating a feasible criterion by simply undergoing an economic and environmental assessment of an industrial waste heat recovery from a steam turbine unit. The research is now published in Journal of Cleaner Production.

Two working modes of the steam turbine unit were considered as a result of their energy output; electrical and mechanical driving force. After certain assumptions, the authors established economic and environmental models which were based on cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle assessment in order to ascertain the benefits of waste heat recovery from the steam turbine unit according to their respective working modes.

The decision framework incorporates three possible outcomes each for both economic benefit and environmental impact of the steam turbine unit. Nine possible combinations were also provided by the cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle assessment results in order to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of the steam turbine unit. Further analysis, however, indicated that the working mode based on the mechanical driving force showed more environmental benefits, but the economic profits remained the same for the two working modes.

The derived decision framework when utilized in a case study of a petrochemical plant, producing terephthalic acid in China, observed a payback period of 2.28 years with energy conservation as high as 2 x 10⁵ GJ for an approximate payback period of 0.12 years. This result shows that the decision framework provided by the way of the authors, can efficiently assess the environmental and economic benefits of an industrial waste heat recovery system.

With the aid of decision framework, in view of providing feasibility analysis on a waste heat recovery technique, the authors were able to show that the steam turbine unit not only conforms to a renewable energy source, but also provides both economic and environmental benefits to consumers.

Journal Reference

W. Zhang^1,2, F. Gu³, F. Dai^1,2, X. Gu^1,2, F. Yue^1,2, B. Bao^1,2, Decision Framework for Feasibility Analysis of Introducing the Steam Turbine Unit to Recover Industrial Waste Heat Based on Economic and Environmental Assessment, Journal of Cleaner Production 137 (2016) 1491-1502.

Show Affiliations

1. Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
2. The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission and Control, College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
3. Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, 315100, China.

Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Hydrothermal Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Encapsulated Multiporous Carbon Nanofibers for Supercapacitors

Significance Statement

Hydrothermal carbonization is a newly developed technique used in generating carbon nanofibers. Despite its many advantages have certain challenges due to its undesired surface morphology and singly resultant production of microporous carbon. A better use of the hydrothermal carbonization technique in fabricating multiporous carbon nanofibers with the encapsulation of certain metal oxides is of relevance to areas where supercapacitors, in view of energy storage application is needed. Hence, various methods need to be implemented in improving the hydrothermal carbonization technique in order to achieve this feat.

Researchers led by Professor Yong Wang from Zhejiang University in China developed a new dopamine-assisted hydrothermal carbonization technique to fabricate manganese oxide encapsulated multiporous carbon nanofibers M-MCNFs from glucose. The research work is now published in peer-reviewed journal, Nano Research.

With the addition of cryptomelane nanowires, the authors were able to verify the importance of dopamine addition, as it supported the formation of carbon nanofibers. The manganese oxide encapsulated multiporous carbon nanofibers structures contained hierarchical pore structures such as macropores, mesopores and micropores.

The presence of dopamine, which was responsible for the quick formation of carbon nanofibers also aided the cryptomelane hard-templates of manganese oxide nanowires and glucose reaction. The presence of F127 aided the discovery of mesoporous structures with higher specific surface area and volume for manganese oxide encapsulated multiporous carbon nanofibers compared with the manganese oxide carbon nanofibers.

Further results also highlighted the reduction of the cryptomelane hard-template of manganese oxide to nanowires of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles after high-temperature  annealing. The presence of Mn₃O₄ favored the capacitive performance of the manganese oxide encapsulated multiporous carbon nanofibers as the active redox sites were enhanced by the multipores which prevents the introduction of post disposition procedure.

The structural properties with large surface areas and hierarchical pores (macropores, mesopores and micropores) made the manganese oxide encapsulated multipores carbon nanofibers a far better choice for applications of supercapacitors.

From electrochemical measurements, the authors were able to show that manganese oxide encapsulated carbon nanofibers possess a favorable charge-discharge properties as well as high cycle stability and high capacity retention when tested under different electrolytes.

The method used in fabricating the manganese oxide encapsulated multiporous carbon nanofibers by the way of the authors creates an avenue for improved energy storage applications with the use of renewable source such as biomass. The strategy also pave a way to synthesize porous carbon nanofibers from biomass.

About The Author

Yong Wang studied chemical engineering at Xiang-tan University from 1998 to 2002. He received his Ph.D. degree from Zhejiang University in 2007. After a postdoctoral stay at the Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, he joined the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam/Germany in 2009. He rejoined Zhejiang University and became a Professor for Chemistry in 2011. His research focuses on design and synthesis of novel materials for energy conversion and storage, heterogeneous catalysis and biomass conversion.

About The Author

Haiyan Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Advanced Materials and Catalysis Group at Zhejiang University under the direction of Prof. Yong Wang. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Henan Normal University in 2013. Her research interests are synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials and their applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices.

Journal Reference

Wang, H., Deng, J., Chen, Y., Xu, F., Wei, Z., Wang, Y. Hydrothermal Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Encapsulated Multiporous Carbon Nanofibers for Supercapacitors, Nano Research 9 (2016) 2672-2680.

Advanced Materials and Catalysis Group, ZJU-NHU United R&D Center, Center for Chemistry of High-Performance and Novel Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Go To Nano Research Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Reformulation of parameters of the logistic function applied to power curves of wind turbines

Significance Statement

The power curve of a wind turbine indicates the relationship between the wind speed and the electric power supplied. Therefore, it is widely used when analyzing or studying a wind turbine or a wind farm. The power curve of a wind turbine is the one provided in the manufacturer’s paperwork. This paper will focus on the modeling of this curve although measurements in the wind turbine in a wind farm will eventually reveal conditions that can slightly differ from those stated by the manufacturer. There are circumstances that can affect the operating conditions, and they include, turbulence, gusty winds, wind shear, wake effects, icing and component fatigue in the wind turbine.

