Publications

Peer reviewed papers | 2024

An econometric analysis of the sawmill by-product market to explore bioeconomy options in Austria

Fuhrmann M, Dißauer C, Strasser C, Schmid E. An econometric analysis of the sawmill by-product market to explore bioeconomy options in Austria. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2024.180:107007

External Link Details

Bioeconomy strategies promote higher shares of biomass products in material and energy sectors. Deploying by-products from sawmills is therefore of major interest. This study aims at analyzing market characteristics and implications of bioeconomy strategies by combining three methods: First, an econometric supply and demand model for sawmill by-products (SBP) was estimated based on data from 2001 to 2020. Second, the model was used to analyze a reference and a bioeconomy scenario. Third, a use case was analyzed dealing with the integration of wood gasification and BioSNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) production into Austrian flows of SBP. The results indicate that SBP supply reacts unit-elastic to sawnwood exports, while both supply and demand respond inelastic to SBP prices. Demand is positively inelastic related to SBP as input in panel and pellet production. In a bioeconomy scenario, long-term supply would exceed demand, resulting in additional SBP to be used for gasification. A 100 MW BioSNG plant converting these SBP could provide 528 MWh BioSNG per year. This is a 11 % share of the Austrian target value of 5 TWh green gas.

 

Peer reviewed papers | 2024

Bubbling fluidized bed co-combustion and co-gasification of sewage sludge with agricultural residues with a focus on the fate of phosphorus

Hannl TK, Skoglund N, Priščák J, Öhman M, Kuba M. Bubbling fluidized bed co-combustion and co-gasification of sewage sludge with agricultural residues with a focus on the fate of phosphoru. Fuel. 1 February 2024. 357:129822

External Link Details

In this work, the fate of the ash-forming elements during bubbling fluidized bed combustion and gasification of P-rich sewage sludge (SS) and mixtures with either Si-K-rich wheat straw (WS) or K-Ca-rich sunflower husks (SH) were investigated. The focus of the study was assessing the feasibility of using fuel blends in fluidized bed systems and potential P recovery from the resulting ashes. The used fuels were pure SS and mixtures including 90 wt.% WS (WSS) and 85 wt.% SH (SHS). The analyzed operating conditions were combustion (930–960 °C, λ: 1.2–1.5) and gasification (780–810 °C, λ: 0.4–0.7) in a 5 kW bench-scale reactor. Residual ash and char fractions were collected from different parts of the 5 kW bubbling fluidized bed (bed, cyclone, filter) and analyzed by CHN, SEM/EDS, XRD, and ICP-AES.

The conversion of the fuel mixtures achieved a steady state under the used process conditions except for the combustion of WSS, which led to the formation of large bed agglomerates with the bed material. The morphology of ash samples after combustion showed that SS fuel pellets mostly maintained their integrity during the experiment. In contrast, the ash and char particles from fuel mixtures were fragmented, and larger quantities were found in the cyclone, the filter, or on interior reactor surfaces. The fate of P was dominated by crystalline Ca-dominated whitlockites in all ash fractions, partially including K for the fuel mixtures SHS and WSS. 76–81 % of ingoing P was found in the bed residue after combustion and gasification of the SS-fuel. After conversion of the fuel mixtures SHS and WSS, the share was lower at 22–48 %, with larger shares of P in the entrained fractions (25–34 %). The quantity of identified crystalline compounds was lower after gasification than combustion, likely due to the limited interaction of ash-forming elements in the residual CHN matrix. Altogether, the results show that fuel mixtures of sewage sludge with agricultural residues could expand the fuel feedstock and enable P recovery. This may be used in the fuel and process design of upscaled fluidized bed processes or systems employing both combustion and gasification.

Reports | 2024

Efficient Gathering, Storing, Distributing and Validation of Data

Feierl L, Putz S, Unterberger V, Mortada M.S, Pandian Y, Jensen A.R, Natiesta T, Mehnert S, Tschopp D, Ohnewein P. Efficient Gathering, Storing, Distributing and Validation of Data. This is a report from SHC Task 68: Efficient Solar District Heating and work performed in Subtask B: Data Preparation & Utilization. Published: 24.01.2024. Report number, DOI: 10.18777/ieashc-task68-2024-0001.

External Link Details

Solar thermal plants have proven to be a successful player in providing heat for district heating networks. However, to ensure the efficient operation of such plants and to achieve optimal coordination with other heat generation units, thorough monitoring, quality control, and system control are required. These tasks strongly depend on accessible and reliable measurement data, which are often unavailable.

Thus, this report focuses on efficient data gathering, storage, distribution, and validation, covering data
management topics- from sensor selection to permanent data storage. The report is mainly targeted at system designers and plant operators, aiming to provide checklists and recommendations on these topics.

The report considers a general solar district heating plant, as depicted by IEA SHC Task 55  – including a collector field, heat storage, and heating center (including a biomass boiler, heat pump, and other auxiliary heating) up to the interface to the district heating network. The topics are described on a summary level of detail while referring the reader to individual articles in case more information is needed. In addition, research groups may use this report to get an overview of data management in the solar-thermal field and identify related work.

The work consists of five sections: The Required Data section lists recommended measurements and discusses meta information required to interpret the data successfully. The Data Gathering section provides recommendations for data logging – e.g., sampling rate, encoding, and formatting. The Data-Distribution section shows proven examples of architectures for collecting and distributing data. Furthermore, the Data Storage section describes what data storage technologies (e.g., CSV files or relational databases) are currently used. The section also discusses the experiences, advantages, and challenges of the respective technologies. Finally, the Data Validation section lists common data-validation procedures that can be applied to solar-thermal data and links to open-source implementations where available.

Peer reviewed papers | 2024

On the characteristic polynomial of the dynamic matrix of linear time-invariant multivariable systems in Luenberger's canonical forms

Niederwieser H, Reichhartinger M. On the characteristic polynomial of the dynamic matrix of linear time-invariant multivariable systems in Luenberger's canonical forms. Automatica. April 2024.162:11532

External Link Details

This article presents a general representation of the characteristic polynomial of the dynamic matrix for multivariable systems in Luenberger’s canonical forms. The characteristic polynomial is given by means of the determinant of a polynomial matrix of substantially lower order. Therein, the polynomial coefficients of the single elements are the coefficients of the corresponding blocks of the dynamic matrix. The proposed representation of the characteristic polynomial can be helpful for the design of state-feedback controllers and state observers which is demonstrated by a numerical example.

Peer reviewed papers | 2024

Release of N-containing compounds during pyrolysis of milk/dairy processing sludge – Experimental results and comparison of measurement techniques

Kwapinska M, Sommersacher P, Kienzl N, Retschitzegger S, Lagler J, Horvat A, Leahy JJ, Release of N-containing compounds during pyrolysis of milk/dairy processing sludge – Experimental results and comparison of measurement techniques. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis.2024_178:10639. 10.1016/j.jaap.2024.106391

External Link Details

A dried dairy processing sludge (sludge from wastewater treatment of an effluent from a milk processing plant) was pyrolysed in a single-particle reactor at different temperatures from 400 °C to 900 °C. NH3 and HCN were measured online and offline by means of FTIR as well as by cumulative sampling in impinger bottles (in 0.05 M H2SO4 and 1 M NaOH, respectively) and analysed by photometric method. NO and NO2 were measured online using a nitric oxide analyser while N2O was measured by FTIR. Nitrogen (N) in the sludge and in the remaining char, char-N, was determined. Moreover, tar content in pyrolysis gas was measured and tar-N was determined. The results with respect to N mass balance closure are discussed. The different measurements techniques are compared. For pyrolysis at 520 ℃ and 700 ℃ nitrogen in the gas phase was mainly contained as N2 (36 % and 40 % respectively), followed by NH3 (15 % and 18 %), tar-N (10 % and 9 %), HCN (1 % and 3 %), NO (1 %) and NO2 (0.2 %). The dairy processing sludge has very specific properties with organic-N present predominantly as proteins and a high content of inherent Ca. These characteristics affected the distribution of N. The amount of char-N was higher while the amount of tar-N lower than for sewage sludge from literature, at comparable pyrolysis temperature.

Peer reviewed papers | 2024

Tar conversion and recombination in steam gasification of biogenic residues: The influence of a countercurrent flow column in pilot- and demonstration-scale

Huber M, Benedikt F, Karel T, Binder M, Hochstöger D, Egger A, Fürsatz K, Kuba M. Tar conversion and recombination in steam gasification of biogenic residues: The influence of a countercurrent flow column in pilot- and demonstration-scale. Fuel. 15 May 2024. 364:131068

External Link Details

First experiments with biogenic residues and a plastic-rich rejects and woody biomass blend were conducted in an advanced 1 MW dual fluidized bed steam gasification demonstration plant at the Syngas Platform Vienna. Wood chips, bark, forest residues, and the plastic-rich rejects and woody biomass blend were tested and the tar composition was analyzed upstream and downstream of the upper gasification reactor, which is designed as a high-temperature column with countercurrent flow of catalytic material. Each feedstock was gasified with olivine as bed material in demonstration scale and is compared to the gasification of softwood pellets with olivine and limestone in pilot scale. A reduction in tar content was observed after countercurrent column for all feedstocks. However, a shift in tar species occurred. While styrene, phenol, and 1H-indene were predominant upstream, naphthalene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were the prevailing tar species downstream the countercurrent column. Hence, an increase of i.e. anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene from the upstream concentration was observed. For pyrene, up to twice the initial concentration was measured. This recombination to PAHs was observed for all feedstocks in demonstration- and pilot-scale. The only exception occurred with limestone as bed material, characterized by a higher catalytic activity in comparison to the typically used olivine. In the perspective of the integrated product gas cleaning, tar with higher temperature of condensation are separated more efficiently in the installed scrubbing unit. Hence, the recombination facilitates an overall decline of tar content after the gas cleaning.

Other Publications | 2023

Act4Value - Actors for innovative and regional bio residue valorization

Sedlmayer I, Wopienka E. Act4Value - Actors for innovative and regional bio residue valorization. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

A drastic reduction in the consumption of fossil resources and efficient use are key factors in limiting the further progression of climate change. Cascading use and recycling of residues in the sense of bioeconomy and circular economy are essential. Thermochemical or microbiological conversion can produce various intermediates and endproducts (e.g. biochar, basic chemicals, bioenergy) from biogenic residues. Implemented decentrally, such concepts can reduce transportation efforts, increase the degree of self-sufficiency with raw materials, increase regional added value creation and close (preferably regional) material and energy cycles.

Other Publications | 2023

Advanced Control ot the Generated Steam in a Municipal Waste Incineration Plant

Niederwieser H, Jäger F, Kirnbauer F, Gölles M. Advanced Control ot the Generated Steam in a Municipal Waste Incineration Plant. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

In modern waste management, the energetic utilization of waste is an important key technology. On the one hand, it allows the waste to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner and, on the other hand, makes it possible to reduce the use of other controversial energy sources, such as nuclear fission or fossil fuels. However, the efficient and clean incineration of waste is a challenging task due to the strong inhomogeneity of the waste.

Other Publications | 2023

Alps4GreenC: Implementation pathways for sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region

Carlon E, Moser K, Seldmayer I, Klauser F. Alps4GreenC: Implementation pathways fpr sustainable Green Carbon production in the Alpine Region. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

The Alpine Region is characterized by a high density of biomass processing and conversion plants. Alps4GreenC sets the scene for transnational utilization of biomass residues in biochar-based value chains. The project aims at:

  • Researching opportunities for conversion of biomass residues with focus on biochar production.
  • Increasing awareness of citizens, plant owners, policy makers and all involved stakeholders.
  • Establishing connection and coordination among Austria, Italy and Slovenia.
Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Anaerobic acidification of pressed sugar beet pulp for mcl-polyhydroxyalkanoates fermentation

Kacanski M, Knoll L, Nussbaumer M, Neuriter M, Drosg B. Anaerobic acidification of pressed sugar beet pulp for mcl-polyhydroxyalkanoates fermentation. Process Biocemistry.2023:131;235-243,

External Link Details

Anaerobic acidification of pressed sugar beet pulp (PSBP) is a promising strategy for the transition towards a circular economy. In this work, volatile fatty acids were produced by anaerobic acidification of PSBP and subsequently converted to mcl-polyhydroxyalkanoates. The results point to mesophilic acidification as superior to thermophilic one. At the same time, the pH regulated at the value of 6.0 showed a decisive advantage over both the pH of 7.0 and the lack of pH regulation. Furthermore, the conditions with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10 days significantly outperformed those with an HRT of 6 days. The best-performing process (mesophilic, pH controlled at 6, HRT of 10 days) was successfully scaled up to a 250 L reactor, reaching a volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration of up to 27.8 g L-1. Finally, the produced VFA were investigated as feedstock for mcl-PHA producers, Pseudomonas citronellolis and Pseudomonas putida. Both strains grew and produced PHA successfully, with P. citronellolis reaching a biomass of 15.6 g L-1 with 38% of mcl-PHA, while P. putida grew to 15.2 g L-1 with a polymer content of 31%. This study proves that acidified PSBP is a valuable feedstock for mcl-PHA production and an important approach to developing biorefineries.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Automatic thermal model identification and distributed optimisation for load shifting in city quarters

Moser A, Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Zemann C, Gölles M, Hofer A, Brandl D, Heimrath R, Mach T, Ribas Tugores C, Ramschak T. Automatic thermal model identification and distributed optimisation for load shifting in city quarters, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 2023;42:1, 1063-1078, DOI: 10.1080/14786451.2023.2246079

External Link Details

Buildings with floor heating or thermally activated building structures offer significant potential for shifting the thermal load and thus reduce peak demand for heating or cooling. This potential can be realised with the help of model predictive control (MPC) methods, provided that sufficiently descriptive mathematical models of the thermal characteristics of the individual thermal zones exist. Creating these by hand is infeasible for larger numbers of zones; instead, they must be identified automatically based on measurement data. In this paper an approach is presented that allows automatically identifying thermal models usable in MPC. The results show that the identified zone models are sufficiently accurate for the use in an MPC, with a mean average error below 1.5K for the prediction of the zone temperatures. The identified zone models are then used in a distributed optimisation scheme that coordinates the individual zones and buildings of a city quarter to best support an energy hub by flattening the overall load profile. In a preliminary simulation study carried out for buildings with floor heating, the operating costs for heating in a winter month were reduced by approximately 9%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the proposed approach has a clear economic benefit.

