Article
Thermodynamics
A. Carro, R. Chacartegui, C. Ortiz, J. Arcenegui-Troya, L. A. Perez-Maqueda, J. A. Becerra
Summary: Energy storage is crucial for the development of renewables-based power systems. A thermochemical energy storage system based on calcium-looping has emerged as an alternative for concentrated solar power plants. Integrating calcium hydroxide into the system can help overcome some challenges. Experimental results demonstrate the potential of combining hydration-dehydration cycles for improving calcium oxide conversion during carbonation, and numerical simulations show the technical feasibility and efficiency of the integrated process.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Liang Teng, Yimin Xuan, Xianglei Liu, Dong Liu, Yulong Ding
Summary: Carbon neutrality requires credible action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop clean and renewable energy. The solar driven multifunctional calcium looping (CaL) is one of the most promising pathways to establish a zero-carbon energy system, but its progress is still in the proof-of-principle stage and research into its magnified operations and fundamental scientific problems is rare.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
G. Colelli, R. Chacartegui, C. Ortiz, A. Carro, A. P. Arena, V. Verda
Summary: This study conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment of calcium looping integration in solar plants for the first time, evaluating the potential of the technology from an environmental perspective. The results show that calcium looping thermochemical energy storage technology has moderate environmental impact and lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to other energy storage options.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lifeng Li, Alireza Rahbari, Mahdiar Taheri, Roelof Pottas, Bo Wang, Morteza Hangi, Leanne Matthews, Lindsey Yue, Jose Zapata, Peter Kreider, Alicia Bayon, Chi-Hwa Wang, Terrence W. Simon, Joe Coventry, Wojciech Lipinski
Summary: The two-step calcium oxide based calcination-carbonation cycle is studied for carbon dioxide capture and solar thermochemical energy storage applications. The performance of an indirectly-irradiated packed-bed solar thermochemical reactor is evaluated experimentally using simulated high-flux solar irradiation. The reactor temperature peaked at 1,035 degrees C and the average solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency ranged from approximately 1.3% to 8.6% for the experimental runs. Improvements in thermomechanical characteristics, reaction chamber seals, and reactor geometry are necessary for the presented reactor design.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Manuel Bailera, Sara Pascual, Pilar Lisbona, Luis M. Romeo
Summary: Ca-Looping technology is a promising option for thermochemical energy storage, with the potential to be coupled with solar power plants. By analyzing the detailed model of a large-scale carbonator, the available heat, minimum technical part load, required size of storage tanks, and overall efficiency of the plant can be assessed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dasol Choi, Soyoung Noh, Youngjune Park
Summary: Calcium looping (CaL)-based solar to thermochemical energy storage is a promising option for long-term thermal energy storage in concentrated solar power generation. In this study, multi-doping of transition metals and CaCl2 was investigated to enhance the optical absorption and carbonation reactivity of synthetic CaO-based materials. The proposed materials exhibited significantly enhanced optical absorption and maintained high performance throughout multiple cycles of CaL reactions. The reaction mechanism was studied, and a salt-promoted carbonation mechanism was proposed to improve the mass transfer of Ca2+O2- to adsorbed CO2. Based on the findings, the synergistic use of CaCl2 multi-doping method for synthetic CaO designs is suggested.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Francesca Di Lauro, Claudio Tregambi, Fabio Montagnaro, Piero Salatino, Riccardo Chirone, Roberto Solimene
Summary: Research investigated the integration of CaL-CST in a lab-scale directly irradiated fluidized bed reactor, exploring three different techniques to improve its performance, showing that all strategies moderately enhance system performance. Experimental results revealed that carbonation degree depends on the technique applied, while energy storage density values are less sensitive to the different techniques.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongjie Cui, Hang Dong, Zhiming Zhou
Summary: The study introduced a novel Cd-Mg looping for low-temperature TCES, which can stably operate in 100 cycles at intermediate temperatures and convert waste CO2 into pure CO2.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Virginia Moreno, Juan Arcenegui-Troya, Pedro Enrique Sanchez-Jimenez, Antonio Perejon, Ricardo Chacartegui, Jose Manuel Valverde, Luis Allan Perez-Maqueda
Summary: In this study, a calcium-rich calcarenite sedimentary rock called albem was proposed as an alternative to limestone. The reddish material demonstrated a significantly higher solar absorptance compared to limestone. Experimental results showed similar carbonation/calcination performance to limestone, and the material was found to be cost-effective. Simulations indicated that the use of this material would greatly improve the overall CaL-CSP efficiency at an industrial level.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
S. Pascual, P. Lisbona, M. Bailera, L. M. Romeo
Summary: The calcium-looping thermochemical energy storage technology associated with concentrating solar plants shows promise in increasing storage period and energy density. Research has focused on analyzing the influence of operation points on heat exchangers, storage tanks, and reactors in order to adapt to solar availability and energy demand. By considering variable storage/discharge fractions, the system's performance and efficiency can be effectively evaluated and optimized.
