Tons Of Biomass Research Articles

Experimental and performance analysis of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in downdraft gasifier

It is anticipated that the production of municipal solid waste will increase from 2.10 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.80 billion tonnes by 2050. About 170 billion metric tonnes of biomass is produced worldwide each year. On a wet basis, the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) includes approximately 20% of wood, 70% of food waste, 60% of yard trimmings, and 50% of other organic materials. Gasification of waste biomass is one of the most efficient processes for creating gaseous fuel and subsequently power with reduced environmental impact. The current work presents a novel strategy to reduce MSW by converting waste into briquettes and feeding it in gasifiers to produce syngas. The downdraft gasifier is employed in the syngas generation process. With a calorific value of 22.6 MJ/kg and a higher lignin concentration of approximately 31%, MSW proves to be suitable for thermochemical conversion processes. This article presents the results during gasification of briquette made from organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with significant heating value of 22.6 MJ/kg. The fuel produced by the gasifier has a heating value ranging from 920 to 1150 kcal/m3, making it clean-burning. Its primary components consist of 19% to 23% carbon monoxide and 17% to 21% hydrogen. This study offers a unique investigation into the gasification behavior of the organic fraction of OFMSW in a downdraft gasifier, with an emphasis on optimizing operational parameters and evaluating the yield and quality of syngas. Although gasification has been widely studied as a thermochemical conversion method for biomass, the specific performance of OFMSW in this process has received limited attention. By focusing on this underexplored area, the study enhances the understanding of OFMSW's potential in gasification and its contribution to sustainable energy production, thereby addressing key issues in both waste management and renewable energy generation.

A framework for natural resource management with geospatial machine learning: a case study of the 2021 Almora forest fires

BackgroundWildfires have a substantial impact on air quality and ecosystems by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs), trace gases, and aerosols into the atmosphere. These wildfires produce both light-absorbing and merely scattering aerosols that can act as cloud condensation nuclei, altering cloud reflectivity, cloud lifetime, and precipitation frequency. Uttarakhand province in India experiences frequent wildfires that affect its protected ecosystems. Thus, a natural resource management system is needed in this region to assess the impact of wildfire hazards on land and atmosphere. We conducted an analysis of a severe fire event that occurred between January and April 2021 in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, by utilizing open-source geospatial data. Near-real-time satellite observations of pre- and post-fire conditions within the study area were used to detect changes in land and atmosphere. Supervised machine learning algorithm was also implemented to estimate burned above ground biomass (AGB) to monitor biomass stock.ResultsThe study found that 21.75% of the total burned area burned with moderate to high severity, resulting in a decreased Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index value (> 0.3), a reduced Normalized Differential Moisture Index value (> 0.4), and a lowered Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (> 0.5). The AGB estimate demonstrated a significant simple determination (r2 = 0.001702) and probability (P < 2.2 10−16), along with a positive correlation (r ≤ 0.24) with vegetation and soil indices. The algorithm predicted that 17.56 tonnes of biomass per hectare burned in the Kumaun forests. This fire incident resulted in increased emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2; ~ 0.8 10−4 kg carbon h−1), methane (CH4; ~ 200 10−9 mol fraction in dry air), carbon monoxide (CO; 2000 1015 molecules cm−2 total column), and formaldehyde (HCHO; 3500 1013 molecules cm−2 total column), along with increased aerosol optical thickness (varying from 0.2 to 0.5).ConclusionsWe believe that our proposed operational framework for managing natural resources and assessing the impact of natural hazards can be used to efficiently monitor near-real-time forest-fire-caused changes in land and atmosphere. This method makes use of openly accessible geospatial data that can be employed for several objectives, including monitoring carbon stocks, greenhouse gas emissions, criterion air pollution, and radiative forcing of the climate, among many others. Our proposed framework will assist policymakers and the scientific community in mitigating climate change problems and in developing adaptation policies.

Evaluation of Two Ecosystem Services Provided by a Pistia stratiotes Population on the Pacific Coast of South America.