Other Publications | 2023

Automation and Control of Renewable Energy Systems

Gölles M. Automation and Control of Renewable Energy Systems. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

The Area Automation and Control at BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH focuses on the optimal operation of sustainable biorefinery and renewable energy systems, the optimal interaction of different technologies and systems and the highly automated operation management
by new digital services.

Other Publications | 2023

BIOPOLYCOMP - Biochar for Polymer Composites

Martinie S, Kienzl N, Sarsteiner J. BIOPOLYCOMP - Biochar for Polymer Composites. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Char originating from biomass can be used as a sustainable carbon additive in the production of polymer compounds with enhanced characteristics.

Other Publications | 2023

Charactreistics of elemental comositions of biochars derived from agro-residues

Moser K, Wopienka E, Pfeifer C, Kienzl N. Characteristics of elemental compositions of biochars derived from agro-residues. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023.

Download PDF Details

Over the last decades the general interest in recycling and upcycling technologies heavily grew and in the agricultural sector, it is not different. Lal estimated already in 2005 that 3,8 billion tons of crop residues alone are produced annually
worldwide.

Other Publications | 2023

Chemical Looping for efficient biomass utilization

Schulze K, Kienzl N, Steiner T, Martini S, Priscak J. Chemical Looping for efficient biomass utilization. BEST Center Day. June 2023

Download PDF Details

With respect to the climate objectives Chemical Looping (CL) processes constitute a promising alternative to traditional thermochemical conversion routes. Through the application of solid materials, so-called oxygen carriers (OC), instead of air as oxygen supply, CO2 can be easily separated from the flue gas. By this, biomass can be used for hydrogen production (Chemical Looping Hydrogen, CLH) or it can be burnt without CO2 emissions (Chemical Looping Combustion, CLC).

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Control-oriented modeling of a LiBr/H2O absorption heat pumping device and experimental validation

Staudt S, Unterberger V, Gölles M, Wernhart M, Rieberer R, Horn M. Control-oriented modeling of a LiBr/H2O absorption heat pumping device and experimental validation. Journal of Process Control. 2023 Aug;128:103024. doi: 10.1016/j.jprocont.2023.103024

External Link Details

Absorption heat pumping devices (AHPDs, comprising absorption heat pumps and chillers) are devices that use thermal energy instead of electricity to generate heating and cooling, thereby facilitating the use of waste heat and renewable energy sources such as solar or geothermal energy. Despite this benefit, widespread use of AHPDs is still limited. One reason for this is partly unsatisfactory control performance under varying operating conditions, which can result in poor modulation and part load capability. A promising approach to tackle this issue is using dynamic, model-based control strategies, whose effectiveness, however, strongly depend on the model being used. This paper therefore focuses on the derivation of a viable dynamic model to be used for such model-based control strategies for AHPDs such as state feedback or model-predictive control. The derived model is experimentally validated, showing good modeling accuracy. Its modeling accuracy is also compared to alternative model versions, that contain other heat transfer correlations, as a benchmark. Although the derived model is mathematically simple, it does have the structure of a nonlinear differential–algebraic system of equations. To obtain an even simpler model structure, linearization at an operating point is discussed to derive a model in linear state space representation. The experimental validation shows that the linear model does have slightly worse steady-state accuracy, but that the dynamic accuracy seems to be almost unaffected by the linearization. The presented new modeling approach is considered suitable to be used as a basis for the design of advanced, model-based control strategies, ultimately aiming to improve the modulation and part load capability of AHPDs.

Other Publications | 2023

Design of an aqueous phase reforming process demonstration unit for the production of green hydrogen from organcs-laden residual waters

Arlt S, Hochgerner S, Weber G, Pipitone G, Zoppi G, Bensaid S. Design of an aqueous phase reforming process demonstration unit for the production of green hyddrogen from organics-laden residual waters. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Aqueous phase reforming (APR) describes the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons dissolved in
an aqueous phase to hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

PhD Thesis | 2023

Distributed Optimization Methods for Energy Management Systems

Kaisermayer V. Distributed Optimization Methods for Energy Management Systems. 2023.

Details

Efficient control of energy systems is an important factor in achieving the CO2-emission goals. District heating (DH) networks are an especially relevant example of such energy systems. State-of-the-art control of small and medium-sized DH networks, however, still mainly relies on simple rule-based control concepts. Handling future challenges such as varying prices and intermittent renewable production is difficult to achieve with such control concepts. Optimization-based energy management systems (EMS) are a promising high-level control approach for the efficient operation of DH networks and complex energy systems in general. An especially interesting challenge arises when DH networks grow, as often the opportunity arises to interconnect them. However, if they operated by different owners, the control task becomes challenging, especially for optimization-based EMS. This is because, in the overall objective function, the cost and revenue for any exchange of energy would cancel out. This thesis presents a solution to this challenge. The main focus of this thesis is on the application of distributed optimization methods for EMS in the context of coupled energy systems, operated by multiple owners, especially interconnected DH networks. The presented methods and ideas are evaluated on a practical application of three DH networks in Austria.  

Reports | 2023

District Heating and Cooling Networks in an Integrated Energy System Context (Guidebook)

Final Report of the IEA DHC Annex TS3

Böhm H, Cronbach D, Muschick D, Ianakiev A, Jentsch A, Cadenbach A, Kranzl L, Reuter S, Rossi J, Schmidt RR, Sorknaes P, Svensson IL, Trier D, Tunzi M, Widl E. IEA DHC Annex TS3 Guidebook, District Heating and Cooling in an Integrated Energy System Context, 2023.

External Link Details

Annex TS3: Hybrid Energy Networks

The aim of the IEA DHC Annex TS3 „hybrid energy networks" is to promote opportunities and to overcome challenges for district heating and cooling (DHC) networks in an integrated energy system context, focusing on the coupling to the electricity and the gas grid.

 

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Early layer formation on K-feldspar during fluidized bed combustion with phosphorus-rich fuel

Faust R, Fürsatz K, Aonsamang P, Sandberg M, Kuba M, Skoglund N, Pavleta Knutsson. Early layer formation on K-feldspar during fluidized bed combustion with phosphorus-rich fuel. Fuel. January 2023.331:125595.

External Link Details

K-feldspar was utilized as bed material for fluidized bed combustion of bark, chicken manure, and their mixture. Bed samples were extracted after 4 and 8 h and the samples were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy to study the impact of P-rich chicken manure on the bed material. The results were compared to fixed bed exposures with different orthophosphates to investigate their influence in detail.

The fresh bed material used for this study exhibited an uneven surface with many cavities which facilitated the deposition and retention of the fuel ash. Utilizing pure chicken manure as fuel led to the formation of Ca- and P-rich particles which accumulated in these cavities. At the same time, larger ash particles were formed which consisted of the elements found in chicken manure ash. The co-combustion of bark and chicken manure led to the interaction of the two ash fractions and the formation of a thicker ash layer, which consisted of elements from both fuel ashes, namely Ca, P, Si, K and S. The layer appeared to be partially molten which could be favorable for the deposition of ash particles and thereby the formation of a mixed Ca/K-phosphate. Fixed bed exposures of the K-feldspar particles with Na3PO4 or K3PO4 caused particle agglomeration which means presence of alkali-phosphates should be limited.

The co-combustion of bark with chicken manure showed promising results both regarding a shift from Ca-phosphates to more bioavailable Ca/K-phosphates and an acceleration in ash layer formation. The formation of an ash layer after only 4 h of exposure with the mixture of bark and chicken manure could be advantageous for catalytic activation of the bed material.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Effect of time-dependent layer formation on the oxygen transport capacity of ilmenite during combustion of ash-rich woody biomass

Priscak J, Valizadeh A, Öhman M, Hofbauer H, Kuba M. Effect of time-dependent layer formation on the oxygen transport capacity of ilmenite during combustion of ash-rich woody biomass. Fuel. 1 December 2023. 353:129068

External Link Details

Oxygen carrier aided combustion (OCAC) is a novel technology that aims to enhance combustion of heterogenous fuels by replacing the inert bed material with an active oxygen carrier. One of the promising oxygen carriers is natural ilmenite which shows decent oxygen transport capacity and mechanical stability under OCAC operating conditions. However, interactions between ilmenite and woody biomass ash lead to the formation of a calcium-rich ash layer, which affects the ability of the oxygen carrier (OC) to transfer oxygen throughout the boiler and subsequently decreases the combustion efficiency. This paper focuses on the time-dependent morphological and compositional changes in ilmenite bed particles and the consequence effects on the oxygen transport capacity and reactivity of ilmenite. Ilmenite utilized in this study was investigated in a 5 kW bubbling fluidized bed combustion unit, utilizing ash-rich bark pellets as fuel. A negative effect of iron migration on the oxygen transport capacity was observed in ilmenite bed particles after 6 h of operation in the bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The decrease in the oxygen transport capacity of ilmenite was found to correlate with the increased exposure time in the fluidized bed reactor and was caused by the migration and subsequent erosion of Fe from the ilmenite particles. On the other hand, the older bed particles show an increase in reaction rate, presumably due to the catalytic activity of the calcium-enriched outer layer on the bed particle surface.

Other Publications | 2023

Efficiency increase of biomass combustion systems by a modular CO-lambda optimization: method and results from long-term verification

Zemann C, Max A, Gölles M, Horn M. Efficiency increase of biomass combustion systems by a modular CO-lambda optimization: method and results from long-term verification. 7. Mitteleuropäische Biomassekonferenz: CEBC 2023. 19. Jan 2023. Oral presentation.

Download PDF Details

Introduction and motivation
A key objective for the operation of biomass boilers is to achieve the highest possible efficiency while emitting the lowest possible pollutant emissions. In order to automate this task, CO-lambda optimization methods have been proposed in literature that ensure that the biomass boiler is operated at the lowest excess air ratio at which no relevant pollutant emissions occur, maximizing efficiency as a result. Since this optimal excess air ratio depends on various external factors, such as fuel properties, CO-lambda optimization methods continuously incorporate new measurements of the excess air ratio and the carbon monoxide content of the flue gas and estimate a new optimal excess air ratio during operation.
While achieving promising results in lab-scale tests, none of the CO-lambda optimization methods presented in literature has yet been able to gain practical acceptance. Either they are not robust enough and provide inaccurate estimates of the optimal excess air ratio or they are too slow and do not allow the optimal excess air ratio to be tracked sufficiently quickly. With the goal of providing a method that is fit for practical application, this publication presents a new modular approach for CO-lambda optimization that determines the optimal excess air ratio robustly and quickly, i.e. in real time.


Method
The new approach for CO-lambda optimization approximates the correlation between the excess air ratio and the carbon monoxide content of the flue gas, the CO-lambda characteristic, with a continuous, algebraic, non-linear model function. For this purpose, it uses a recursive-least-squares algorithm to continuously identify the model function’s parameters that lead to the optimal fit with the measured data, which are the excess air ratio and carbon monoxide content of the flue gas. From these model parameters, the optimal excess air ratio is calculated and defined as a desired value for the biomass boiler’s existing controller. This existing controller then ensures, that the biomass boiler is operated with this desired optimal excess air ratio, thus, maximizing efficiency and decreasing pollutant emissions. As a result, this new approach for CO-lambda optimization is entirely modular and can be applied to any biomass boiler with an existing control strategy capable of accurately adjusting the excess air ratio. For the measurement of the carbon monoxide content of the flue gas, a separate sensor has to be used. For this study the commercially available and proven in-situ exhaust gas sensor “KS1D” provided by the company LAMTEC has been used.


Long-term verification
The new approach for CO-lambda optimization was tested and validated at a biomass boiler with a nominal capacity of 2.5 MW that supplies a local heating network and combusts wood chips with a water content ranging from 30 w.t.% to 50 w.t.%. The long-term validation took place over an entire heating period, i.e. 5 months from November to March, during which the biomass boiler was operated alternately with the new approach for CO-lambda optimization and the standard control strategy, which means a constant desired residual oxygen content. In total the new approach for CO-lambda optimization was active for 1155 operating hours while the standard control strategy was active for 1310 operating hours. Compared to the standard control strategy, the new approach for CO-lambda optimization increased the biomass boiler’s efficiency by 3.8%, decreased total dust emissions by 19.5% and reduced carbon monoxide emissions on average (median) by 200 mg/m³. This demonstrates that the new approach for CO-lambda optimization is not only robust enough to run over a long period of time, it also leads to significant improvements in the biomass boiler’s operation. In addition, following these results, this new approach for CO-lambda optimization has also successfully been implemented and demonstrated at another biomass boiler with a nominal capacity of 1 MW where it has already been active for several months. This contribution presents the new approach to CO-lambda optimization in detail and discusses its technological and economic impact.

Other Publications | 2023

Exploring microbiomes in environmental biotechnological processes

Bauer L, Konegger H, Neubauer M, Ludiwg K, Drosg B. Exploring microbiomes in environmental biotechnological processes. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Many processes in environmental biotechnology are working due to the presence of a mix of microbes, with each group playing a specific role, like being responsible for one step of a multistage conversion process. Even in industrial fermentations which have the purpose of producing biomass of one specific microorganism, an accompanying flora of other microbes is almost always present.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Extension of the layer particle model for volumetric conversion reactions during char gasification

Steiner T, Schulze R, Scharler R, Anca-Couce A. Extension of the layer particle model for volumetric conversion reactions during char gasification. Combustion and Flame. 2023:256,112940.

