Bioenergy Research Articles

Ecological Bio Energy Materials in Ukraine Current State and Prospects of Production Development

The article presents the results of the analysis of the state of bioenergy in Ukraine in recent years, and notes a significant gap between its development indicators and those of other countries in the world. Measures for accelerated rates of biofuel production for the period up to 2025 and its projected indicators are substantiated. In particular, total biofuel production in Ukraine should increase from 2.83 million to 6.2 million tons, including: solid types up to - 3.5 million tons BOE, liquid-up to 0.7 million tons BOE, biogas-up to 2.0 million tons BOE. The list of main types of raw materials for biofuel production is given. The economic, technological, and economic characteristics of the main bioenergy crops, plantations of which are recommended to be laid in the coming years, are given. These performance indicators are obtained in production experiments, especially the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, as well as reduce emissions of harmful substances during combustion. It is established that such a crop as Paulownia is the fastest growing plant (5-6 m per year). Another advantage of Paulownia is the high degree of environmental friendliness. One hectare consumes 1200 tons of CO2, significantly improving degraded, marginal land. The recommendations for the creation of industrial plantations of bioenergy crops and the material and technical base for processing are substantiated. Total costs for bioenergy by 2025 in the amount of $ 1,379 million have been determined. Proposal for co-operation of producers and processors of bio-raw materials at the local level is suggested.

Pyrolysing Horse Manure via Microwave-Induced Heating for Bioenergy Recovery

Transforming waste to energy is essential in view of the need to search for greener and more sustainable energy sources. Such transformation of energy is also aligned with the aim of reducing excessive waste generation whilst creating potential biofuel pathways for power generation. In the present study, animal waste in the form of horse manure is being used as feedstock to undergo microwave-induced pyrolysis via a fixed-bed pyrolysis rig. The relationship of the pyrolysis parameters such as pyrolysis temperature of 350 and 550 ?C, carrier gas flow rate of 0.5 and 1.5 L/min and ratio of horse manure to activated carbon blend of 1:2 and 1:1, with the yield of pyrolysed products is studied. The derived pyrolysis products in the form of solid, liquid and gaseous are characterised and quantified. Result shows that the highest yield of solid, liquid and gaseous products obtained are 78.8 wt%, 24.7 wt% and 34.2 wt%. Solid yield is observed to decrease with increasing pyrolysis temperature while gaseous yield shows a reverse trend. Higher carrier gas flow rate is observed to lower the generation of gaseous and liquid yield while increasing the solid yield. Higher amount of activated carbon within the feedstock is seen to lower the solid yield but increase the gaseous and liquid yields. The liquid yield is found to contain 55.78 wt% of phenolic compounds while gaseous product consists of up to 55 vol% of syngas. The control of the operating conditions in pyrolysis rig enables the production of pyrolysis end products in different phases, generating useful bioenergy and biofertilizer products in the context of circular economy.

A decision support strategy for Jatropha seed collection for biodiesel making through graphical approach

Oil from Jatropha and Pongamia seeds are more appropriate in the production of bio-diesel. This bio energy replaces petro-diesel and deserves specific attention. However the warehousing and distribution of oil seeds is highly a dense task. This issue is being addressed by many supply chain models using different algorithms namely, Markov chain process, Integer Programming, Benders decomposition, etc., The above mentioned algorithms give variety of solutions in the respective systems. The proposed model recommends the method of finding the optimal distribution centre(s) of Jatropha seed through optimised unilateral graphical approach with possible and necessary constraints. (Whichever applicable, and wherever needed).The supply chain process consists of four different levels of modules. This paper is focused on the initial level of process to identify the appropriate solution of distribution method using graphical approach algorithmically. The resultant solution obtained may go ahead to the next level of the module in the supply chain with network.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Evaluation of Pyrolysis of Plant Biomass using TGA

Abstract The kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the plant biomass waste of Banyan tree (Ficus Benghalensis) was carried out using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) at different heating rates of 10, 25 and 50°C min-1 under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. Using iso-conversional models of Kissenger-Akahira-Sunrose (KAS) and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), the average activation energy values were found to be of the range of 73.03 kJmol-1 and 79.74 kJmol-1, respectively. The application of Coats-Redfern method predicted that most appropriate mechanisms followed by thermal degradation of Banyan tree biomass are D5 and F3, based on diffusion and chemical reaction respectively, involving both exothermic and endothermic reactions for the temperature range under study. A kinetic compensation effect was found to follow the equation: lnA0=-4.1575+0.2042E. The Gibbs free energy value of ∼176.24 kJmol-1 and a difference of about ∼5 kJmol-1 between activation energy and enthalpy of the reaction indicate favorable product formation with considerable bio energy potential of Banyan tree biomass waste

