Publikationen

Peer reviewed papers | 2020

Aqueous phase reforming of pilot-scale Fischer-Tropsch water effluent for sustainable hydrogen production

Zoppi G, Pipitone G, Gruber H, Weber G, Reichhold A, Pirone R, Bensaid S. Aqueous phase reforming of pilot-scale Fischer-Tropsch water effluent for sustainable hydrogen production. Catalysis Today.2020.

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Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis produces an aqueous stream containing light oxygenates as major by-product. The low carbon concentration of the organics makes its thermal recovery unprofitable. Thus, novel processes are needed to utilize this waste carbon content. In this work, the aqueous phase reforming of the wastewater obtained from a 15 kWth Fischer-Tropsch plant was explored as a promising process to produce hydrogen at mild temperatures. The FT product water was firstly characterized and afterward subjected to the reforming at different reaction temperatures and time, using a platinum catalyst supported on activated carbon. It was observed that, besides activity, the selectivity towards hydrogen was favored at higher temperatures; equally, increasing the reaction time allowed to obtain the total conversion of most molecules found in the solution, without decreasing the selectivity and reaching a plateau at 4 hours in the hydrogen productivity. In order to get more insights into the reaction mechanism and product distribution derived from the APR of FT product water, several tests were performed with single compounds, finding characteristic features. The importance of the position of the hydroxyl group in the molecule structure was highlighted, with secondary alcohols more prone to dehydrogenation pathways compared to primary alcohols. Moreover, no interference among the substrates was reported despite the mixture is constituted by several molecules: in fact, the results obtained with the real FT product water were analogous to the linear combination of the single compound tests. Finally, the reuse of the catalyst showed no appreciable deactivation phenomena.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Arbeitsgruppe zum internationalen Erfahrungsaustausch der Probenahme und Analytik in Prozeßgasen

Kleinhappl M. Arbeitsgruppe zum internationalen Erfahrungsaustausch der Probenahme und Analytik in Prozeßgasen 2012, 22nd-23rd of October 2012, Hamburg, Germany.

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Other Publications | 2019

Asche aus Biomassefeuerungen - Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen für die Verwertung mit Fokus auf Cr(VI)

Retschitzegger S. Asche aus Biomassefeuerungen - Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen für die Verwertung mit Fokus auf Cr(VI). Heizwerke-Betreibertag 2019.

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Other papers | 2017

Ash and bed material research in dual fluidized bed gasification of biomass in lab- and industrial-scale

Kuba M, Hofbauer H. Ash and bed material research in dual fluidized bed gasification of biomass in lab- and industrial-scale. 25th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (oral presentation). June 2017, Stockholm, Sweden.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Ash melting behaviour of solid biofuels in residential pellet boilers

Schwabl M, Feldmeier S, Wopienka E, Haslinger W, Dahl J, Jensen TB, Hartmann H, Schön C, Boman C, Boström D. Pellets Workshop “Ash melting behaviour of solid biofuels in residential pellet boilers” (held held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Ash Transformation during Single-Pellet Combustion of Agricultural Biomass with a Focus on Potassium and Phosphorus

Hedayati A, Lindgren R, Skoglund N, Boman C, Kienzl N, Öhman M. Ash Transformation during Single-Pellet Combustion of Agricultural Biomass with a Focus on Potassium and Phosphorus. Energy and Fuels. January 2021. 35(2):1449–1464.

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In this study, ash transformation and release of critical ash-forming elements during single-pellet combustion of different types of agricultural opportunity fuels were investigated. The work focused on potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). Single pellets of poplar, wheat straw, grass, and wheat grain residues were combusted in a macro-thermogravimetric analysis reactor at three different furnace temperatures (600, 800, and 950 °C). In order to study the transformation of inorganic matters at different stages of the thermal conversion process, the residues were collected before and after full devolatilization, as well as after complete char conversion. The residual char/ash was characterized by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma, and ion chromatography, and the interpretation of results was supported by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. During combustion of poplar, representing a Ca–K-rich woody energy crop, the main fraction of K remained in the residual ash primarily in the form of K2Ca(CO3)2 at lower temperatures and in a K–Ca-rich carbonate melt at higher temperatures. Almost all P retained in the ash and was mainly present in the form of hydroxyapatite. For the Si–K-rich agricultural biomass fuels with a minor (wheat straw) or moderate (grass) P content, the main fraction of K remained in the residual ash mostly in K–Ca-rich silicates. In general, almost all P was retained in the residual ash both in K–Ca–P–Si-rich amorphous structures, possibly in phosphosilicate-rich melts, and in crystalline forms as hydroxyapatite, CaKPO4, and calcium phosphate silicate. For the wheat grain, representing a K–P-rich fuel, the main fraction of K and P remained in the residual ash in the form of K–Mg-rich phosphates. The results showed that in general for all studied fuels, the main release of P occurred during the devolatilization stage, while the main release of K occurred during char combustion. Furthermore, less than 20% of P and 35% of K was released at the highest furnace temperature for all fuels.

Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Ash transformation during single-pellet gasification of agricultural biomass with focus on potassium and phosphorus

Hedayati A, Sefidari H, Boman C, Skoglund N, Kienzl N, Öhman M. Ash transformation during single-pellet gasification of agricultural biomass with focus on potassium and phosphorus. Fuel Processing Technology. 15 June 2021.217:106805

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Agricultural biomasses and residues can play an important role in the global bioenergy system but their potential is limited by the risk of several ash-related problems such as deposit formation, slagging, and particle emissions during their thermal conversion. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the ash transformation reactions is required for this type of fuels. The present work investigates ash transformation reactions and the release of critical ash-forming elements with a special focus on K and P during the single-pellet gasification of different types of agricultural biomass fuels, namely, poplar, grass, and wheat grain residues. Each fuel was gasified as a single pellet at three different temperatures (600, 800, and 950 °C) in a Macro-TGA reactor. The residues from different stages of fuel conversion were collected to study the gradual ash transformation. Characterization of the residual char and ash was performed employing SEM-EDS, XRD, and ICP with the support of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations (TECs). The results showed that the K and P present in the fuels were primarily found in the residual char and ash in all cases for all studied fuels. While the main part of the K release occurred during the char conversion stage, the main part of the P release occurred during the devolatilization stage. The highest releases – less than 18% of P and 35% of K – were observed at the highest studied temperature for all fuels. These elements were present in the residual ashes as K2Ca(CO3)2 and Ca5(PO4)3OH for poplar; K-Ca-rich silicates and phosphosilicates in mainly amorphous ash for grass; and an amorphous phase rich in K-Mg-phosphates for wheat grain residues.

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.