External Link Details

The so-called “layer model” or “interface-based model” is a simplified single particle model, originally developed for shorter computation time during computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. A reactive biomass particle is assumed to consist of successive layers, in which drying, pyrolysis and char conversion occur sequentially. The interfaces between these layers are the reaction fronts. The model has already been validated for drying, pyrolysis and char oxidation. Layer models in the literature have commonly employed surface reactions at the reaction front to describe char conversion. In this work, the suitability of this surface reaction concept is assessed when gasifying biochar. It is shown that a particular layer model, already available, which originally employed surface reactions, was unable to adequately describe the mass loss during gasification of a biochar. In order to overcome this incapability, the model was extended to consider volumetric reactions in the char layer. The influence of intraparticle diffusion was considered through an effectiveness factor. The model is easily adaptable for different gas-solid kinetic rate laws, while still allowing for comparably fast solutions of the model equations. The extended model was validated using theoretical calculations and experimental measurements from literature. It was demonstrated that intraparticle diffusion can significantly slow down the biochar gasification process. A general guideline for when to employ volumetric reactions, rather than surface reactions, and when to consider intraparticle diffusion is provided based on the Thiele modulus as the criterion.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Fault detective: Automatic fault-detection for solar thermal systems based on artificial intelligence

Feierl L, Unterberger V, Rossi C, Gerardts B, Gaetani M. Fault detective: Automatic fault-detection for solar thermal systems based on artificial intelligence. Solar Energy Advances 2023;3:100033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seja.2023.100033.

External Link Details

Fault-Detection (FD) is essential to ensure the performance of solar thermal systems. However, manually analyzing the system can be time-consuming, error-prone, and requires extensive domain knowledge. On the other hand, existing FD algorithms are often too complicated to set up, limited to specific system layouts, or have only limited fault coverage. Hence, a new FD algorithm called Fault-Detective is presented in this paper, which is purely data-driven and can be applied to a wide range of system layouts with minimal configuration effort. It automatically identifies correlated sensors and models their behavior using Random-Forest-Regression. Faults are then detected by comparing predicted and measured values.

The algorithm is tested using data from three large-scale solar thermal systems to evaluate its applicability and performance. The results are compared to manual fault detection performed by a domain expert. The evaluation shows that Fault-Detective can successfully identify correlated sensors and model their behavior well, resulting in coefficient-of-determination scores between R²=0.91 and R²=1.00. In addition, all faults detected by the domain experts were correctly spotted by Fault-Detective. The algorithm even identified some faults that the experts missed. However, the use of Fault-Detective is limited by the low precision score of 30% when monitoring temperature sensors. The reason for this is a high number of false alarms raised due to anomalies (e.g., consecutive days with bad weather) instead of faults. Nevertheless, the algorithm shows promising results for monitoring the thermal power of the systems, with an average precision score of 91%.

Other Publications | 2023

First results from a novel temperature swing adsorption plant for clean synthesis gas

Egger A, Binder M, Weber G, Fürsatz K. First results from a novel temperature swing adsorption plant for clean synthesis gas. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details
Other Publications | 2023

Fischer-Tropsch pilot plant

Hochgerner S, Arlt S, Köffler T, Weber G, Kuba M, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Fischer-Tropsch plant. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

This work presents the first results of a newly commissioned biomass-to-liquid Fischer-Tropsch (FT) pilot plant. A 1 MWth dualfluidized bed (DFB) steam gasifier, a 55 Nm3/h 4-step gas cleaning plant and a 250 kW slurry bubble column FT synthesis reactor (SBCR) form the full process chain.

Other Publications | 2023

FlowBattMonitor - Modellgestützte Überwachung von erneuerbaren Flow Batterien (Poster)

Nigitz T, Spirk S, Poms U, Wickenhauser D. FlowBattMonitor - Modellgestützte Überwachung von erneuerbaren Flow Batterien. Poster. 2023.

Download PDF Details
Other Publications | 2023

Further development of gas-fermentation towards syngas utilization and electro-fermentation

Ludwig K, Hiebl C, Marzynski M, Deutsch M, Poms U, Schulze K, Neubauer M, Knoll L, Rachbauer L, Gölles M, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Further development of gas-fermentation towards syngas utilization and electro-fermentation. BEST center day. 28 June 2023.

Download PDF Details

Gas-fermentation is the conversion of gaseous feedstocks (e.g. CO2-rich off gases, CO, H2) into
valuable products such as organic acids and alcohols by microorganisms such as clostridia.
By supplying electrical energy (an alternative source of reducing/oxidizing energy), the fermentation
environment can be further optimized, resulting in products with higher purity, a broader product
spectrum and higher cell densities.

Other Publications | 2023

Green Carbon as reducing agent in iron and steel production via the blast furnaces

Deutsch R, Krammer G, Kienzl N, Strasser C. Green Carbon as reducing agent in iron and steel production via the blast furnaces. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Iron production via blast furnace utilizes coal and coke to reduce iron oxides resulting in high greenhouse gas emissions. This important issue for the iron and steel industry may be mitigated by application of biomass-based reducing agents (bioreducer).

Other Publications | 2023

GreenCarbon Biochar - bio-oil - gas

Wopienka E. GreenCarbon. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Simple biorefinery concepts for the production of sustainable carbon products are investigated in the GreenCarbon Lab at the Wieselburg site of BEST. The heart of the GreenCarbon Lab consists of two pyrolysis units: A lab-scale reactor for testing new input materials as well as conducting detailed parameter studies to reveal the correlation of input material, process conditions and products formed, and a pilot-scale to implement and validate knowledge gained in the laboratory environment to
produce specific GreenCarbon products. Also, product batches in larger quantities (approx. 0,1 – 5 tons) can be manufactured for subsequent application tests – e.g. as part of industrial trials at company partners. In addition, equipment for process and product analysis enables a detailed study of the conversion reactions and the characterization of the products obtained.

Reports | 2023

Guidebook for the Digitalisation of District Heating: Transforming Heat Networks for a Sustainable Future

Final Report of DHC Annex TS4

Schmidt, Dietrich (ed.) et al. (2023). Guidebook for the Digitalisation of District Heating: Transforming Heat Networks for a Sustainable Future, Final Report of DHC Annex TS4. AGFW Project Company, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

External Link Details
Other Publications | 2023

How bioenergy contributes to a sustainable future

Bacovsky D. How bioenergy contributes to a sustainable future. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy today. It is versatile and can provide heat, power and transport services, and biomass can also serve as a raw material for the production of chemicals and materials. If done responsibly, and wherever it substitutes for fossil fuels, bioenergy provides substantial GHG emission savings, diversifies energy sources, improves energy supply security and provides income through regional biomass supply chains.

Conference presentations and posters | 2023

IEA Cross TCP Workshop: Towards a flexible, cross sectoral energy supply

Gölles M, Schubert T, Lechner M, Mäki E, Kuba K, Leusbrock I, Unterberger V, Schmidt D. IEA Cross TCP Workshop: Towards a flexible, cross sectoral energy supply.7th Central European Biomass Conference CEBC 2023. 18. January 2023. Graz. Oral Presentation.

Download PDF Details

A sustainable energy supply can only be achieved by a flexible, cross-sectoral energy system utilizing the specific advantages of the various renewable technologies. In this workshop possible roles of different technologies will be discussed based on a previous discussion of the users’ needs among the different sectors. In this a special focus should be given on the flexibility provision via the heating sector. By bringing together different users, representing municipal and industrial energy supply, and technological experts from different IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCP) the workshop should support a holistic discussion.

List of presentations: 

  • Wien Energie‘s vision of a sustainable energy and ressource supply of Vienna, Teresa Schubert, Wien Energie, Austria
  • Digitalization of energy management systems – optimization of internal energy use as an industrial company, Maria Lechner, INNIO Jenbacher, Austria
  • Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration, Elina Mäki, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland Task Leader – IEA Bioenergy Task 44 Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration
  • Use Case: Syngas platform Vienna for utilization of biogenic residues, Matthias Kuba, BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies, Austria
  • Transformation of District Heating and Cooling Systems towards high share of renewables, Ingo Leusbrock, AEE INTEC, Austria – Lead of Austrian delegation – IEA DHC Annex TS5 Integration of Renewable Energy Sources into existing District Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Opportunities offered by long-term heat storages and large-scale solar thermal systems, Viktor Unterberger, BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies, Austria Task Manager – IEA SHC Task 68 Efficient Solar District Heating Systems
  • Possibilities through digitalization on the example of District Heating and Cooling, Dietrich Schmidt, Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, Germany – Operating Agent – IEA DHC Annex TS4 Digitalisation of District Heating and Cooling

List of contributing IEA Tasks:

Other Publications | 2023

Increased flexibility of a fixed-bed biomass gasifier through advanced control

Hollenstein C, Martini S, Gölles M, Felsberger W, Horn M. Increased flexibility of a fixed-bed biomass gasifier through advanced control. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details
Conference presentations and posters | 2023

Increasing the flexibility of a fixed-bed biomass gasifier through model-based control strategies: method and practical verification

Hollenstein C, Zemann C, Martini S, Gölles M, Felsberger W, Horn M. Increasing the flexibility of a fixed-bed biomass gasifier through model-based control strategies: method and practical verification. 7. Mitteleuropäische Biomassekonferenz: CEBC 2023. 20. Jan 2023. Oral presentation.

Download PDF Details

Future hybrid energy systems require flexible technologies for compensating the volatile nature of most renewable energies. As such, fixed-bed biomass gasifiers are especially relevant as they allow a flexible production of heat, electricity and in a broader sense bio-based products (e.g. biochar). Thus, flexible fixed-bed biomass gasifiers will continuously become more relevant for a sustainable and highly flexible energy and resource system (bioeconomy).

 

However, due to their current economic dependency on specific feed in tariffs for the produced electricity, they are almost always operated at nominal load, to maximize the electricity production. Thus, their potential for flexibility has not been revealed up to now. Consequently, the currently applied control strategies are typically designed with the focus on steady-state operation. Any operation differing from nominal load typically requires manual interventions of the plant operators to avoid lower efficiencies or operational difficulties. Thus, currently applied control strategies do not allow a fully-automatic and flexible operation of the gasifiers.

 

To unleash the full potential of the gasifiers’ flexibility, new and more advanced control strategies able to handle varying operating conditions automatically are required. For this reason, this contribution aims for the development of a model-based control strategy, since it allows to explicitly consider all the correlations between the different process variables, and an efficient adaptation of the control strategy to different plants. The development was carried out on the basis of a representative industrial small-scale fixed-bed biomass gasifier operated as combined heat and power plant (CHP) with a nominal capacity of 300 kWth and 150 kWel. In this contribution we present the developed method as well as the practical verification of the model-based controller for the industrial small-scale fixed-bed biomass gasification plant.

 

The practical verification revealed a significant potential for flexibility increase by the new model-based control strategy in comparison to state-of-the-art control strategies. For example, the new controller performs a step-wise load change from 150 kWel to 100 kWel (-33%) within less than 2 min without affecting the gasification performance. The new control leads to a much more homogeneous gasification, in particular during partial load operation, and reduces the fluctuation margin of relevant process parameters to less than 1%. This controlled stabilization and homogenization of the gasification at different operating conditions is also a prerequisite for further future flexibilization measures, e.g. the extension of the feedstock variety (fuel flexibility) or increasing product flexibility.

 

Due to the modular and model-based design, the new control strategy can also be implemented on other fixed-bed gasifiers of the same type without requiring any structural modifications, by solely adjusting the model parameters appropriately. Furthermore, the new control strategy makes only use of sensors and actuators typically already available in state-of-the-art fixed-bed gasification systems. In conclusion, the model-based control strategy to be presented states a very important contribution towards flexible fixed-bed biomass gasification systems.

 

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Integration of dual fluidized bed steam gasification into the pulp and paper industry

Kuba M, Benedikt F, Fürsatz K, Fuchs J, Demuth M, Aichernig C, Arpa L, Hofbauer H. Integration of dual fluidized bed steam gasification into the pulp and paper industry. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 17 Novewmber 2023.13:15933 - 15948

External Link Details
Conference presentations and posters | 2023

Intelligent Building Control with User Feedback in the Loop

Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Schweiger G, Schwengler T, Mörth M, Heimrath R, Mach T, Herzlieb M, Horn M. Intelligent Building Control with User Feedback in the Loop. 9th International Conference on Smart Energy Systems. Kopenhagen, Denmark, 12. September 2023. Oral Presentation.

Details

Buildings account for 30% of the globally consumed final energy and 19% of the indirect emissions, i.e., from the production of electricity and heat. Air-conditioned office buildings have an especially high energy footprint. Retrofitting buildings with predictive control strategies can reduce their energy demand and increase thermal comfort by considering future weather conditions. One challenge lies in the required infrastructure, i.e., sensors and actuators. Another challenge is about satisfying the comfort requirements of the users, getting their feedback and reacting to it. We propose a predictive control strategy, where an optimization-based energy management system (EMS) controls the thermal zones of such office buildings. The approach uses a mathematical model of the building within an optimization problem to predict and shift thermal demand. The individual thermal zones are modelled using a grey-box approach, where the simultaneous state and parameter estimation is handled by an unscented Kalman filter (UKF). This minimizes the needed effort for deployment of the system, as the parameters are learned automatically from historical measurement data. The objective function ensures the users’ comfort based on a comfort model, penalizes unwanted behaviour such as frequent valve position changes, and minimizes the costs for heating and cooling supply. Since the offices are typically shared by multiple users, the internal comfort model is calibrated based on their feedback. Each feedback is viewed as a measurement from the internal comfort model, and an UKF updates the parameters of the model, thus lowering or increasing the temperature setpoint of the zone controller in a robust manner. As a case study, an office building at the “Innovation District Inffeld” is considered. The proposed predictive control strategy, together with the user feedback, is implemented. A central information and communication technology (ICT) handles all communication with the building automation system. We developed a simple web-based feedback system with a five-point Likert scale for user feedback integration. The presented ideas are evaluated based on both a preliminary simulation study and potential evaluation using the building modelling software IDA ICE, and a real-world implementation. A key requirement was to limit the number of new sensors and actuators, thus focusing on how much can be achieved with a retrofit measure with minimal hardware, but intelligent software. The presentation will give, an overview of the developed methods and first results of the real implementation will be given.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Investigation of individual motives and decision paths on residential energy supply systems

Matschegg D, Carlon E, Sturmlechner R, Sonnleitner A, Fuhrmann M, Dißauer C, Strasser C, Enigl M. Investigation of individual motives and decision paths on residential energy suplly systems. Energy. 2023. 281:128151.