Utilization of Liquid Fertilizers for Agro-Industrial Waste Management and Reducing Challenges through Nano-encapsulation-A Review

Due to the robust demand for food, fiber, and bio energy resources, there is a rapid hire for strategies that perform utilization of finite resources, providing a real provocation to the agricultural industry, investigator and collaborators. Released funds in agriculture around past years have seen the growth of organic manures and fertilizers. The enhanced use of microbial inoculants (Bacteria, Cyanobacteria and Fungi) in crop plants has increase the mobilization of key microelements in soil such as potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen. In account of the large scale agro-industrial waste collected in a year throughout the world, it contained a major share of lignocelluloses and starch. Here, we advocate the terminology, nano encapsulation of bio-inoculants and their potential in providing macronutrients for variant soil and plant biomes. Evidence to support larger crop yield are currently disconcerted by insufficient plot study and poor knowledge on their essential metabolism, which had led to conflicting reports on their field performance. There is moreover, a scope to improve sustainable macronutrient profiling in soil plant symbiotic system. The further investigation can be performed on studies that suggest entangling activities of microbial interactions in soil.

Bio energy to power rural sector in Indian scenario

Various developing countries have initiated a move towards shift towards dependence on renewable sources of energy not only for various farm based activities but also domestic consumption. Traditional source of energy are animal dung, agricultural waste, coal and kerosene oil. Looking at low thermal efficiency of these sources, biomass energy has emerged as a most suitable alternative. The paper presents an overview of needs of a rural sector. Present status of renewable energy is mentioned. Scope of bio energy to empower rural sector has been discussed. Challenges faced by the sector have been elaborated along with future scope of the same.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Cymbopogon Martini (WG-TEJ SAR) Cultivation for Herbal Production the Case of Wondo Genet District, Southern Ethiopia

As part of the struggle for improving the lively hood of the rural people, Ethiopia has made some efforts to promote the use of improved agricultural technologies to make land and labor more productive. To make this effort successful agricultural research has been developing technologies that can change the situation of farmers. Aiming to this, Wondo genet agricultural research center (one of the centers of Ethiopian institute of agricultural research)is responsible in doing research, promoting and coordinating aromatic, medicinal and bio energy plants at national level including other research activities on soil and water, livestock, forestry, and other food crops. In Ethiopia; other than the traditional aspect, the scientific aspect of aromatic and medicinal plants is not well known and little has been done on their economic contribution to households. Therefore Wondo genet agricultural research center has done cost-benefit analysis for a selected aromatic grass namely cymbopogon martini at wondo genet experimental site. The selected plant was planted based on its recommended spacing at wondo genet experimental site and the required data was collected. For the analysis net return to land (birr/ha) was used as a parameter. The analysis shows that the selected aromatic grass Cymbopogon martini(palmarosa grass)provide the net return, Net Present Value(NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio(BCR) of 151,005.8 birr/ha , 127,804.3 and 3.8 at fresh bio mass price of 3 birr respectively. Keywords : Benefit, BCR, Cost, NPV and Palmarosa grass DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-17-07 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Adaptability and stability of saccharine sorghum cultivars.

The Brazilian bioenergy sector has been trying the use of saccharine sorghum in order to optimize ethanol production. However, there are few varieties fitted to this objective and little knowledge about their adaptability and stability. Then, the purpose of this work was to study the adaptability and stability of saccharine sorghum, taking into account the effects of the G x E interaction, to select superior genotypes and validate if the two selection methods for identification of genotypes with better phenotypic stability complement one another. Thus, the methodologies of Eberhart and Russell as well as Cruz et al. were used; and according to Eberhart and Russell, the BRS 511 genotype is preferred in ethanol production because it presents highly predictable and responsive behavior to changes in environments for all the traits evaluated in specific or broad conditions. The method also identified the genotypes CMSXS644, CMSXS647 and Sugargraze for green mass production; CMSXS629, CMSXS630, CMSXS646, CMSXS647, BRS 508, BRS509 and CV198 for tons of brix per hectare; and finally, CMSXS629, CMSXS630, CMSXS643, CMSXS646, BRS 506 and BRS 509 for total soluble solid content. The methods used in this study were not complementary to selection genotypes. Key words: Bioethanol, ethanol production, genotype and environment interaction, genetic breeding, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

An End to End Process Development for UAV-SfM Based Forest Monitoring: Individual Tree Detection, Species Classification and Carbon Dynamics Simulation