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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.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

AshMelT - Development of a Practical and Reliable Ash Melting Test for Biomass Fuels, in particular for Wood Pellets

Haslinger W, et al. AshMelT - Development of a Practical and Reliable Ash Melting Test for Biomass Fuels, in particular for Wood Pellets, 20th European Biomass Conference 2012, 18th-22nd of June 2012, Milano, Italy.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

AshMelT – Development of a Practical and Reliable Ash Melting Test for Biomass Fuels, in particular for Wood Pellets

Feldmeier S, Schwabl M, Höftberger E, Wopienka E. AshMelT – Development of a Practical and Reliable Ash Melting Test for Biomass Fuels, in particular for Wood Pellets, European Pellets Conference 2013, 27th-28th of February 2013, Wels, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

AshMelT Project Background – Why this work was necessary

Schwabl M, Wopienka E. AshMelT Workshop “AshMelT Project Background – Why this work was necessary” (held during de World Sustainable Energy Days 2015), 25th-27th of February, Wels, Austria, 2015.

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Other Publications | 2015

Aspects of microalgal biomass as feedstock in biogas plants

Gruber M, Zohar E, Jerney J, Ludwig I, Bochmann G, Nussbaumer L, Montgomery L, Fuchs W, Drosg B, Schöpp T, Obbard JP. Aspects of microalgal biomass as feedstock in biogas plants, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (visual presentation)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2009

Assessing and Labelling the Eco-Efficiency of Small Scale Biomass Combustion Systems - BIOHEATLABEL

Haslinger W, Griesmayr S, Strasser C, Lingitz A, Jungmeier G. Assessing and Labelling the Eco-Efficiency of Small Scale Biomass Combustion Systems – BIOHEATLABEL, 17th European Biomass Conference 2009, 29th of June-3rd of July 2009, Hamburg, Germany. p 2335-2340.

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The project BioHeatLABEL aims at the derivation of eco-design criteria for small scale biomass
combustion systems. It is a mirror project to the on-going European preparatory study for solid fuel small combustion installations. The presented paper gives an overview of the on-going work. It presents the applied methodologies so far. Sales and performance data as well as prices are collected for the existing stock as well as for new products. Six Base Cases are defined to best possibly represent market relevant product categories. These Base Cases are (1) log wood boilers with natural draught, (2) log wood boilers with forced draught, (3) wood chips boilers, (4) wood pellets boilers, (5) log wood stoves, and (6) wood pellets stoves. For these product categories the bills of production materials as well as for packaging are collected and information about the end-of-life behaviour is retrieved. Based on the above, preliminary life cycle assessment calculations are performed using the tool EuP EcoReport. The usability of this tool for a sound, reliable and representative life cycle assessment is discussed. Finally, an outlook on the further work is given.

Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Assessment of correlations between tar and product gas composition in dual fluidized bed steam gasification for online tar prediction.

Benedikt F, Kuba M, Schmid JC, Müller S, Hofbauer H. Assessment of correlations between tar and product gas composition in dual fluidized bed steam gasification for online tar prediction. Applied Energy 2019;238:1138-1149.

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Thermochemical conversion of biomass feedstock via dual fluidized bed steam gasification is a well-proven technology used to produce a medium calorific product gas for various applications in the energy or transportation sector or for chemical syntheses. At unfavorable gasification conditions, undesirable high amounts of tar, which are aromatic hydrocarbons, are present in the product gas. High tar contents are a major problem, and they lead to uneconomic operation due to sharply diminished quality of product gas or unexpected plant shut downs due to fouling of the product gas coolers. Currently, tar content is measured with a discontinuous wet-chemical analysis method, which needs several hours of sample preparation to receive the final tar content. The aim of this study is to establish valid correlations between online measured permanent gas components in the product gas and its tar content. The results show that hydrogen, methane, and ethene concentrations are strongly related to the tar content in the product gas, while the carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide content did not show a clear correlation. Using these correlations with online measured gas components provides the possibility of a direct and prompt response of a plant operator in case of unfavorable gasification conditions. Additionally, an optimization of the plant operation can be conducted and thereby, the operation hours and, consequently, the economic efficiency are improved.

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

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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.

Other papers | 2013

Assessment of online corrosion measurements in combination with fuel analysis, aerosol and deposit measurements in a biomass CHP plant

Retschitzegger S, Brunner T, Waldmann B, Obernberger I. Assessment of online corrosion measurements in combination with fuel analysis, aerosol and deposit measurements in a biomass CHP plant. Energy and Fuels. 2013;27(10):5670-5683.

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To systematically investigate high-temperature corrosion of superheaters in biomass combined heat and power
(CHP) plants, a long-term test run (5 months) with online corrosion probes was performed in an Austrian CHP plant (28 MWNCV; steam parameters: 32 t/h at 480 °C and 63 bar) firing chemically untreated wood chips. Two corrosion probes were applied in parallel in the radiative section of the boiler at average flue gas temperatures of 880 and 780 °C using the steel 13CrMo4-5 for the measurements. Corrosion rates were determined for surface temperatures between 400 and 560 °C. The results show generally moderate corrosion rates and a clear dependence upon the flue gas temperatures and the surface temperatures of the corrosion probes, but no influence of the flue gas velocity has been observed. The data are to be used to create corrosion diagrams to determine maximum steam temperatures for superheaters in future plants, which are justifiable regarding the corrosion rate. Dedicated measurements were performed at the plant during the long-term corrosion probe test run to gain insight into the chemical environment of the corrosion probes. From fuel analyses, the molar 2S/Cl ratio was calculated with an average of 6.0, which indicates a low risk for high-temperature corrosion. Chemical analyses of aerosols sampled at the positions of the corrosion probes showed that no chlorine is present in condensed form at the positions investigated. Deposit probe measurements performed at the same positions and analyses of the deposits also showed only small amounts of chlorine in the deposits, mainly found at the leeward position of the probes. Subsequent to the test run, the corrosion probes have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The results confirmed the deposit probe measurements and showed only minor Cl concentrations in the deposits and no Cl at the corrosion front. Because, in the case of Cl-catalyzed active oxidation, a layer of Cl is known to be found at the corrosion front, this mechanism is assumed to be not of relevance in the case at hand. Instead, elevated S concentrations were detected at the corrosion front, but the corrosion mechanism has not yet been clarified.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Assessment of online corrosion measurements in combination with fuel analysis, flue gas, aerosol and deposit measurements in a biomass CHP plant

Retschitzegger S, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Assessment of online corrosion measurements in combination with fuel analysis, flue gas, aerosol and deposit measurements in a biomass CHP plant, Conference Impacts of Fuel Quality on Power Production and Environment 2012, 23th-27th of September 2012, Puchberg, Austria.

