Biofuel Usage Research Articles

Solid Biofuel Production Perspectives in Ukraine

The reserves of fossil fuel resources in Ukraine are limited, that is why the usage of solid biofuel from renewable raw materials is one of the most important factors of state energy policy directed at the preservation of traditional fuel and energy resources and improvement of the environment condition. The analysis of biological resources is made in this paper, and it is determined that Ukraine has a sufficient potential which is available for energy production and constitutes around 29 million tons of equivalent fuel. Energy crops are an important resource therewith. A potential yield of solid biofuel from perennial energy crops can constitute approximately 35.8 million tons per year. It is shown that raw biomass has a number of disadvantages: low energy density, unstable granulometry, wide spread of moisture content, and low bulk density which are the main problems for its storage and transportation. In order to increase consumer performance properties of biomass, the granulation process is suggested to be used. The implementation of granulation process will allow to eliminate the shortcomings of biological raw material and to transform it into a high-efficiency fuel. One of the most important conditions of effective and profitable functioning of granulated biomass production is the availability and regular supply of raw materials. Therewith, for Ukraine's conditions it is worthwhile to use sets of high-power equipment for its operation both in the places with high concentration of raw materials and small mobile units which can work in stationary conditions and move to the places with sufficient amount of raw materials decreasing the costs of biomass transportation to minimum. At the same time, there is a need in developing new homeland elaborations, both complex process lines and individual equipment units for different capacities. The paper determines the main directions of using granulation products among which are: combustion in pellet boilers, common combustion with coal, and gasification of granulated biomass for obtaining motor oils. It is mentioned that the application of granulation technologies solves not only the energy problems but also a set of other problems: ecological, agricultural, forestry and social ones.

Opportunity of external combustion engines usage in forestry complex

Considered problem of forest industry enterprises energy supply. Are taking in account following: energy communications remoteness, high cost of accessing to energy networks if they are near to logging site. Most of remoteness logging sites are energy supplied by diesel power plants. This situation leads to problems: high price for 1 kW, expenses fuel transportation. Observed possibility of Stirling engine usage in forest industry. First of all – electric generator based on Stirling engine, which allow to use biofuel. Considered possible schemes of Stirling engine usage. Co-generation scheme – secondary heat utilization. Direct generation with different biofuel usage. Defined the range of required Stirling power stations powers for forest industry. Was analyzed Stirling engine kinematic schemes: α, β and γ-type. Are defined more suitable type to use in logging sites - α-type. Air was selected like working body. Were analyzed mail difficulties of Stirling engine construction. The absence of calculation technique and experimental experience are show necessarily of construction parameters and heat-mass transfer analysis. Further issues of investigations were defined: complex and multiparameter numeric modeling of Stirling engine operational process with different power ranges and optimal construction parameters finding out for successful introduction of Stirling engine in forest industry were defined.

Evaluation of gas fuel and biofuel usage in turbine

<p>Modern gas turbines are a significant source for power generation and prime mover for marine propulsion. The depleting fossil fuel sources have provided a cue for broader implementation and usage of renewable energy. Biofuel has been touted as a substitute for natural gas to power gas turbines. To confirm the dependability and reliability of this attempt in a complex multi-domain system, for example, the gas turbine, the fuel system of the micro-gas turbine is designed and modelled using MATLAB Simulink. The model; simulates the; transient and steady state of a gas turbine’s nominal functional situations. Evaluations between the field data and; simulation outcomes validate a high degree of correspondence. The fuel system in the micro;-gas turbine simulation model is also optimized with the experimental data. </p>