To promote Bio-Energy with Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (BECCS), which aims to replace fossil fuels with bio energy and store carbon underground, and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), which aims to reduce the carbon emissions produced by forest degradation, it is important to build forest management plans based on the scientific prediction of forest dynamics. For Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) at an individual tree level, it is expected that techniques will be developed to support forest management via the effective monitoring of changes to individual trees. In this study, an end-to-end process was developed: (1) detecting individual trees from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) derived digital images; (2) estimating the stand structure from crown images; (3) visualizing future carbon dynamics using a forest ecosystem process model. This process could detect 93.4% of individual trees, successfully classified two species using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with 83.6% accuracy and evaluated future ecosystem carbon dynamics and the source-sink balance using individual based model FORMIND. Further ideas for improving the sub-process of the end to end process were discussed. This process is expected to contribute to activities concerned with carbon management such as designing smart utilization for biomass resources and projecting scenarios for the sustainable use of ecosystem services.

Bioenergy production from waste mango seed shell by thermo-chemical conversion and its importance for mango fruit processing industry

Waste biomass is gaining increased interest as a feedstock for energetic and non-energetic products. In this study, potential of wasted mango seed shell for bioenergy production by using laboratory scale updraft gasifier was investigated. Gasifier was operated with and without packing at air velocity of 3.0 and 3.5 m/s. Biomass characteristics, temperature profile, influence of air velocity on higher heating value (HHV) of producer gas, composition of gas and thermal efficiency of gasifier were parameters considered for analysis. Operation without packing material showed better performance. Results depict that maximum 3.56 MJ/Nm3 of producer gas was generated at lower air velocity. Maximum operating time for complete consumption of biomass was recorded as 165 minutes. Negligible difference found in temperature profile between both operating modes. Temperature profile indicated that temperature attained during operation was 372°C, 742 °C, 604 °C and 423 °C for drying, combustion, reduction and pyrolysis zone, respectively. The Proportion of product gas was 75 %, while black thick liquid (mixture of Tar and moisture) and biochar were byproducts contributed about 8% and 10%, respectively. Mango pit shell waste is valuable bioenergy feedstock and its recycling could be economically and environmentally beneficial for mango processing industry.

Scaled-up biodiesel synthesis from Chinese Tallow Kernel oil catalyzed by Burkholderia cepacia lipase through ultrasonic assisted technology: A non-edible and alternative source of bio energy.

In East Asia, for thousands of years, the fruit of Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) has been used for multiple purposes because of its chemical composition; the presence of high amounts of lipids is remarkable, showing potential to be used as substrate for biodiesel synthesis. Previously have been reported the use of alkaline and enzymatic catalysts, microwave technology and the use of ionic liquids as co-solvents with the lipids of this tree species to produce biodiesel. This study shows the results of the use of Burkholderia cepacia lipase as enzymatic catalyst for transesterification of Chinese Tallow Kernel oil (CTK), extracted from the fruit of Chinese tallow tree, into biodiesel, with the use of ultrasonic assisted technology and without the usage of solvents. The optimal operational parameters were determined and the reactions were developed in a batch reactor with the use of ultrasonic irradiation and emulsification to enhance the mass transfer. The scaled-up experiments, in an especially designed 3 L capacity reactor, showed promising results, obtaining 55.20% biodiesel and a kinematic viscosity of 10.31 mm2.s-1 in only 4 h, in comparison with previously published (in vitro) methods. The valorization of this non-edible source of oil represents an opportunity to use as an alternative source for bioenergy and also to tackle the uncontrolled expansion of this oleaginous tree species in some ecologically fragile ecosystems.

Assessment of the Role of CCS in the Provision of Long-Term Security of Power Supply and Deep CO2 Emission Reduction

In order to study cost-optimal power systems consistent with the Paris agreement, a model of the Western-European power system was developed. The model includes a wide range of renewable and non-renewable technology options, assumptions on future techno-economic parameters and demand. Examining the effect of more ambitious emissions targets (net zero to -3.2 Gt CO2 yr-1), it is found that based on cost optimization with base case cost assumptions, bioenergy with CO2 capture and storage and nuclear power generation both play significant roles. Once the available domestic biomass potential is fully exploited for bio energy with carbon capture and storage (up to 5.9 EJ yr-1), direct air capture of CO2 combined with nuclear power as baseload is needed for further negative emissions. With deeper emission reduction targets, the installed capacity of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar photovoltaics decreases as CO2-neutral generation does not deliver the required negative emissions. Finally, it is found that portfolios relying on intermittent renewable energy sources are vulnerable to unfavourable weather conditions, resulting in higher net CO2 emissions and a less reliable power supply.