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To systematically investigate high-temperature corrosion of superheaters in biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants, a long-term test run (5 months) with online corrosion probes was performed in an Austrian CHP plant (28 MWNCV; steam parameters: 32 t/h at 480 °C and 63 bar) firing chemically untreated wood chips. Two corrosion probes were applied in parallel in the radiative section of the boiler at average flue gas temperatures of 880 and 780 °C using the steel 13CrMo4-5 for the measurements. Corrosion rates were determined for surface temperatures between 400 and 560 °C. The results show generally moderate corrosion rates and a clear dependence upon the flue gas temperatures and the surface temperatures of the corrosion probes, but no influence of the flue gas velocity has been observed. The data are to be used to create corrosion diagrams to determine maximum steam temperatures for superheaters in future plants, which are justifiable regarding the corrosion rate. Dedicated measurements were performed at the plant during the long-term corrosion probe test run to gain insight into the chemical environment of the corrosion probes. From fuel analyses, the molar 2S/Cl ratio was calculated with an average of 6.0, which indicates a low risk for high-temperature corrosion. Chemical analyses of aerosols sampled at the positions of the corrosion probes showed that no chlorine is present in condensed form at the positions investigated. Deposit probe measurements performed at the same positions and analyses of the deposits also showed only small amounts of chlorine in the deposits, mainly found at the leeward position of the probes. Subsequent to the test run, the corrosion probes have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The results confirmed the deposit probe measurements and showed only minor Cl concentrations in the deposits and no Cl at the corrosion front. Because, in the case of Cl-catalyzed active oxidation, a layer of Cl is known to be found at the corrosion front, this mechanism is assumed to be not of relevance in the case at hand. Instead, elevated S concentrations were detected at the corrosion front, but the corrosion mechanism has not yet been clarified.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Assessment of the Behaviour of a Commercial Gasification Plant During Load Modulation and Feedstock Moisture Variation

Antolini D, Hollenstein C, Martini S, Patuzzi F, Zemann C, Felsberger W et al. Assessment of the Behaviour of a Commercial Gasification Plant During Load Modulation and Feedstock Moisture Variation. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 2019 Jun 11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-019-00714-w

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Fixed-bed biomass gasification coupled with internal combustion engines allows an efficient exploitation of biomass for the combined production of heat and power (CHP) at small scale with increased economic viability with respect to combustion-based CHP systems. The main barrier on the way towards a wider market distribution is represented by the fact that a robust practical operation of state-of-the-art fixed-bed biomass gasification systems is limited to very specific fuel properties and steady-state operation. The aim of this work is twofold. On the one hand, it presents the results of a series of test runs performed in a monitored commercial plant under different process conditions, in order to assess its behaviour during load modulation and fuel property variations. On the other hand, an in-house developed thermodynamic equilibrium model was applied to predict the behaviour of the gasification reactor. This gasification model could be used for the development of a model-based control strategy in order to increase the performance of the small-scale gasification system. To assess the general operational behaviour of the whole gasification system an experimental one-week-long test run has been performed by BIOENERGY 2020+ and the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano as round robin test. The plant has been tested under different operating conditions, in particular, varying the load of the engine and the moisture content of the feedstock. The outcomes shown in the present work provide a unique indication about the behaviour of a small-scale fix-bed gasifier working in conditions different from the nominal ones.

Other papers | 2018

Assessment of the Behaviour of a Commercial Gasification Plant During Load Modulation and Feedstock Moisture Variation: Preliminary results of the "Flexi-Fuel-Gas-Control" Project

Antolini D, Hollenstein C, Martini S, Patuzzi F, Zemann C, Felsberger W, Baratieri M, Gölles M. Assessment of the Behaviour of a Commercial Gasification Plant During Load Modulation and Feedstock Moisture Variation: Preliminary results of the "Flexi-Fuel-Gas-Control" Project. 7th International conference on Engineering for Waste and Biomass Valorisation. 2.-5. July 2018. Prague: Czech Republic.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Associated effects of storage and mechanical pre-treatments of microalgae biomass on biomethane yields in anaerobic digestion

Gruber-Brunhumer MR, Jerney J, Zohar E, Nussbaumer M, Hieger C, Bromberger P, Bochmann G, Jirsa F, Schagerl M, Obbard JP, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Associated effects of storage and mechanical pre-treatments of microalgae biomass on biomethane yields in anaerobic digestion. Biomass and Bioenergy. October 2016;93: 259-268.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Ausbrandregelung durch zusätzliche Messung des Kohlenmonoxidgehalts im Rauchgas

Bischof J, Gölles M, Obernberger I, Baumbach G. Ausbrandregelung durch zusätzliche Messung des Kohlenmonoxidgehalts im Rauchgas. 27. Deutscher Flammentag. September 2015, Clausthal, Germany.

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Other Publications | 2013

Ausbrandregelung von Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen

Rumpf, M. Ausbrandregelung von Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen, Master Thesis, Technische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria, 2013.

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 Die Anzahl der installierten Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen ist in letzter Zeit deutlich gestiegen. Aus diesem Grund ist es umso wichtiger eine schadstoffarme und effiziente Verbrennung zu ermöglichen. Genau diese Anforderung stellt jedoch eine große Herausforderung für deren Regelung dar. Der optimale Restsauerstoffgehalt des Rauchgases, im Sinne von niedrigen Kohlenmonoxidemissionen (CO-Emissionen) bei bestmöglichem Wirkungsgrad, ist sehr stark vom Betriebszustand, von der Anlagengeometrie und vom verwendeten Brennstoff abhängig. Diese Tatsache wird jedoch derzeit bei den Regelungen von Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen nicht oder nur teilweise berücksichtigt. Um hohe CO-Emissionen aufgrund von Sauerstoffmangel in jedem Fall zu vermeiden, werden Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen üblicherweise mit vergleichsweise hohem Sauerstoff betrieben. Diese Maßnahme geht jedoch mit einer unerwünschten Reduktion des Wirkungsgrades der Feuerung einher. Diese Arbeit hat zum Ziel eine Strategie zu entwickeln, welche das Luftverhältnis sowie auch die Luftstufung während des Betriebes dahingehend anpasst, dass stets ein möglichst effizienter und dennoch schadstoffarmer Betrieb gewährleistet wird. Die im Rahmen dieser Masterarbeit behandelten Arbeiten, wurden anhand einer handelsüblichen Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlage durchgeführt. Die verwendete Anlage wird mit Hackgut betrieben und hat eine Kesselnennleistung von 30 kW. Für die Anwendung einer Strategie zur Reduktion der CO-Emissionen wäre es von großem Vorteil, wenn der CO-Gehalt des Rauchgases gemessen werden könnte. Derzeit gibt es jedoch nur sehr teure Rauchgasanalyseeinheiten, welche für eine dauerhafte Bestimmung des CO-Gehaltes des Rauchgases geeignet sind. Somit war bis jetzt eine Messung des CO-Gehalts nur bei großen Biomassefeuerungsanlagen wirtschaftlich. In dieser Arbeit wurde zunächst eine Marktanalyse zu preiswerten Sensoren zur Detektion unverbrannter Komponenten im Rauchgas durchgeführt. Es wurden ausschließlich Sensoren untersucht, die aufgrund ihres geringen Preises auch wirtschaftlich eingesetzt werden können. Dabei zeigte sich, dass es derzeit zwei Sensoren gibt, welche diese Anforderungen erfüllen. Diese Sensoren dienen jedoch lediglich zur Detektion von unverbrannten Komponenten im Rauchgas und sind nicht in der Lage den CO-Gehalt des Rauchgases exakt zu messen. Aus diesem Grund wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen CO-Konzentration und Sensorsignal untersucht und anschließend mathematisch beschrieben, wobei die wesentlichen Querempfindlichkeiten berücksichtigt wurden. Da die physikalischen Zusammenhänge sehr komplex und zu einem wesentlichen Teil nicht bekannt waren, wurde das mathematische Modell mit Hilfe der experimentellen Modellbildung ermittelt, wobei die verwendeten Messdaten einen möglichst großen Bereich der verschiedenen Einflussparameter beinhalteten. In weiterer Folge wurden umfassende Testläufe zur Untersuchung der Auswirkung der Leistung, des Luftverhältnisses im Brennstoffbett, des gesamten Luftverhältnisses und des Brennstoffwassergehaltes auf die CO-Emissionen durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass es für einen möglichst effizienten und gleichzeitig schadstoffarmen Betrieb notwendig ist, das Luftverhältnis im Brennstoffbett sowie den Sekundär"-luft"-massen"-strom in Abhängigkeit der geforderten Leistung zu variieren. Darauf aufbauend wurde eine geeignete Strategie zur Umsetzung dieser Maßnahmen entwickelt und implementiert. Dabei werden die Führungsgrößen für den Restsauerstoffgehalt sowie das Luftverhältnis im Brennstoffbett laufend an die geforderte Leistung angepasst. Zusätzlich dazu wird die Führungsgröße für den Restsauerstoffgehalt durch einen Suchalgorithmus zur Minimierung der CO-Emissionen variiert. Schlussendlich wurde die entwickelte Strategie mit Hilfe eines typischen Lastzyklus experimentell verifiziert. 