Daniel Villanueva and Andrés Feijóo from de Vigo university in Spain proposed a method that would lead to the reformulation of parameters of the logistic function applied to power curves of wind turbines. They presented an alternative procedure to obtain parameters of the 4-parameter logistic function in order to improve the model. Their work is now published in peer-reviewed journal, Electric Power Systems Research.

The models used were based on the 4-parameter logistic function model, where the relationship between wind speed and generated power is a continuous curve. The parameters of the model obtained by using optimization techniques have no technical meaning. In order to know the influence of the wind turbine’s features and behaviors, another model is needed. The reason behind using parameters with some technical meaning is in order to assess the power curve from a theoretical point of view and obtain the weight of each parameter in the power curve and in the power output.

The method adopted in this paper consists of obtaining the parameters of the model from the features of a wind turbine power curve. Each feature investigated imposes a constraint that must be satisfied by the model, and this contributes to the configuration of the end result. Therefore, a deterministic process is proposed to obtain the parameters of the 4-parameter logistic model, which are obtained directly from the features of the power curve.

Three wind turbine power curve models based on a reformulation of the parameters of the logistic curve function were presented. The first one 4P-DP is similar to the 4-parameter logistic function but takes into account a deterministic procedure to obtain its parameters making the model meaningful since it provides information on the wind turbine behavior.

The second model (4P-DS), obtained by the means of simplification, some issues were improved, for instance, approximations to the power curve lower values of wind speed and ease of obtaining probability density function (PDF) expressions. The models consist of a continuous function that simplified the implementation of the curve in a computer program compared to the piecewise models.

The third one (3P-DP) simplifies even more the former expression and provides an easy way to model the power curve with just three parameters.

One result that can be obtained from these models is the expression of the PDF of the output power. This will provide a cumulative behavior of the power and can be used as input data to solve more complex problems such as probabilistic load flow, where the probabilistic behavior of the power is taken into consideration.

In order to check the proposed models, several wind turbines were taken into account. This was in a bid to make detailed comparison of wind turbines of the same rated power from difference manufacturers, and to check models for a wide range of rated powers.

About The Author

Daniel Villanueva joined the Departamento de Enxeñería Eléctrica of the Universidade de Vigo, Spain, in 2009, obtaining a PhD built on the analysis of the correlation among neighboring wind speeds and its joint impact in the electrical networks. As a consequence, he has co-developed several mathematical/technical tools, as the following: analysis of the wind speed behaviour, simulation of correlated non-Normal series of data, different wind power curve models, expressions for the wind power Probability Density Function, analysis of Probabilistic Load Flow with wind power, simulation of wind speed data for Economic Dispatch assessment, etc.

About The Author

Andrés Elías Feijóo Lorenzo received his MsC in electrical engineering from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in 1990. After this, he obtained a PhD degree in electrical engineering from the Universidade de Vigo, Spain, with a thesis about the influence of wind farms in steady-state security assessment and power quality of large electrical power networks.

He is now with the Departamento de Enxeñería Eléctrica of this university and his field of research is wind energy, in particular steady-state and dynamic models of wind turbines, and simulation of wind turbines and wind farms including the analysis of the behavior of wind speed. All mathematical tools for the approach to these problems are of interest.

Reference

Daniel Villanueva, Andrés E. Feijóo. Reformulation of parameters of the logistic function applied to power curves of wind turbines. Electric Power Systems Research, volume 137 (2016), pages 51–58.

Departamento de Enxeñería Eléctrica, Universidade de Vigo, EEI, Campus de Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain.

 

Go To Electric Power Systems Research Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Photovoltaic energy systems with battery storage for residential areas: an economic analysis

Significance Statement

Photovoltaic energy finds its application in various fields like agriculture, industry, telecommunication, etc. In the global energy market, photovoltaic energy helps in creating a sustainable development. Various methods have been adopted to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. To decrease the global temperature level, burning of fossil fuels should be eliminated. Renewable sources of energy are used as an alternative to fossil fuels. The demand for energy and its consumption is increasing every year.

A group of researchers from the University of L’Aquila in Italy considered a residential sector where they evaluated the profitability of mono-crystalline photovoltaic systems, without any subsidies. They also evaluated the profitability of lead acid energy storage system. Based on discounted cash flows, a quantitative analysis is proposed with a sensitivity analysis of the photovoltaic system; its investment cost, electricity purchase and sale prices, insolation levels, battery storage capacities was also conducted.

The authors performed a case study which showed that the installed power and the electrical generation increased every year. To reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, two parameters were considered; one is the emissions released by a national energy mix and the other is the emissions released by the photovoltaic system. To increase self-consumption, the energy storage system is considered.

Photovoltaic system saves energy through internal consumption. The investment cost is high for implementing the system. But, the operation and the maintenance cost are low due to free solar radiation. There are several factors through which the energy output of the photovoltaic system depends. The factors include the insolation rate, the efficiency of balance of system, the installed photovoltaic modules and the nominal power of the modules.

An efficiency reduction factor is considered for the photovoltaic system. The profit obtained from the energy storage system is obtained by saving energy through internal consumption. Photovoltaic systems play a major role in environmental protection and also serve as an economic opportunity. The performance is improved by increasing self-consumption. In sunny areas, photovoltaic systems produce high amount of energy and hence the potential revenue in southern regions are more than the northern regions.

Harmonization between the consumption and production of energy is achieved by using the energy in periods of solar productivity or by using intelligent machinery. A set of input variable is assumed and the net present value is taken. A sensitivity analysis is implemented on the critical variables. By implementing a battery in the photovoltaic system, the intermittence of energy can be resolved. The stability of the applications is thus achieved. The size of the battery and its capacity to store energy need to be considered based on the applications and the demand for energy.

