Search results for "fuel"

Electronic modifications in (Ba,La)(Fe,Zn,Y)O3−δ unveiled by oxygen K-edge X-ray Raman scattering

2022

Oxides with mixed protonic-electronic conductivity are relevant as oxygen electrodes for protonic ceramic fuel cells and electrolyzers. We investigate the modification of the electronic structure of (Ba,La)(Fe,Zn,Y)O3−δ when iron is partially replaced by Zn2+ or Y3+ and when it changes between 3+ and 4+ formal oxidation states. With a combination of X-ray Raman scattering (O K-edge) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (Fe, Zn, and Y K-edges) and the corresponding simulations reproducing the spectroscopic data, we quantitatively analyze the degree of covalency of the Fe-O bonds in reduced (Fe mainly 3+) and oxidized (Fe mainly 4+) materials. The simulations employ two semi-empirical par…

Influence of variable feeding on mesophilic and thermophilic co-digestion of Laminaria digitata and cattle manure

2014

Abstract In this study the effect of various feeding ratios on mesophilic (∼35 °C) and thermophilic (∼50 °C) co-digestion of brown algae Laminaria digitata and cattle manure was investigated. Algae input of 15% VS caused no influence on specific methane yield from mesophilic co-digester while deteriorated the process parameters such as the development of propionic acid in total volatile fatty acids (tVFA) pattern of the thermophilic co-digester. The accumulation of tVFA continued for the latter reactor as the feeding ratio of algae enhanced to 24% VS, but the specific methane yield improved dramatically. Same rise in feeding once again showed no improvement in specific methane yield from me…

Quantitative Estimation of Major and Trace Elements in Coals of the Benue Trough, Nigeria

2013

The concentrations of major and trace elements in ash residues of coals of the Benue Trough, Nigeria have been determined by electron microprobe and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, respectively. Major and trace element determination in rocks by fusion on an iridium strip heater followed by electron microprobe and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry is extended here to coal ash, and the accuracy of the method is evaluated by including an Argonne Premium Coal reference sample in each analysis program. Si and Al are the major elements detected in the coal ashes. An assessment using worldwide concentration ranges of trace elements in coal ash…

2020

Abstract The concept of social licence to operate (SLO) is an increasingly popular tool for companies to manage their relations with the local communities. SLO is very seldom used in the nuclear sector, which has nevertheless applied similar approaches, under notions such as partnership and participatory governance. This article explores the specific challenges that the application of SLO faces in the nuclear waste management (NWM) sector, by applying an often-used SLO framework of Boutilier and Thomson to illustrative case studies concerning nuclear waste repository projects in Finland, France and Sweden. Among the specificities of this sector, the article focuses on the central roles of t…

Grid interaction and environmental impact of a net zero energy building

2020

Abstract The concept of Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB), as a grid-connected building that generates as much energy as it uses over a given period, has been developing through policies and research agendas during the last decade as a contribution towards the decarbonization of the building sector. However, since the most applicable and widely used renewable energy supply options are non-programmable, the large-scale NZEBs diffusion into the existing power grids can seriously affect their stability having a relapse on operation costs and environmental impacts. In this context, the study aims at performing the design of the energy systems to be used in the case-study through a wide numbers of…

Fuel cell modelling and test: Experimental validation of model accuracy

2013

In the last few years, renewable energies have been encouraged by worldwide governments to meet energy saving policies. Among renewable energy sources, fuel cells have attracted much interest for a wide variety of research areas. Fuel cell-based residential-scaled power supply systems take advantage of simultaneous generation of power and heat, reducing the overall fossil fuel consumption and utilities cost. Modeling is one of the most important topics concerning fuel cell use. In this paper, a measurement-based steady-state and dynamic fuel cell model is presented. The proposed modelling approach is implemented on a 5kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. The parameters identification proc…

Evaluation of the optimal renewable electricity mix for Lampedusa island: The adoption of a technical and economical methodology

2020

Abstract Worldwide, the majority of small islands not connected to the main grid is still dependent on fossil fuels. From an economic and environmental point of view, this condition is no more sustainable given the high costs for electricity generation and the high level of pollutant emissions. Furthermore, the dependence on fossil fuel represents a risk for the security of the supply of several small developing Countries since they are obliged to import those resources from foreign Countries. The introduction of renewable energy sources in small islands represents a valid solution to solve these problems. In this context, the paper investigates the case of Lampedusa, a small Italian island…

Brewer's spent grains as biofuels in combustion-based energy recovery processes: Evaluation of thermo-oxidative decomposition

2022

[EN] The high global generation of wastes and side streams from agri-food production has led to environmental impact and causes nature degradation due to their uncontrolled management. These wastes are profitable materials with significant economic value that could otherwise be exploited as new sources in the feed industry or the production of bioenergy. Among them, brewer¿s spent grain (BSG) is a solid by-product generated in the beerbrewing process that consists of the barley grain husks together with parts of the pericarp and seed coat layer. Although it is rich in fibres and proteins, its main use is currently limited to animal feed or simply deposition to landfills. This study pursues …

MATLAB-based simulator of a 5 kW fuel cell for power electronics design

2013

Abstract In the last few years, renewable energies have been encouraged by worldwide governments to meet energy saving policies. Among renewable energy sources, fuel cells have attracted much interest for a wide variety of research areas. Since combined heat-power generation is allowed, household appliances are still the most promising applications. Fuel cell-based residential-scaled power supply systems take advantage by simultaneous generation of power and heat, reducing the overall fossil fuel consumption and utilities cost. Modelling is one of the most important topic concerning fuel cell use. In this paper, a measurement-based steady-state and dynamic fuel cell model is presented. The …

Coupling electrodialysis desalination with photovoltaic and wind energy systems for energy storage: Dynamic simulations and control strategy

2020

Abstract The presence of desalination systems in polygeneration facilities is usually limited by important difficulties in operating under non-stationary regimes typical of renewable energy sources. Reverse osmosis, namely the most common desalination technology, is characterised by slow dynamics that rarely adapts to the power fluctuations of renewables. Therefore, the possibility of using electrodialysis coupled with a hybrid photovoltaic/wind energy source was investigated in this work. In particular, the combination of photovoltaic and wind energy is very attractive in order to achieve a more stable energy production, while electrodialysis is claimed to be a more flexible process compar…