Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dimitris D. S. Argyropoulos, Claudia Crestini, Christian Dahlstrand, Erik Furusjo, Claudio Gioia, Kerstin Jedvert, Gunnar Henriksson, Christian Hulteberg, Martin Lawoko, Clara Pierrou, Joseph S. M. Samec, Elena Subbotina, Henrik Wallmo, Martin Wimby
Summary: Kraft lignin, a by-product of pulp production, can be separated from black liquor to reduce the load on recovery boilers and increase pulp production, while also generating valuable bioenergy. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing and utilizing this underutilized resource. This review provides an overview of Kraft lignin, its applications, and evaluates its value chains from black liquor to different products. It is anticipated that this work will inspire further development and use of Kraft lignin for new applications, promoting global sustainability concerns.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Nisha Singh, Reeta Rani Singhania, Poonam S. Nigam, Cheng-Di Dong, Anil Kumar Patel, Munish Puri
Summary: The bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass to produce bio-based products is gaining global attention under biorefinery setup. However, the commercial success at industrial scale is still inadequate due to irregular biomass supply chain, market uncertainties, and scale-up challenges. Global research efforts by public and private sectors are underway to achieve deeper market penetration for the commercial success of lignocellulosic biorefineries.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bilal Beig, Muhammad Riaz, Salman Raza Naqvi, Muhammad Hassan, Zhifeng Zheng, Keikhosro Karimi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, A. E. Atabani, Nguyen Thuy Lan Chi
Summary: Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a crucial step in biofuel production, aiming to improve the efficiency of hydrolysis by modifying the structure of cellulose. Current research is focused on developing efficient and cost-effective pretreatment methods for better biofuel production outcomes.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Narie Rinke Dias de Souza, Tassia Lopes Junqueira, Otavio Cavalett
Summary: The study highlights the vast opportunities for bioenergy-livestock integration systems in Brazil, with significant positive techno-economic impacts and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, achieving up to 32% and 22% emissions reductions for meat and ethanol production, respectively. The expansion of BLI systems in Brazil has the potential to meet future biofuels demands by using less than 20% of the expected expansion area. Enhancements to BLI systems can be made through additional synergies such as co-digestion of sugarcane vinasse and cattle manure, integration of flex ethanol and biodiesel plants, and utilization of promising alternative industrial crops like macauba, sweet sorghum, energy cane, and short rotation eucalyptus coppice.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Ranju Kumari Rathour, Mamta Devi, Pushpak Dahiya, Nitish Sharma, Neelam Kaushik, Dolly Kumari, Pradeep Kumar, Rama Raju Baadhe, Abhishek Walia, Arvind Kumar Bhatt, Ravi Kant Bhatia
Summary: The burning of waste rice straw biomass in open fields is causing greenhouse gases emission and air pollution, negatively impacting public health and the environment. However, by diverting this waste towards green biorefinery, it can be transformed into energy, biofuels, organic chemicals, and building blocks for polymers, reducing reliance on limited fuels and petroleum-derived chemicals while restoring the environment sustainably.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Narasinga Rao Hanumanth Rao, Bojan Tamburic, Yen Thi Thai Doan, Bach Duc Nguyen, Rita Kay Henderson
Summary: Australia has seen fluctuations in algal biofuel start-up companies over the past two decades, supported by small-scale government investments, while Vietnam's algal industry is relatively newer and could benefit from significant overseas investment for large-scale enterprise. Nevertheless, there is potential to capitalize on small, decentralized, specialist systems to minimize risk and capital expenditure, and increase sustainability.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Lorenzo Testa, David Chiaramonti, Matteo Prussi, Samir Bensaid
Summary: This study aims to analyze and model a new integrated biomass conversion pathway for the production of renewable advanced fuels, addressing the issue of indirect land-use change (ILUC) of biofuels. The study adopts an extensive literature review and flow-diagram simulation software to provide guidance to process modellers for qualitative and quantitative assessments of biomass to biofuels process routes.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qi-Li Zhu, Bo Wu, Nipon Pisutpaisal, Yan-Wei Wang, Ke-dong Ma, Li-Chun Dai, Han Qin, Fu-Rong Tan, Toshinari Maeda, Yan-sheng Xu, Guo-Quan Hu, Ming-Xiong He
Summary: Dairy manure can be utilized as a cheap cellulosic biomass resource for producing bioenergy or bio-chemicals, such as biogas, bioethanol, and microbial fuel cells. Further research is needed to overcome technical challenges and develop a comprehensive biorefinery model to maximize the potential of dairy manure as a suitable material for future bioenergy production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Neha Srivastava, Rajeev Singh, Pardeep Singh, Irfan Ahmad, Ravindra Pratap Singh, Ashutosh Kumar Rai, Mohammed Asiri, Vijai Kumar Gupta