From the proposed mathematical model, the authors defined the breakeven point at which the photovoltaic battery system becomes economically feasible (see figure 1). Static and dynamic scenarios is proposed for the uncertainty that adversely affect the decision making process. Photovoltaic sector plays a strategic role in energy economics. This source is being developed in major countries for clean energy production.

About The Author

Federica Cucchiella is an Associate Professor of Managerial Engineering in the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering & Economics, University of L’Aquila. In this University she teaches Managerial Economy. Her principal area of research regards supply chain management, real option and green supply chain. The results of her researchers are published on relevant international journals, book chapter and referred conference proceedings.

She has participated in several research projects on natural resources and supply chain management. She has organized a number of international and national conferences mainly in the field of supply chain and green supply chain management. She has received scholarships and prizes for academic excellence from various academic institutions and foundations.

She is a member of Editorial board of International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation by Emerald. She is author of more than 60 papers published on refereed books, journals and conference proceedings.

About The Author

Idiano D’Adamo was born in Vasto (Italy) in 1983. In 2008, he received the Master of Science in Management Engineering title. In 2012, he received the PhD in Electrical and Information Engineering. Both these titles were received from the University of L’Aquila. He worked in the University of Sheffield, the National Research Council of Italy and Politecnico di Milano. Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of L’Aquila. In August 2015, he published a paper in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews that was awarded with the Elsevier Atlas price. During its academic career, Idiano D’Adamo published 36 papers (publicly available in the Scopus database), receiving 501 citations and reaching an h-index of 14.His current research interests are sustainability, renewable energies management and waste management.

About The Author

Massimo Gastaldi is an Associate Professor in Managerial Engineering at University of L’Aquila since 1998 at Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics where he teaches Applied Economics in Engineering Science and Analysis of Financial Systems. Since 1991 he has contributed with several publications and edited books working for National Research Council (C.N.R.) and at University of Rome “Tor Vergata”. In 1995 he was visiting professor at the California State University, San Marcos, USA and in 1997 at Colorado University, Builder, USA.

Current research issues: regulation and public utilities, green supply chain management, renewable energy and real options, financial analysis. He was responsible manager of private and public research projects. He is editor in chief of the International Journal of Management and Network Economics published by Inderscience. He is author of more than 130 papers published on refereed books, journals and conference proceedings.

Journal Reference

Federica Cucchiella, Idiano D’Adamo, Massimo Gastaldi, Photovoltaic energy systems with battery storage for residential areas: an economic analysis, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 131, 2016, Pages 460–474.

Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Via G. Gronchi 18, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy.

 

Go To Journal of Cleaner Production Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Robust Environmental-Economic Dispatch Incorporating Wind Power Generation and Carbon Capture Plants

Significance Statement

Due to the proliferation of renewable power generation and the adoption of carbon capture technologies aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and alleviate environmental pollution, various uncertainties accompany the use of environmental-economic dispatch method. A two-stage robust optimization framework affords one of the best approaches used for coping with these uncertain factors. However, this approach has handiest been applied in optimization problems with sole objective. As a way of providing the most desirable and efficient control of carbon emissions, high generation cost as a result of energy consumption in carbon capture plants needs to be considered also.

A group of researchers led by Dr. Wei Wei from Tsinghua University and in collaboration with Dr. Jianhui Wang from Argonne National Laboratory in USA and professor Tiejiang Yuan from Xinjiang University in China proposed a robust environmental-economic dispatch method which provides both energy optimization and reverse scheduling while considering the operation of carbon capture plants and volatility of large-scale wind power generation. Additionally, they made use of a Nash bargaining criterion to strike a balance between generation cost and carbon emission without a clear carbon tax or emission cap for building a single-objective optimization model with clear physical meaning. The research work is now published in the journal, Applied Energy.

The authors devised a non-parametric scalarization model for the environmental-economic dispatch problem, which is shown to be equivalent to a second-order cone program, and suggested an adaptive scenario generation algorithm to solve the robust model in a tractable manner. The computations of the Pareto front could be achieved by using the ɛ-constraint method since both of the objectives under investigation are convex functions.

With the provision of the formulated environmental-economic dispatch model incorporating carbon capture plants and volatile wind generation, PJM 5-bus system and IEEE 118-bus system were used as case studies.

Simulation results from the PJM 5-bus system with a robust environmental-economic dispatch and absence of capture facilities gave a generating cost of $39,085 and carbon dioxide emission of 1166 tons, while the inclusion of contrived capture facilities led to a generating cost of $42, 123 and carbon dioxide emissions of 921 tons. The included capture facility led to an increase of 7.77% generating cost and a reduction of 26.6% carbon emission compared with the situation without capture facilities.

The carbon capture plants were also found to increase the system operating flexibility and enlarge the dispatchable region of wind power, as the energy consumption in capture facilities plays the role of spinning reserve capacity. Simulation results from the case studies of IEEE 118-bus system similarly verified the efficiency of the proposed methodology to perform the assigned task.

The proposed methodology in this study confirms that the combination of wind generation and carbon capture technology could provide an economic and environmental friendly operation for power systems, and the resulting dispatch problem can be solved in a theoretically sound manner.

About The Author

Wei Wei received the B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 2008 and 2013, respectively.
He was a Postdoctoral Researcher with Tsinghua University from 2013 to 2015. He was a Visiting Scholar with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, in 2014, and with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, in 2015. He is currently an Assistant Professor with Tsinghua University.

His research interests include applied optimization and energy economics. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed journal papers, with special emphasis on the integration of large-scale renewable generation. Most of them are published in IEEE Transaction journals and Elsevier energy related periodicals. He is currently focusing on the operation and market issues of the networked energy systems, including the electric power grid, natural gas pipeline network, district heating network, and electrified transportation network.