One of the most fascinating wetlands on Peru's central coast is the Santa Rosa wetland (Chancay, Lima), an ecosystem threatened by anthropogenic activities. Some of these impacts have led to the uncontrolled growth of Pistia stratiotes, an invasive aquatic plant. This study sought to quantify the regulation and provisioning of ecosystem services provided by P. stratiotes using carbon storage and the provision of biomass as indicators. To this end, the biomasses of 50 plots measuring 0.0625 m2 were weighed and georeferenced and the percentages of dry biomass (%DB) and total organic carbon in the biomass (%C) were quantified. The biomass and its coordinates were entered into ArcGIS and a Kriging interpolation technique was applied to determine the total amount of biomass (B). It was found that P. stratiotes stored 3942.57 tCO2 and that 2132.41 tons of biomass could be obtained for fodder. The total carbon stored by this aquatic plant represented 28.46% of the total carbon sequestered in the wetland ecosystem by vascular plants, suggesting that its contribution to the carbon cycle is significant. This is the first study to estimate the biomass of a floating aquatic plant population in a coastal Peruvian wetland and is a pioneering study addressing the in situ carbon estimation of Peruvian floating aquatic plants. The results and methods proposed in this research will serve in the evaluation of the potential of ecosystem services among similar populations of floating aquatic species. In addition, the data presented can be used to establish plans for the management and use of this biomass in the production of soil fertilizers and cattle forage.

Analysis of Energy Potential of Switchgrass Biomass

In this research, the energy potential of switchgrass (SG) was analyzed to find promising directions for producing bioenergy from this biomass. The first direction is determining the thermal energy of bioethanol extracted from SG biomass after its pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis (saccharification), and fermentation of the resulting glucose. It was established that after a two-stage pretreatment of 1 ton of SG with dilute solutions of nitric acid and alkali, the largest amount of bioethanol can be extracted with an energy potential of 4.9 GJ. It is also shown that by the utilization of solid and liquid waste, the production cost of bioethanol can be reduced. On the other hand, the direct combustion of 1 ton of the initial SG biomass used as a solid biofuel provides an increased amount of thermal energy of 18.3 GJ, which is 3.7 times higher than the energy potential of the resulting bioethanol extracted from 1 ton of this biomass. Thus, if the ultimate goal is to obtain the maximum energy amount, then another direction for obtaining bioenergy from biomass should be implemented, namely, direct combustion, preferably after pelletizing. Studies have shown that fuel characteristics of SG pellets such as the gross thermal energy and density of thermal energy are lower than those of wood pellets, but they can be improved if the SG biomass is densified into pellets together with binders made from polymer waste.

Analisis Dampak Lingkungan dan Keekonomian Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Co-firing Biomassa dan Baru bara sebagai Upaya Bauran Energi Terbarukan

Analisis Dampak Lingkungan dan Keekonomian Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Co-firing Biomassa dan Baru bara sebagai Upaya Bauran Energi Terbarukan

Historical marine footprint for Atlantic Europe, 1500–2019

Over the last 500 years, Europe (excluding Russia) consumed over 2500 million tonnes of ocean biomass. This is based on detailed historical data that we provide for human consumption per capita which was stable from 1500 to 1899 and tripled in the twentieth century. In the last 300 years, cod and herring dominated human seafood consumption. Whaling for non-food uses peaked in the 1830s and declined as cetaceans became scarce. Seafood consumption increased rapidly after 1900, and by the late 1930s, annual marine consumption in Atlantic Europe reached 7 million tonnes of biomass, facilitated by the globalisation of whaling. Atlantic European consumption, including fishmeal for animal feed, peaked at more than 12 million tonnes annually in the 1970s, but declined thereafter. The marine footprint of Atlantic Europe was significant well before modern fisheries statistics commenced. Our findings can inform future assessments of ocean health and marine life’s importance for human society.