Reports | 2016

Austria – Biofuels Technology, Research and Development

Bacovsky D, Sonnleitner A. Austria – Biofuels Technology, Research and Development. IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter. December 2016.

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Other Publications | 2013

Austrian context for biowaste and case study on brewery waste

Bochmann G. Austrian context for biowaste and case study on brewery waste, Biogaz Europe 2013, 20th of March 2013, Nantes, France.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Automatic CFD optimisation of biomass combustion plants

Shiehnejad A, Schulze K, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Automatic CFD optimisation of biomass combustion plants, 20th European Biomass Conference 2012, 18th-22nd of June 2012, Milano, Italy. 756-760.

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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

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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.

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.

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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

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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 | 2023

Automation and Control of Renewable Energy Systems

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

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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 | 2013

Automatisierung und Visualisierung einer Anlage zur Wasserstoffgewinnung aus Biomasse

Malits, M. Automatisierung und Visualisierung einer Anlage zur Wasserstoffgewinnung aus Biomasse, Master Thesis, Fachhochschule Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria, 2013.

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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.

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Other Publications | 2019

ÖKO-OPT-QUART - Workshop

Ökonomisch optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten komplexer Energieverbünde zukünftiger Stadtquartiere

Moser A, Muschick D, Gölles M, Mach T, Schranzhofer H, Nageler P, Lerch W, Leusbrock I, Tugores C. ÖKO-OPT-QUART: Ökonomisch optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten komplexer Energieverbünde zukünftiger Stadtquartiere. Workshop im Rahmen des FFG-Projekts ÖKO-OPT-QUART (3. Ausschreibung "Stadt der Zukunft") am 25.01.2019.

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Workshop of the research project ÖKO-OPT-QUART (Ökonomisch optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten komplexer Energieverbünde zukünftiger Stadtquartiere)

Reports | 2019

ÖKO-OPT-QUART Ökonomisch optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten komplexer Energieverbünde zukünftiger Stadtquartiere

Endbericht

Moser A, Muschick D, Gölles M, Mach T, Schranzhofer H, Leusbrock I, Ribas Tugores C. ÖKO-OPT-QUART Ökonomisch optimiertes Regelungs- und Betriebsverhalten komplexer Energieverbünde zukünftiger Stadtquartiere. Berichte aus Energie- und Umweltforschung. 2019.

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Other Publications | 2019

ÖKO-OPT-QUART Leitfaden

Richtlinien, Methoden und Hinweise zur Vorgehensweise bei der Planung und Implementierung von modellprädiktiven Regelungen für komplexe vernetzte Energiesystemen in zukünftigen Stadtquartieren

Moser A, Muschick D, Gölles M. ÖKO-OPT-QUART Leitfaden. Richtlinien, Methoden und Hinweise zur Vorgehensweise bei der Planung und Implementierung von modellprädiktiven Regelungen für komplexe vernetzte Energiesystemen in zukünftigen Stadtquartieren.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Ökodesign-Maßnahmen für kleine Heizgeräte

Moser W, Haslinger W. Ökodesign-Maßnahmen für kleine Heizgeräte, 12. Industrieforum Pellets 2012, 9th-10th of October 2012, Berlin, Germany.

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Other Publications | 2012

Über die Aufbereitung biogener Gase mittels Adsorption

Mayer, T. Über die Aufbereitung biogener Gase mittels Adsorption, Ph.D. Thesis, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria, 2012.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Behandlungsoptionen einer MBA-Schwerfraktion - ökologischer und ökonomischer Vergleich

Meirhofer M, Ragoßnig AM, Rixrath D. Behandlungsoptionen einer MBA-Schwerfraktion - ökologischer und ökonomischer Vergleich, DepoTech 2012, 6th-9th of October 2012, Leoben, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2010

Behandlungsoptionen für eine MBA Schwerfraktion am Beispiel MBA Oberpullendorf

Meirhofer M, Ragoßnig A, Pieber S, Brooks L, Fercher E. Behandlungsoptionen für eine MBA Schwerfraktion am Beispiel MBA Oberpullendorf, DepoTech 2010, 3rd-5th of November 2010, Leoben, Österreich.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Behavior of GCMS tar components in a water gas shift unit operated with tar-rich product gas from an industrial scale dual fluidized bed biomass steam gasification plant

Kraussler M, Binder M, Hofbauer H. Behavior of GCMS tar components in a water gas shift unit operated with tar-rich product gas from an industrial scale dual fluidized bed biomass steam gasification plant. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 1 March 2017;7(1): 69-79.

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Other papers | 2013

Behavior of inorganic matter in a dual fluidized steam gasification plant

Kirnbauer F, Koch M, Koch R, Aichernig C, Hofbauer H. Behavior of inorganic matter in a dual fluidized steam gasification plant. Energy and Fuels. 2013;27(6):3316-31.

