Generation Biofuels Research Articles

Size Effect of Nanoceria Blended with CIME Biodiesel on Engine Characteristics

Diesel fuel blends with biodiesels are expected to mitigate the rising price and demand of conventional fuels. Biodiesel fuel blends are also known to reduce engine emissions. Biodiesel is produced from various sources, one of which is Calophyllum Inophyllum methyl ester biodiesel (CIMEBD). Even though it serves to mitigate the energy crisis and has a low overall carbon footprint, CIMEBD has certain negative issues relating to engine performance and emission characteristics. Nanoparticle (NP) addition is known to enhance the engine performance characteristics of next generation biofuels. CeO2 (cerium oxide or ceria) NPs of varying size are used in this study along with 25:75 biodiesel-diesel (BD) blend and a fixed NP concentration of 90 ppm. Ceria NP-doped fuel is shown to have better engine performance compared to diesel and BD blend for all load conditions. Improvements in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) values equal to +30% and -46%, respectively, are observed from experiments for ceria NP-doped biodiesel, compared to diesel-biodiesel (BD) blend. Ceria NPs in the 20 to 40 nm range have optimum engine performance characteristics. Compared to BD blends, NP-doped biodiesel shows improvements in NOx, CO, CO2, UHC, and soot parameters up to -35%, -60%, -35%, -38%, and -40%, respectively. Likewise, the optimum size of ceria NPs is in the range 20-40 nm for better emission characteristics.

Challenges and future opportunities of nanoparticle applications to various biofuel generation processes – a review

Due to their non-polluting characteristics and cost-competitiveness compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are rapidly gaining traction as alternative sources of renewable energy. However, to accelerate their development, the attention is unstable on the deployment of technology that will enhance their production. Nanoparticles are attracting popularity among researchers due to their unique qualities, which allow them to be used in various industries, including agriculture, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. To improve the performance of these bioprocesses, they are also being investigated in biofuels. This study critically evaluates the studies available in the literature that have investigated nanoparticles in biofuel production processes to improve process yields. It also assesses the impact of immobilized nanoparticles on biofuels like biodiesel and nanoparticles capability to conquer inhibitory chemicals under precise circumstances efficiently. A brief section on the parameters determining nanoparticle performance in biofuels production processes is presented. Our article aims to determine how nanoparticles play a significant role in the creation of various biofuels at each stage of the production process as well as the technical challenges that the researchers confront throughout the manufacturing processes. At last, the study accomplishes recommendations for developments and prospective future research into these nanoparticle based bioprocesses.

Impact of temperature severity on hydrothermal carbonization: Fuel properties, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters

The current study intended to explore the impact of hydrothermal carbonization temperature (180, 230, and 280 °C) on the fuel properties, kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanism of sunflower stalks (SS). Hydrochars obtained at different temperatures were pyrolyzed in a TGA (Thermogravimetric analyzer) at three distinct heating rates. The impact on functional groups, surface morphology, and crystallinity were examined based on the characterization methods such as FTIR, FE-SEM, and XRD. The kinetic parameters were estimated based on the isoconversional methods of Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS), Ozawa Flynn Wall (OFW), and Vyazovkin (VZK), whereas the reaction mechanism was deduced employing Z(α) master plot method. The mean value of activation energy obtained for the raw-SS, SS-180, SS-230, and SS-280 was (188.71, 189.06, and 176.4 kJ/mol), (165.6, 167.33, and 155.54 kJ/mol), (219.77, 218.78, and 206.83 kJ/mol), and (299.37, 296.6, and 281.02 kJ/mol) based on KAS, OFW, and VZK method, respectively. The findings of the current study can be used to develop and design pyrolysis reactors for clean biofuel generation from SS.

Bacterial metabolic engineering for the production of second-generation (2G) bioethanol and biobutanol; a review.