Current energy recycling technology for agricultural waste in Malaysia

This article examines the production and use of biomass as a renewable energy source in Malaysia, focusing on the agricultural processing industry. Malaysia produces approximately 168 million tonnes of biomass, including palm oil waste, rice husks, coconut debris, sugar cane waste, urban waste, and forestry waste. The abundance of biomass resources provides a competitive advantage over other renewable energy sources. However, the industry faces restrictions and challenges, such as high disposal costs, high electricity consumption, and related expenses. To address these issues, it is crucial to study the types of biomass available, current technology for biomass energy production (waste-to-energy), and relevant environmental motivations, initiatives, and legislation. This paper analyses the agricultural waste available for energy generation, existing technologies for converting waste into energy, and the role of environmental policies in the agricultural processing business. Energy recycling, which involves utilizing agricultural waste to generate electricity and thermal energy, is proposed as a viable solution. Several technologies are explored, including anaerobic digestion, gasification, incineration/combustion, and pyrolysis, each with advantages and disadvantages. Thermochemical processes are highlighted for their effectiveness, requiring minimal pre-treatment, shorter reaction times, and adaptability to various biomass feedstocks and climatic conditions. The implementation of incentives, initiatives, and policies by the Malaysian government serves as guidelines for the agricultural processing industry to adopt energy recycling practices. By emphasising energy sustainability and promoting green building initiatives, the industry can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.

The agrophysical properties effects in syderation used short-row sowing on soil

In short-term cotton-crop rotation fields agrophysical features was achieved improvement by sowing pure rape, peas + rape, peas + rape + chick peas are 22–32 tons of biomass per hectare of land is sown in the fall. In particular, when peas + rape, peas + rape + chick peas are used as siderites, macroaggregates in the topsoil increase by 7.87–8.73% and in the subsoil by 3.35–3.50%, when water-resistant aggregates are planted with gooseberry (55.82%) and pea when mixed with rapeseed and peas (56.7%), and increased soil fertility. As a result, the decrease in soil volume had a significant effect on the increase in water permeability and soil moisture more than 2%. The highest moisture content was observed in the mixture of peas + rape + chick peas as a siderite, and when rapeseed was used in its pure form. Sideration has resulted in an increase in organic humus in the soil and an optimal retention of moisture.

ГЕЛИОПИРОЛИЗНАЯ УСТАНОВКА ДЛЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫХ ТОПЛИВ ИЗ БИОМАССЫ И ОРГАНИЧЕСКИХ ОТХОДОВ СЕЛЬСКОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА

The analysis of scientific research has been carried out, which presents technologies for processing biomass and agricultural organic waste based on solar energy, providing alternative fuels for solving energy saving problems of autonomous consumers. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing and substantiating the main parameters of a heliopyrolysis plant with a parabolic solar concentrator for producing alternative fuels from biomass to meet the domestic needs of rural homes and farms. (Materials and methods) Analyzed the thermal and technological schemes of existing pyrolysis plants, thermal biomass processing systems and their energy intensity. A technological scheme of a heliopyrolysis plant with a parabolic solar concentrator has been developed. Based on the developed technological scheme, the design of an experimental heliopyrolysis installation with a parabolic solar concentrator was created. A methodology for conducting experimental studies on pyrolysis of biomass and organic waste using concentrated solar energy has been developed. (Results and discussion) Based on the results of experiments, it was shown that as a result of pyrolysis of 1 kilogram of rubber waste loaded into the reactor of the installation, 20 percent of liquid and 35 percent of gaseous fuels were obtained, 34 percent of coal, 10 percent of liquid and 56 percent of gaseous fuels were obtained from the same amount of chicken manure, 55 percent of liquid and 45 percent of gaseous fuel, from plant waste (cotton stalks) - 34 percent of coal, 26 percent of liquid and 40 percent of gaseous fuel. (Conclusions). It was found based on the results of the scientific research carried out and the technical and economic calculations carried out that the use of a parabolic solar concentrator in pyrolysis installations made it possible to increase the energy efficiency of the installation by 10-12 percent. It was determined that within one year, having processed 1.0 ton of biomass using a heliopyrolysis unit with a parabolic solar concentrator, it is possible to obtain 300-350 cubic meters of gaseous fuel, 350-400 kilograms of pyrolysis liquid, 200-300 kilograms of charcoal.

