Abstract
Understanding and modeling of coal and biomass pyrolysis assume particular importance being the first step occurring in both gasification and combustion processes. The complex chemical reaction network occurring in this step leads to a necessary effort in developing a suitable model framework capable of grasping the physics of the phenomenon and allowing a deeper comprehension of the sequence of events. The aim of this work is to show how the intrinsic flexibility of a model based on a double distribution of the activation energy is able to properly describe the two separate steps of primary and secondary pyrolysis, which characterize the thermochemical processing of most of the energetic materials. The model performance was tested by fitting the kinetic parameters from experimental data obtained by thermogravimetric analysis of two materials, which represent very different classes of energy source: a microalgae biomass and a sub-bituminous coal. The model reproduces with high accuracy the pyrolysis behavior of both the materials and adds important information about the relative occurring of the two pyrolysis steps.
Highlights
The environmental impact of fossil fuel exploitation is promoting the development of energetic conversion processes of renewable energy sources, such as biomass
From the TG curves of both materials, the two steps of the pyrolysis are clearly visible, the first referring to the primary pyrolysis and occurring at lower temperatures (450–700 K) and the second at higher ones
The double Gaussian distributed activation energy model was developed to overcome the inadequacy of the single Gaussian model to properly describe both the pyrolysis steps, primary and secondary, which instead energetic materials of different nature show when submitted to the pyrolysis conditions
Summary
The environmental impact of fossil fuel exploitation is promoting the development of energetic conversion processes of renewable energy sources, such as biomass. The use of biomass helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels as well as the carbon dioxide emissions responsible for the greenhouse effect, due to its CO2 neutrality [1]. Microalgae have been identified as one of the most promising biomass sources of energy [2]. In comparison with traditional terrestrial crops, microalgae do not require arable lands and can be produced all year round at high growth rate with a reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides [3,4]. Microalgae biomass can be converted into energy by means of thermochemical processes, such as pyrolysis, gasification and combustion. To be economically viable, microalgae cultures need very large areas (lakes, ponds or water surfaces)
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