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Ash components of biomass fuels can cause fouling, slagging, and bed material agglomeration during thermal utilization in fluidized bed combustion and gasification plants. The influence of ash components on these problems in dual fluidized bed biomass gasification plants is investigated in an industrial scale plant in Güssing, Austria. Samples of fouling are analyzed, and the results are evaluated. The samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence analysis and thermal analyses such as thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Mass balances of inorganic matter are presented, evaluating different loop configurations. The analyses showed high potassium contents compared to the fuel ash composition in fouling of up to 23% by weight. The potassium content of fly ash with a particle size smaller than 200 μm is half that of coarse fly ash with a particle size larger than 200 μm. The thermal analyses showed a large difference between samples of inorganic streams such as fly ash or fly char and fouling. Different fractions of fly ash samples (particle fraction smaller than 200 μm and particle fraction larger than 200 μm) showed similar thermal behavior: endothermic weight losses at around 400 C and around 720-820 C caused by decomposition of carbonates. The composition of inorganic matters of fly ash and fly char is similar. The elemental composition of deposits at the cyclone wall and the first heat exchanger in the flue gas path showed high potassium contents up to 23.6%. While samples of fly ash and fly char did not show significant melting in their thermal behavior, melting could be detected with fouling at temperatures higher than 1000 C. Mass balances of inorganic matter showed a flow of potassium oxide from the combustion reactor to the gasification reactor, which leads to unexpected high potassium concentrations in the fly char. A reduction of ash loops reduces the amount of potassium that is transferred from the combustion reactor to the gasification reactor. Recommendations are made for the operation of dual fluidized bed gasification plants in terms of ash handling to reduce tendencies for fouling, slagging, and bed material agglomeration. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Benz(a)pyrene emission measurements in flue gas from residential biomass combustion appliances

Meier F, Schwabl M, Sedlmayer I, Kleinhappl M, Schmidl C, Haslinger W. Benz(a)pyrene emission measurements in flue gas from residential biomass combustion appliances, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (visual presentation)

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Other Publications | 2016

beReal - Comparative assessment of EN standard test methods and new real-life test methods for biomass room heating appliances

Schmidl C, Reichert G, Schwabl M, Stressler H, Sturmlechner R, Haslinger W. beReal - Comparative assessment of EN standard test methods and new real-life test methods for biomass room heating appliances. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (poster). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Other Publications | 2016

beReal - Development of a New Test Method for Firewood Roomheaters Reflecting Real Life Operation

Reichert G, Hartmann H, Haslinger W, Oehler H, Schmidl C, Schwabl M, Stressler H, Sturmlechner R, Woehler M. beReal - Development of a New Test Method for Firewood Roomheaters Reflecting Real Life Operation. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (poster). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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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.

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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 | 2020

Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-lambda-Optimierung

Zemann C, Hammer F, Gölles M. Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-lambda-Optimierung. Informationstag für Biomassegenossen-schaften Bildungshaus Sankt Magdalena. February 2020.

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Other Publications | 2019

Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-lambda-Optimierung

Zemann C, Hammer F, Gölles M. Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-lambda-Optimierung. Heizwerke-Betreibertag 2019. October 2019.

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Other Publications | 2019

Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-Lambda-Optimierung

Zemann C, Hammer F. Betrieb bei maximaler Effizienz und minimalen Emissionen durch CO-Lambda-Optimierung. Heizwerke-Betreibertag 2019, Sieggraben, 07. Oktober 2019 (oral presentation).

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Other Publications | 2021

Betrieb verbundener Nahwärmenetze mit getrennten Eigentümern

Zemann C, Muschick D, Kaisermayer V, Gölles M. Betrieb verbundener Nahwärmenetze mit getrennten Eigentümern. QM Heizwerke Fachtagung, Bad Vöslau, 14. Oktober, 2021. (oral presentation)

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Warum ist es sinnvoll, Wärmenetze zu verbinden?

  • Erläuterung am Beispiel des Projekts Thermaflex
  • Drei Wärmenetze bei Leibnitz in der Steiermark.
  • Sind gewachsen und haben die Grenzen ihrer Nachbar-Wärmenetze erreicht.
  • Die Wärmenetze werden durch zwei getrennte Eigentümer betrieben.
Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Bi-directional networks in district heating systems: Results of the heat flow simulaiton

Lichtenegger K, Wöss D, Halmdienst C, Schnetzinger R, Höftberger E. Bidirectional Networks BiNe, Workshop “ Bi-directional networks in district heating systems: Results of the heat flow simulation” (held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Other Publications | 2016

Bidirektionale Einbindung dezentraler Einspeiser in Wärmenetze: hydraulische, wärmetechnische und regelungstechnische Aspekte

LichteneggerK, Muschick D, Gölles M, Höftberger E, Leitner A, Wöss D, Reiterer D. Bidirektionale Einbindung dezentraler Einspeiser in Wärmenetze: hydraulische, wärmetechnische und regelungstechnische Aspekte. Vortrag auf der Fachtagung Wärmenetze der Zukunft (2016 in Salzburg).

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Other Publications | 2017

Bidirektionale Wärmenetze: Regelung, Energiemanagement, Potenzial

Lichtenegger K, Leitner A, Moser A, Muschick D, Höftberger E, Gölles M. Bidirektionale Wärmenetze: Regelung, Energiemanagement, Potenzial. Workshop auf der Central European Biomass Conference 2017.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Bilanzierung und Optimierung des Zweibett-Wirbelschicht-Dampfvergasers Oberwart mit IPSEpro

Wilk V, Bosch K, Hofbauer H. Bilanzierung und Optimierung des Zweibett-Wirbelschicht-Dampfvergasers Oberwart mit IPSEpro, Fachtagung Prozesssimulation in der Energietechnik 2014, 10th of September 2014, Leipzig, Germany.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Bioavailability of essential trace elements and their impact on anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste

Ortner M, Rameder M, Rachbauer L, Bochmann G, Fuchs W. Bioavailability of essential trace elements and their impact on anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste. Biochemical Engineering Journal. 15 July 2015;99:107-113.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

BioCAT – Clean Air Technology for Small-Scale Biomass Combustion Systems

Haslinger W, et al. BioCAT – Clean Air Technology for Small-Scale Biomass Combustion Systems, 20th European Biomass Conference 2012, 18th-22nd of June 2012, Milano, Italy.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

BIOCHAR - Reaction kinetics under gasification conditions by experimental tests with TGA

Lagler J, Martini S, Kienzl N, Loder A. BIOCHAR - Reaction kinetics under gasification conditions by experimental tests with TGA. 6th Central European Biomass Conference. 2020. Graz.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Biochar’s reaction kinetics under gasification conditions by experimental tests with TGA

Lagler J, Martini S, Kienzl N, Loder A. Biochar’s reaction kinetics under gasification conditions by experimental tests with TGA. 6th Central European Biomass Conference (poster). 2020.