The second generation (2G) biofuels were introduced to solve the issues associated with first-generation biofuel (dependency on food materials) and fossil fuels such as reservoirs diminution, high demand, price fluctuation, and lethal greenhouse gases emission. Butanol and ethanol are the main 2G biofuels. They are used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, and chemical solvent in pharmaceutical, plastic, textiles, cosmetics, and fuel industries. Currently, their bacterial biological production from lignocellulosic material at the industrial level with primitive microorganisms is under development and not economical and qualitative compatible as compared to that of fossil origin, due to slow growth rate, low titer, recalcitrant nature of lignocellulose, strain intolerance to a higher amount of butanol and ethanol, and strain inability to tolerate inhibitors accumulated during pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials. Therefore, metabolic engineering strategies such as redirection of carbon flux, knocking out competing pathways, enhancing strain robustness and wide range of substrate utilization ability, and overexpression of enzymes involved in their biological synthesis have been applied to bacteria for enhancing their ability for 2G ethanol and butanol production in a highly cost-effective amount from lignocellulosic materials. Herein, we summarized and reviewed the progress in metabolic engineering of bacterial species such as clostridium spp, E. coli, and Z. moibilis for the synthesis of 2G butanol and ethanol, especially from lignocellulosic materials.

Joint effects of production quality improvement of biofuel and carbon emissions towards a smart sustainable supply chain management

Controlling carbon emissions and improving biofuel generation are crucial for every manufacturer. The responsible managers’ primary concern is to increase profit and form a sustainable supply chain. Further, supply chain managers select appropriate combinations when dealing with minimizing waste, quality improvement of biofuel, and multi-mode transportation. The study’s objective is to show the combined effects of improved quality of biofuel and controlling carbon emissions in a smart three-echelon sustainable supply chain management. In this model, one-manufacturer, one-supplier, and multi-retailers are contemplated. When the supplier makes impure biofuel, it transports to the manufacturer for pure biofuel. A random production rate is applied through a smart production system; still, impure biofuel is produced. For that reason, a two-stage inspection policy with a variable manufacturing rate is considered to make the production process flexible such that the quantity of impure biofuel is reduced and impure biofuel treated as a waste. After production, the manufacturer transports pure biofuel to multi-retailers. A variable selling price-dependent demand is introduced for the maximization of profit. The carbon emissions are considered, which are associated with different operational activities of inventory such as preparation of setup of suppliers, manufacturers, transportation of products, and holding stock at manufacturers and the retailer’s end. The retailers keep up the actual order as on demand to the manufacturer to save from the excess holding costs. The model has been solved with a specific algebraic procedure to obtain the global optimum solution. Four numerical experiments are conducted to ensure the model’s effectiveness and profit maximization. The results indicate that these three echelons’ smart production significantly minimized impure biofuel and carbon emissions, positively impacting the environment and the finance, attached to the inventory. The proposed integrated system’s validity is illustrated with sensitivity analysis, numerical examples, and graphical representation. In addition, various worthy managerial insights based on the study are provided.

Nanotechnology as a vital science in accelerating biofuel production, a boon or bane

AbstractIn a world where fossil fuels are running out, biofuels are one of the best green energy alternatives to fuels made from petroleum due to their environmentally beneficial qualities and low cost in comparison with non‐renewable fossil fuels. Biofuels are produced from cheap and renewable sources and the energy stored in these biomasses can be assimilated to create sustainable electricity or heat, which can then be exploited to meet current and future societal needs in numerous situations. However, the production of biofuels on an industrial scale takes a lot of time because of the numerous constraints placed on currently available technology and the increased costs that go along with them. Moreover, the processes utilized to transform various feedstocks into the desired output also vary based on the materials and techniques employed. The supply of biofuel feedstocks is large, and with improved processing, we could significantly lower our reliance on fossil fuels. In this context, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is a commendable solution to the present problems with biomass use, especially given their low cost. The unique qualities of nanomaterials, such as excellent catalytic properties, high surface area‐to‐volume ratio, remarkable selectivity, and reusability make them admirable tools for boosting biofuel generation. This review predominantly focuses on the contributions of nanotechnology and various immobilization methodologies in accelerating biofuel production from biomasses that might fill in the research gap, which was previously limited by the relatively lower efficiency of traditional techniques of biofuel generation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Macroalgae as a potential source of biomass for generation of biofuel: Artificial intelligence, challenges, and future insights towards a sustainable environment