External Link Details

A better understanding of end users’ motives for choosing their energy supply system (heating and domestic hot water, cooling and electricity) can support the establishment of favorable conditions for the energy transition. In this research project, a survey was conducted in the Austrian residential sector to identify end users’ interests and decisions for certain energy supply systems as well as motives for the choice. Based on 169 responses to the questionnaire, a statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of gender aspects on interests and decisions. More than 90% of respondents required robust and efficient energy supply systems, which should have the highest technical standards. The environmental performance was also highly valued, whereas financial aspects, including investment costs were considered less important. 79% of men were mainly involved in the decision-making process, whereas only 59% of women were involved and, in most cases, made the decision together with their partner (52%). Identifying these motives and analyzing investment decisions enables the future integration of social and gender aspects into optimization models for individual households or energy communities.

Other Publications | 2023

Key Driver: Sustainability

Dißauer C, Fuhrmann M, Matschegg D, Strasser C. Key Driver: Sustainability

Download PDF Details
Other Publications | 2023

Long-term validation of a new modular approach for CO-Lambda-optimization

Nigitz T, Hammer F, Gölles M, Horn M.

Download PDF Details
Other Publications | 2023

Microgrids and Smart Energy Communities - Reference Projects and Use Cases

Aigenbauer S, Stadler M, Liedtke P, Sturmlechner R; Maier C, Mansoor M, Oberbauer C, Alavi F, Houben N, Haas R. Microgrids and Smart Energy Communities - Reference Projects and Use Cases. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2023

MIMO state feedback control for redundantly-actuated LiBr/H O absorption heat pumping devices and experimental validation

Staudt S, Unterberger V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Horn M, Wernhart M, Rieberer R. MIMO state feedback control for redundantly-actuated LiBr/H2O absorption heat pumping devices and experimental validation. Control Engineering Practice.2023:140.105661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conengprac.2023.105661

External Link Details

Absorption heat pumping devices (AHPDs, comprising absorption heat pumps and chillers) use mainly thermal energy instead of electricity as the driving energy to provide resource-efficient heating and cooling when using waste heat or renewable heat sources. Despite this benefit, AHPDs are still not a very common technology due to their complexity. However, better modulation and part-load capability, which can be achieved through advanced control strategies, can simplify the use of AHPDs and help to better integrate them into complex energy systems. Therefore, this paper presents a new, dynamic model-based control approach for single-stage AHPDs that can extend an AHPD’s operating range by employing multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) control methods. The control approach can be used for different AHPD applications and thus control configurations, i.e., different combinations of manipulated and controlled variables, and can also be used for redundantly-actuated configurations with more manipulated than controlled variables. It consists of an observer for the state variables and unknown disturbances, a state feedback controller and, in case of redundantly-actuated configurations, a dynamic control allocation algorithm. The proposed control approach is experimentally validated with a representative AHPD for two different control configurations and compared to two benchmark control approaches – single-input-single-output (SISO) PI control representing the state-of-the-art, and model-predictive control (MPC) as an alternative advanced control concept. The experimental validation shows that the two MIMO control approaches (the proposed state feedback and the MPC approach) allow for a wider operating range and hence better part load capability compared to the SISO PI control approach. While MPC generally results in a comparably high computational effort due to the necessity of continuously solving an optimization problem, the proposed state feedback control approach is mathematically simple enough to be implemented on a conventional programmable logic controller. It is therefore considered a promising new control approach for AHPDs with the ability to extend their operating range and improve their part load capability, which in turn facilitates their implementation and thus the use of sustainable heat sources in heating and cooling systems.

Other Publications | 2023

Model-based Building Energy Management System with User Feedback in the Loop

Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Horn M. Model-based Building Energy Management System with User Feedback in the Loop. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Optimization-based energy management systems (EMS) are a high-level control approach for energy systems like district heating networks. A descriptive model and objective function are required to solve an optimization problem and apply the resulting schedule in a receding horizon fashion. EMS for buildings require a simplified model of each thermal zone, and the objective function includes costs for heating and cooling, virtual costs, and a comfort model. Feedback from users is necessary since thermal comfort varies among individuals.

PhD Thesis | 2023

Model-based control of absorption heat pumping devices

Staudt S. Model-based control of absorption heat pumping devices. 2023. 170 S.

Details

Absorptionswärmepumpenanlagen (AWPA, beinhaltet Absorptionswärmepumpen und –kältemaschinen), sind Anlagen, die hauptsächlich thermische statt elektrischer Energie nutzen, um Wärme und Kälte zu generieren. Dadurch wird die Nutzung von Abwärme und erneuerbaren Energiequellen wie Solarenergie in Heiz- und Kühlsystemen erleichtert. Trotz dieses Vorteils ist der Einsatz von AWPA nach wie vor stark eingeschränkt. Ein Grund dafür ist das Fehlen von Regelungsstrategien, die eine zufriedenstellende Regelgüte über einen weiten Betriebsbereich, insbesondere unter Teillast, bieten. Deshalb befasst sich diese Arbeit mit der Entwicklung eines neuen, modellbasierten Regelungsansatzes für AWPA, die den Betriebsbereich durch den Einsatz von Mehrgrößen-Regelungsmethoden (multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) Regelungsmethoden) erweitern kann.



Zunächst wird ein geeignetes dynamisches Modell abgeleitet, das im modellbasierten Regelungsansatz verwendet werden soll. Es handelt sich um ein physikalisch basiertes Modell mit modularer Struktur, was eine systematische Anpassung an verschiedene AWPA erleichtert. Um die Anzahl der Zustandsvariablen niedrig zu halten, werden nur diejenigen Masse- und Energiespeicher berücksichtigt, die zu Zeitkonstanten und Totzeiten führen, die für die spätere Regelungsaufgabe relevant sind. Das entwickelte Modell ist mathematisch einfach, hat jedoch die Struktur eines nichtlinearen differential-algebraischen Gleichungssystems. Als solches ist es sehr gut als Simulationsmodell geeignet um verschiedene Regelungsstrategien in der Simulation zu testen, aber es ist zu komplex für viele modellbasierte Regelungsmethoden. Um eine noch einfachere Modellstruktur zu erhalten, wird das Modell an einem Betriebspunkt linearisiert, was auf ein Modell in linearer Zustandsraumdarstellung führt. Die entwickelten nichtlinearen und linearen Modelle werden experimentell validiert und mit zwei alternativen Modellierungsansätzen als Benchmark verglichen. Ein Vergleich zwischen dem abgeleiteten nichtlinearen Modell und den Benchmark-Modellen zeigt eine höhere Genauigkeit für das neue Modell, sowohl stationär als auch dynamisch. Ein Vergleich zwischen dem abgeleiteten nichtlinearen und dem linearisierten Modell zeigt, dass das linearisierte Modell zwar eine etwas schlechtere stationäre Genauigkeit aufweist, die dynamische Genauigkeit jedoch durch die Linearisierung nahezu unbeeinflusst zu sein scheint. Das vorgestellte neue linearisierte AWPA -Modell gilt daher als geeignet, als Grundlage für den Entwurf des modellbasierten Regelansatzes verwendet zu werden.



Als nächstes wird dieses Modell verwendet, um einen neuen modellbasierten Regelungsansatz für AWPA zu entwerfen. Der neue Regelungsansatz kann für verschiedene AWPA-Anwendungen und damit für verschiedene Regelungskonfigurationen verwendet werden, d.h., verschiedene Kombinationen von Stell- und Regelgrößen. Er kann auch für redundante aktuierte Konfigurationen mit mehr Stell- als Regelgrößen verwendet werden, was die Erweiterung des Betriebsbereichs einer AWPA ermöglicht. Der Ansatz besteht aus einem Beobachter für die Zustandsvariablen und unbekannte Störgrößen, einem Zustandsregler und, im Falle von redundant aktuierten Konfigurationen, einem Algorithmus zur dynamischen Stellgrößenverteilung. Der vorgeschlagene Regelungsansatz wird experimentell für zwei verschiedene Regelungskonfigurationen validiert und mit zwei Benchmark-Ansätzen verglichen – einem Eingrößen-PI-Regler (Single-input-single-output (SISO) PI-Regler), der den Stand der Technik repräsentiert, und einem modellprädiktiven Regelungsansatz (model predictive control, MPC) als alternative fortschrittliche Regelungsmethode. Die experimentelle Validierung zeigt, dass die beiden MIMO-Regelungsansätze (der vorgeschlagene Zustandsregler und der MPC-Ansatz) einen erweiterten Betriebsbereich und somit eine bessere Teillastfähigkeit im Vergleich zum SISO-PI-Regler ermöglichen. Während MPC durch die Notwendigkeit zur kontinuierlichen Lösung eines Optimierungsproblems im Allgemeinen eine vergleichsweise hohe Rechenleistung benötigt, ist der vorgeschlagene Zustandsregler-Ansatz mathematisch einfach genug, um auf herkömmlichen speicherprogrammierbaren Steuerungen für AWPA implementiert werden zu können. Er wird daher als vielversprechender neuer Regelungsansatz für AWPA betrachtet, der die Möglichkeit bietet, ihren Betriebsbereich zu erweitern und ihre Teillastfähigkeit zu verbessern, was wiederum eine einfachere Einbindung in moderne Energiesysteme ermöglicht und somit die Nutzung nachhaltiger Wärmequellen für Heizen und Kühlen erleichtert.

PhD Thesis | 2023

Modelling and control of a small-scale fixed-bed biomass gasification system

Hollenstein C. Modelling and control of a small-scale fixed-bed biomass gasification system. 2023.

Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Multi-scale modelling of a fluidized bed biomass gasifier of industrial size (1 MW) using a detailed particle model coupled to CFD: Proof of feasibility and advantages over simplified approaches

von Berg L, Anca-Couce A, Hochenauer C, Scharler R. Multi-scale modelling of a fluidized bed biomass gasifier of industrial size (1 MW) using a detailed particle model coupled to CFD: Proof of feasibility and advantages over simplified approaches. Energy Conversion and Management. 15 June 2023.286:117070

External Link Details

Fluidized bed biomass gasification is a complex process whereby gas source terms are released by reactions at the particle level during the movement of fuel particles throughout the reactor. The current study presents for the first time the application of a multi-scale modelling approach for a fluidized bed biomass gasifier of industrial size, coupling a detailed one-dimensional particle model based on the progressive conversion model (PCM) with a commercial CFD software. Results of particle movement and gas source terms are compared with results of an additional simulation employing the simplified uniform conversion model (UCM) which is commonly used in literature. Validation at the particle level showed that the UCM leads to a massive underprediction of the time needed for pyrolysis whereas the PCM is in good agreement with experimental data. This heavily influences the gas sources released during pyrolysis of the biomass particles in the coupled reactor simulations. Volatiles are much more concentrated to the close proximity of the fuel feed when using the UCM whereas the PCM leads to a more homogeneous distribution over the reactor cross-section. The calculation time analysis of the coupled simulations showed that despite the increased complexity, the PCM shows only an increase of 20% in calculation time when compared to the UCM, whereas it is much better suited for these conditions. The coupled multi-scale simulations using the PCM showed the numerical feasibility of the modelling approach for 1,200,000 bed parcels and about 80,000 reacting fuel parcels and furthermore highlighted the importance of a comprehensive description of the particle level.

Other Publications | 2023

Numerical investigation of reaction mechanisms on NOx emissions from biomass combustion with enhanced reduction

Eßl M, Schulze K. Numerical investigation of reaction mechanisms on NOx emissions from biomass combustion with enhanced reduction. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

With the increasing demand for lower emissions and innovative combustion technologies, it is necessary to have a reaction mechanisms that is accurate as well as computationally affordable for geometry and process optimization using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The objective of this work is to explore the applicability of several reaction mechanisms in predicting NOx emissions from various combustion systems. This work focuses on the selection of suitable mechanisms from literature (see Table 1) in a full scale 3D model for the prediction of NOX especially for furnaces with low oxygen concentration in the fuel bed and enhanced reduction zones.

Other Publications | 2023

Operational optimization and error detection in biomass boilers by model based monitoring: methods and practice

Zemann C, Niederwieser H, Gölles M. Operational optimization and error detection in biomass boilers by model based monitoring: methods and practice. 7. Mitteleuropäische Biomassekonferenz: CEBC 2023. 20. Jan 2023. Oral presentation.

Download PDF Details

One of the main tasks for operators of medium- and large-scale biomass boilers is the continuous operational monitoring of these plants in order to assess their performance, detect errors and identify possibilities for operational optimization. However, due to the high complexity of this task, errors are frequently detected too late or not at all, which can lead to even more costly secondary errors. In addition, possibilities for optimization remain unused in many existing plants, resulting in unnecessary pollutant emissions and low efficiencies.
To assist operators in performing this task and to achieve a high level of automation, methods for the automated, model-based monitoring of such plants have been focus of recent research activities. In this contribution, we will discuss the numerous possibilities provided by the application of such methods in a practical context. For this purpose, we present selected results from previous activities, demonstrating how methods for model-based monitoring were applied at combustion plants and used to enable automated error detection and support operational optimization.


Exemplary result 1: We developed a soft-sensor which accurately estimates the non-measurable internal state of heat exchangers and implemented it at a large-scale combustion plant with a nominal capacity of 38.2 MW. This soft-sensor uses a dynamic mathematical model of the heat exchanger in combination with measured data to determine a new estimate for the heat exchanger’s internal state every second. Based on this estimate, the soft-sensor accurately detects fouling and determines the non-measurable flue gas mass flow in real time. The estimated flue gas mass flow was used in a model-based control strategy which resulted in significant improvements of the combustion plant’s operational behaviour and load modulation capabilities. These results are discussed in this contribution.