Evaluation of LNG consumption in local market through GIS

Liquified natural gas (LNG) has become a basic energy source which is mainly used to run industrial wheel. It has played a vital role for boosting economic growth/GDP of Pakistan. Most of power plants and industries use LNG for generation of commodities of domestic use. The contribution of LNG in the total energy supply is 38% which increases up to 40% in winter. This research was conducted in Rana Town Ferozwala. We selected this area because of non-availability of Sui Northern or Southern network of gas pipelines. We used spatial interpolation technique to map the sale of LNG at various sale points throughout the year 2017. We observed the maximum sale of LNG during winter season (Nov-April) where the LNG demands exceeded from 13.2 tons as compared to the normal 8 tons. It was observed that the LNG demand was declined below the approximated demand e.g., a very less amount of LNG was consumed during June and July which was (2.7-6.9) tons and (2.9-6.7) tons respectively that must be more than 8 tons. On field observation we found that most of people prefer the usage of biofuel instead of LNG in summer season because there is excess of dry residue of animals and the dry wood as well for cooking. This trend analysis determines the LNG consumption across a region where interpolation technique proved efficient in public trend mapping for purchase of LNG during 2017.

Evaluation of LNG consumption in local market through GIS

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has become a basic energy source which is mainly used to run industrial wheel. It has played a vital role for boosting economic growth/GDP of Pakistan. Most of power plants and industries use LNG for generation of commodities of domestic use. The contribution of LNG in the total energy supply is 38% which increases up to 40% in winter. This research was conducted in Rana Town Ferozwala. We selected this area because of non-availability of Sui Northern or Southern network of gas pipelines. We used spatial interpolation technique to map the sale of LNG at various sale points throughout the year 2017. We observed the maximum sale of LNG during winter season (Nov-April) where the LNG demands exceeded from 13.2 tons as compared to the normal 8 tons. It was observed that the LNG demand was declined below the approximated demand e.g., a very less amount of LNG was consumed during June and July which was (2.7-6.9) tons and (2.9-6.7) tons respectively that must be more than 8 tons. On field observation we found that most of people prefer the usage of biofuel instead of LNG in summer season because there is excess of dry residue of animals and the dry wood as well for cooking. This trend analysis determines the LNG consumption across a region where interpolation technique proved efficient in public trend mapping for purchase of LNG during 2017.

Investigating the combined effect of thermal barrier coating and antioxidants on pine oil in DI diesel engine.

The present study presented an inclusive analysis of engine exhaust emission characteristics of direct injection diesel engine fuelled with diesel and biofuel. Biofuel used in this investigation was obtained by steam distillation from pine oil. A single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine was used for this purpose. In this work, performance characteristics like brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were analysed. The engine pollutants, namely nitrogen oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke, were examined. In addition, combustion characteristics like in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate were presented. Two engine modification techniques, namely thermal barrier coating and the addition of antioxidant to biofuel, were attempted. The advantage of thermal barrier coating is to reduce heat loss from the engine and convert the accumulated heat into useful piston work. In this work, partially stabilised zirconia was used as the coating material. The usage of antioxidant-treated biofuel in a diesel engine was said to be the prominent approach for NOx emission reduction. Three different antioxidants, namely butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), were exclusively dissolved at a concentration of 1% by volume with PO fuel. The obtained performance and emission characteristics of the uncoated engine were compared with the thermally coated engine. From the results, it was observed that the PO biofuel may be a promising alternative in the near prospect with the thermal barrier coating technique to enhance the performance, combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine. The PO+TBHQ blend was considered as more beneficial than PO+BHT and PO+BHA on account of its performance, combustion and emission characteristics. The effectiveness of the antioxidant was shown in the order of TBHQ>BHA>BHT.

Study of physical-chemical properties for 2nd generation ethanol-blended diesel fuel in India