Assessment of Solar-Biomass Using MCDM Technique: Case Study of Ranchi, India

In India, the adoption of sustainable and efficient renewable energy systems has become imperative for achieving sustainable development. Nowadays in India about 60% of the population has access to grid power, but due to the unreliable nature of electricity users, it is still necessary to rely on biofuels such as solar and animal waste for everyday activities like heating and cooking. With over 370 million tons of biomass produced annually in India, there is a significant market opportunity for biomass boilers in the country. This research paper proposes a hybrid system comprising of solar, and biomass from an end-user perspective. The proposed hybrid system has been modelled and analyzed using multisim software. Furthermore, the study assesses the feasibility of the proposed low-cost hybrid power system blueprint for the outlying regions of Baheya village, Ranchi, India, by utilizing the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique. It has been observed that the total per unit cost of a hybrid system, which is Rs. 1.76, is lower compared to the individual per unit costs of solar and biomass plants, which are Rs. 1.628 and Rs. 0.433, respectively. The analysis shows that the proposed hybrid system is a reliable solution for providing electricity in the Baheya village.

4E analysis and optimization of a novel hybrid biomass-solar system: Focusing on peak load management and environmental emissions

Renewable energies are available as clean sources to replace fossil fuels. Providing continuous power without compromising the environment through hybridizing solar and biomass source is one of the promising solutions. This paper seeks to address thermodynamic, economic, and environmental analysis of a multi-generation system with the aim of supplying heating, cooling, electricity, fresh-water, and hydrogen. To do this, the considered system is divided into on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak periods and modeled based on the consumption pattern at different hours of the day and night. Due to the availability of renewable energy during peak consumption periods, biomass, solar, and hybrid biomass-solar energies are used as energy sources. This leads to a reduction in biomass consumption and carbon dioxide emissions through storing approximately 10 tons of biomass during the day. A sensitivity analysis of the factors affecting the system’s function indicated that a growth in solar radiation from 600 to 1000 W/m2, results in a 35% improvement in exergy efficiency, a 2.7% raise in the total cost rate, and a 32.4% drop in CO2 emissions of the system. Moreover, by changing the biomass flow rate from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/s, the exergy efficiency and total cost rate improved by 9.28%, 1.3%, respectively, and the CO2 emissions rate increased from 0.41 to 1.14 tons/MWh. In addition, focusing on addressing economic and environmental concerns, the optimization of the proposed hybrid system is performed in two categories of objective functions. In the second category optimization, exergy efficiency, fresh water production, total cost rate and CO2 emissions are determined as 31.75%, 74.75 kg/s, 324.60 $/h and 3.55 tons/MWh, respectively.

Forest Supply Chain for Bioenergy: An Approach for Biomass Study in the Framework of a Circular Bioeconomy

To ensure the long-term viability of a circular bioeconomy based on native forests, it is crucial to enhance our understanding and overcome existing disparities in knowledge and application throughout the entire value chain of forest products. The objective of this article is to contribute towards this goal and facilitate the proper management of forest biomass. Firstly, a methodology is proposed for the study of biomass throughout the native forest value chain, identifying the main steps, criteria, and variables to consider. This approach is evaluated through a case study in Argentina, where over 2370 tons of biomass are wasted annually. A series of strategies for analyzing the most suitable uses and applications for this biomass are examined. Finally, some key approaches for the promotion of a circular and sustainable forest bioeconomy are identified. While it is true that there is still a long way to go before small rural economies can make a more efficient and comprehensive use of their resources (potentially including small biorefineries) with appropriate cascade use schemes, moving towards biomass energy use constitutes a practical and concrete alternative today. This proposal provides tools for accelerating this necessary ecological and energy transition.