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pascual, P. Lisbona, L. M. Romeo
Summary: This study focuses on the Calcium Looping (CaL) process used as a thermochemical energy storage system in concentrating solar plants. It investigates the optimization of global efficiencies under different operation modes and proposes a novel method for managing partially carbonated solids to improve system performance. The results demonstrate that solid separation can enhance energy storage efficiency and reduce the size of heat exchangers affected by solids streams.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Robert T. Symonds, Dennis Y. Lu, Arturo Macchi, Robin W. Hughes, Edward J. Anthony
Summary: Calcium looping is a feasible CO2 capture technology, but chlorine in fuels can impact the performance of calcium-based sorbents. Experimental results showed that the presence of HCl can increase sorbent reactivity towards CO2 and decrease CO2 diffusional resistance by changing particle morphology during carbonation using Canadian limestone. Additionally, full sorbent dechlorination can be achieved under typical oxy-fuel calcination conditions, with over 99% HCl capture without affecting sorbent CO2 capture performance when steam is present during both carbonation and calcination.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pascual, L. M. Romeo, P. Lisbona
Summary: To achieve the net zero emissions target by 2050, the deployment of renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies on a large scale is necessary. Calcium Looping (CaL) is a promising Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES) system that enhances the dispatchability of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. This study economically optimizes the operation of the CaL TCES system for a CSP plant, taking into account the seasonal and daily variations of solar resource and electricity prices. The results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining good economic outcomes and maximizing daily incomes through the operation of CSP + storage.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Santiago Medina-Carrasco, Jose Manuel Valverde
Summary: This study utilized in situ XRD analysis to investigate the multicycle calcination/carbonation process of limestone and dolomite, revealing new insights into the progressive loss of carbonation reactivity of CaO derived from calcination. The presence of MgO crystals in dolomite inhibits sintering and growth of CaO crystals, leading to higher reactivity compared to limestone. The growth of CaO crystallite size and decline in reactivity with increasing cycles highlights the incomplete carbonation process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Teng, Yimin Xuan, Yun Da, Chen Sun, Xianglei Liu, Yulong Ding
Summary: This study reports a modified calcium-looping (CaL) technology that utilizes solar energy to convert CO2 into syngas and methane while achieving thermal energy storage. The advantages of CaL in both carbon capture and utilization and thermal energy storage are utilized to establish a renewable energy system with near-zero carbon emissions. The results demonstrate that the proposed system achieves negative emissions of greenhouse gases and converts solar energy into hydrocarbon fuel.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pedro E. Sanchez-Jimenez, Antonio Perejon, Juan Arcenegui-Troya, Luis A. Perez-Maqueda
Summary: The main objective of kinetic studies is making predictions, such as lifetime estimations, using oversimplified equations. Recent studies have shown that random scission kinetic models are more reliable in describing the degradation kinetics for many polymers. Selecting an erroneous kinetic model can lead to significant deviations in lifetime predictions, despite fitting experimental data well in some cases.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lewis J. McDonald, M. Ara Carballo-Meilan, Ricardo Chacartegui, Waheed Afzal
Summary: This study discusses the feasibility of reducing carbon emissions in Portland cement production by using calcium carbonate, and analyzes the impact of calcium carbonate addition on cement properties through experiments and literature review.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Virginia Moreno, Juan Arcenegui-Troya, Pedro Enrique Sanchez-Jimenez, Antonio Perejon, Ricardo Chacartegui, Jose Manuel Valverde, Luis Allan Perez-Maqueda