The present study pertains to glorify the significance of physical and chemical properties of blended diesel fuel with 2nd generation ethanol when applied to compression ignition engine. The assessed fuel properties are density, kinematic viscosity, Cetane number, calorific value, sulfur content and flash point for the prepared blends with respect to fuel quality standards. The results are examined based on present stipulations set for fuel quality rendering Bharat Stage VI standard norms in India. Fuel density and viscosity got slightly decreased with the aggregate of 2nd generation ethanol concentration, at the same time sulfur content also witnessed a similar trend. Cetane number also decreased considerably with the inclusion of 2nd generation ethanol content in diesel fuel. Use of 2nd generation ethanol in diesel fuel will expand markets for agricultural commodities and generate extra revenue from 2nd generation ethanol which is produced from waste residuals of the crops. To achieve stringent emissions regulations and government declarations of increasing biofuel usage can be succeeded by adopting 2nd generation ethanol-blended diesel as a commercial fuel in India. Tested 2nd generation ethanol-blended diesel fuel displayed comparable properties values to those of pure diesel fuel. All verified properties were within the standard limits of diesel fuel. It includes an incisive discussion on the feasible effects of fuel property variation with 2nd generation ethanol-blended diesel fuel concentration. The extreme concentration of 2nd generation ethanol in diesel fuel that can meet the essential characteristics within the range for diesel engine application has been being assessed here.

Applying the Theory of Consumption Values to Explain Drivers’ Willingness to Pay for Biofuels

The transportation sector has dominated global fuel consumption and as a result, greenhouse gas emissions have risen at an alarming rate. As a consequence, many countries have adopted policies and strategies to diversify their fuel sources in the transportation sector. Biofuel is one of the potential substitution fuels that has attracted the attention of both researchers and policy makers. Public acceptance of biofuels is one of the major challenges for the implementation of biofuel blends in transportation. To determine the influence of different values that affect drivers’ willingness to pay for biofuels, the theory of consumption values is applied in the present research. The data were gathered by distributing questionnaires to 343 Malaysian people with driving licences and access to cars. The data were analysed using the partial least squares technique. The results of the analysis revealed that functional values, specific condition, emotional values and novelty seeking were among the main factors that influence drivers’ willingness to pay for biofuels. Social values were shown to not be a significant factor. The results of the study contribute to the literature by testing the relationship between consumption values and willingness to pay for biofuels. The information provided in the present research might be beneficial for policy makers in modifying tactics and strategies towards the successful promotion of the usage of biofuels in developing countries.

Low-Fouling Heat Exchanger for Biofuel Usage in Combined Heat and Power Units

Micro combined heat and power units (mCHP) are efficient energy systems for residential applications. With biogas as renewable energy source, the full potential of this technology would be released. Especially in rural areas, where centralized heating systems are rare, biogas is most likely available. However, there are disadvantages compared to natural gas that inhibited the usage of biogas in mCHP until now. First of all biogas is not as clean as natural gas and comprises various components according to its production conditions and raw material input. This leads to a higher rate of soot particles and pollutants in the exhaust gas. Consequently, fouling in the downstream heat exchanger (HE) is a serious issue when operating biogas in mCHPs. One approach to solve this problem is the identification of a fouling resistant coating for the HE surface in contact with the flue gas. This is complemented with a redesign of the HE to improve coatability and cleanability. This work presents the proceeding to evolve a fouling resistant HE for operating biogas in mCHPs.

Strengthening innovative supply chain in the public transportation system of Curitiba through relational capabilities

This paper aims to characterise the relational capabilities present in the supply chain (SC) for 100% based on soybean oil biofuel usage, in the public transportation system (PTS) of Curitiba. Supply chain and relational capabilities constructs are used as theoretical foundation and a unique case study comprising the total chain of the biodiesel usage in the PTS was conducted. Data were collected from non-structured interviews with members of the upstream of the supply chain and were analysed under the perspective of each dimension and/or components of relational capabilities identified in the case. Empirical evidence from the total analysed supply chain contributes to the literature by analysing this issue from the perspective of relational capacities. The need for partners of an SC to coordinate activities, development of synergy amongst them and usage of knowledge and skills from previous experiences, demanding a joint learning consists in practical implications of this study.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF FLUID DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF BIOMASS PARTICLES IN FLUIDIZED BEDS: A REVIEW