About The Author

Feng Liu received the B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 1999 and 2004, respectively.

He is currently an Associate Professor of Tsinghua University. His research interests include power system stability, control, and distributed optimization.

About The Author

Jianhui Wang received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA, in 2007.

Dr. Jianhui Wang is the Section Manager for Advanced Power Grid Modeling in the Energy Systems division at Argonne National Laboratory. Dr. Wang is the Principal Investigator for a multitude of energy-related research projects focused on smart grid, microgrids, power system operation and control, renewable integration, grid resilience and cyber-security. He currently manages a group of 12 research staff and postdocs and 14 visiting students and scholars. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Computation Institute at The University of Chicago, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame and an Affiliate Professor at Auburn University. He has also held visiting positions in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong including a VELUX Visiting Professorship at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). He has been invited to give tutorials and keynote speeches at major conferences including IEEE SmartGridComm, IEEE SEGE, IEEE HPSC and IGEC-XI.

Dr. Wang is the secretary of the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Power System Operations committee. Before being promoted and elected to this position, he was the chair of the IEEE PES Power System Operation Methods Subcommittee for six years. He is also the recipient of the IEEE Chicago Section 2012 Outstanding Young Engineer Award.

Dr. Wang has authored and/or co-authored more than 200 journal and conference publications, which have been cited for more than 5,000 times by his peers. He is an associate editor of Journal of Energy Engineering and an editorial board member of Applied Energy. He served as guest editor for a special issue of the IEEE Power and Energy Magazine on Electrification of Transportation, which won an APEX Grand Award. Dr. Wang also served as the editor of Artech House Publishers’ Power Engineering Book Series, and as the Technical Program Chair of the 2012 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies conference.

Dr. Wang is the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid and an IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer. He is the recipient of the IEEE PES Power System Operation Committee Prize Paper Award in 2015.

About The Author

Shengwei Mei received the B.Sc. degree in mathematics from Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China, the M.Sc. degree in operations research from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, and the Ph.D. degree in automatic control from Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, in 1984, 1989, and 1996, respectively.

He is currently a Professor of Tsinghua University and a Fellow of the IEEE. His research interests include power system analysis and control, game theory and its application in power systems.

Journal Reference

W. Wei¹, F. Liu¹, J. Wang², L. Chen¹, S. Mei¹, T. Yuan³, Robust Environmental-Economic Dispatch Incorporating Wind Power Generation and Carbon Capture Plants, Applied Energy 183 (2016) 674–684.

Show Affiliations

1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
2. Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, 60439 IL, USA.
3. Department of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, 830046 Urumqi, China

 

Go To Applied Energy Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Structural Optimization of Vertical-axis wind Turbine Composite Blades Based on Finite Element Analysis and Genetic Algorithm

Significance Statement

Installing offshore wind farm can be challenging. Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) have maintenance difficulty due to the location of its rotor and drive-train which are to be installed at the top of very tall towers. To improve the use of wind turbine, vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) were introduced which overcame the disadvantages of HAWTs by locating their main components at the base of the wind turbine and made both installation and maintenance easier. It is possible to further improve the performance of wind turbine by optimizing the blades of the wind turbine. Wind turbine blades are made of composite materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and good fatigue performance. Additionally, wind turbine blades generally have complex structural layout including one or more shear webs and a number of composite plies placed at different ply angles, making their structural design quite challenging.

Dr. Lin Wang and colleagues from Cranfield University in the UK combined finite element analysis (FEA) and genetic algorithm (GA) to develop a structural optimization model of wind turbine composite blades. The research work is now published in peer-reviewed journal, Composite Structures.

The research team categorized the structural models used for wind turbine blades into two groups, that is one dimensional (1D) beam model and three dimensional (3D) FEA model. Due to the complexity of wind turbine blades structural layout, the team suggested combining FEA and GA to develop a structural optimization model of wind turbine composite blades. They applied the structural optimization model to ELECTRA 30 kW wind turbine blade, which is a novel VAWT blade, to optimize the structural layout of the blades. The optimization model took into consideration stress constraint, deformation constraint, vibration constraint, buckling constraint, and manufacturing maneuverability and continuity of laminate layups constraint.

The optimal blade design leads to a mass reduction of 17.4% in comparison with the initial design, the maximum total deformation is about 0.593 m and observed at the tip of the upper sail. The deformation value obtained is 15.3% lower than the allowable value of 0.7 m, the shows the new blade design is quite stiff and is not likely to experience large deformations. The team pointed out that the blade will not suffer from buckling, due to its load multiplier being 2.15 that is 43.33% higher than the minimum allowable value of 1.5. From the stress distribution, the research team observed the maximum positive normal stress to be 151.72 MPa, which is 52.90% lower when compared with the allowable value of 322.1 MPa. And the maximum negative normal stress (i.e. maximum compressive stress) to be very close to the allowable value.

This study demonstrated that the structural optimization model presented is capable of improving the efficiency of blade structural optimization and effectively and accurately determining the optimal structural layups of composite blades.

Reference

Lin Wang¹, Athanasios Kolios¹, Takafumi Nishino¹, Pierre-Luc Delafin, Theodore Bird², Structural optimization of vertical-axis wind turbine composite blades based on finite element analysis and genetic algorithm, Composite Structures 153 (2016) 123–138.

Show Affiliations

1. Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy Engineering, School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK.
2. Aerogenerator Project Limited, Ballingdon Mill, Sudbury CO10 7EZ, UK.

 

Go To Composite Structures Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Efficiency and Cost Optimization of a Regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle Power Plant through the Multi-Objective Approach

Significance Statement

The organic Rankine cycle system, which uses different sources of renewable energy, has developed interest due to its favorable support towards greenhouse gas depletion. With this development, what arises as a primary concern to technologists is how to strike a right stability between energy provision and plant cost. Also, the use of multi-objective optimization approach in obtaining this has not been well studied.