Summary: In this study, a calcium-rich calcarenite sedimentary rock called albem was proposed as an alternative to limestone. The reddish material demonstrated a significantly higher solar absorptance compared to limestone. Experimental results showed similar carbonation/calcination performance to limestone, and the material was found to be cost-effective. Simulations indicated that the use of this material would greatly improve the overall CaL-CSP efficiency at an industrial level.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
D. Ciria, M. P. Orihuela, P. Moreno-Naranjo, R. Chacartegui, J. Ramirez-Rico, J. A. Becerra
Summary: This study explores the use of open-pore ceramic foams with different pore sizes as particle abatement systems in small biomass combustion systems and finds that it can effectively reduce particulate emissions.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Gonzalo Quirosa, Miguel Torres, V. M. Soltero, Ricardo Chacartegui
Summary: This paper studies the application of ultralow temperature district heating and cooling systems in integrating renewable energy sources. The results show that better energy utilization can be achieved in hot Mediterranean areas.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
O. Bartoli, R. Chacartegui, A. Carro, C. Ortiz, U. Desideri, J. A. Becerra
Summary: This study proposes a thermochemical energy storage system for concentrated solar power plants based on the reversible hydration/dehydration process of calcium hydroxide. Through modeling and economic analysis, it is found that this system has potential economic advantages and competitiveness.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
D. A. Rodriguez-Pastor, J. A. Becerra, R. Chacartegui
Summary: This article evaluates the potential for integrating hybrid solar ORC systems in residential buildings. The analysis focuses on assessing the advantages and disadvantages of varying demand and solar resource availability for a domestic 1 kW ORC cycle. The results show that in Seville, Spain, operating the ORC system for 15% of the year can achieve a positive internal rate of return of 8.61%.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jesus Lizana, Claire E. Halloran, Scot Wheeler, Nabil Amghar, Renaldi Renaldi, Markus Killendahl, Luis A. Perez-Maqueda, Malcolm McCulloch, Ricardo Chacartegui
Summary: This research proposes a novel modeling approach to decrease peak power demand and maximize carbon reductions for electrified heating technologies. The results highlight the importance of integrated heat storage technologies with the electrification of heat in highly gas-dependent regions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
D. A. Rodriguez-Pastor, A. F. Ildefonso-Sanchez, V. M. Soltero, M. E. Peralta, R. Chacartegui
Summary: The rapid growth of photovoltaics in the global energy market necessitates increased land use, a limited resource with competing uses. Photovoltaic systems that integrate electricity generation with crop cultivation are becoming increasingly important. This study proposes an analytical model validated in an operational bifacial photovoltaic plant in Southern Spain. The model considers view factors, heat transfer calculations, and an electrical model of the photovoltaic modules. A commercial solar power plant with different plant species and varying irrigation and light requirements was used for analysis. The results demonstrate advantages in module temperature and power gain. The article provides regression equations for characterizing the photovoltaic agricultural system, with R2 values higher than 85% for module temperature and energy exported.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natalia Liora, Anastasia Poupkou, Sofia Papadogiannaki, Daphne Parliari, Effrosyni Giama, Giacomo Arrigo Pieretti, Lucia Caterina Da Rugna, Laura Susanetti, Massimo Bressan, Jose Antonio Becerra Villanueva, Ricardo Chacartegui Ramirez, Francesco Jacopo Pintus, Luciano Greco, Marina Bertolini, Dimitrios Melas
Summary: The main objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive methodology for estimating the Carbon Footprint (CF) of research project activities and identifying best practices to reduce the CF. The CF methodology is based on GHG Protocol Guidance and DEFRA emissions factors. The study shows that on-site events contribute to 41% of the project's total CF. Using public transport and soft mobility for work-commuting can result in a 37% reduction in CF. The best practices for sustainable project event organization, such as using public transport and promoting hybrid events, can reduce the CF by up to 62% and 50% respectively. Overall, the cumulative reduction in the project's CF, considering energy efficiency, material origin, work-commuting, and events, is estimated to be 45%.