The increase in the world's population and the demand for energy has increased the need to use different sources of energy generation. On the other hand, the use of fossil fuels, which is currently considered the main source of energy around the world, has led to the production of a high amount of environmental pollution and the reduction of natural fuel resources. Therefore, the use of biofuels and renewable as a potential and clean source is a very attractive alternative. Currently, macroalgae are cultivated for various industrial and food purposes in different regions of the world. Due to the high number of compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, macroalgae can be a suitable source to produce biofuels. There are various biotechnological methods to produce energy from macroalgae. These methods are divided into two general categories of biochemical processes such as fermentation and anaerobic digestion and thermochemical processes such as burning, pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. In these methods, depending on the type of method, valuable gaseous, liquid, and solid compounds are produced that have many applications. This review focuses on the methods and studies conducted on energy generation from different species of macroalgae and develop various applications of artificial intelligence to produce biofuel from this type of algae and also identify the challenges towards a sustainable environment and offers different solutions to overcome the existing challenges.

Pour point and predictive models for the viscosity-temperature non-linear behaviour of ternary fuel blends for a compression ignition engine

Due to the ever-increasing consumption of fossil fuels, their impact on the environment, and the volatility of the market, it is advisable to use biofuels that can be produced locally from renewable sources, which supports the local economy, agriculture, and related processing industries. This article deals with how to improve the flow properties and pour point of biofuels for diesel engines. For the experiment, biodiesels in the form of rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and methyl ester made from waste animal fats and tallow (WAFME) were used. The pour point, viscosity, and density of WAFME were improved by mixing with RME and/or by adding bio-alcohols (alcohols produced from biomass, e.g., lignocellulosic). All used biofuels were classified as 2nd generation biofuels. The flow properties of the mixtures were monitored and subsequently modelled at temperatures from -10 to 60 °C. The addition of bio-alcohol had a statistically significant effect on the decrease in the viscosity and pour point of ternary blends (p < 0.05). Mathematical models of the dependence of kinematic viscosity on the temperature of mixtures (power law, exponential, Arrhenius, and Vogel) were created.

CAZyme from gut microbiome for efficient lignocellulose degradation and biofuel production

Over-exploitation and energy security concerns of the diminishing fossil fuels is a challenge to the present global economy. Further, the negative impact of greenhouse gases released using conventional fuels has led to the need for searching for alternative biofuel sources with biomass in the form of lignocellulose coming up as among the potent candidates. The entrapped carbon source of the lignocellulose has multiple applications other than biofuel generation under the biorefinery approach. However, the major bottleneck in using lignocellulose for biofuel production is its recalcitrant nature. Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes) are enzymes that are employed for the disintegration and consumption of lignocellulose biomass as the carbon source for the production of biofuels and bio-derivatives. However, the cost of enzyme production and their stability and catalytic efficiency under stressed conditions is a concern that hinders large-scale biofuel production and utilization. Search for novel CAZymes with superior activity and stability under industrial condition has become a major research focus in this area considering the fact that the most conventional CAZymes has low commercial viability. The gut of plant-eating herbivores and other organisms is a potential source of CAZyme with high efficiency. The review explores the potential of the gut microbiome of various organisms in the production of an efficient CAZyme system and the challenges in using the biofuels produced through this approach as an alternative to conventional biofuels.