Professor Alfredo Gimelli and Colleagues from University of Naples Federico II, Napoli in Italy, discussed the use of a multi-objective optimization process approach to address the organic Rankine cycle ORC while considering the electrical efficiency and overall heat exchangers area in view of cost. They made use of octamethyltrisiloxane MDM as an organic fluid.  In their study the authors solved the multi-objective optimization problem of that of an organic Rankine cycle power plant of 1MW with a biomass heat source. The work is now published in peer-reviewed journal, Applied Thermal Engineering.

In the thermodynamic modeling, the cost of the heat exchanger area was a major determinant for that of the organic Rankine cycle system, and it was indirectly linked to the study of the economic potential of the plants.

The decision variables used in the multi-objective optimization approach include thermodynamic design parameters such as the minimum and maximum pressure of the thermodynamic cycle, regenerator efficiency, subcooling at the condenser outlet and superheating at the evaporator outlet.

Results from the multi-objective optimization process, with the use of the MOGA II algorithm when imputed to determine the Pareto optimal front between the two objectives of electric efficiency and plant costs shows a reasonable trade-off. An increase in overall efficiency, characterized high overall heat exchanger area. Likewise, high global electric efficiency resulted in high regenerator efficiency.

The Pareto optimal front solutions provided a range between 12.7 and 20.7KPa for the minimum and maximum pressure of the thermodynamic cycle. Pareto optimal front solutions also had an electric efficiency range between 14.1 and 18.9%, while that of the overall heat exchangers area ranges from 446 to 1097m².

The proposed methodology in this study provided an avenue for technologists to select the preferred solution for the exact use by making use of decision variables needed for objective functions in order to have a desired balance between cost and electric efficiency.

About The Author

Massimiliano Muccillo received his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, in 2008, discussing a thesis addressing the study of the prototype of a variable valve actuation system for a motorcycle engine. He received his Ph.D degree in Engineering of Mechanical Systems at the University of Naples Federico II, in 2012, discussing a thesis addressing the use of the multi-objective approach for the optimization of cogeneration systems. Since 2012, he has been a Research fellow at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Naples Federico II.

His research interests include modeling, analysis and optimization of spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion, CHP systems and ORC systems. SAE member since 2012. ATI member since 2012. Author of about 25 scientific publications (13 SCOPUS). “Key Scientific Article contributing to the excellence in Energy research” by RENEWABLE ENERGY GLOBAL INNOVATIONS in 2014.

About The Author

Alfredo Gimelli: Associate Professor of Fluid Machines and Energy Systems at the Department of industrial Engineering of the University of Napoli Federico II (Italy). Scientific Council Member of the Industrial Engineering doctoral since 2012. Scientific Council Member of the Mechanical Engineering doctoral since 2008. Research interests are related to: – Internal Combustion Engines: Experiments and Modeling;- Energy Efficiency; – Renewable Energy: Biomass, CSP Thermodynamic Cycles and Syngas from Waste; – Combined Heat and Power; – Multi Objective Optimization; – ORC Power Plants.

Graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Napoli (Italy) in 1994. Philosophic Doctor in Mechanical Engineering in 1999. SAE member since 2003. ATI member since 1997. Author of more than 70 scientific publications (40 SCOPUS – 15 ISI journals) and 1 European Patent. ACA Noise&Vibration Award in 2005. “Key Scientific Article contributing to the excellence in Energy research” by RENEWABLE ENERGY GLOBAL INNOVATIONS in 2014. Scientific responsible of more than 10 research programs/projects/contracts. Creator and founder of a high-tech company in the renewable and energy saving technologies.

Reference

Gimelli, A., Luongo, A., Muccillo, M. Efficiency and Cost Optimization of a Regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle Power Plant through the Multi-Objective Approach, Applied Thermal Engineering 114 (2017) 601–610.

DII – Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Napoli, Italy.

Go To Applied Thermal Engineering Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: The Impact of the EU Car CO2 Regulation on the Energy System and the Role of Electro-Mobility to Achieve Transport Decarbonisation

Significance Statement

Several fuel-efficient technologies that can deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption were developed in recent years for standard gasoline vehicles. Other technologies such as full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric have garnered significant attention lately as ways to reduce petroleum consumption, lower consumer fuel costs, standard gasoline vehicles and reduce  CO₂ emission targets.

The European Union adopted a CO₂ legislation, setting specific CO₂ emission targets of the average new fleet at 130 g/km and 95 g/km by the end of 2020 and onwards. The EU proposed to reduce the total GHG emissions in the EU by 40% in 2030 over the 1990 levels.

Christian Thiel and colleagues from Directorate for Energy, Transport and Climate, Joint Research Centre – European Commission looked at how the European Union CO₂ car legislation, can contribute towards an overall EU 40% greenhouse gases reduction target and how it may foster the deployment of electro-mobility in Europe. The study is now published in peer-reviewed journal, Energy Policy.

The EU policy will have an impact on the technological mix in the transport sector, and also affects the overall energy sector due to the substitution of fuels. The authors used a TIMES based energy system model to analyze the newly introduced policy, they also based their study on a car sector at a much higher technology detail in the context of the car CO₂ legislation than employed in previous studies.

The study reported that in all scenarios, electric vehicles become the major powertrain option by 2050 while other cars required higher costs and led to higher emissions. According to the scenarios, electric vehicles will become a cost-efficient technology for decarbonizing the energy system beyond 2035 and a deployment of electric vehicles will sharply increase between 2020-2030 at learning rates > 12.5%, and reaching shares >30% by 2030.