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During the last years biomass evolved into one of the most important energy sources in Central Europe. Depending on the atmosphere, different types of thermochemical processes can be differentiated: pyrolysis, gasification and combustion, whereas pyrolysis operates without any oxygen in the atmosphere, combustion with the highest ratio of oxygen. Depending on the conversion technology and conversion conditions, different products can be generated: heat, cooling power and electrical power, liquid, gaseous and solid products, such as hydrogen, FT-fuels and biochar.
This work focuses on the valorisation of solid side products of gasification based biomass CHP-systems to increase ecologic and economic benefit. Depending on the conversion process of biomass into producer gas this solid residue consists mainly of ash or of so called biochar with high carbon content. Increasing the amount of biochar leads to a decrease of producer gas, but, with the high market potential of biochar, the economic benefits increase. According to its characteristics (e.g. purity, surface structure) different applications can be addressed and therefore different prices can be achieved. Therefore, extended research on biochar treatment processes and related reaction kinetics of biochar is from crucial importance for the development and optimisation of downstream upgrading processes in order to reach the desired quality of the biochar. In the past, such considerations of utilising side products, like biochar, have not been in the centre of attention during the design phase of gasification reactors. Therefore, the establishment of a finishing-treatment of biochar extracted from a gasification process is under investigation. The focus of this paper lies on the reaction kinetics of biochar activation itself and not the primary material (biomass). In order to derivate correlations between reaction kinetics and atmosphere compositions as well as temperature, experimental test runs are conducted with a Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) including a steam furnace, which enables studies of mass and energy changes under defined absolute humidity. To produce applicable and reliable data, the limitations of the TGA-test-setup are evaluated with examinations on variations of sample mass, bulk density, particle size distribution and the gas flow. On this basis the test design is defined with certain specifications on the sample preparation and a constant flow velocity. The investigated biochar taken out the gasification process is dried, milled and sieved for the TGA-tests. The main part is devoted to conduct a detailed investigation changing the content of moisture (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as the temperature. The tests are operated at a temperature range between 700 and 1000°C, H2O-concentrations from 0 to 80 vol% and CO2-concentrations also in the range of 0 to 80 vol%. These systematic experimental variations provide the basis for a model of the reaction kinetics of biochar under different boundary conditions. The data is to be evaluated via the generic model including temperature and the partial pressures of CO2 and H2O. Afterwards it will be matched with conventional models (e.g. Arrhenius plot, linear regression models) to determine their suitability. One of those models was used in the paper of Ollero et al, where the influence of CO2 on the reaction kinetics of olive residue was investigated. 1First results show that the reaction rate of biochar is much lower than the one of olive residue. Effects of treatment conditions on the surface properties are investigated by taking out the treated samples after a defined treatment period at a defined mass loss and subsequent surface analysis (BET, pore size/volume distribution) of the samples. In first BET surface analysis, the treatments of biochar with vapour lead to a surface of approximately 1000m²/g whereas the original sample has a BET surface lower than 150m²/g. This finding leads to the question how the reaction kinetics of a treatment process influences the surface change. The obtained data is taken as basis for developing an upgrading process for biochar to a high value product of the gasification process. In order to prove the suitability of TGA-tests for identifying optimised treatment conditions, further research shall demonstrate the correlation of the lab-scale TGA-results with experiences of pilot scale tests.
 

Other Publications | 2012

Biocombustible materials obtained from biomass using cobalt based catalysts

Sauciuc, A. Biocombustible materials obtained from biomass using cobalt based catalysts, Ph.D. Thesis, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria, 2012.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Biodiesel Production in Africa

Walimwipi H, Yamba FD, Wörgetter M, Rathbauer J, Bacovsky D. Biodiesel production in Africa. Bioenergy for sustainable development in Africa. ISBN 978-94-007-2181-4 2012:93-102.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Bioenergie aus Mikroalgen - Forschung und Vernetzung im Kompetenzzentrum BIOENERGY 2020+

Sonnleitner A. Vernetzungsworkshop "Algen als biogene Ressource - Akteure in Österreich", Bioenergie aus Mikroalgen - Forschung und Vernetzung im Kompetenzzentrum BIOENERGY 2020+, 6th of November, Wieselburg-Land, Austria, 2013.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Bioenergie in Österreich – Entwicklungen, Stand und Perspektiven

Ragossnig A. Bioenergie in Österreich – Entwicklungen, Stand und Perspektiven, Bioenergieforum Rostock 2012, 14th-15th of June 2012, Rostock, Germany.

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Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert die historische Entwicklung der Bioenergienutzung sowie deren aktuellen Stellenwert in der Energieversorgung Österreichs. In weiterer Folge werden auf Basis von Prognosen die zukünftige Entwicklung der Bioenergienutzung in Österreich sowie die damit einhergehenden Herausforderungen umrissen. Aktuelle Leuchtturmprojekte im Bioenergiesektor und Aspekte aus der österreichischen Bioenergieforschung ergänzen den Beitrag.

Ausgehend von der Analyse der historischen Entwicklung und der aktuellen Rolle der Erneuerbaren Energieträger im Allgemeinen wird der Stellenwert der Bioenergie im österreichischen Energiesystem insgesamt sowie in den Sektoren Wärme, elektrischer Strom und Treibstoffe im Detail diskutiert. Weiters werden die zukünftige Rolle der Bioenergie in Österreich und die Herausforderungen für den Ausbau der Bioenergienutzung umrissen. Exemplarisch wird die Rolle der Bioenergie für eine nachhaltige/regionale Energieversorgung des Burgenlands erörtert. Abschliessend werden Pilotprojekte im österreichischen Bioenergiesektor und die Strukturen der österreichischen Bioenergieforschung dargestellt.
Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Bioenergielösungen im Neubau

Schmidl C, Moser W, Reichert G. Bioenergielösungen im Neubau, Veranstaltung des Biomasseverbandes "Erneuerbare Wärme-Schlüssel zur Energiewende" 2013, 8th of May 2013, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Bioenergy and Microalgae - Research and networking activities at the Austrian competence centre BIOENERGY 2020+ with a special focus on Algae energy

Sonnleitner A, Bacovsky D, Wörgetter M. J –EraCenter, Workshop “Bioenergy and Microalgae - Research and networking activities at the Austrian competence centre BIOENERGY 2020+ with a special focus on Algae energy”, 21st of November, Vienna, Austria, 2013.

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Reports | 2019

Bioenergy in Austria

Bacovsky D, Matschegg D. Bioenergy in Austria. Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. 2019:52.

Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology

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Conference presentations and posters | 2019

Bioenergy retrofits for Europe´s industry - the BIOFIT project (Horizon 2020)

Reumerman P, Vos J, Rutz D, Janssen R, Bacovsky D, Gröngröft A, Saastamoinen H, Karampinis E, Ballesteros M, Johansson D, Kazagic A, Wanders M, Meeusen M, Hull A, Kiartzis S, Garcia J. Bioenergy retrofits for Europe´s industry - the BIOFIT project (Horizon 2020). 27th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (Poster). May 2019.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Bioenergy technologies, uses, market and future trends with Austria as a case study

Anca-Couce A, Hochenauer C, Scharler R. Bioenergy technologies, uses, market and future trends with Austria as a case study. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.2021;135:110237.