JM and BP license waste-to-fuels technology to Fulcrum BioEnergy

JM and BP license waste-to-fuels technology to Fulcrum BioEnergy

Kinetic Study of Horse Manure through Thermogravimetric Analysis

Horse manure contains potential source of bioenergy that can be pyrolysed to obtain bio-oil and synthesis gas. In the present work, horse manure samples collected from the horse stable in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia were analysed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine the Arrhenius parameters and thermodynamics properties. TGA was conducted on the horse manure at heating rates of 1, 2, 5, 10 °C/min in a nitrogen-filled reactor. The TGA data was analysed by using three different model-free, non-isothermal methods, namely Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Kissinger methods. Result shows the temperature for highest conversion of horse manure is within the range of 290.2-329.6 K. The Kissinger method shows the overall average activation energy of 148.47 kJ/mol, whereas FWO and KAS methods show the activation energy at different conversional fractions throughout the process with the range of 176.2-293.6 kJ/mol and 175.6-300.1 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic properties including the pre-exponential factor, enthalpy change, free Gibbs energy and entropy of horse manure during pyrolysis were also determined.

Role of Microalgal Biotechnology in Environmental Sustainability-A Mini Review

Sustainability is a main rule in environmental resource management, and it included operational productivity, minimization of natural effect and socio-economic contemplations; which are all related. Many research projects have been conducted on finding alternative of energy from renewable sources and utilization of waste materials. Based on the previous studies one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for biofuel sources is using microalgae for the production of lipids and wastewater as its nutrient source. Microalgae are maintainable sources of biomass for fuel, food, and feed likewise as contaminant elimination from wastewater. Light, CO2, and inorganic nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous are vital for microalgae growth. The aim of this study is thus to introduce an optimum conditions of microalgae cultivation for nutrient removal from wastewater which may impact the bioenergy production like biodiesel production. Utilizing wastewater is a common method to reduce environmental impacts, recycle water and nutrients, and decrease the volume of wastewater being transported and treated. Therefore, developing microalgae production systems would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 and producing an alternative for fossil fuels would be valuable and sustainable.

Pathways for Clean Bio Energy in Rural India: Present Challenges and Future Scenarios

The mission of achieving universal access to clean energy is still a crucial distant ambition particularly amongst the developing nations. However, progressive countries like India has a substantial concern in tumbling its reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of renewable energy options to provide access to clean energy. India presents a favourable setting for accelerating the use and internalisation of bioenergy sources towards the path of clean energy for all. Almost 25% of India's energy arrives from bio resources, predominantly nearly 70% of rural inhabitants relied on biomass resources to congregate their everyday energy requirements. In particularly, biogas is one of the emerging bioenergy resources in rural India. This study analyses present challenges and future scenarios in the context of biogas by using futures methods. The policy findings of this study not only demonstrate crucial drivers but will also help the government to achieve its ambitious mission clean energy for all.

COD Removal and Electricity Generation From Domestic Wastewater Using Different Anode Materials in Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) set a new trend of converting chemical energy or bio energy to electricity from wastewater (domestic and industries) at the same time removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the wastewater. Electrical energy generated from microbial fuel cell could be used for small electrical device example biosensors. The main components of MFCs are the anode, and the cathode salt bridge. It contains an anode chamber and a cathode chamber which separate electrodes for the production of electricity, using wastewater in an anaerobic chamber helps grow native microorganisms. Adding substrates increases productivity of the electrons that are moving from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber by help of the salt bridge. Bioreactors based on power generation in MFCs are a new approach to wastewater treatment. Power generation and current is modulated in this system. If it is optimised, MFCs would prove to be new method to offset wastewater treatment plant operating costs.

The effect of cytochrome level in rats with sepsis on mitochondrial function of hepatocytes