The analysis also showed that regulating CO₂ emission from cars is an effective CO₂ mitigation policy regarding the total emission abatement that can be achieved not only in cars but also through increased renewable power. C. Thiel: “Electro-mobility can accelerate the deployment of low-carbon power technologies in Europe”.

The authors point out that stricter CO₂ emissions limits beyond 2020 can have a positive impact on energy security aspects as it can reduce the consumption of fossil oil based fuels in the EU. Future plans are to increase the accuracy of energy/transport models used in the energy analysis and to address customer behavior and their willingness to invest in low carbon technologies.

About The Author

Christian Thiel leads the project “Modelling for Smart, Clean, and Efficient Mobility” in the Sustainable Transport Unit of the Joint Research Centre, the European Commission’s science and knowledge service. Christian’s research interests are transport decarbonisation, technology innovation, interaction between electro-mobility and the power/energy system. He has published numerous papers and reports in this field. The scientific and technical advice work of Christian and his colleagues supports European policies in the energy and transport field.

Christian joined the European Commission in 2009. Before, he worked 12 years in the automotive industry, amongst others, as European Engineering Project Manager for the Chevrolet Volt/ Opel Ampera.

He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science (Geooekologie) from the Technical University Braunschweig, a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Université Paris VI and an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University Frankfurt (Main).

Journal Reference

Christian Thiel¹, Wouter Nijs¹, Sofia Simoes¹, Johannes Schmidt²,  Arnold van Zyl³, Erwin Schmid², The Impact of the EU Car CO2 Regulation on the Energy System and the Role of Electro-Mobility to Achieve Transport Decarbonisation, Energy Policy 96 (2016) 153–166.

Show Affiliation

¹ Institute for Energy and Transport, Joint Research Centre – European Commission, Italy and The Netherlands.

² University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Austria.

³ Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), Stuttgart, Germany.

 

Go to Energy Policy Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Pumped hydro energy storage in buildings

Significance Statement

In Arras, France, amongst the innumerous historical buildings there is a contemporary one, the Goudemand residence, making history by itself. The building, managed by Pas-de-Calais habitat, the region’s social operator, has been recently renovated with the implementation of solar panels and wind turbines on the roof in an effort to render it grid-independent. But what makes such building really unique is the presence of an open water storage tank in the roof connected to another one in the basement.

The system is used as a giant battery: to store energy, water is pumped from the lower to the higher reservoir. To later retrieve that energy, water is transferred from the higher reservoir to the lower reservoir through a turbine. The concept is not new. Pumped hydro is the most widely deployed energy storage technology worldwide. In Belgium, one example is the Coo-Trois-Ponts power station that provides an important balancing of the national power grid and has the main task of reactivating the power grid in case of blackout. Despite typically consisting of very large installations, the maturity and simplicity of pumped hydro has frequently prompted the question as to whether such technology could be used on a smaller scale, namely in buildings.

Recently, at least part of that question has been demystified in the article Pumped hydro energy storage in buildings published in the Applied Energy journal by researchers Guilherme Silva and Patrick Hendrick from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The researchers started by looking at existing installations and the results seemed grim. Information regarding small installations was scarce and the smallest installation they could find in the literature was for an island in Greece, but still too large to be applied to a building. Hearing about the Goudemand residence, so close to home, was a great boost to morale.

The researchers analysed the installation and built a model that allowed them to extrapolate results for other buildings. They realised that the economies of scale that render large pumped hydro installations economically viable were not present in small installations. Also, a large volume of water is needed, making such installations bulky and heavy, a difficult fit for urban settings. Integrating such installation with the building’s water system is also cumbersome: the water quality would be difficult to control and both systems require a contrasting dimensioning. At the same time, other options for energy storage, such as lithium-ion batteries, enjoy very strong price reductions that are not expected to hit pumped hydro which uses mature technologies such as water pumps.

There is, however, a bright side to it: installations large enough and, for instance, close to canals would have significantly lower costs. Also, the full impact of such installation (on CO2 emissions for example) is yet to be calculated and compared to other technologies. Energy storage still has a long way ahead and only time will tell which technologies make to the end. Until then, installations such as the Goudemand residence help to pump up knowledge on the subject.

Source: Transition énergétique: Pas-de-Calais habitat innove et expérimente l’autonomie énergétique des parties communes dans l’une de ses résidences. Pas-de-Calais habitat press release (2012).

About The Author

Patrick Hendrick is the Head of Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Department at ULB (Université libre de Bruxelles) in Belgium.

He is active in research fields related to renewable energy and more particularly to energy storage, with projects on battery energy storage, pumped hydro energy storage, CAES or “green” hydrogen for seasonal storage with PEMFCs.

About The Author

Guilherme de Oliveira e Silva is a researcher at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium where he has been studying the electric power industry, namely the impact of market liberalisation and the increased share of renewable energy sources and storage. ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Google Scholar.

Journal Reference

Guilherme de Oliveira e Silva, Patrick Hendrick. Pumped hydro energy storage in buildings. Applied energy 179 (2016) 1242–1250.

Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Dept. (ATM), École Polytechnique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium.

Go To Applied Energy  Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Highly Efficient Sulfonic MCM-41 Catalyst for Furfural Production: Furan-Based Biofuel Agent

Significance Statement

Biomass, which is an important source of renewable energy offer advantages in terms of non-emission of greenhouse gases, ready availability and versatility in producing different organic materials. The conversion of biomass to biofuels such as furfural via xylose dehydration in the presence of an acidic catalyst has been extensively studied due to the multifarious capabilities of furfural. However, investigations need to be extended due to the fact that the conversion process may take a long time and sometimes, the acid catalysts used may face certain challenges due to high limits in reusability and unfavorable conversion process.