Sustainable production of biofuels from the algae-derived biomass

The worldwide fossil fuel reserves are rapidly and continually being depleted as a result of the rapid increase in global population and rising energy sector needs. Fossil fuels should not be used carelessly since they produce greenhouse gases, air pollution, and global warming, which leads to ecological imbalance and health risks. The study aims to discuss the alternative renewable energy source that is necessary to meet the needs of the global energy industry in the future. Both microalgae and macroalgae have great potential for several industrial applications. Algae-based biofuels can surmount the inadequacies presented by conventional fuels, thereby reducing the ‘food versus fuel’ debate. Cultivation of algae can be performed in all three systems; closed, open, and hybrid frameworks from which algal biomass is harvested, treated and converted into the desired biofuels. Among these, closed photobioreactors are considered the most efficient system for the cultivation of algae. Different types of closed systems can be employed for the cultivation of algae such as stirred tank photobioreactor, flat panel photobioreactor, vertical column photobioreactor, bubble column photobioreactor, and horizontal tubular photobioreactor. The type of cultivation system along with various factors, such as light, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and pH affect the yield of algal biomass and hence the biofuel production. Algae-based biofuels present numerous benefits in terms of economic growth. Developing a biofuel industry based on algal cultivation can provide us with a lot of socio-economic advantages contributing to a publicly maintainable result. This article outlines the third-generation biofuels, how they are cultivated in different systems, different influencing factors, and the technologies for the conversion of biomass. The benefits provided by these new generation biofuels are also discussed. The development of algae-based biofuel would not only change environmental pollution control but also benefit producers' economic and social advancement.Graphical abstract

Strategies involved in biofuel production from agro-based lignocellulose biomass

Second-generation biofuels produced from lignocellulose biomass (LCB) have the potential to compete with fossil fuels, provided that appropriate cost-effective and efficient technologies are used in the production process. As agriculture is practiced all over the world and millions of tons of biomass are produced every year, the production of biofuel from such wastes could be an environmentally friendly approach to meet the increasing energy demand. Biofuel production is quite a challenging process involving several technologies and methods that need to be employed for maximum conversion of complex lignocellulose into functional biofuel. This review provides insight into the various strategies, including upstream and downstream, involved in the production of biofuels from agriculturally produced LCB. For decades, numerous researches have been conducted worldwide to find the best strategies for biofuel production. This has led to several recent advances that help to achieve maximum biofuel production in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective system. To complete the overview, the analysis of the impact of biofuel production has also been discussed in this review. • Cost effective and environment friendly strategies important for biofuel generation. • Agriculture based lignocellulose biomass may be used as cheap biofuel substrate. • Choosing correct pretreatment strategies may influence biofuel production. • Proper pretreatment and production system combination influence biofuel production.

Characterization of Lignocellulosic Biomass Samples in Omu-Aran Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria, as Potential Fuel for Pyrolysis Yields

This study deals with a preliminary investigation of biomass samples' physicochemical, structural composition, and thermal properties to aid the appropriate selection of biomass utilized for pyrolysis operation. The proximate, ultimate, structural composition and thermal analyses were conducted using seven lignocellulose biomass samples obtained in Ajase market, Ajasse Ipo, Kwara State, Nigeria, and Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. Results showed that the average moisture contents (MC) ranged from 0.12 to 0.44%, and volatile matter (VM) ranged from 73.70 to 83.82%. Fixed carbon (FC) varied from 12.79 to 22.80%, and Ash contents varied between 01.20 to 5.52%. Similarly, the average carbon contents ranged from 45.11 to 50.00%. Hydrogen contents ranged from 5.38 to 6.15%, nitrogen contents varied between 0.20 to 1.24%, and oxygen contents from 43.79 to 48.51%. Also, sulphur contents varied between 0.01 to 0.19%, while the biomass species' average cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents ranged from 28.34 to 45.80%, 25.83 to 34.01%, and 21.96 to 49.63% respectively. The high percentage of VM, C, H, HHV, ignitability index, cellulose, and hemicellulose content recorded in the biomass samples would enhance devolatilization reactivity, ignitability, and burn gases in the reactor, as well as a good production of hydrocarbons content during the pyrolysis process. Also, the low ash content would prevent harmful chemical deposits in the reactor during the pyrolysis process. It can be deduced that shea butter wood was best suited for biofuel generation, closely followed by sugarcane bagasse and palm kernel shell. At the same time, corn cobs possessed the least properties for the pyrolysis process.