Decease of natural resources and increase of price of fossil fuels at growing energy consumption, toughening of ecological standards and necessity of the increase of the level of energetics diversification motivates mankind to more wide usage of renewable energy resources including the solid fuel of biological origin. The potential of biofuel usage is rather considerable because the energy equivalent of the biomass harvest on the land exceeds the worldwide energy consumption several times as much. The biomass application as a renewable fuel is already a reality worldwide with the development of policies and technologies that turn viable the transformation of biomass into energy. The aims of this work is to present a literature experimental review on the studies concerning to the use of fluidized beds taking into account their design and scale-up. Initially, the usual solid particle terminology and some important biomass properties are presented. A brief description of conversion technologies and the fluidization phenomena are introduced, followed by an explanation of the different experimental techniques. The characteristic velocities (initial, apparent, of segregation, and complete) are discussed based on different biomass properties, as well as a number of empirical correlations for these velocities are described. Finally, some considerations are made about characteristic bed porosities (apparent and complete) and bed expansion. Based on the literature analysis, an improvement has been done on the understanding of the biomass fluidization phenomena, however, further research is needed to comprehend the effect of biomass characteristics on the bed operational parameters, besides more accurate and general correlations must be developed to improve these technologies.
 For citation:
 Tannous K., De Mitri A.G., Mizonov V. Experimental study of fluid dynamic behavior of biomassparticles in fluidized beds: a review. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 9-10. P. 4-14

Thailand Energy System Transition to Keep Warming Below 1.5 Degrees

To keep global warming below 1.5 °C has become a challenging task. The Paris Agreement aims at achieving net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the second half of this century. The objective of this study is to identify the changes needed in the technologies and energy consumption pattern in Thailand’s energy sector in order to achieve the 1.5 °C global climate goal. Multiple scenarios are drawn to consider different CO2 emission taxes, penetration of renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and nuclear power. The AIM/Enduse model is used to quantify Thailand’s 1.5 °C climate goal. Results suggest that CO2 emission taxes of US$500 – US$1,000/tCO2 would be a significant policy instrument to foster the CO2 emission reduction. The CCS technology plays a key role to abate higher amounts of CO2 emissions in the power sector. Moreover, electric vehicle (EV) and biofuel usage in the transport sector show relevant opportunities to lower CO2 emissions. These technologies reveal challenging tasks in the case of Thailand in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The 1.5 degree climate target is feasible for Thailand; however, uncertainties remain. The uncertainties include the adoption of CCS technology, costs of EV and the reliability of renewable energy supply.

Effect of TiO2 Nanoadditives on the Combustion Performance and Emission Characteristics of a DI Diesel Engine

Development of environmental friendly fuels is the ever constant endeavor in the field of engine technology. Owing to the merits of Diesel fuel, number of vehicles operated with Diesel are increased to meet the needs of multiplied population. However, depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution are the main concerns with the diesel engines. Usage of bio-fuel is found to be the prominent technology in compensating fossil fuels depletion, whereas emission control is a major setback. Suspension of nano particles in the conventional fuels termed as Nanofuel is the prominent technology in emission control. Hence, the present work is aimed to investigate the influence of TiO2 nano particulate in Diesel on the performance and emission characteristic of single cylinder Diesel engine. From the experimental results it is observed that the performance of the engine is marginally increased with the suspension of TiO2 nano particles whereas the reduction emissions are considerable.

Correlation clustering: analysis of major agricultural commodity markets

The aim of this article is to compare the clusters formed by the correlation distances between the agricultural and the energy commodity price returns in different periods of time. The energy and agricultural markets have become more interlinked in the past ten years, which can be attributed partly to the increased usage of biofuels. According to the results of this research, after the global financial and economic crisis of 2008/09, the relationship has become tighter between the agricultural commodity prices and the price of the crude oil. Based on the hierarchical clustering, the relationship between crude oil and sugar, and especially between crude oil and vegetable oils has become stronger. These results support the hypothesis of a more interconnected agricultural and energy market after 2013. Furthermore, the emerged relationship of crude oil with the vegetable oils may indicate the connecting role of biofuels, since biofuels require agricultural input materials, partly vegetable oils. However, the role of biofuels in the present analysis requires further researches.