Exemplary result 2: We developed a method for the real-time estimation of non-measurable fuel properties, i.e. chemical composition, bulk density, lower heating value, in biomass boilers. These estimates were subsequently used in a model-based control strategy and enabled the improvement of the biomass boiler’s fuel flexibility. Results of this estimator achieved for different biomass fuels, e.g. poplar wood chips, corncob grits and standard wood pellets, are discussed in this contribution.
On the basis of these selected results, it will be examined which possibilities arise from the use of methods for model-based monitoring in biomass boilers and also how these results can be extended to other technologies such as biomass gasifiers.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Optimal dispatch of a multi-energy system microgrid under uncertainty: a renewable energy community in Austria

Houben N, Cosic A, Stadler M, Mansoor M, Zellinger M, Auer H, Ajanovic A, Haas R. Optimal dispatch of a multi-energy system microgrid under uncertainty: a renewable energy community in Austria. Applied Energy. 1 May 2023.337:120913

External Link Details

Microgrids can integrate variable renewable energy sources into the energy system by controlling flexible assets locally. However, as the energy system is dynamic, an effective microgrid controller must be able to receive feedback from the system in real-time, plan ahead and take into account the active electricity tariff, to maximize the benefits to the operator. These requirements motivate the use of optimization-based control methods, such as Model Predictive Control to optimally dispatch flexible assets in microgrids. However, the major bottleneck to achieve maximum benefits with these methods is their predictive accuracy. This paper addresses this bottleneck by developing a novel multi-step forecasting method for a Model Predictive Control framework. The presented methods are applied to a real test-bed of a renewable energy community in Austria, where its operational costs and CO2 emissions are benchmarked with those of a rule-based control strategy for Flat, Time-of-Use, Demand Charge and variable energy price tariffs. In addition, the impact of forecast errors and electric battery capacity on energy community operational savings are examined. The key results indicate that the proposed controller can outperform a rule-based dispatch strategy by 24.7% in operational costs and by 8.4% in CO2 emissions through optimal operation of flexibilities if it has perfect foresight. However, if the controller is deployed in a realistic environment, where forecasts for electrical load and PV generation are required, the same savings are reduced to 3.3% for cost and 7.3% for CO2, respectively. In such environments, the proposed controller performs best in highly dynamic tariffs such as Time-of-Use and Real-time pricing rates, achieving real cost savings of up to 6.3%. These results show that the profitability of optimization-based control of microgrids is threatened by forecast errors. This motivates future research on control strategies that compensate for forecast errors in real-world operation and more accurate forecasting methods.

Other Publications | 2023

Optimized Planning of Microgrids and Smart Energy Communities

Aigenbauer S, Stadler M, Liedtke P, Sturmlechner R, Maier C, Mansoor M, Oberbauer C, Alavi F, Houben N, Haas R. Optimized Planning of Microgrids and Smart Energy Communities. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Microgrids generate and store energy for self consumption (electricity, heating, cooling, etc.). Decentralized and renewable generation and storage technologies, as well as energy strategies increase efficiency, resilience, grid stability, independency of imports, sustainability, and climate neutrality.

Conference presentations and posters | 2023

Overview on flexible bioenergy options and implementation

Thrän D, Mäki E, Lange N, Hennig C, Schmieder U, Schildhauer T, Kiel J, Kroon P, Schipfer F, Philbrook A, Andersson K, Higa C, Gölles M. Overview on flexible bioenergy options and implementation. 7. Mitteleuropäische Biomassekonferenz: CEBC 2023. 20. Jan 2023. Oral presentation.

Details
Conference presentations and posters | 2023

Predictive control of biomass and biogas-based CHPs at the intersection between the electricity grid and heating networks – Improving electricity market participation through optimization and demand side management

Muschick D, Kaisermayer V, Moser A, Gölles M. Predictive control of biomass and biogas-based CHPs at the intersection between the electricity grid and heating networks – Improving electricity market participation through optimization and demand side management. 7. Mitteleuropäische Biomassekonferenz: CEBC 2023. 20. Jan 2023. Oral presentation.

Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Screw reactors and rotary kilns in biochar production - A comparative review

Moser K, Wopienka E, Pfeifer C, Schwarz M, Seldmayer I, Haslinger W. Screw reactors and rotary kilns in biochar production - A comparative review

External Link Details

One promising technology in the field of residue valorization is the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to biochar. There are a lot of proven technologies for this task, with many of them being quite distinctive. Biochar has a lot of valuable properties and it shows potential to be applicated in many different fields of industry as a green carbon resource. Thus, as the demand for its production rises, more and more people from different fields share interest in the same technologies and the demand for guidance in form of readily available information increases. Two prominent technologies rather similar in appearance are rotary kilns and screw reactors. Both technologies consist of a long, hollow cylinder and both technologies use some form of longitudinal rotation as a means to transport feedstock. In this review, both technologies are described and their biggest differences and similarities are discussed, all under the aspect of biochar production. In total, 21 unique rotary kilns and 58 unique auger reactors were identified. The paper addresses process specific aspects, like heat supply or residence time, but it also gives an overview on current research and general aspects like scale-up considerations. Differences between both technologies were found in all of these aspects, with some of the most pronounced being the bigger maximum capacities and the greater residence time distributions in rotary kiln pyrolysis. Both technologies are viable candidates for producing biochar on a commercial level, however, literature comparing the influence of the reactor type on biochar properties was very scarce. As a future outlook it is recommended to produce data that can be compared on a quantitative level, so a more accurate assessment of each technologies up- and downsides can be made.

Other Publications | 2023

Second generation biomass gasification: The Syngas Platform Vienna - current status

Fürsatz K, Karel T, Weber G, Kuba M. Second generation biomass gasification: The Syngas Platform Vienna - current status. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Steam gasification in a dual fluidized bed (DFB) reactor has already been developed in the power sector from lab- to commercial-scale for woody biomass as feedstock. A trend towards utilizing feedstock of lower quality, such as low-grade biomass, biogenic residues or waste drives the development of the technology in terms of reactor design, gas cleaning and optimizing operation parameters. Additionally, the need for production of sustainable end products more valuable than electricity and heat leads to the embedding of DFB gasification into complete process chains.

Other Publications | 2023

Smart Control of Coupled District Heating Networks

Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Horn M. Smart Control for Couled District Heating Networks. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

District heating (DH) networks have the potential for intelligent integration and combination of renewable energy sources, waste heat, thermal energy storage, heat consumers, and coupling with
other sectors. For growing networks in close geographical proximity, often the possibility arises to couple them using bidirectional heat exchangers, possibly unlocking synergies and reducing costs for the consumers. Each DH network may consist of producers, consumers and thermal energy storage (TES) devices. Often, each of the coupled DH networks will be already controlled via low-level controllers. Hence, a high-level control approach is needed, that coordinates the heat exchange between the
networks and takes renewable energy sources and the TES capacities in each network into account. These supervisory controllers are generally referred to as energy management systems (EMS).

Other Publications | 2023

Smart Microgrid Controller and Microgrid Research Laboratory

Stadler M, Aigenbauer S, Mansoor M, Oberbauer C, Houben N, Liedtke P, Sturmlechner R, Maier C, Alavi F, Haas R. Smart Microgrid Controller and Microgrid Research Laboratory. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

To ensure that energy is optimally used on site in local energy grids/microgrids and to achieve cost and/or emission reduction targets, the technologies are controlled by predictive and adaptive microgrid controllers. Based on realtime measurement data as well as load, generation, market and weather forecasts, the optimal deployment plan for the local energy grid is thus calculated using mathematical
optimization algorithms. Synergies of different technologies and sectors (electricity, heating, cooling, mobility, etc.) are taken into account, resulting in high energy efficiency in the system.

Other Publications | 2023

Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) at BEST

Enigl M, Dißauer C, Matschegg D, Sonnleitner A, Strasser C. Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) at BEST. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2023

SWOT Analysis of Non-Technical and Technical Measures towards “(Nearly) Zero-Emission Stove Technologies”

Reichert G, Schmidl C. SWOT Analysis of Non-Technical and Technical Measures towards “(Nearly) Zero-Emission Stove Technologies”. Energies. February 2023.16,3,1388.

External Link Details

Firewood stoves are widespread and popular for renewable heat supply in Europe. Several new technological measures have been developed recently that aim at improving the appliance performance in terms of emissions and efficiency. In order to support the trend towards “(nearly) zero-emissions technologies”, the objective of this study was to provide a profound overview of the most relevant technical primary and secondary measures for emission reduction and to analyze their functionality, the relevant framework conditions for their application and their costs. Since user behavior is essential for emission and efficiency performance, the state of knowledge about user behavior is summarized and the latest measures for its optimization are evaluated as non-technical primary measures. Primary and secondary measures were analyzed separately, but also potentially promising combinations of primary and secondary optimization were evaluated using SWOT analysis. The results showed that complementary application of primary and secondary measures will be necessary in order to achieve “(nearly) zero-emission technologies”. The paper is useful for manufacturers and provides them with guidance and recommendations for future developments. They can specifically select appropriate measures for their products and applications not only based on technical aspects, but also with a strong focus on user behavior and user comfort.

Peer reviewed papers | 2023

Synthetic oxygen carrier C28 compared to natural ores for chemical looping combustion with solid fuels in 80 kWth pilot plant experiments

Fleiss B, Priscak J, Fuchs J, Müller S, Hofbauer H. Synthetic oxygen carrier C28 compared to natural ores for chemical looping combustion with solid fuels in 80 kWth pilot plant experiments. Fuel. 15 February 2023. 334.

External Link Details

Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) is a highly efficient CO2 separation technology with no direct contact between combustion air and fuel. A metal oxide is used as oxygen carrier (OC) in a dual fluidized bed to generate clean CO2. The use of solid fuels, especially biomass, is the focus of current research, because of the possibility of “negative” CO2-emissions. The OC is a key component, because it must meet special requirements for solid fuels, which are different to gaseous fuels. Most frequently naturals ores or synthetic materials are used as OC. Synthetic OC are characterised by higher reactivity at the expense of higher costs. For this reason, so far not so many experiments have been conducted on a larger scale with synthetic OC on solid CLC. This work deals with the synthetic perovskite C28 and investigating the suitability as oxygen carrier in an 80 kWth pilot plant for chemical looping combustion with biogenic fuels. The experiments show a significantly increased combustion efficiency of 99.6 % compared to natural ores and a major influence of the solid circulation rate on general performance, whereby carbon capture rates up to 98.3 % were reached. Furthermore, the role of the fuel reactor's counter-current flow column and its impact on better gas conversion was investigated. C28 suffered no deactivation or degradation over the experimental time, but first traces of ash layer formation, phase shifting and attrition of fines could be detected. The focus of further research should lie on long-term stability and reactivity for their high impact on the economic scale up of C28.

Other Publications | 2023

Wastewater2Hydrogen

Biotechnological Hydrogen Production from Industrial Wastewater

Neubauer M, Pummer R, Neuhauser W, Bauer L, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Wastewater2Hydrogen. BEST Center Day. 28 June 2023

Download PDF Details

Global hydrogen production is currently still based almost exclusively on fossil resources. A sustainable
hydrogen industry must be based on sustainable, renewable energy sources and resources.

PhD Thesis | 2022

A control strategy for optimising the operational behaviour of biomass boilers

Zemann C. A control strategy for optimising the operational behaviour of biomass boilers. 2022. 225 S.

Details

Biomassefeuerungen spielen eine Schlüsselrolle in der Energiewende hin zu einem vollständig erneuerbaren Energiesystem. Allerdings müssen sie sich zukünftigen Herausforderungen stellen, um weiterhin relevant zu bleiben. Einerseits müssen Biomassefeuerungen mit dem höchstmöglichen Wirkungsgrad arbeiten, um wirtschaftlich rentabel zu bleiben während sie gleichzeitig eine hohe Lastmodulationsfähigkeit aufweisen müssen, um für eine breitere Palette von Anwendungen eingesetzt werden zu können. Andererseits müssen Biomassefeuerungen immer strengere Grenzwerte für Schadstoffemissionen einhalten und gleichzeitig in der Lage sein, neue und alternative Biomassebrennstoffe mit geringerer Qualität zu verbrennen.

In dieser Arbeit wird eine modellbasierte Regelungsstrategie entwickelt, die es Biomassefeuerungen ermöglicht, all diese Herausforderungen zu meistern. Diese Regelungsstrategie besteht aus drei Teilen, einer Verbrennungsregelung, einem Zustands- und Parameterschätzer und einer Methode zur CO-lambda-Optimierung. Alle drei Teile werden in dieser Arbeit hergeleitet und im Detail diskutiert, insbesondere im Hinblick auf ihre Implementierung an realen Biomassefeuerungen. Darüber hinaus werden alle drei Teile der modellbasierten Regelungsstrategie durch Simulationsstudien sowie durch eine Implementierung in realen Biomassefeuerungen verifiziert.

Als Grundlage für die modellbasierte Regelungsstrategie wird ein mathematisches Modell abgeleitet, welches das dynamische Verhalten der Prozesse in der Biomassefeuerungen einschließlich des Einflusses der Brennstoffeigenschaften beschreibt. Die berücksichtigten Brennstoffeigenschaften sind die Schüttdichte und die chemische Zusammensetzung einschließlich des Wasser- und Aschegehalts sowie der untere Heizwert.

Die Verbrennungsregelung nutz die Stellglieder der Biomassefeuerung um dessen stabilen Betrieb zu gewährleisten und schnelle Laständerungen zu ermöglichen. Diese modellbasierte Regelstrategie berücksichtigt durch ihre Formulierung, die auf dem oben genannten mathematischen Modell basiert, explizit alle relevanten Brennstoffeigenschaften. Dadurch reagiert sie gezielt auf Änderungen dieser Brennstoffeigenschaften und kompensiert direkt deren Einfluss auf den Betrieb der Biomassefeuerung. Gleichzeitig weist sie eine einfache Struktur auf und ist daher leicht zu implementieren und zu warten. Diese modellbasierte Verbrennungsregelung wird sowohl in Simulationsstudien als auch durch Experimente nach einer Implementierung an einer realen Biomassefeuerung verifiziert.