Potential of lignocellulolytic biocatalysts of native and proposed genetically engineered microbial cell factories on jute fiber modification and jute waste recycling: A review

The lignocellulolytic microbial systems from different parts of the world responsible for lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) like jute (Corchorus spp.) waste degradation, fiber modification, and bioenergy production are not limited to a specific prokaryotic or eukaryotic group. The industrial applications of these highly efficient bacterial, fungal and algal communities are related to the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes such as cellulase, hemicellulase, lignin-peroxidase, versatile peroxidase, laccase, thermostable oxidants, pectinase, etc. They are a blessing for the jute, dye, paper, pulp, and biofuel industries as they help to generate a sustainable ecosystem. The jute plant is lignocellulosic biomass so it can be utilized in various ways, from everyday goods to power generation. Jute industries generally use different physicochemical strategies to generate quality fiber and post-retting activities, but these approaches cannot produce desired products; hence microbial routes are best for quality fiber generation, waste remediation, and biofuel generation. To this end, this review summarizes the most important milestones of the development of the leading enzyme-producing cell factories and their engineering by genetic, metabolic, and synthetic biology approaches with the emergence of high throughput methods, such as site-directed mutagenesis and others that can analyze the relevant mutations to accelerate our understanding of lignocellulolytic enzymology.

Alternative Fuels for Agriculture Sustainability: Carbon Footprint and Economic Feasibility

Agriculture is the foremost source of food for humans. Fossil fuels are typically used to operate farm machines, contributing to carbon emissions and accelerating climate change. It is possible to mitigate environmental damage by promoting renewable or alternative fuels, namely biofuels, solar energy, biomass, wind, geothermal, small-scale hydro, and wave power. Biofuels are considered as low carbon-emitting alternatives to conventional fuels. The use of biofuels promotes reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and reduces the related detrimental impact of transport. As an alternative to fossil fuels, renewable fuels seem to present a promising scenario. However, if low carbon products are promoted, analysis of each particular product’s GHG emissions and carbon footprint (CF) is needed. Nowadays, CF is considered as the prime indicator of environmental impact, and its calculation is in utmost demand. Agriculture significantly benefits from the use of renewable resources. The carbon footprint measurement has the potential to assess and compare carbon emissions generated by agricultural products and to identify points for improving environmental performance. Several studies have compared alternative fuels with conventional fuels, and it has been proven that using alternative fuels can significantly reduce traditional fuel consumption. Bioenergy includes a number of socio- economic, technical as well as environmental benefits that helps in achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDG). The aim to end malnutrition and hunger (SDG 2) requires a sustainable system for food production as well as resilient agriculture practices to improve agricultural productivity. The revenues from bioenergy projects can provide food and a better diet for small farming communities, thereby improving their quality of life. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive outlook of the role of alternative or biofuels in the agriculture sector, in terms of economic feasibility and carbon footprint, for sustainable development. This review also discusses the various generations of biofuels in attaining carbon neutrality, biofuel’s impact on the environment, applications in agriculture, and limitations.

The characterisation of Wickerhamomyces anomalus M15, a highly tolerant yeast for bioethanol production using seaweed derived medium.