Objective To investigate the effects of cytochrome level and oxidase activity of cytochrome C in rats with sepsis on mitochondrial bioenergy synthesis of hepatocytes and liver functions. Methods 24 SD rats were divided into normal control group (Group C) and sepsis group (Group S), with 12 rats in each group. The sepsis model of the rats was established by the cecal ligation and puncture. After 18 h of moulding, the rats were executed. Their blood was taken to test alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (m-AST). The morphologies of hepatocytes and mitochondria were observed using light microscope and electron microscope respectively. Using reduced minus oxidized difference spectra, the contents of mitochondrial cytochromes C, C1, B and AA3 and the oxidase activity of cytochrome C were determined. The potential level of mitochondrial membrane was tested. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hepatocytes was measured. Results Compared with Group C, the ALT, AST and m-AST in the serum of Group S rose significantly [(233.02±110.16) U/L vs. (29.81±13.16) U/L, (742.56±441.41) U/L vs. (99.78±41.67) U/L and (412.78±252.56) U/L vs. (46.23±24.24) U/L, P= 0.000, 0.001, 0.001, respectively]. The ATP content in hepatocytes dropped significantly [(19.27±8.76) nmol/mg vs. (94.65±17.79) nmol/mg, P=0.000]. Cytochromes c and AA3 in mitochondria declined significantly [(0.10±0.04) nmol/mg vs. (0.17±0.03) nmol/mg and (0.21±0.04) nmol/mg vs. (0.38±0.09) nmol/mg, P=0.000, 0.000]. The activity of cytochrome C oxidase was decreased significantly [(734.14±107.37) nmol/(min·mg prot) vs. (1 279.75±186.77) nmol/(min·mg prot), P=0.000]. The potential level of mitochondrial membrane dropped significantly (1.75±0.96 vs. 3.81±1.16, P=0.000). Conclusion In the case of sepsis, the content of mitochondrial cytochromes in hepatocytes decreases and the oxidase activity of cytochrome C drops. As a result, these leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and acute injury of hepatocytes. Key words: Sepsis; Liver; Mitochondrial; Cytochrome; Cytochrome C oxidase

Electricity Generation from Anaerobic Digestion in Italy: Environmental Consequences Related to the Changing of Economic Subsidies

In recent years, the increasing market trend of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the European Union has been connected with the public subsidies guaranteed to encourage their production. In Italy, the northern regions have played a leading role and contributed deeply to increase the share of RES in the national energy mix. An increase in the number of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants fed with agricultural feedstock has been detected, reaching 1800 units in only 20 years. AD is considered as one of the most promising technologies for RES production, especially when wastes are used as feed. In fact, the use of wastes brings to increase the added value and reduces the economic and environmental costs related to the waste treatment as well as the energy purchase. Despite these advantages, the economic subsidy framework has encouraged entrepreneurs to increase the productivity of plants by using dedicated crops as feed, of which maize silage is the most widely used. Since the economic subsidy for bioenergy production has already been reduced, it can be expected its end in the future, thus potentially making the feeding of plants with dedicated crops uneconomic. In particular, subsidies could be essential to guarantee revenues and to cover the feeding supply costs.This study aims to evaluate the consequences of the potential deletion of the subsidy framework for AD production plants. Consequential life cycle assessment (cLCA) method was implemented in order to evaluate the environmental effects related to: (i) the substitution of dedicated crops in the feeding mix with pig and cow slurry; (ii) the end of plants fed with dedicated crops and the substitution of the related renewable energy production with non-renewable energy in the national energy mix.Results highlighted that the substitution of cereal silages with an additional share of animal slurry entails an environmental improvement respect to the BASELINE scenario. Considering the displacement of land use towards the cultivation of cereals for feeding, the contraction of import contributes to an improvement of environmental impacts. The higher nitrogen efficiency of the digestate could also reduce the volume of supplemental fertilisers for crops cultivation. Moreover, slurry storage at farm in traditional open tanks causes an increase in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) due to emissions to the atmosphere. The achieved results support the decision of policy makers to drive the future towards a more sustainable energetic production.

Bioenergy production and nutrients removal by green microalgae with cultivation from agro-wastewater palm oil mill effluent (pome) - a review

Environmental pollution specifically wastewater is gaining attention both in the developed and developing countries. Malaysia is considered as one of the major palm oil producers in the world. Therefore, it is important to develop an environmental friendly and economic method to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME). The wastewater can serve as an economical nutrient source or substrate that can support the cultivation of microalgae. This can be a great nutrient for algal cultivation at the same time as remediating effluent and generating biomass. Nowadays, many microalgae species are being investigated to determine their potential and effectiveness for phytoremediation application, especially high growth rate. However, using synthetic media for growing microalgae in a mass scale is costly. It is acknowledged that POME (as nutrients enriched media) assisted enhanced microalgae growth under certain condition can considerably reduce the presence of organic and inorganic compounds. In this review, the potential of wide range of the predominant microalgae species with main focus on green microalgae (high removal efficiency): Chlamydomonas sp and Chlorella sp were investigated. Moreover, we discussed about the history, methods and future prospects in nutrients removal by green microalgae comprehensively. This review discusses several potential strategies for tackling the environmental issue generated by agro-waste water POME with enhancement of biomass productivity which can be used as an alternative for energy production.