Resolving the identity of commercially cultivated Ulva (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) in integrated seaweed-abalone aquaculture farms in South Africa.

Species of Ulva have a wide range of commercial applications and are increasingly being recognized as promising candidates for integrated aquaculture. In South Africa, Ulva has been commercially cultivated in integrated seaweed-abalone aquaculture farms since 2002, with more than 2000 tonnes of biomass cultivated per annum in land-based paddle raceways. However, the identity of the species of Ulva grown on these farms remains uncertain. We therefore characterized samples of Ulva cultivated in five integrated multi-trophic aquaculture farms (IMTA) across a wide geographical range and compared them with foliose Ulva specimens from neighboring seashores. The molecular markers employed for this study were the chloroplast-encoded Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (rbcL), the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the nuclear, and the chloroplast elongation factor tufA. All currently cultivated specimens of Ulva were molecularly resolved as a single species, U. lacinulata. The same species has been cultivated for over a decade, although a few specimens of two other species were also present in early South African IMTA systems. The name Ulva uncialis is adopted for the Ulva "Species A" by Fort et al. (2021), Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 86) significantly extending the distribution range for this species. A comparison with wild Ulva on seashores close to the farms resulted in five new distribution records for South Africa (U. lacinulata, U. ohnoi, U. australis, U.stenophylloides, and U. aragoënsis), the first report of a foliose form of U. compressa in the region, and one new distribution record for Namibia (U. australis). This study reiterates the need for DNA confirmation, especially when identifying morphologically simple macroalgae with potential commercial applications.

Developing integrated direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage systems: progress towards 2 °C and 1.5 °C climate goals

Negative emissions technologies are gaining widespread acceptance as crucial tools in achieving climate goals, such as keeping global temperatures below 2 °C of pre-industrial levels by 2100. Two technologies central to carbon dioxide removal efforts are direct air capture and Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. While both technologies have undergone extensive study, only a few studies have explored the potential of using biomass as an energy source for direct air capture technology. This is despite bioenergy with carbon capture having the ability to provide carbon-negative heat and power, as well as its potential impact on the climate mitigation goals of the century. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of meeting the energy requirements of a direct air capture unit using bioenergy. Combining these units will result in compounded negative emissions for the integrated system. The objective is to examine the thermal and electrical requirements of the two primary approaches used in direct air capture design: the liquid solvent and solid sorbent direct air capture units, and to calculate the compounded negative emissions achieved by integrating them with bioenergy. The results of this study demonstrate that for a direct air capture plant capturing 1 mega ton of carbon dioxide per year, approximately 1200 and 2400 tons of biomass per day would be sufficient to meet the energy needs of the solid sorbent and liquid solvent direct air capture systems, respectively. The combined capture efficiency of both types of direct air capture systems integrated with bioenergy stands at 91.19% to 93.9% with overall carbon captured up to 1.51 mega tons of carbon dioxide per year. Over the century, integrating bioenergy into direct air capture units can remove gigaton levels of carbon from the atmosphere without disrupting the demand–supply dynamics of existing and future energy systems.

Carbon-negative valorization of biomass waste into affordable green hydrogen and battery anodes