Researchers led by Professor Chanatip Samart from Thammasat University in Thailand studied the characteristics of a sulfonic-based functionalized MCM-41 catalyst SO₃H-MCM-41 for the production of furfural from xylose monomers. The research work which is now published in the journal, Fuel carried on further investigations on its hydrophobic and porous nature towards performances on xylose dehydration.

Being known, that the level of acidity presence, in the catalyst directly affects the rate at which xylose is being converted, the authors added acidic sites on the SO₃-MCM-41 catalyst, with the first obtained as propyl sulfonic acid catalyst PrSO₃H-MCM-41 and the second, methyl propyl sulfonic acid catalyst MPrSO₃H-MCM-41. The functional methyl group of MPrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst was investigated in order to verify its influence on performance, while its pore size diameter was controlled by using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a templating agent and another, by increasing the temperature to 50⁰C.

With the use of ammonia-temperature programmed desorption analyses, the authors found a higher presence of acid density in MPrSO₃-MCM-41 catalyst compared to that of PrSO₃H-MCM-41. However, a lower density was observed in the former.

The methyl propyl sulfonic acid catalyst at a certain increase in reaction temperature (140, 155 and 170°C) and reaction time led to an increase in the rate of xylose dehydration. However, the optimum yield and selectivity of furfural was observed in reaction time and temperature of 2h and 155°C with values of 68.6 and 71.9% respectively. The MPrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst also had a higher rate of xylose dehydration and turn over frequency TOF compared to PrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst as the turn over frequency increased from 5.47h^-1 to 8.15h^-1. This result indicates that the higher acid density of MPrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst resulted to a higher turnover frequency values.

They also showed that reduced pore diameter of the MPrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst led to a higher yield and selectivity of furfural with values greater than 90 and 93% respectively. Moreover, continual use of the MPrSO₃H-MCM-41 catalyst for a period of three cycles at the optimal reaction process still showed a better xylose dehydration but the furfural yield and selectivity decreased drastically.

The authors in this study were able to develop an alkyl sulfonic-based catalyst which has a high efficiency in xylose dehydration and selectivity of furfural.

About The Author

Dr. Chanatip Samart is currently Assistant Professor at Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University and Assistant Dean in Graduate Study, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University. He received the B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). After that, he recieved the Master and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, from Kasetsart University. He was appointed lecturer in Department of Chemistry, Thammasat University in year 2006.

He was deputy Dean, and Head of Chemistry Department in year 2009 and 2012, respectively. He received the award of outstanding young researcher from Thammasat University in year 2009. He is a member of Chemical Society of Thailand, American Chemical Society, and The Chemical Society of Japan. His research interest is biomass conversion, catalysis and surface modification.

Journal Reference

S. Kaiprommarat¹, S. Kongparakul¹, P. Reubroycharoen², G. Guan³, C. Samart¹, Highly efficient sulfonic MCM-41 catalyst for furfural production: Furan-based biofuel agent, Fuel 174 (2016) 189–196.

Show Affiliations

1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
2. Department of Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
3. North Japan Research Institute of Sustainable Energy (NJRISE), Hirosaki University, Aomori 030-0813, Japan

 

Go To Fuel  Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Lactic acid production from recycled paper sludge: Process intensification by running fed-batch into a membrane-recycle bioreactor

Significance Statement

Lactic acid has many industrial applications. It acts as a precursor of polylactic acid that is promptly broadening in the market as a suitable substitute of petrochemical-based plastics. Polylactic acid is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. During combination of homopolymers poly-l-lactic acid and poly-d-lactic acid, high optical purity is used by which regular structures are formed in the crystalline phase. The ratio of poly-l-lactic acid and poly-d-lactic revamps the properties and disintegratability of polylatctic acid.

However D-lactic acid is non-edible and can be toxic. Hence there arose challenges in producing optically pure lactic acid using economical renewable resources. Large amounts of waste is produced by European paper industry of which seventy percent of recycled paper production. So it is indispensable to identify economical and environmentally sustainable application to avoid harmful deposition in landfills. Portuguese researchers proposed an approach to improve the production of lactic acid using recycled paper sludge as an attractive alternative raw material.

The selective production of L(+)-lactic acid from recycled paper sludge by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation had already been implemented under a pulsed fed-batch mode using lactobacillus rhamnosus. Many studies have made clear that lactic acid promotes an important inhibitor effect both on cell growth and on lactic acid production. On preferring a fed-batch strategy, a high lactic acid concentration is achieved significantly limiting the conversion.

Various approaches had been suggested to avoid product inhibition on lactic acid fermentation, but product removal is the most effective approach. Susana Oliveira Marques and her colleagues proposed membrane separation processes, which have many advantages in terms of energy efficiency, separation capacity, etc. and also possesses increased capacity, yield by operating at high cell densities and avoiding product inhibition.

The authors’ objective is to intensify simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) implementation into a membrane-recycle bioreactor in which the substrate was fed to the fermentor and the reaction mixture is continuously recycled through an external filtration unit. Thereby, maintaining a stream with constant product concentration while extending operation the product is removed as soon as it was formed.

To get consistent product concentrations, high dry matter contents should be used for running simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes. However, on handling high solids loadings, the operational feasibility of membrane bioreactors is doubtful as they disintegrated membranes functionality due to increased cake layer formation and membrane fouling. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes not only grow microbial cells, but also deals with residual lignocellulosic solid material providing a very high content of suspended solids.

According to the authors, it was very important to adequately select the module configuration and process conditions, so as to decrease the concentration polarization phenomena. Instead of using high flow velocities and lower transmembrane pressures, dynamic membrane filtration configuration should be adopted to promote higher membrane shear rate.

Henceforth the team of author’s study proposed flat sheet filtration module will be allowed by promoting the feed stream pass along the surface at a high cross flow velocity, and thus operating as a dynamic cross-flow filtration system. Porous asymmetric polymeric membranes with an ultrafiltration process would be implemented. Polysulphone and polyether sulphone membranes, exhibiting very good chemical and thermal stability could  be utilized for micro and ultrafiltration.