Public perception of biofuel usage in Vietnam

ABSTRACTThis paper examines public perception of biofuels in southern Vietnam through a questionnaire survey administered to the general public in two cities in the country (Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet) and experts in the field, in an attempt to understand the demand side motivations of biofuel usage. The survey enquired about the awareness of biofuel availability in Vietnam, motivations for using biofuel, and willingness to purchase biofuel. It was found that awareness was positively correlated with higher education levels, and that all groups were encouraged by the perceived environmental friendliness of biofuel. In terms of willingness to purchase, there was a clear difference in the perception of the appropriate pricing policy for biofuels between the public groups and the experts, with the former preferring higher prices and the latter lower prices. The study then concludes by discussing policy recommendations for improving consumer demand for biofuels in Vietnam and presents suggestions for future research, if the Vietnamese government decides that it is in its interest to pursue biofuels in the future.

National features for alternative motor fuels market

The objective of this study is the identification of specific national aspects that influence the alternative motor fuel usage. Empirical and statistical data have been used. For economical estimation of fuels, mathematical and economic modelling was used. World progress of society and the use of power resources trends have been shown. It is determined, that the last years' bioethanol production growth is almost stable. But biodiesel production has been slowing down. Efficiency of biofuels utilisation has been analysed. Biofuels production is most developed in countries which have favourable climate conditions, high developed agriculture, enough agricultural area and government support. General and specific barriers for biofuel usage have been examined. Regions of concentrated alternative fuels use have been revealed. Modern economic factors which influence on a production and applications of alternative fuels have been shown. Basic national features have been revealed.

Assessment of Biofuels in Aviation Industry for Environmental Sustainability

The world has come to increasingly accept that conventional sources of fuel and energy are being depleted since the process of forming fossil fuels takes millions of years longer than the rate that it is rapidly consumed. Aircraft engines cause noise pollution and emit gases and particulates that reduce air quality and contribute to global warming and global dimming, where dust and ash from natural and industrial sources block the sun to create a cooling effect. This paper looks into the working of biofuel as to how it can be the solution towards solving fuel price and energy crisis in the aviation industry. It reviews the usage of biofuel in the aviation industry by airlines in the world focusing on strategies conducted by Virgin Atlantic Airways and some other selected airlines. The understanding of low carbon fuels has developed rapidly over the last decade and Virgin Atlantic are closer than ever before to bringing a sustainable product to the market for commercial use. The paper also considers the biofuel impact on sustainability of the environment and how such usage of biofuel can be adopted into Malaysian aviation industry using available biofuel resources in Malaysia. With many technologies designed for aviation industry, biofuel has come to be utilised in many countries, including the Malaysian Aviation industry. Biofuel ensures the lower emissions of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) as well as sustainability against depleting fossil fuels. It has been estimated that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the present rate, Earth's surface temperature could exceed historical values as early as 2047, with potentially harmful effects on ecosystems, biodiversity and the livelihoods of people worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that on the current emissions trajectory the Earth could pass a threshold of 2 °C global warming, which the United Nations' IPCC designated as the upper limit for dangerous global warming, by 2036. By prioritising research and deployment of advanced technologies that can convert sustainable waste into biofuel, future aviation industry can witness new development.