Es wird ein kombinierter Zustands- und Parameterschätzer entwickelt, der gleichzeitig die Brennstoffeigenschaften, die anschließend von der Verbrennungsregelung verwendet werden, und die Zustandsgrößen der Biomassefeuerungen in Echtzeit schätzt. Er basiert auf einem erweiterten Kalman-Filter, der das in dieser Arbeit vorgestellte mathematische Modell verwendet. Diese Methode wird für verschiedene Brennstoffeigenschaften sowohl in Simulationsstudien als auch durch Messdaten aus realen Biomassefeuerungen verifiziert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Verifikation zeigen, dass diese Methode in der Lage ist, die Brennstoffeigenschaften und Zustandsgrößen auch bei Last- oder Brennstoffwechseln genau zu bestimmen.

Um einen Betrieb der Biomassefeuerung mit möglichst hohem Wirkungsgrad und möglichst geringen Schadstoffemissionen zu gewährleisten, wird eine Methode zur CO-lambda-Optimierung entwickelt. Diese Methode verwendet einen erweiterten Kalman-Filter in Kombination mit Messdaten des Sauerstoffgehalts und des CO-Gehalts des Rauchgases zur Bestimmung eines optimalen Luftüberschussverhältnisses für den aktuellen Zustand der Biomassefeuerung. Diese Methode wird an einer realen Biomassefeuerung in einer Langzeitvalidierung über mehrere Monate verifiziert und validiert. Während dieser Langzeitvalidierung führte die Anwendung dieser Methode zur CO-lambda-Optimierung zu einer Wirkungsgradsteigerung von 3,8 %, einer Reduktion der CO-Emissionen um durchschnittlich 200 mg/m³ sowie einer Verringerung der Gesamtstaubemissionen um durchschnittlich 19 %.

Zusammenfassend ermöglicht die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellte modellbasierte Regelungsstrategie es, Biomassefeuerungen mit den geringstmöglichen Schadstoffemissionen und dem höchstmöglichen Wirkungsgrad zu betreiben und dabei ein hohes Maß an Brennstoffflexibilität und Lastmodulationsfähigkeit zu erreichen. Darüber hinaus weist die Regelungsstrategie eine geringe Komplexität auf und ist leicht in realen Biomassefeuerungen zu implementieren und zu warten. Dies ermöglicht den breiten Einsatz dieser Regelungsstrategie an bestehenden und zukünftigen Biomassefeuerungen. Dies unterstützt die weitere Verbreitung von Biomassefeuerungen im Energiesystem, was zur Reduzierung der CO2e-Emissionen beiträgt und auch die verstärkte Nutzung anderer, volatiler erneuerbarer Technologien, wie z.B. solarthermischer Anlagen, ermöglicht.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

A multi-layer model of stratified thermal storage for MILP-based energy management systems

Muschick D, Zlabinger S, Moser A, Lichtenegger K, Gölles M. A multi-layer model of stratified thermal storage for MILP-based energy management systems. Applied Energy. 2022 May 15;315.118890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.118890

External Link Details

Both the planning and operation of complex, multi-energy systems increasingly rely on optimization. This optimization requires the use of mathematical models of the system components. The model most often used to describe thermal storage, and especially in the common mixed-integer linear program (MILP) formulation, is a simple integrator model with a linear loss term. This simple model has multiple inherent drawbacks since it cannot be applied to represent the temperature distribution inside of the storage unit. In this article, we present a novel approach based on multiple layers of variable size but fixed temperature. The model is still linear, but can be used to describe the most relevant physical phenomena: heat losses, axial heat transport, and, at least qualitatively, axial heat conduction. As an additional benefit, this model makes it possible to clearly distinguish between heat available at different temperatures and thus suitable for different applications, e.g., space heating or domestic hot water. This comes at the cost of additional binary decision variables used to model the resulting hybrid linear dynamics, requiring the use of state-of-the-art MILP solvers to solve the resulting optimization problems. The advantages of the more detailed model are demonstrated by validating it against a standard model based on partial differential equations and by showing more realistic results for a simple energy optimization problem.

Other papers | 2022

Application of Optimization-based Energy Management Systems for Interconnected District Heating Networks

Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Rosegger W, Binder J, Kelz J. Application of Optimization-based Energy Management Systems for Interconnected District Heating Networks. 22. Styrian Workshop on Automatic Control. 6 Sep. 2022. Leitring/Wagna, Österreich.

External Link Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Ash transformation during single-pellet gasification of sewage sludge and mixtures with agricultural residues with a focus on phosphorus

Hannl TK, Häggström G, Hedayati A, Skoglund N, Kuba M, Marcus Öhman. Ash transformation during single-pellet gasification of sewage sludge and mixtures with agricultural residues with a focus on phosphorus. Fuel Processing Technology. March 2022.227:107102.

External Link Details

The recovery of phosphorus (P) from sewage sludge ashes has been the focus of recent research due to the initiatives for the use of biogenic resources and resource recovery. This study investigates the ash transformation chemistry of P in sewage sludge ash during the co-gasification with the K-Si- and K-rich agricultural residues wheat straw and sunflower husks, respectively, at temperatures relevant for fluidized bed technology, namely 800 °C and 950 °C. The residual ash was analyzed by ICP­AES, SEM/EDS, and XRD, and the results were compared to results of thermochemical equilibrium calculations. More than 90% of P and K in the fuels were retained in the residual ash fraction, and significant interaction phenomena occurred between the P-rich sewage sludge and the K-rich ash fractions. Around 45–65% of P was incorporated in crystalline K-bearing phosphates, i.e., K-whitlockite and CaKPO4, in the residual ashes with 85–90 wt% agricultural residue in the fuel mixture. In residual ashes of sewage sludge and mixtures with 60–70 wt% agricultural residue, P was mainly found in Ca(Mg,Fe)-whitlockites and AlPO4. Up to about 40% of P was in amorphous or unidentified phases. The results show that gasification provides a potential for the formation of K-bearing phosphates similar to combustion processes.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Assessment of measurement methods to characterize the producer gas from biomass gasification with steam in a fluidized bed

Anca-Couce A, von Berg L, Pongratz G, Scharler R, Hochenauer C, Geusebroek M, Kuipers J, Vilela CM, Kraia T, Panopoulos K, Funcia I, Dieguez-Alonso A, Almuina-Villar H, Tsiotsias T, Kienzl N, Martini S. Assessment of measurement methods to characterize the producer gas from biomass gasification with steam in a fluidized bed. Biomass and Bioenergy 2022.163:106527

External Link Details

Measuring the producer gas from biomass gasification is very challenging and the use of several methods is required to achieve a complete characterization. Various techniques are available for these measurements, offering very different affordability or time demand requirements and the reliability of these techniques is often unknown. In this work an assessment of commonly employed measuring methods is conducted with a round robin. The main permanent gases, light hydrocarbons, tars, sulfur and nitrogen compounds were measured by several partners employing a producer gas obtained from fluidized bed gasification of wood and miscanthus with steam. Online and offline methods were used for this purpose and their accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility are here discussed. The results demonstrate the reliability of gas chromatography for measuring the main permanent gases, light hydrocarbons, benzene and H2S, validating the obtained results with other methods. An online method could also measure NH3 with a reasonable accuracy, but deviations were present for compounds at even lower concentrations. Regarding tar sampling and analysis, the main source of variability in the results was the analysis of the liquid samples, especially for heavier compounds. The presented work pointed out the need for a complementary use of several techniques to achieve a complete characterization of the producer gas from biomass gasification, and the suitability of certain online techniques as well as their limitations.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

Automatic Thermal Model Identification and Distributed Optimisation for Load Shifting in City Quarters

Moser A, Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Zemann C, Gölles M, Hofer A, Brandl D, Heimrath R, Mach T, Tugores C R, Ramschak, T. Automatic Thermal Model Identification and Distributed Optimisation for Load Shifting in City Quarters. 2nd International Sustainable Energy Conference: ISEC 2022. Graz, 07/04/2022. Oral presentation.

Download PDF Details

Modern buildings with floor heating or thermally activated building structures (TABS) offer a significant potential for shifting the thermal load and thus reduce peak demand for heating or cooling. This potential can be realized with the help of model predictive control (MPC) methods, provided that sufficiently descriptive mathematical models describing the thermal characteristics of the individual thermal zones exist. Creating these by hand or from more detailed simulation models is infeasible for large numbers of zones; instead, they must be identified automatically based on measurement data. We present an approach using only open source tools based on the programming language Julia that allows to robustly identify simple thermal models for heating and cooling usable in MPC optimization. The resulting models are used in a distributed optimization scheme that co-ordinates the individual zones and buildings of a city quarter in order to best support an energy hub.

Other papers | 2022

Automatic thermal model identification and distributed optimization for load shifting in city quarters

Moser AGC, Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M, Hofer A, Brandl D, Heimrath R, Mach T, Ribas Tugores C, Ramschak T. Automatic thermal model identification and distributed optimization for load shifting in city quarters. in Conference Proceedings - 2nd International Sustainable Energy Conference. 2022. S. 302-303 https://doi.org/10.32638/isec2022

External Link Details

Modern buildings with floor heating or thermally activated building structures (TABS) offer a significant
potential for shifting the thermal load and thus reduce peak demand for heating or cooling. This potential can be realized with the help of model predictive control (MPC) methods, provided that sufficiently descriptive mathematical models describing the thermal characteristics of the individual thermal zones exist. Creating these by hand or from more detailed simulation models is infeasible for large numbers of zones; instead, they must be identified automatically based on measurement data. We present an approach using only open source tools based on the programming language Julia that allows to robustly identify simple thermal models for heating and cooling usable in MPC optimization. The resulting models are used in a distributed optimization scheme that co-ordinates the individual zones and buildings of a city quarter in order to best support an energy hub.

Other Publications | 2022

ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV: Optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten thermisch aktivierter Gebäude zukünftiger Stadtquartiere

Abschlussworkshop

Muschick D, Kaisermayer V. ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV - Optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten thermisch aktivierter Gebäude zukünftiger Stadtquartiere. Präsentation beim Abschlussworkshop in Graz, 16.09.2022.

Download PDF Details
Conference presentations and posters | 2022

BEST-Day

Sustainable biorefineries and digitalization

Schwabl M, Wopienka E, Drosg B, Kuba M, Weber G, Eßl M, Gölles M, Kaiermayer V, Liedte P, Fuhrmann M. BEST-Day: Sustainable biorefineries and digitalization. 7th Central European Biomass Conference CEBC 2023. 18. January 2023. Graz. Oral Presentation.

Download PDF Details

List of presentations:

Biorefineries

  • Learnings from biomass combustion towards future bioenergy applications (M. Schwabl)
  • Green Carbon perspectives for regional sourcing and decarbonization (E. Wopienka)
  • Bioconversion processes for renewable energy and/or biological carbon capture and utilisation (B. Drosg)
  • Second generation biomass gasification: The Syngas Platform Vienna – current status and outlook (M. Kuba)
  • Utilization of syngas for the production of fuel and chemicals – recent developments and outlook (G. Weber)

Digital methods, tools and sustainability

  • Evaluation of different numerical models for the prediction of NOx emissions of small-scale biomass boilers (M. Eßl)
  • Digitalization as the basis for the efficient and flexible operation of renewable energy technologies (M. Gölles)
  • Smart Control for Coupled District Heating Networks (V. Kaisermayer)
  • Integrated energy solutions for a decentral energy future - challenges and solutions (P. Liedtke)
  • Wood-Value-Tool: Techno-economic assessment of the forest-based sector in Austria (M. Fuhrmann)
Other Publications | 2022

CleanAir2 project – citizen science investigating real-life emission from firewood stove

Schwabl M. CleanAir2 project – citizen science investigating real-life emission from firewood stove. Workshop 2: Advances in Instrumentation Used for Wood Heater Testing and Field Data Collection. March 2022.

Details
Conference presentations and posters | 2022

Conference contribution - Energy and Climate Transformations 3rd International Conference on Energy Research & Social Science

Download PDF Details

A better understanding of the underlying motives of consumers considering a new RESS (heating,
cooling and electricity) can contribute to create favorable conditions for an energy transition.
Therefore, the main objectives of this research project are to:
▪ Identify motives of consumers interested in ordeciding for a certain RESS
▪ Assess the impact of gender and intersectingaspects, such as age, income and education on these motives.

Other Publications | 2022

Einsatz von Aschen aus Biomassefeuerungen in der Forst- und Landwirtschaft

Retschitzegger S. Einsatz von Aschen aus Biomassefeuerungen in der Forst- und Landwirtschaft. Seminar - Effizienter Heizwerkbetrieb. March 2022

Details
Other Publications | 2022

Energiegemeinschaften im Tourismussektor

External Link Details

Der Leitfaden „Energiegemeinschaften im Tourismus“ zeigt, welche Möglichkeiten Energiegemeinschaften für Tourismusbetriebe, ihre Beschäftigten und Menschen, die in Tourismusregionen leben, bieten können und wie eine Energiegemeinschaft ins Leben gerufen werden
kann.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Expert survey and classification of tools for modeling and simulating hybrid energy networks

Widl E, Cronbach D, Sorknæs P, Fitó J, Muschick D, Repetto M, Ramousse J, Ianakiev A. Expert survey and classification of tools for modeling and simulating hybrid energy networks. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks. December 2022.32:100913.