Thereby authors suggested the best approach to run the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process for the lactic acid production from recycled paper sludge into the in house membrane recycle bioreactor (MRB) based on the product inhibition along with the limitations imposed by the high solids concentrations. It would improve other simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes dealing with high-solids concentrations, also using cost-effective lignocellulosic feedstock biorefineries. For instance, the fermentation that produces butanol, an advanced biofuel platform, is also strongly affected by end-product inhibition, and thus this bioprocess might also be enhanced by applying the authors’ proposed strategy. In terms of alternative feedstocks for bio-production of lactic acid, the combination of recycled paper sludge with a lignocellulosic material exhibiting lower ash content, such as brewer’s spent grains, might be important by reducing the gathering of unreacted inert to elimination.

The attractiveness of the innovative system proposed by these authors thus lies in the application of membrane assisted technology, under a MRB configuration, to a SSF process dealing with high suspended solids loadings, which might improve several biorefinery processes.

Journal Reference

S. Marques¹, C.T. Matos^1,4, F.M. Gírio¹, J.C. Roseiro¹, J.A.L. Santos^2,3, Lactic acid production from recycled paper sludge: Process intensification by running fed-batch into a membrane-recycle bioreactor, Biochemical Engineering Journal, Volume 120, April 2017, Pages 63–72

Show Affiliations

1. Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P. (LNEG), Unidade de Bioenergia, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar 22, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal.
2. Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
3. IBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
4. Current address: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES), Sustainability Assessment Unit, Via Fermi, 21021, Ispra, VA, Italy

 

Go To Biochemical Engineering Journal Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)

Renewable Energy Global Innovations features: Assessment on the Research Trend of Low-Carbon Energy Technology Investment: A Bibliometric Analysis

Significance Statement

As a result of high carbon emission which leads to global warming, there exists a persistent desire to create an alternative route for energy supply from renewable sources. The fusion of low-carbon energy technologies, which is a form of renewable energy to the developing world would not only reduce emission of carbon particles but also satisfy energy demand.

Despite the use of bibliometric analytical method of study and evaluation of previous research with focus on low-carbon technology investment, there exists a need for more detailed bibliometric strategy to provide an encompassing knowledge in this field.

Dr. Zhifu Mi and colleagues conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from obtainable literatures in order to find the research status and trend in line with that of the low-carbon energy technology investment, coupled with measurements of comprehension strength between countries, followed by a frequency analysis of keywords to discover research hot topics as a base for future assessment and lastly, provision of relevant ideas needed for the future development and investment of low-carbon energy technology. The paper is now published in the journal, Applied Energy.

The authors made use of databases of Science Citation Index Expanded from 1981 to date and that of Social Sciences Citation Index dating back to 2002. They also considered some characteristic terms such as general statistics, number of countries’ publications, journal and subject distributions, authors and institution statistics, academic collaboration, article citation and comprehensive strength in the field of low-carbon energy technology investment among countries from 2121 publications.

Following the trends of top 10 productive countries, two stages were observed from the year 1985 to 2013; the first stage with stable development from 1985 to 2014 with research growth rate of 13.15%, and the second, with rapid development from 2005 to 2013 with research growth rate of 29.06%. This shows that the low-carbon energy technology investment has reached the rapid development stage.

The USA had the highest number of publications, followed by European countries of Germany and UK, and the fourth was China. Highest number of publications was observed in developed countries compared to the developing ones, but a decrease in disparity as years go by was also envisaged.

Energy Policy had the highest number of total publications, followed by Renewable Energy and Energy. However, the highest citations per publications were found in the journals of Biomass Bioenergy followed by International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Solar Energy. They also found Energy Fuel journal followed by the journals of Environmental Sciences Ecology and Engineering to have the highest number of subjects related to the low-carbon energy technology investment.

The national comprehensive strength of the USA, in the field of the low-carbon technology was the highest followed by the UK. European countries dominated the top 15 productive countries with inclusion of developing countries of China and Turkey.

When the authors analysed the frequency of keywords, “renewable energy” was discovered to be the mostly used. “Carbon capture and storage” was observed to be an emerging keyword with an upward trend, followed by the frequently used “electricity”. Research hotspots with keywords such as “policy”, “real option theory” and “uncertainty” are also developing rapidly.

This study was able to provide a broad bibliometric method which analyzed the investment in low-carbon energy technology for future assessments.

About The Author

Dr. Zhifu Mi is a Senior Research Associate in the School of International Development, University of East Anglia (UEA) and Senior Research Fellow in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. He is a Managing Guest Editor of Journal of Cleaner Production (IF=4.959). His research is focused on climate change mitigation, energy policy, and climate change economic theories and modelling. He has authored over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

He was invited to write a review article entitled Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) for Climate Change in Oxford Bibliographies which invites top scholars and researchers in the field to contribute. He has served as an Author for Chapter 37 on International Policies and Actions to Tackle Climate Change in the Third National Assessment Report on Climate Change which is known as Chinese “IPCC Assessment Report”.

Journal Reference

H. Yu^1,2,3,4, Y.M. Wei^1,2,3, B.J. Tang^1,2,3, Z. Mi^1,5, S.Y. Pan^1,2,3, Assessment on the Research Trend of Low-Carbon Energy Technology Investment: A Bibliometric Analysis, Applied Energy 184 (2016) 960–970.

Show Affiliations

1. Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
2. School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
3. Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing 100081, China
4. Visitor of Energy Policy Research Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1AG, UK
5. School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK

 

Go To Applied Energy  Read more research excellence studies on: Renewable Energy Global Innovations (http://ift.tt/21cCPA4)