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The current bioenergy uses and conversion technologies as well as future trends for the production of heat, power, fuels and chemicals from biomass are reviewed. The focus is placed in Austria, which is selected due to its high bioenergy utilization, providing 18.4% of the gross energy final consumption in 2017, and its strong industrial and scientific position in the field. The most common bioenergy application in Austria is bioheat with 170 PJ in 2017 mainly obtained from woody biomass combustion, followed by biofuels with 21 PJ and bioelectricity with 17 PJ. Bioheat has a stable market, where Austrian manufacturers of boilers and stoves have a strong position exporting most of their production. Future developments in bioheat production should go in the line of further reducing emissions, increasing feedstock flexibility and coupling with other renewables. For bioelectricity and biofuels, the current framework does not promote the growth of the current main technologies, i.e. combined heat and power (CHP) based on biomass combustion or biogas and first generation biofuels. However, an increase in all bioenergy uses is required to achieve the Austrian plan to be climate neutral in 2040. The current initiatives and future possibilities to achieve this increase are presented and discussed, e.g. mandatory substitution of old oil boilers, production of biomethane and early commercialization of CHP with a high efficiency or demonstration of advanced biofuels production based on gasification.

Other Publications | 2019

BIOFIT – Bioenergieumrüstungen für Europas Industrie

Bacovsky D. BIOFIT – Bioenergieumrüstungen für Europas Industrie. Highlights der Energieforschung 2019. October 2019.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Biofuels for transport decarbonisation Country specific assessment for Finland, Sweden, Germany, USA and Brazil

Matschegg D, Biofuels for transport decarbonisation Country specific assessment for Finland, Sweden, Germany, USA and Brazil. 6th Central European Biomass Conference, 22-24 January 2020, Graz.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Biofuels in Austria – yesterday, today and tomorrow

Wörgetter M, Bacovsky D. Biofuels in Austria – yesterday, today and tomorrow, 20th International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels (ISAF) 2013, 25th-27th of March 2013, Cape Town, South Africa.

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Reports | 2016

Biofuels in transport

Bacovsky D. Biofuels in transport. WPC Guide to Biofuels. September 2016.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Biofuels RD&D in BIOENERGY 2020+

Bacovsky D. Biofuels RD&D in BIOENERGY 2020+, Eco-Mobility Conference 2013, 3rd-4th of October 2013, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biograce-II - Harmonised Greenhouse Gas Calculations for Electricity, Heating and Cooling from Biomass

Ludwiczek N, Bacovsky D, Neeft J. Biograce-II - Harmonised Greenhouse Gas Calculations for Electricity, Heating and Cooling from Biomass, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany. p 1359-1361.

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Other Publications | 2014

Biohydrogen Production Based on the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction in Wood Gas

Fail, S. Biohydrogen Production Based on the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction in Wood Gas, Ph.D. Thesis, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria, 2014.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Biological biogas upgrading capacity of a hydrogenotrophic community in a trickle-bed reactor

Rachbauer L, Voitl G, Bochmann G, Fuchs W. Biological biogas upgrading capacity of a hydrogenotrophic community in a trickle-bed reactor. Applied Energy. 15 October 2016;180: 483-490.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Biological Methanation Processes

Drosg B, Wellinger A. Biological Methanation Processes. 28th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (oral presentation) 2020.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass CHP Oberwart –Production of heat, power and valuable gases

Rauch R. Biomass CHP Oberwart –Production of heat, power and valuable gases, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass CHP Oberwart: Status and Future Potentials

Wilk V, Bosch K, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Biomass CHP Oberwart: Status and Future Potentials, 4th International Symposium on Gasification and its Applications (iSGA-4) 2014, 2nd-5th of September 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2011

Biomass combustion technologies – state-of-the-art and relevant future developments (keynote lecture)

Obernberger I. Biomass combustion technologies - state-of-the-art and relevant future developments (keynote lecture), Central European Biomass Conference 2011, 26th-29th of January 2011, Graz, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2008

Biomass Gasification CHP Plant Güssing: Research Centre for 2nd Generation Biofuels

Aichernig C, Hofbauer H, Pfeifer CH, Rauch R. Biomass Gasification CHP Plant Güssing: Research Centre for 2nd Generation Biofuels, 16th European Biomass Conference 2008, 2nd-6th of June 2008, Valencia, Spain. p 731-735.

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Other Publications | 2014

Biomass Gasification for Synthesis Gas Production and Applications of the Syngas

Rauch R, Hrbek J, Hofbauer H. Biomass gasification for synthesis gas production and applications of the syngas. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment. 2014;3(4):343-62.

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Synthesis gas from biomass can be produced and utilized in different ways. Conversion of biomass to synthesis gas can be done either in fluidized bed or entrained flow reactors. As gasification agent oxygen, steam, or mixtures are used. The most common use of biomass gasification in the last decades has been for heat and/or power production. Nowadays, the importance of transportation fuels from renewables is increased due to environmental aspects and growing fossil fuels prices. That is why the production of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) liquids, methanol, mixed alcohols, substitute natural gas (SNG), and hydrogen from biomass is now in focus of view. The most innovative and interesting ways of synthesis gas utilization and projects, BioTfueL or GoBiGas, BioLiq, Choren, etc. are discussed here. Further the microchannel technology by Oxford Catalysts and distributed production of SNG in decentral small scale are presented. The synthesis platform in Güssing, Austria is also presented. The FT liquids, hydrogen production, mixed alcohols, and BioSNG, these are the projects associated with the FICFB gasification plant in Güssing. Also the principle and examples of sorption-enhanced reforming to adjust H2/CO ratio in product gas during the gasification is described. Finally, in the conclusion also an outlook for the thermochemical pathway to transportation fuels is given. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:343-362. doi: 10.1002/wene.97 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass in the Common Roadmap

Haslinger W. Biomass in the Common Roadmap, Annual Event of European Technology Platform Renewable Heating and Cooling 2014, 22nd of May 2014, Brussels, Belgium.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Biomass Price Volatility - Analysis of the Historic Biomass and Energy Price volatility in the Austrian Market

Kristöfel C, Strasser C, Morawetz U, Schmidt J, Schmid E. Biomass Price Volatility - Analysis of the Historic Biomass and Energy Price volatility in the Austrian Market, 21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2013, 3rd-7th of June 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark. p 1721-1727.

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Several energy and agricultural commodities have experienced higher price volatility in recent years. Hence, the interest in food and energy security issues as well as price volatility has increased, particularly since the rise in food and energy commodity prices in 2007/2008. Volatility is associated with risk since higher price volatility leads to additional costs that are often shared and transmitted along the supply chain to the final consumers. Volatility of woody biomass prices is also possibly higher due to increased market dynamics and integration as well as renewable energy policy intervention. We compute historic price volatility using the standard deviation of log returns as well as univariate GARCH models and empirically analyze whether or not price volatility of woody biomass commodities has increased in recent years. We also compare the historic price volatility of woody biomass to the price volatility of agricultural commodities and fossil fuels. Results indicate that the price volatility of some woody biomass commodities has increased, but it is still lower than of agricultural biomass and fossil fuels.