Summary: This article investigates the potential for economically viable and environmentally friendly biotransformation of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) waste materials into cellulolytic enzymes and biofuels. The complexity of the structural composition of these wastes and the lack of a suitable bioprocess for their transformation are the main obstacles to their long-term viability. The article also evaluates the current constraints and successful limitations in the transformation process and proposes sustainable recommendations for improving the overall bioprocess on a sustainable scale. LCB waste valorization can contribute to the circular economy for sustainable future applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
V. Shenbaga Muthuraman, Nanthagopal Kasianantham
Summary: The development of third-generation biofuels from algae-based biomass has significant benefits over first- and second-generation biofuels due to their accessibility and versatility. These algae-based biofuels, being one of the best sustainable energy resources for automotive and aviation industries, have gained wider attention in global fuel markets recently. This article critically assesses the production techniques and applications of third-generation algae-based biofuels in Spark Ignition (SI) engines. It outlines various methodologies for the development of bio-alcohols, biohydrogen, and biomethane, as well as the different bioreactors used for algal biofuels production. The study also investigates the suitability of algal biofuel for SI engines and the features of SI engine output while using bio-alcohols and biogases. Furthermore, it conducts a techno-economic study to determine the commercial viability of algae biofuel in the fuel market. The evaluation reveals the crucial roles of raceway pond, Algae Turf Scrubber, biofilm, and water medium in algae cultivation. It also highlights the economic challenges in the pre-treatment process and toxic removal during ethanol and butanol production. Dark fermentation is found to be the primary choice for biogas and biohydrogen production compared to photo fermentation. Overall, this study demonstrates the promising future prospects of wastewater-treated biomass and algal biofuel with hybrid engine combinations for biofuel development.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chaitanya Reddy Chilakamarry, A. M. Mimi Sakinah, A. W. Zularisam, Ranjna Sirohi, Irshad Ahamad Khilji, Venugopal Jayarama Reddy, Ashok Pandey
Summary: The production of crude glycerol as a byproduct in fuel production lacks efficient utilization, leading to a decrease in market value and it being seen as waste. However, crude glycerol can be used as a substrate for value-added products through microbial fermentation or physicochemical processing.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Assad Munawar, Asif Hussain Khoja, Salman Raza Naqvi, Muhammad Taqi Mehran, Muhammad Hassan, Rabia Liaquat, Usama Fida Dawood
Summary: The challenges and opportunities in biomass ash production and utilization, as well as its environmental impact and handling issues, were investigated. The study also explores the application prospects of biomass ash in traditional and emerging fields. Additionally, recommendations were provided for efficient utilization of biomass ash to improve the economy of biomass power plants and sustainable development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Esmaeil Kouhgardi, Sohrab Zendehboudi, Omid Mohammadzadeh, Ali Lohi, Ioannis Chatzis
Summary: Brown algae have attracted attention as a potential energy source due to their ability to adsorb CO2 and store carbon. This review paper discusses the cultivation and biorefinery process of brown algae, and examines the opportunities, challenges, and future prospects of brown algae-based biofuels in North America. The analysis suggests that biomass-derived fuels, including brown algae biofuels, will play a significant role in the transportation sector. However, the commercial cultivation of brown algae and meeting market demands remain the main challenges for the algal biofuels industry. Expanding the value chain of brown algae biorefinery by producing advanced biofuels and value-added by-products could have a significant impact on North American countries' GDP.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Yingdong Zhou, Li Liu, Mingyu Li, Changwei Hu
Summary: Algae are considered promising biomass resources for biofuel production, but the economic and energetical feasibility of algal cultivation, harvesting, and conversion processes are being questioned. Value-added bioproducts can be generated through algae conversion to enhance the economic viability of algal biorefineries. Various challenges are proposed for future algal biorefineries, such as utilizing naturally grown algae, fractionating algae for high-selectivity products, and developing efficient processes for commercialization and industrialization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
B. Bharathiraja, J. Iyyappan, M. Gopinath, J. Jayamuthunagai, R. PraveenKumar
Summary: Engineering wild genes in algae to enhance productivity and customize final products is seen as a critical solution for addressing the increasing demands for fuel and food due to population growth. The use of powerful genetic engineering strategies in algae allows for faster growth, tolerance to environmental changes, and accelerated biomass accumulation. Algal biofuels have the potential to improve engine performance and have lower environmental impact compared to biofuels from lignocelluloses and crops.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.