Article
Thermodynamics
S. Garcia-Luna, C. Ortiz, R. Chacartegui, L. A. Perez-Maqueda
Summary: Partial oxycombustion using Oxygen-Enriched Air (OEA) combined with CO2 capture technologies can effectively reduce energy costs and serve as an alternative to conventional methods. This review explores the use of polymeric membranes for OEA production, which have high permeability and selectivity values. The membranes produce OEA with up to 40% oxygen concentration and have lower specific power consumption compared to cryogenic distillation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carmen Diaz-Lopez, Antonio Serrano-Jimenez, Ricardo Chacartegui, Jose Antonio Becerra-Villanueva, Marta Molina-Huelva, Angela Barrios-Padura
Summary: This paper aims to analyze the diversity, complexity, and multidisciplinary nature of environmental education research, as well as the current strategies for improving management and implementing sustainable criteria and circular economy guidelines. The analysis includes bibliographic records, scientific production mapping, and comparison of policy frameworks on environmental education and education for sustainable development. The study covers the period from 1968 to 2021 and includes documents from 21 countries under different socio-economic contexts.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diego Antonio Rodriguez-Pastor, Andres Carro, Giuseppe Masci, Carlos Ortiz, Vittorio Verda, Ricardo Chacartegui
Summary: Thermal energy storage systems have the potential to efficiently convert and store solar energy. This study focuses on a flexible CH3OH-to-CH4 conversion system that integrates various energy pathways and storage options. The system demonstrates thermal efficiencies of 39% for CH3OH decomposition and 26% for overall CH4 production, with levelized storage costs lower than molten salt-based systems.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Gonzalo Quirosa, Miguel Torres, Jose A. Becerra, Francisco J. Jimenez-Espadafor, Ricardo Chacartegui
Summary: The decarbonisation of society requires developing new environmentally friendly solutions for heating and cooling. Ultra-low temperature district heating and cooling (ULTDHC) allows operation with energy sources and systems hard to integrate into previous generations of district networks, making this technology more efficient and sustainable. This work analyses a novel integration of coaxial borehole heat exchangers (CBHEs) to control the temperature of the network, drastically reducing operating costs and emissions compared to existing systems. The proposal is useful for new systems and for adapting the existing ones.
Article
Thermodynamics
Victor M. Soltero, Gonzalo Quirosa, Diego Rodriguez, M. Estela Peralta, Carlos Ortiz, Ricardo Chacartegui
Summary: Biomass heating networks are a viable option for rural municipalities without natural gas supply, but their large-scale implementation faces challenges in profitability evaluation. The commonly used index, linear heat density, provides accurate estimations for high-density building networks, but not for low-density networks, leading to significant deviations when applied to biomass district heating networks. This study proposes a new index based on the cost-benefit analysis of investment, operation, and biomass costs to evaluate the profitability of biomass heating networks in rural areas. The application of this index in 499 rural municipalities in Spain shows high accuracy in estimating investment profitability, with R2 values between 0.8179 and 0.9442 compared to 0.2408 using linear heat density. The findings emphasize the importance of this approach for assessing biomass district heating potential in dispersed populations.