Advanced generation biofuels have potential for replacing fossil fuels as society moves forward into a net-zero carbon future. Marine biomass is a promising source of fermentable sugars for fermentative bioethanol production; however the medium derived from seaweed hydrolysis contains various inhibitors, such as salts that affected ethanol fermentation efficiency. In this study the stress tolerance of a marine yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus M15 was characterised. Specific growth rate analysis results showed that Wickerhamomyces anomalus M15 could tolerate up to 600 g/L glucose, 150 g/L xylose and 250 g/L ethanol, respectively. Using simulated concentrated seaweed hydrolysates, W. anomalus M15’s bioethanol production potential using macroalgae derived feedstocks was assessed, in which 5.8, 45.0, and 19.9 g/L ethanol was produced from brown (Laminaria digitata), green (Ulva linza) and red seaweed (Porphyra umbilicalis) based media. The fermentation of actual Ulva spp. hydrolysate harvested from United Kingdom shores resulted in a relatively low ethanol concentration (15.5 g/L) due to challenges that arose from concentrating the seaweed hydrolysate. However, fed-batch fermentation using simulated concentrated green seaweed hydrolysate achieved a concentration of 73 g/L ethanol in fermentations using both seawater and reverse osmosis water. Further fermentations conducted with an adaptive strain W. anomalus M15-500A showed improved bioethanol production of 92.7 g/L ethanol from 200 g/L glucose and reduced lag time from 93 h to 24 h in fermentation with an initial glucose concentration of 500 g/L. The results indicated that strains W. anomalus M15 and W. anomalus M15-500A have great potential for industrial bioethanol production using marine biomass derived feedstocks. It also suggested that if a concentrated high sugar content seaweed hydrolysate could be obtained, the bioethanol concentration could achieve 90 g/L or above, exceeding the minimum industrial production threshold.

Dissolved air effects on three-phase hydrodynamic cavitation in large scale Venturi- Experimental/numerical analysis

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) in the Venturi nozzle, apart from the harmful influence on the devices, can be used to improve a range of industrial processes, such as biofuel generation, emulsion preparation, and wastewater treatment. The present investigation deals with the influence of dissolved air in Venturi cavitating flow based on numerical and experimental approaches. The experimental campaigns have been done in a closed-loop water tunnel equipped with a Venturi test section. The post-processing techniques such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Power Spectral Density (PSD), temporal/spatial Grey Level distribution and mean value grey level distribution are employed to analyse the experimental observations and measurement. The URANS numerical method is modified based on the Density Corrected-Based Model (DCM) to be more adaptable for flows with high differences in density. The results approve the remarkable effect of dissolved air on the configuration of the cavity, its evolution process, and transient/averaged characteristics. It is observed that the incipient point and ratio of sheet cavity length to cloud cavity length are changed. Furthermore, the flow velocity inside of the sheet and cloud cavities is different; as well as, the higher content of dissolved air leads to slower flow velocity inside the cloud cavity. In addition, the shedding frequency is significantly reduced in case of higher level of air content.

Bio-Oil Production from Multi-Waste Biomass Co-Pyrolysis Using Analytical Py–GC/MS

Background: Bioenergy attracts much attention due to the global demand for renewable and sustainable energy resources. Waste biomass feedstocks—date pits, coffee waste, and cow dung—require efficient and environmentally friendly waste-management technologies such as pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis occurs at fast heating rates (10–100 °C/s), generates high bio-oil yields, and is the most widely used process for biofuel generation. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of pyrolysis between single, binary, and ternary feeds on thermal degradation behavior and bio-oil composition. Methods: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at 30 °C/min from room temperature to 850 °C to understand the thermal degradation behavior of the biomasses. A Pyroprobe® reactor—a micro-scale pyrolyzer—was used to conduct the fast pyrolysis at 500 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/s, and the volatile contents were quantified using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Results: The (TGA) showed three main stages of decomposition following dehydration, devolatilization, and char degradation for the different single and multiple feeds. According to the identified compounds, the bio-oil components are broadly identified as aldehydes, amines, aliphatic, aromatics, alcohols, furans, ketones, and acids. The three single-biomass pyrolysis products have four compounds in common, acetic acid and ketone groups (acetic acid, 2-propanone, 1-hydroxy-, benzyl methyl ketone, and 1,2-cyclopentanedione). Conclusion: The bio-oil generated from the feeds comprises great potential for volatiles, diesel, and gasoline production with carbon atoms ranging from C2–C33. Future studies should focus on understanding the effect of procedural parameters, including blending ratio, temperature, and heating rates, on bio-oil composition. Additional molecular techniques should be employed to understand biomass components’ reaction mechanisms to produce useful bio-oil products.