External Link Details

Sector coupling is expected to play a key role in the decarbonization of the energy system by enabling the integration of decentralized renewable energy sources and unlocking hitherto unused synergies between generation, storage and consumption. Within this context, a transition towards hybrid energy networks (HENs), which couple power, heating/cooling and gas grids, is a necessary requirement to implement sector coupling on a large scale. However, this transition poses practical challenges, because the traditional domain-specific approaches struggle to cover all aspects of HENs. Methods and tools for conceptualization, system planning and design as well as system operation support exist for all involved domains, but their adaption or extension beyond the domain they were originally intended for is still a matter of research and development. Therefore, this work presents innovative tools for modeling and simulating HENs. A categorization of these tools is performed based on a clustering of their most relevant features. It is shown that this categorization has a strong correlation with the results of an independently carried out expert review of potential application areas. This good agreement is a strong indicator that the proposed classification categories can successfully capture and characterize the most important features of tools for HENs. Furthermore, it allows to provide a guideline for early adopters to understand which tools and methods best fit the requirements of their specific applications.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

FAULT DETECTIVE: FAULT DETECTION FOR SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS

Feierl L, Bolognesi T, Unterberger V, Geatani M, Gerardts B. FAULT DETECTIVE: FAULT DETECTION FOR SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS. ISEC 2022. 05 - 07. April 2022, Graz. Poster presentation.

Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Glycogen, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and pigment accumulation in three Synechocystis strains when exposed to a stepwise increasing salt stress

Meixner K, Daffert C, Dalnodar D, Mrázová K, Hrubanová K, Krzyzanek V, Nebesarova J, Samek O, Šedrlová Z, Slaninova E, Sedláček P, Obruča S, Fritz I. Glycogen, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and pigment accumulation in three Synechocystis strains when exposed to a stepwise increasing salt stress. Journal of Applied Phycology. June 2022. 34 (3):1227 - 1241.

External Link Details

The cyanobacterial genus Synechocystis is of particular interest to science and industry because of its efficient phototrophic metabolism, its accumulation of the polymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and its ability to withstand or adapt to adverse growing conditions. One such condition is the increased salinity that can be caused by recycled or brackish water used in cultivation. While overall reduced growth is expected in response to salt stress, other metabolic responses relevant to the efficiency of phototrophic production of biomass or PHB (or both) have been experimentally observed in three Synechocystis strains at stepwise increasing salt concentrations. In response to recent reports on metabolic strategies to increase stress tolerance of heterotrophic and phototrophic bacteria, we focused particularly on the stress-induced response of Synechocystis strains in terms of PHB, glycogen and photoactive pigment dynamics. Of the three strains studied, the strain Synechocystis cf. salina CCALA192 proved to be the most tolerant to salt stress. In addition, this strain showed the highest PHB accumulation. All the three strains accumulated more PHB with increasing salinity, to the point where their photosystems were strongly inhibited and they could no longer produce enough energy to synthesize more PHB.

Other Publications | 2022

Grundlagenforschung Smart- und Microgrids / Endbericht

Innovative, selbstlernende Systemregler für dezentrale Energieressourcen & Microgrids

Michael Zellinger, Michael Stadler

Download PDF Details

Mikro-Netze (Microgrids), ein Unterbereich der Intelligenten Strom/Energie-Netze (Smartgrids),
die sich durch eine enge räumliche Bindung von Energieerzeugungseinheiten und Verbraucher
auszeichnen wird international ein sehr starkes Wachstum zugeschrieben. Microgrids sind kleine,
lokale Energienetze für Strom, Wärme und Kälte, die Haushalte, Betriebe und Gemeinden mit
Energie versorgen. Diese lokalen und regionalen Konzepte der Energieversorgung können in
Zukunft einen wesentlichen Beitrag in Richtung Energieunabhängigkeit und effizientere
Integration von Erneuerbaren in das Energiesystem leisten. Sie können ihren Energiebedarf
selbstständig aus erneuerbaren Energien oder anderen Energieformen decken, etwa Biomasse,
Wärmepumpen, PV, Windräder oder Kraftwärmekopplungen. Diese können nach den
individuellen Zielen der Gemeinden, Haushalte oder der Betriebe gesteuert werden, um
Kostenreduktionen, CO2 Einsparungen oder eine Erhöhung des Unabhängigkeitsgrades zu
realisieren. Sie berechnen den aktuellen und zukünftigen Verbrauch und können Energie im
Bedarfsfall dorthin verlagern, wo sie gerade benötigt wird, oder sie reduzieren den
Energieverbrauch direkt.

Reports | 2022

IEA Bioenergy Task 44: Flexible Bioenergie und Systemintegration (Arbeitsperiode 2019 - 2021)

Gölles M, Schipfer F. IEA Bioenergy Task 44: Flexible Bioenergie und Systemintegration (Arbeitsperiode 2019 - 2021). IEA Task Bioenergy 44. BMK. Schriftenreihe 49/2023. Deutsch, 40 Seiten.

External Link Details

Ziel des Tasks ist es, Bioenergielösungen als flexible Ressource in einem dekarbonisierten Energiesystem herauszuarbeiten. Dabei sollen Typen, Qualität und Status von flexibler Bioenergie erhoben sowie Barrieren und Entwicklungsbedarf im Gesamtsystemkontext (Strom-, Wärme- und Transportsektor) identifiziert werden.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

IEA SHC Task 68: Efficient Solar District Heating Systems

Unterberger V, Berberich M, Putz S, Byström J, Gölles M. IEA SHC Task 68: Efficient Solar District Heating Systems. ISEC 2022. 5 - 07. April 2022, Graz. Poster presentation.

Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Increased Flexibility of A Fixed-Bed Biomass Gasifier through Advanced Control

Hollenstein C, Zemann C, Martini S, Gölles M, Felsberger W, Horn M. Increased Flexibility of A Fixed-Bed Biomass Gasifier through Advanced Control. Proceedings of the 30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition. 2022. 704-711.

External Link Details

Most industrial fixed-bed biomass gasification systems usually operate at steady-state to produce the maximum amount of energy possible although they can principally modulate their loads to compensate for the fluctuations of other volatile renewable energy systems. To unleash their full load modulation capability, their typically traditional control strategies should be improved, their gas residence times affected by typically basic char removal strategies adjusted and any required manual interaction of an operator avoided. In this respect, a new controller for the char handling (accumulation and removal) of the reduction zone in a fixed-bed biomass gasifier of a representative industrial small-scale gasification system is developed and experimentally verified. This new controller consists of a recursive least-squares estimator for the flow resistance of the gasifier representing the amount of char inside and a switching controller for rotating a grate located at its bottom. The experimental verification reveals that only the traditional (pressure-based) controller requires manual adjustment of the thresholds. Moreover, the new controller (flow resistance based) significantly reduces the fluctuation range during partial load and stabilizes the temperature and pressure downstream the gasifier. This provides the basis for enhancing its fuel flexibility too and is an important feature for flexible operation in future.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Influence of bed materials on the performance of the Nong Bua dual fluidized bed gasification power plant in Thailand

Siriwongrungson V, Hongrapipat J, Kuba M, Rauch R, Pang S, Thaveesri J, Messner M, Hofbauer H. Influence of bed materials on the performance of the Nong Bua dual fluidized bed gasification power plant in Thailand. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery 2022. 12:2965-2979.

External Link Details

Bed materials and their catalytic activity are two main parameters that affect the performance of the dual fluidized bed (DFB) gasification system in terms of product gas composition and tar levels. Two sources of bed materials were used for the operation of a commercial DFB gasification system in Thailand, using woodchips as a biomass feedstock. One source of the bed materials was the calcined olivine which had been used in the Gussing Plant, Austria, and the other activated bed material was a mixture of fresh Chinese olivine and used Austrian olivine with additives of biomass ash, calcium hydroxide and dolomite. These bed materials were collected and analysed for morphological and chemical composition using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). The product gas was cleaned in a scrubber to remove tars, from which the samples were collected for gravimetric tar analysis. Its composition data was automatically recorded at the operation site before it entered the gas engine. From the SEM, EDS and XRF analyses, calcium-rich layers around the bed materials were observed on the activated bed material. The inner layers of bed materials collected were homogeneous. Biomass ash, which was generally added to the bed materials, had significant calcium and potassium content. These calcium-rich layers of the bed materials, from the calcium hydroxide, biomass ash and dolomite, influenced system performance, which was determined by observing lower tar concentration and higher hydrogen concentration in the product gas.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

Integration of biomass gasification into the forest based sector in Austria

Fuhrmann M, Dißauer Ch, Strasser Ch, Schmid E. Integration of biomass gasification into the forest based sector in Austria. 21 September 2022. ISIE SEM Conference, Vienna

Download PDF Details
Other Publications | 2022

Key Messages – Kurze Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse aus der Motivanalyse

Download PDF Details

„Welche Heizung passt zu mir/uns? Vielleicht auch Kühlen oder selber Strom erzeugen?“ – Diese
Fragen stellen sich oft, wenn der Traum von den eigenen vier Wänden näher rückt. Egal ob bei Neubau
oder Sanierung, die Wahl eines passenden Energiebereitstellungssystems (EBS) sollte wohl überlegt
sein. Neben den technologischen Fragen sind es auch persönliche Motive, welche die Entscheidung
der Nutzer*innen beeinflussen.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR MODEL-BASED CONTROL OF ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPING SYSTEMS

Zlabinger S, Unterberger V, Gölles M, Horn M, Wernhart M, Rieberer R. MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR MODEL-BASED CONTROL OF ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPING SYSTEMS. 2nd International Sustainable Energy Conference – ISEC 2022. October 2022.

Details
Reports | 2022

Minimization of inorganic particulate matter emissions with a novel multi-fuel combustion technology that enhances inorganic retention in a compact updraft fixed-bed

Archan GAR, Scharler R, Buchmayr M, Kienzl N, Hochenauer C, Gruber J, Anca-Couce A. Minimization of inorganic particulate matter emissions with a novel multi-fuel combustion technology that enhances inorganic retention in a compact updraft fixed-bed. Fuel. 2022.318:123611

External Link Details

A novel biomass combustion technology was investigated that operates at a low oxygen content under fixed-bed and double air staging conditions. This technology was used to achieve extremely low NOX and particle matter emissions in a 30 kW lab-scale reactor, displaying high fuel flexibility and no slagging. In this experimental work, the aim was to minimize inorganic particulate matter emissions, this aim was achieved by enabling the very low release of inorganics such as K from the fixed bed, which operates like a compact updraft gasifier. The elemental composition of the employed fuels, emitted dust particles, and fuel particle samples taken at three different heights within the fixed bed, and the bed temperatures were measured. The main objective in this study was to determine and understand the different processes of inorganic matter release that take place within the compact fixed bed. The results show that 98% and 99.7% of the K could be retained in the fixed bed for wood chips and miscanthus pellets, respectively, thus minimizing the particulate matter emissions. Different processes in the context of K release within the fixed bed could be identified for silica rich/agricultural and calcium rich / woody fuels, respectively and inconsistencies in the literature on these mechanisms could be resolved. In the case of miscanthus pellets, K is retained in silicates, and no accumulation of K, Cl and S occurs in the fixed bed above. In the case of wood chips, on the other hand, there is an unexpected K accumulation in the fixed bed, which is due to the release of K in the hot oxidation zone and the subsequent formation of large amounts of K chlorides and sulfates by condensation in the cooler upper region. Furthermore, for woody fuels, bounding or intercalation of K into the char matrix plays a more important role than the formation of carbonates in avoiding K release from the bed.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

Model-based control of absorption heat pumping systems

Staudt S, Unterberger V, Muschick D, Wernhart M, Rieberer R. Model-based control of absorption heat pumping systems. 2022. Abstract from 22. Styrian Workshop on Automatic Control, Leitring/Wagna, Austria.

External Link Details

Absorption heat pumping systems (AHPSs, comprising absorption heat pumps and chillers) are devices that mainly use thermal energy instead of electricity to generate heating and cooling. This thermal energy can be provided by, e.g., waste heat or renewable energy sources such as solar energy, which allow AHPSs to contribute to ressource-efficient heating and cooling systems. Despite this benefit, AHPSs are still not a widespread technology. One reason for this is unsatisfactory controllability under varying operating conditions, which results in poor modulation and partial load capability. Emloying model-based control is a promising approach to address this issue, which will be the focus of this  contribution.
First, a viable control-oriented model for AHPSs is developed. It is based on physical correlations to facilitate systematic adaptions to different scales and operating conditions and considers only the most relevant mass and energy stores to keep the model order at a minimum. The resulting model is mathematically simple but still has the structure of a nonlinear differential-algebraic system of equations. This is typical for models of thermo-chemical
processes, but is unfortunately not suitable for many control design methods. Therefore, linearization at an operating point is discussed to derive a model in linear state space representation. Experimental validation results show that the linearized model does have slightly worse steady-state accuracy than the nonlinear model, but that the dynamic accuracy seems to be almost unaffected by the linearization and is considered sufficiently good to be used in control design.
As a next step, the linearized model is used to design model-based control strategies for AHPSs. A special focus is put on redundantly-actuated configurations, i.e. configurations with more manipulated variables than controlled variables, which allows using additional degrees of freedom to extend the operating range of AHPS and hence improve their partial load capability. Two model-based control approaches are discussed: First, a linear model predictive control (MPC) approach is presented - a well-established and generally easy-to-parameterize approach, which, however, often results in high computational effort prohibitive to its implementation on a conventional PLC. Therefore, a second control approach based on state feedback is presented which is mathematically simple enough for implementation on a conventional PLC. It consists of an observer for state variables and unknown disturbances, a state feedback controller and, in case of redundantly-actuated configurations, a dynamic control allocation algorithm. Both approaches are experimentally validated and compared to a state-of-the art control approach based on SISO PI control, showing that the model-based MIMO control approaches allow for a wider operating range and hence better modulation and partial load capability compared to the SISO PI approach. This, in turn, reduces ON/OFF operation of AHPSs and also facilitates their integration into complex energy systems to generate heating and cooling in a ressource-efficient manner.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Multi-scale modelling of fluidized bed biomass gasification using a 1D particle model coupled to CFD

von Berg L, Anca-Couce A, Hochenauer C, Scharler R. Multi-scale modelling of fluidized bed biomass gasification using a 1D particle model coupled to CFD. Fuel. 15 September 2022.324:124677

External Link Details

For many fluidized bed applications, the particle movement inside the reactor is accompanied by reactions at the particle scale. The current study presents for the first time in literature a multi-scale modelling approach coupling a one-dimensional volumetric particle model with the dense discrete phase model (DDPM) of ANSYS Fluent via user defined functions. To validate the developed modelling approach, the current study uses experimental data of pressure drop, temperature and gas composition obtained with a lab-scale bubbling fluidized bed biomass gasifier. Therefore, a particle model developed previously for pyrolysis was modified implementing a heat transfer model valid for fluidized bed conditions as well as kinetics for char gasification taken from literature. The kinetic theory of granular flow is used to describe particle–particle interactions allowing for feasible calculation times at the reactor level whereas an optimized solver is employed to guarantee a fast solution at the particle level. A newly developed initialization routine uses an initial bed of reacting particles at different states of conversion calculated previously with a standalone version of the particle model. This allows to start the simulation at conditions very close to stable operation of the reactor. A coupled multi-scale simulation of over 30 s of process time employing 300.000 inert bed parcels and about 25.000 reacting fuel parcels showed good agreement with experimental data at a feasible calculation time. Furthermore, the developed approach allows for an in-depth analysis of the processes inside the reactor allowing to track individual reacting particles while resolving gradients inside the particle.