Assessment of usage of biofuel in aviation industry in Malaysia

The current scenario of greenhouse gasses emissions is witnessing major impetus as a result of the ever expanding transportation sector across the globe, of which the aviation sector has played a major role. The Malaysian transportation sector, specifically the aviation sector, has a poor record of high carbon emissions, inspite of its history of biofuel and sustainable fuel policy. However, researchers around the globe are now diverting their attention from the conventional fossil fuels to biofuels, because it is cheaper to produce, increases the efficiency of the aircrafts and also reduces the environmental threat fossil fuel emissions pose to the planet. Alternative fuels like bioethanol and biodiesels are increasingly used in aviation industry, as a direct consequence of the global targets set by the International Air Transport Association. In the present study, the possibility of increased biofuel by the aviation industry of Malaysia is analyzed with specific focus on the global initiatives taken for the same, as well as the past and current trends of Malaysia's general biofuel production and consumption. It has been estimated that the use of alternative fuels in aviation industry could reduce the flight related greenhouse gas emission by approximately 60 to 80 %. The recent trials that have been conducted on the importance of biofuels in aviation industry have indicated that these fuels are technically feasible. In this respect, the European community in conjunction with private airline companies and major biofuels producers in their area have played a very prominent role in commercializing the use of biofuels in air transport. But in Malaysia to see biofuels as anything other than their consumption in the food and healthcare industry is still a debatable topic. By addressing these research gaps, this paper focuses on the possibility of manufacturing biofuel products at a commercial scale in Malaysia to be used in the aviation industry to power jet engines in commercial aviation and for reduced carbon emission for increased sustainability of the environment.

Removal of atmospheric ethanol by wet deposition

AbstractThe global wet deposition flux of ethanol is estimated to be 2.4 ± 1.6 Tg/yr with a conservative range of 0.2–4.6 Tg/yr based upon analyses of 219 wet deposition samples collected at 12 locations globally. This estimate calculated by using observed wet deposition ethanol concentrations is in agreement with previous models (1.4–5 Tg/yr) predicting the wet deposition sink using Henry's law coefficients and atmospheric ethanol concentrations. Wet deposition is estimated to remove between 6 and 17% of the total ethanol emitted to the atmosphere on an annual basis. The concentration of ethanol in marine rain (25 ± 6 nM) is an order of magnitude less than in the majority of terrestrial rains (345 ± 280 nM). Terrestrial rain samples collected in locations impacted by high local sources of biofuel usage and locations downwind from ethanol distilleries were an order of magnitude higher in ethanol concentration (3090 ± 448 nM) compared to rain collected in terrestrial locations not impacted by these sources. These results indicate that wet deposition of ethanol is heavily influenced by local sources. Results of this study are important because they suggest that as biofuel production and usage increase, the concentration of ethanol in the atmosphere will increase as well the wet deposition flux. Additional research constraining the sources, sinks, and atmospheric impacts of ethanol is necessary to better assist in the debate as whether or not to increase consumption of the alcohol as a biofuel.

Impact of seeding terms and row spacing on yield of switchgrass phytomass, biofuel and energy output

Abstract The article substantiates the necessity of biofuel usage from plant raw materials in order to reduce consumption of non-renewable energy sources. It has been determined that, along with other energy crops, switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is a plant that is not demanding to cultivation conditions, capable of forming strong stems which can be used for solid biofuel production. It has been established that study of elements of switchgrass cultivation technology is very important because yield of the crop, variety properties and weather conditions considerably depend on land treatment. Methods of the experiment are generally accepted and supplemented by field and laboratory studies on the basis of scientific and practical recommendations of the scientists. The research results are original, due to the fact that for the first time in Ukraine comprehensive experiments were done and yield of dry vegetative above-ground mass (phytomass) of perennial vegetation cycle switchgrass has been defined. The level of biomass productivity as a raw material for biofuel has been specified depending on the seeding terms, row spacing and taking into account consumption of productive moisture. Phytomass energy potential has been calculated and yield of biofuel and energy from plant switchgrass raw material has been defined on variants of the experiment. Conclusions. The optimal switchgrass seeding term for the conditions of Ukraine has been established. This term is the first decade of April (prevernal). Experimentally proved that switchgrass with a width between rows of 45 cm forms the highest yield of above-ground vegetative mass (wet and dry) with minimum water consumption and forms maximum yield of energy-intensive biofuel. Variety Cave-in-roch provides the highest and stable phytomass yield, output of biofuel and energy per one hectare in comparison with variety Sanburst.