The global Sustainable Development Goals highlight the necessity for affordable and clean energy, designated as SDG7. A sustainable and feasible biorefinery concept is proposed for the carbon-negative utilization of biomass waste for affordable H2 and battery anode material production. Specifically, an innovative tandem biocarbon + NiAlO + biocarbon catalyst strategy is constructed to realize a complete reforming of biomass pyro-vapors into H2+CO (as a mixture). The solid residues from pyrolysis are upgraded into high-quality hard carbon (HCs), demonstrating potential as sodium ion battery (SIBs) anodes. The product, HC-1600-6h, exhibited great electrochemical performance when employed as (SIBs) anodes (full cell: 263 Wh/kg with ICE of 89%). Ultimately, a comprehensive process is designed, simulated, and evaluated. The process yields 75 kg H2, 169 kg HCs, and 891 kg captured CO2 per ton of biomass achieving approx. 100% carbon and hydrogen utilization efficiencies. A life cycle assessment estimates a biomass valorization process with negative-emissions (−0.81 kg CO2/kg-biomass, reliant on Sweden wind electricity). A techno-economic assessment forecasts a notably profitable process capable of co-producing affordable H2 and hard carbon battery anodes. The payback period of the process is projected to fall within two years, assuming reference prices of 13.7 €/kg for HCs and 5 €/kg for H2. The process contributes to a novel business paradigm for sustainable and commercially viable biorefinery process, achieving carbon-negative valorization of biomass waste into affordable energy and materials.

Analisis Dampak Lingkungan dan Keekonomian Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Co-firing Biomassa dan Batubara Sebagai Upaya Bauran Energi Terbarukan

Steam power plants are the largest contributor to carbon emissions in Indonesia. Utilizing biomass fuel through co-firing technology is one way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As part of an effort to increase the use of renewable energy, this study will assess the economic and environmental effects of co-firing biomass and coal power plants. This study uses a descriptive method of analysis of literature studies. The research results show that the continuous use of coal can lead to extinction. According to the data, the energy potential of biomass reaches 32.6 GW, with a new utilization of 1,895.7 MW, or around 5.8%. It takes more than 9 million tons of biomass every year to support the application of co-firing technology in 52 steam power plants in Indonesia. Various sources of biomass have the potential to support the application of co-firing technology. To achieve the target of 23 percent of the new renewable energy mix in 2025, the supply of biomass is very helpful. In addition to being able to increase its contribution to the renewable energy mix, the application of co-firing can also help the growth of the people's economy or circular economy.&#x0D; Keywords: Coal, Biomass, Co-firing, Economy, Environment

Forest Biomass Feedstock Availability and Economic Contribution of Biopower Facilities in the Lake States Region

Abstract The Lake States (MI, MN, WI) region holds 54.8 million acres of forest and offers the potential to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy through forest biomass. The objective of this study is to estimate the annual availability of biomass, after considering the sustainability threshold, for a wood price and its economic impact in the Lake States region. This study identified twenty-seven active power facilities using biomass in addition to oil, gas, and coal, with a total capacity of 3.85 million MWh per year. They consumed 2.80 million dry tons of biomass in 2019. At the current delivered wood price, an additional 9.72 million dry tons of biomass is economically available, which, if used, would generate an additional 11,112 jobs (1,583 direct and 9,529 indirect and induced), $1.54 billion in value added ($803 million direct and $733 million indirect and induced), and $2.71 billion ($1.46 billion direct and $1.25 billion indirect and induced) in total output. Operating at least one-third of the existing capacity for biomass-based power generation would add 1,969 jobs, $293 million in value added, and $413 million in total output. The expansion of the biomass biopower industry has the potential to significantly increase economic impact, especially in rural areas. Study Implications: Mapping procurement zones for resource allocation using delivered wood prices for biomass helps identify the economic availability of biomass for electric power production in the Lake States. Our results establish the market extent for biomass and identify potential areas where investment in biopower production or capacity upgrade is feasible. This study also provides insight into the economic impacts of additional biomass utilization to produce power. Most of these impacts would come about in rural areas, improving economic growth in these communities. A combined analysis estimating the potential supply and demand and the economic effects of biopower industry expansion provides valuable insight into decision-making for state forest action plans and private sector forest management plans. Furthermore, the findings from this study will help inform effective regional policy and investment decisions on biomass power industries. The method used can also be tailored to a specific facility to estimate its procurement zone, feedstock availability, and economic impacts.