Evaluating the resilience benefits of marine energy in microgrids

Marine energy resources could promote clean energy and resilience of coastal and island microgrids, and thus, these applications are a key future market for marine energy development. To demonstrate these benefits, this paper illustrates how inclusion of wave resources into energy resilience solutions can improve overall grid efficiency and sustainability, as well as maintain electricity supply during grid outages. The paper describes a case study evaluation of the potential to add wave energy to the Moloka'i grid as Hawaii strives to meet a 100% clean energy target. The Microgrid Component Optimization for Resilience tool is used to simulate operation in off-grid conditions and size different combinations of wave, solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, storage, and fuel resources required to meet resilience objectives. This research investigates how including wave resources in a microgrid contributes to reducing or eliminating biofuel generation, producing a zero-greenhouse gas emission profile in the latter case, and avoiding the over-sizing of PV and battery systems to accommodate periods of unavailability or high demand. Insight from this paper supports the value proposition of wave resources for future markets and informs the relationship between marine generators and microgrids or isolated grids.

Pyrolysis behavior of low value biomass (Sesbania bispinosa) to elucidate its bioenergy potential: Kinetic, thermodynamic and prediction modelling using artificial neural network

Energy needs are dynamic, and the increasing demand for energy prompted the completion of this study to explore the thermal degradation characteristics of Sesbania bispinosa (SB) biomass in order to assess its pyrolytic performance for biofuel generation. The physicochemical analysis revealed lower moisture (6.30%), higher volatile (79.35%), and lower ash (3.95%). The results of the TG investigation indicated that the maximum devolatilization temperature range during the thermal deterioration of SB was 297–650 °C. The model-free approaches of Ozawa Flynn Wall (OFW), Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS), Tang (TG), Starink (SK), and Vyazovkin (VZK) were used to predict kinetic parameters. The average activation energy obtained was 181.37, 180.63, 180.91, 180.90, and 161.31 kJ/mol using the OFW, KAS, TG, SK, and VZK methods, respectively. The comprehensive pyrolysis index (CPI) showed a greater value at higher heating rates (50 °C/min), indicating the appropriateness of SB pyrolysis at higher heating rates. Further, artificial neural network (ANN) was employed for the prediction of thermal degradation data. Results revealed a strong correlation between actual and predicted values, which are much nearer to one. The investigation demonstrated the importance of ANN model and suitability of SB biomass as a potential feedstock for bioenergy production via pyrolysis.

Production of third generation bio-fuel through thermal cracking process by utilizing Covid-19 plastic wastes

During this pandemic, it has become customary to wear a face waste mask to guard against coronavirus illness (COVID-19). However, huge production of face waste masks, PPE kit and gloves pose environmental risks, since existing disposal methods such as incineration and reclamation which are emitting hazardous substances. In the present study covid-19 medical waste material like waste face waste masks; gloves and PPE kit (personal protective equipment) are considered as the feedstock for the thermal degradation process. Mainly nylon, polyethylene and polypropylene compounds are present in the Covid-19 medical waste compounds, further feedstock material is subjected to physical characterization process like proximate, ultimate and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), to determine the moisture, ash, volatile matter and decomposition temperature respectively. The waste waste mask has lower ash content of 9.7 %, whereas gloves and other PPEs has 11.8 and 11.2 % of ash respectively. Similarly volatile matter is also higher for waste waste mask than other feed stocks. Pyrolysis process is carried out between a temperature range of 100 °C to 700 °C and the products of the pyrolysis process are pyrolytic liquid, gas and residue. The maximum pyrolytic oil is produced from waste masks, gloves and other PPE kit at 300, 350 and 320 °C respectively. The calorific value of the pyrolytic oil from waste mask, gloves and other PPE kit possess 40.85,40.11,40.31 MJ/kg respectively, which indicates that all the pyrolytic oil has closer to the diesel fuel. Therefore pyroltic oil obtained from the Covid-19 medical waste can be used as an alternative fuel for CI engine.