Co-utilization Of Biomass Research Articles

Investigation on effect of coal fly ash on properties of corn straw pyrolysis products

The impact of coal fly ash (FA) is often ignored in the co-utilization of biomass and coal. Therefore, the influence of FA on the properties of pyrolysis products made from corn straw (CS) was investigated in this study. First, the distribution of co-pyrolysis bio-oil was investigated using pyrolysis-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry at 500°C-800 °C. Then, in a free-falling fixed-bed reactor, FA and CS were co-pyrolyzed, gaseous product yields were computed, and solid product composition and morphology were determined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, respectively. According to the findings, FA greatly promoted the degradation of oxygen-containing components in bio-oil and the formation of aromatic compounds at higher temperatures. The CS5-FA1 was the most favorable ratio for bio-oil production at 800 °C. Furthermore, the addition of FA had the highest stimulating effect on CO2 at 500 °C and 800 °C, and the yield of the other pyrolysis gases (CH4, CO, and H2) was also increased at 800 °C.

Utilization of Energy Crops and Sewage Sludge in the Process of Co-Gasification for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

The increasing world energy demand driven by economic growth and technical development contributes to the severe depletion of conventional energy resources and various environmental issues. The need for the employment of low-emission, highly efficient technologies of thermochemical conversion, flexible in terms of both raw resources and product applications is declared, when the utilization of solid, alternative fuels is considered. Gasification is the proven technology of lower unit emission of contaminants and higher efficiency than combustion systems, as well as versatile applicability of the synthesis gas, as its main product. While the conversion of fossil fuels in gasification systems is technically mature, the co-utilization of biomass and waste still requires research and optimization in various technical and economic aspects. In this paper, the results of experimental work on co-gasification of energy crops biomass and sewage sludge with steam to produce hydrogen-rich gas are presented. The process is performed at 700, 800 and 900 °C under atmospheric pressure. The experimental results are analyzed with the application of the Hierarchical Clustering Analysis. The optimal results in terms of hydrogen production in co-gasification of selected biomass and sewage sludge are observed for Helianthus tuberosus L. blends of 10% w/w of sewage sludge content at 900 °C.

Co-utilization of biomass and natural gas in combined cycles through primary steam reforming of the natural gas

Power production from biomass can occur through external combustion (e.g. steam cycles, organic Rankine cycles, Stirling engines), or internal combustion after gasification or pyrolysis (e.g. gas engines, IGCC). External combustion has the disadvantage of delivering limited conversion efficiencies (max 30–35%). Internal combustion has the potential of high efficiencies, but it always needs a severe and mostly problematic gas cleaning. The present article proposes an alternative route where advantages of external firing are combined with the potential high efficiency of combined cycles through co-utilization of natural gas and biomass. Biomass is burned to provide heat for partial reforming of the natural gas feed. In this way, biomass energy is converted into chemical energy contained in the produced syngas. Waste heats from the reformer and from the biomass combustor are recovered through a waste heat recovery system. It is shown that in this way biomass can replace up to 5% of the energy in the natural gas feed. It is also shown that in the case of combined cycles, this alternative route allows for external firing of biomass without important drop in cycle efficiency.

Reducing GHG Emissions by Co-Utilization of Coal with Natural Gas or Biomass

Energy reserves price and security of supply issues are discussed in the context of the prospects for coal and policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Coal is projected to remain a major source of energy, with most of the demand growth in developing countries. Currently available power-generating technologies, deploying coal with natural gas or biomass, are examined. Examples of successful, partial substitution of coal by other fuels in power stations are highlighted, including the GHG emissions reductions achieved as well as the costs where available. Among various options, hybrid gasification and parallel cofiring of coal with biomass and natural gas appear to have the greatest potential to reduce GHG emissions. Much may also be achieved by cofiring, reburning, and repowering with gas turbines. The best method differs between different power systems. Co-utilization of biomass with coal is a least-cost option to reduce GHG emissions where the fuel prices are comparable, usually due to subsidies or taxes. The role of biomass is likely to increase due to greater use of subsidies, carbon taxes, and emissions trading within the context of the Kyoto Protocol. This should provide opportunities for clean coal technology transfer and diffusion, including biomass co-utilization. 32 refs., 1more » fig., 3 tabs.« less