Wear Study of Straw Chopper Knives in Combine Harvesters

Cereal straw is a biomaterial with great potential: about 144 million tons of biomass are grown annually in Europe. For any use of straw (fertilizer, biofuel, etc.), efficient chopping technology, i.e., the reliable and efficient operation of mobile or stationary choppers, is the key factor for further success. Since most of the straw is chopped at harvest time, the subject of the study is the wear of the combine’s chopping knives. Six blades of different materials and designs were tested under realistic conditions during wheat and rapeseed harvesting on 180 ha. The influence of hardness, composition, cutting edge angle, and position in the chopper on knife wear was analyzed. The study showed that the blades with the highest cutting edge hardness (568 ± 11 HV) and the lowest cutting edge angle (20.9°) had the lowest wear. The highest hardness of the induction hardened knives was due to the 0.42% carbon content of the steel. The study confirmed that wear was inversely proportional to the hardness of the cutting edge (the harder the cutting edge, the lower the wear) and directly proportional to the angle of the cutting edge (the higher the angle, the greater the wear). The SEM study showed that part of the tooth surface of the blades was covered by permanent deposits of the material to be shredded. This wear was not caused by the interaction between straw and blade but by microabrasive particles that contaminated the straw.

Establishment of green graphite industry: Graphite from biomass and its various applications

AbstractResource‐ and energy‐efficient biomass exploitation for green graphite production is one of the most effective strategies for satisfying graphite demand while minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study investigated green graphite production from biomass waste and its applications to establish a green graphite industry. Biomass pyrolysis and catalytic graphitization of biochar were studied first to produce green graphite. The optimized green graphite exhibited a reversible capacity of 264 mA h/g and 97% capacity retention over 100 cycles in a half‐cell. Green graphite electrodes with a resistivity lower than 5 μΩ m were fabricated by using organic fraction bio‐oil as a green binder. Other green graphite applications, including printing, conductive printing, pencils, and refractories, were also achieved. The overall process of graphite anode and electrode synthesis from biomass waste and short‐rotation energy crops was modeled. Approx. 95 kg of battery graphite or 109 kg of metallurgical graphite electrodes can be produced per ton of biomass with low primary energy consumption and carbon footprint. Prominently, the modeling result and life cycle assessment demonstrated that, for the production of battery graphite from biomass waste, net‐negative‐CO2 emissions (−0.57 kg CO2‐eq/kg graphite powders) with net‐negative‐primary energy consumption (−28.31 MJ/kg graphite powders) was achieved.

Low Cost Zero till In situ Green Manuring for Kharif Rice-A Success Story

Low cost zero till in situ green manuring using plant species like dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) will eliminate the age old problems of large scale adoption of green manuring across the farming community. These two species germinated and grown well when sown before (as paira crop during last irrigation) or after rice harvest under zero till condition, with assured nor western rain/monsoon rain or with one post sowing irrigation (7.5 cm). The zero till paira dhaincha green manuring process opened up the scope of producing green manuring at lower cost and saves up to Rs.15000/ha over conventional rain fed green manuring system. Green manuring by dhaincha produced 50-60 tonnes of biomass at 35-40 DAS in alluvial (North 24 PGS), lateritic (Purulia) and clay soils (Paschim Medinipur), produced 30-50 q raw rice /ha and saved 20-27 kg (30 per cent) chemical nitrogen/ha. This green manure will help in quicker decomposition of rice straw left after combined harvest (3.5- 6,0 t/ha), minimise its field burning, sequester enough carbon to the soil. Fifty tonnes green biomass of dhaincha/sunnhemp, has the potential to absorb 15 tonnes CO2 from the atmosphere, sequesters 2 tonnes of carbon in soil, minimise environmental pollution, improve soil health, its structure and water holding capacity. This technique can be adopted in rice growing countries across the globe without difficulty. Seed production dhaincha and sunnhemp is possible by growing it as paira crop (40 kg/ha) within kharif rice which grows up to 45 cm height, produces healthy pods and matures by 70 days which otherwise takes 5-8 months in normal season. If the seed crop is not harvested in rice fallows, from shattered seeds, self-seeded zero till and rain fed dhaincha manure can be obtained in rice fallows.