Other papers | 2022

Netzdienliche Nutzung von Bauteilaktivierung in Gebäuden durch vorausschauende Regelungen – Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV

Kaisermayer V, Muschick D, Gölles M. Netzdienliche Nutzung von Bauteilaktivierung in Gebäuden durch vorausschauende Regelungen – Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV. Abschlussworkshop - IEA DHC Annex TS3: Hybride Energie-Netze. 20. Oktober 2022, online.

Download PDF Details
Reports | 2022

Optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten thermisch aktivierter Gebäude zukünftiger Stadtquartiere (ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV)

Muschick D, Kaisermayer V, Moser A, Gölles M, Heimrath R, Brandl D, Mach T, Ribas-Tugores C, Ramschak T, Oswald S, Polster M, Lackner F, Eibisberger K, Nebel M. Optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten thermisch aktivierter Gebäude zukünftiger Stadtquartiere (ÖKO-OPT-AKTIV). Stadt der Zukunft 6. Ausschreibung. BMK. Schriftenreihe 60/2023. Jänner, 2022. Deutsch, 76 Seiten.

External Link Details
Reports | 2022

PHB Producing Cyanobacteria Found in the Neighborhood— Their Isolation, Purification and Performance Testing

Meixner K, Daffert C, Bauer L, Drosg B, Fritz I. PHB Producing Cyanobacteria Found in the Neighborhood— Their Isolation, Purification and Performance Testing. 2022.9:178

External Link Details

Cyanobacteria are a large group of prokaryotic microalgae that are able to grow photo-autotrophically by utilizing sunlight and by assimilating carbon dioxide to build new biomass. One of the most interesting among many cyanobacteria cell components is the storage biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a member of the group of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Cyanobacteria occur in almost all habitats, ranging from freshwater to saltwater, freely drifting or adhered to solid surfaces or growing in the porewater of soil, they appear in meltwater of glaciers as well as in hot springs and can handle even high salinities and nutrient imbalances. The broad range of habitat conditions makes them interesting for biotechnological production in facilities located in such climate zones with the expectation of using the best adapted organisms in low-tech bioreactors instead of using “universal” strains, which require high technical effort to adapt the production conditions to the organism‘s need. These were the prerequisites for why and how we searched for locally adapted cyanobacteria in different habitats. Our manuscript provides insight to the sites we sampled, how we isolated and enriched, identified (morphology, 16S rDNA), tested (growth, PHB accumulation) and purified (physical and biochemical purification methods) promising PHB-producing cyanobacteria that can be used as robust production strains. Finally, we provide a guideline about how we managed to find potential production strains and prepared others for basic metabolism studies.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Real coupling of solid oxide fuel cells with a biomass steam gasifier: Operating boundaries considering performance, tar and carbon deposition analyses

Pongratz G, Subotić V, von Berg L, Schroettner H, Hochenauer C, Martini S, Hauck M, Steinruecken B, Skrzypkiewicz M, Kupecki J, Scharler R, Anca-Couce A. Real coupling of solid oxide fuel cells with a biomass steam gasifier: Operating boundaries considering performance, tar and carbon deposition analyses. Fuel. 15 May 2022.316:123310.

External Link Details

Solid oxide fuel cells are a promising alternative to gas engines for combined heat and power production based on biomass gasification. The technical complexity of realizing gasifier – fuel cell couplings has limited the number of experiments conducted in the past. However, results from such experiments are of high importance for the evaluation of tar thresholds and operating conditions ensuring a stable operation of fuel cells. For the first time, it was possible to demonstrate for dozens of hours the operation of solid oxide fuel cells with real product gas from steam gasification with a steam-to-carbon ratio of 2 and a typical tar content for fluidized bed gasification. Four coupling experiments with industrial-relevant cell designs were conducted, demonstrating a stable operation for 30 h without structural degradation of the anodes for cells with nickel/ceria- and nickel/zirconia-based anodes at 800°C and 850°C, if heavy tars were partially removed (2.8–3.7 g·Nm−3 gravimetric tars). Raw gas operation (4.6–4.8 g·Nm−3 gravimetric tars) led to metal dusting effects on nickel contact meshes and nickel/zirconia-based anodes, whereas nickel/ceria-based anodes were less affected. Carbon deposited on the alumina support in all experiments whereby a change from pyrolytic to graphitic structure could be observed when increasing the temperature from 800°C to 850°C, thus significantly reducing the risk for blockages in the flow channels. Moreover, high tar and benzene conversion rates were observed. Concluding, operating temperatures of 850°C and the removal only of heavy tars can enable stable long-term operation with a tar-laden steam gasifier product gas, even without increasing the steam-to-carbon ratio to values exceeding two.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Self-Heating of Biochar during Postproduction Storage by O2 Chemisorption at Low Temperatures

Phounglamcheik A, Johnson N, Kienzl N, Strasser C, Umeki K. Self-Heating of Biochar during Postproduction Storage by O2 Chemisorption at Low Temperatures. Energies. 2022.15:380

External Link Details

Biochar is attracting attention as an alternative carbon/fuel source to coal in the process industry and energy sector. However, it is prone to self-heating and often leads to spontaneous ignition and thermal runaway during storage, resulting in production loss and health risks. This study investigates biochar self-heating upon its contact with O2 at low temperatures, i.e., 50–300 °C. First, kinetic parameters of O2 adsorption and CO2 release were measured in a thermogravimetric analyzer using biochar produced from a pilot-scale pyrolysis process. Then, specific heat capacity and heat of reactions were measured in a differential scanning calorimeter. Finally, a one-dimensional transient model was developed to simulate self-heating in containers and gain insight into the influences of major parameters. The model showed a good agreement with experimental measurement in a closed metal container. It was observed that char temperature slowly increased from the initial temperature due to heat released during O2 adsorption. Thermal runaway, i.e., self-ignition, was observed in some cases even at the initial biochar temperature of ca. 200 °C. However, if O2 is not permeable through the container materials, the temperature starts decreasing after the consumption of O2 in the container. The simulation model was also applied to examine important factors related to self-heating. The results suggested that self-heating can be somewhat mitigated by decreasing the void fraction, reducing storage volume, and lowering the initial char temperature. This study demonstrated a robust way to estimate the cooling demands required in the biochar production process.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Smart control of interconnected district heating networks on the example of “100% Renewable District Heating Leibnitz”

Kaisermayer V, Binder J, Muschick D, Beck G, Rosegger W, Horn M, Gölles M, Kelz J, Leusbrock I. Smart control of interconnected district heating networks on the example of “100% Renewable District Heating Leibnitz”. Smart Energy. 2022 Apr 7. 100069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2022.100069

External Link Details

District heating (DH) networks have the potential for intelligent integration and combination of renewable energy sources, waste heat, thermal energy storage, heat consumers, and coupling with other sectors. As cities and municipalities grow, so do the corresponding networks. This growth of district heating networks introduces the possibility of interconnecting them with neighbouring networks. Interconnecting formerly separated DH networks can result in many advantages concerning flexibility, overall efficiency, the share of renewable sources, and security of supply. Apart from the problem of hydraulically connecting the networks, the main challenge of interconnected DH systems is the coordination of multiple feed-in points. It can be faced with control concepts for the overall DH system which define optimal operation strategies. This paper presents two control approaches for interconnected DH networks that optimize the supply as well as the demand side to reduce CO2 emissions. On the supply side, an optimization-based energy management system defines operation strategies based on demand forecasts. On the demand side, the operation of consumer substations is influenced in favour of the supply using demand side management. The proposed approaches were tested both in simulation and in a real implementation on the DH network of Leibnitz, Austria. First results show a promising reduction of CO2 emissions by 35% and a fuel cost reduction of 7% due to better utilization of the production capacities of the overall DH system.

Other Publications | 2022

Solar goes Digital: Wie Solarwärme selbstlernende Algorithmen nutzt (Austria Solar Webinar 26)

Unterberger V. Solar goes Digital: Wie Solarwärme selbstlernende Algorithmen nutzt (Austria Solar Webinar 26). Online am 11.05.2022.

External Link Download PDF Details
Peer reviewed papers | 2022

Solid oxide fuel cell operation with biomass gasification product gases: Performance- and carbon deposition risk evaluation via a CFD modelling approach

Pongratz G, Subotić V, Hochenauer C, Scharler R, Anca-Couce A. Solid oxide fuel cell operation with biomass gasification product gases: Performance- and carbon deposition risk evaluation via a CFD modelling approach. 1 April 2022. 244.

External Link Details

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) models used in the past for biomass-to-power plant simulations are limited in their predictability of the carbon deposition risk. In this work, industrial-relevant cell designs were modeled in 2D-CFD considering detailed reaction kinetics which allowed more accurate performance simulations and carbon deposition risk assessments. Via a parametric study, the influence of varying cell operating conditions on the cell performance and carbon deposition risk was quantified when utilizing product gases from steam- and air gasification with varying steam addition. Considering the results from this parameter study and carbon deposition risk assessment, recommendations for promising gasifier-SOFC configurations and cell operating points for stable long-term operation are presented. For smaller-scale biomass-to-power systems, the utilization of product gas from air gasification in anode supported cells with Ni/zirconia-based anode can be recommended, with only moderate steam dilution of the product gas at 750°C cell operating temperature. For larger scales, steam gasification might be meaningful, offering a generally higher electrical efficiency and power output in fuel cells than air gasification. However, a higher risk for carbon deposition could be determined in comparison to air gasification. Hence, a cell temperature of 850°C besides the use of cells with Ni/ceria-based anodes is recommended.

Conference presentations and posters | 2022

Success Factors and Barriers for Integrated District Heating Networks

Muschick D, Cronbach D, Ianakiev A, Kallert A, Schmidt R-R, Sorknaes P et al. Success Factors and Barriers for Integrated District Heating Networks. 2022. Postersitzung präsentiert bei 2nd International Sustainable Energy Conference , Graz, Österreich.

Details
Other Publications | 2022

Techno-economic assessment of wood-based processes with feedstock price scenarios in Austria

Fuhrmann M, Dißauer Ch, Strasser Ch, Schmid E. Techno-economic assessment of wood-based processes with feedstock price scenarios in Austria. Austrian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Studies.31.15

Download PDF Details

Woody biomass is a raw material and cost factor for a range of industries in Austria. The aim of this article is to assess impacts of price developments on operating costs of particleboard, combined heat and power (CHP) and synthetic natural gas (BioSNG) production. Three price scenarios have been developed for pulpwood, industrial wood chips and forest wood chips for the period 2021 - 2026. Results show that the share of raw material costs on total operating costs ranges between 24 - 64% for particleboard, 45 - 82% for CHP, and 24 - 63% for BioSNG production.

Other papers | 2022

Technology and Process Improvement of a Demonstration Unit for a Novel Aqueous Phase Reforming Process Via Virtual Commissioning

Nigitz T, Arlt S, Poms U, Weber G, Luisser M, Gölles M. Technology and Process Improvement of a Demonstration Unit for a Novel Aqueous Phase Reforming Process Via Virtual Commissioning. Proceedings of the 30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition. 2022. 948 - 950.

External Link Details

A process demonstration unit for a novel aqueous phase reforming (APR) process was built and scaled up by factor 666. The set-up of this demonstration unit was supported by virtual commissioning using a virtual test bed. By using virtual commissioning, it was possible to speed-up the commissioning and to support stable, reliable and continuous plant operation for 100h.

Peer reviewed papers | 2022

The effect of the presence of water on sulfur removal capacity during H2S removal from syngas using ZnO adsorbent

Dogan C, Martini S, Rets hitzegger S, Cetin B. The effect of the presence of water on sulfur removal capacity during H2S removal from syngas using ZnO adsorbent. Environmental Technology. 15 May 2022.

External Link Details

Compared to extensive studies on affecting parameters in sulfur removal with ZnO adsorbents from coal gasification syngas, similar studies conducted for biomass gasification syngas (BGS) are quite rare. Thus, considering the BGSs with high water content, this study was performed to investigate the effect of H2O presence in syngas on sulfur removal capacity (SRC) of ZnO adsorbents. Initially, the effect of gas composition and temperature on SRC in binary gas mixture was investigated. While H2O decreased the SRC, as expected, the highest reduction in the capacity occurred in the CO–H2S gas mixture due to observed COS formation. Second, the SRCs and resulting COS formation were compared for synthetic syngas mixtures having different water contents and for different amounts of adsorbents. Finally, the separate and combined effects of temperature and H2O on SRC and COS formation in synthetic syngas were investigated by comparing SRCs of typical syngas under wet and dry conditions. The results showed that increasing the amount of adsorbent and temperature results in higher SRC due to a reduction in COS formation through the reactions of COS with H2 and H2O. This indicates that it is critical to control the residence time of syngas and temperature to reduce COS formation during ZnO adsorption.

Filter

Contact Us

We invite you to contact our office under office@best-research.eu or a member of our personnel directly from this website. Fast and simple.

To Our Team Page