Peer reviewed papers | 2020

Biomass pyrolysis TGA assessment with an international round robin

Anca-Couce A, Tsekos C, Retschitzegger S, Zimbardi F, Funke A, Banks S, Kraia T, Marques P, Scharler R, de Jong W, Kienzl N. Biomass pyrolysis TGA assessment with an international round robin.Fuel.2020;276:118002.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.118002

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The large variations found in literature for the activation energy values of main biomass compounds (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) in pyrolysis TGA raise concerns regarding the reliability of both the experimental and the modelling side of the performed works. In this work, an international round robin has been conducted by 7 partners who performed TGA pyrolysis experiments of pure cellulose and beech wood at several heating rates. Deviations of around 20 – 30 kJ/mol were obtained in the activation energies of cellulose, hemicellulose and conversions up to 0.9 with beech wood when considering all experiments. The following method was employed to derive reliable kinetics: to first ensure that pure cellulose pyrolysis experiments from literature can be accurately reproduced, and then to conduct experiments at different heating rates and evaluate them with isoconversional methods to detect experiments that are outliers and to validate the reliability of the derived kinetics and employed reaction models with a fitting routine. The deviations in the activation energy values for the cases that followed this method, after disregarding other cases, were of 10 kJ/mol or lower, except for lignin and very high conversions. This method is therefore proposed in order to improve the consistency of data acquisition and kinetic analysis of TGA for biomass pyrolysis in literature, reducing the reported variability.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Biomass steam gasification - A platform for synthesis gas applications

Rauch R. Biomass steam gasification - A platform for synthesis gas applications, IEA Bioenergy Conference 2012, 13th-15th of November 2012, Vienna, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Biomass-Based Heating and Hot Water Supply Systems for Prefabricated, High Energy Performance Houses: a Comparison of System Configurations and Control Strategies

Carlon E, Schwarz M, Prada A, Verma V, Baratieri M, Gasparella A, Schmidl C. Biomass-Based Heating and Hot Water Supply Systems for Prefabricated, High Energy Performance Houses: a Comparison of System Configurations and Control Strategies. 12th REHVA World Congress CLIMA 2016 (full paper review and oral presentation). 22 May 2016, Aalborg, Denmark.

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Nowadays prefabricated houses are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their low cost and high energy performance. Heating systems installed in these houses should be carefully designed and controlled, to ensure sufficient thermal comfort while maintaining low fuel consumptions. This study presents the simulation of different system configurations and control strategies for a pre-fabricated house, located in Lower Austria. The house is heated by a 6 kW pellet boiler directly connected to a floor heating system, in a configuration without buffer storage tank. Using the TRNSYS simulation suite, a coupled simulation of the house and its heating and hot water supply system was set up, calibrated and validated with reference to monitoring data. As monitoring data evidenced that the control strategy of the heating system is not ideal to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the whole day, two improved strategies were simulated over the heating season and evaluated in terms of thermal comfort, pellet consumption and boiler’s efficiency. Moreover, to better understand the influence of the system configuration, simulations have been repeated considering another heat distribution system (radiators instead of floor heating). Results show that the radiators’ network, if adequately controlled, reduces by 85% the total discomfort time. In addition, the pellet boiler mainly operates in load modulation regime, leading to lower pellet supply rates and therefore to lower pellet consumptions (18% less than floor heating). However, the lower operational loads and frequent ignitions result in a slightly lower efficiency of the pellet boiler (4% less than the configuration with floor heating.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Biomasse befeuerte automatische Öfen mittels Thermoelektrik

Höftberger E. Biomasse befeuerte automatische Öfen mittels Thermoelektrik, RENEXPO 2012, 29th of November-1st of December 2012, Salzburg, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Biomasse der Zukunft – Bioenergie der Zukunft?

Wopienka E. Biomasse der Zukunft – Bioenergie der Zukunft? Internationale Konferenz auf Schloss Weinzierl 2015, 29th of Januar 2015, Wieselburg, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Biomasse F&E Roadmap „Erneuerbares Heizen und Kühlen“

Haslinger W, Höftberger E, Schmidl C, Strasser C, Wörgetter M, Kranzl L. Biomasse F&E Roadmap „Erneuerbares Heizen und Kühlen“, Highlights der Energieforschung. Erneuerbares Heizen und Kühlen 2012, 19th of April 2012, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2008

Biomassekleinfeuerungen – Überblick und Darstellung innovativer Entwicklungen

Haslinger W, Griesmayr S, Pointner CH, Friedl G. Biomassekleinfeuerungen – Überblick und Darstellung innovativer Entwicklungen, 8. Industrieforum Pellets 2008 / 8th Pellets Industry Forum 2008, 28th – 29th of October 2008, Stuttgart, Germany.

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This paper briefly discusses the relevance of small-scale biomass combustion systems for European renewable energy policy. Moreover, the state-of-the-art of modern small-scale biomass combustion systems is presented. The different technologies are reviewed regarding emissions and efficiency for different biomass. On-going developments and innovative approaches are presented and discussed.

Conference presentations and posters | 2019

Biomassevergasung als künftige Säule der Gasversorgung in Österreich

Strasser C. Biomassevergasung als künftige Säule der Gasversorgung in Österreich. 10. Internationale Anwenderkonferenz Biomassevergasung. Dec 2019.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2019

Biomassevergasung als künftige Säule der Gasversorgung in Österreich?

Strasser C. Biomassevergasung als künftige Säule der Gasversorgung in Österreich?. 10. Internationale Anwenderkonferenz Biomassevergasung. December 2019

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

BioMaxEff – Cost efficient biomass boiler systems with maximum annual efficiency and lowest emissions

Haslinger W, et al. BioMaxEff – Cost efficient biomass boiler systems with maximum annual efficiency and lowest emissions, 20th European Biomass Conference 2012, 18th-22nd of June 2012, Milano, Italy.

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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

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

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

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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 | 2019

C200600_1 - Experimental Campaign Summer 2019

Fürsatz K, Kuba M, Karel T, Priscak J. C200600_1 - Experimental Campaign Summer 2019. Report on experimental test runs. November 2019.

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Reports | 2020

C200600_2 - Fluidization experiments February 2020

Fürsatz K, Kuba M. C200600_2 - Fluidization experiments February 2020. Bericht Versuchskampagne. February 2020

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Other Publications | 2014

Can bioavailability of trace elements be measured in AD systems?

Ortner M, Rachbauer L, Somitsch W, Bochmann G, Fuchs W. Can bioavailability of trace elements be measured in AD systems? Biogas Science 2014, International Conference on Anaerobic Digestion 26th–30th of October 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2013

Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in an AD process?

Ortner M, Rachbauer L, Somitsch W, Fuchs W. Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in an AD process? Bioenergy Conference 2013, 4th-6th of September 2013, Jyväskylä, Finnland.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in anaerobic digestion?

Ortner M, Rachbauer L, Somitsch W, Fuchs W. Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in anaerobic digestion? Appl Energy. 2014;126:190-8.

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Trace nutrients significantly affect the microbial metabolic activity within anaerobic digestion processes but always imply the risk of overdosing of heavy metals. In this study the applicability of a sequential extraction scheme established for soil and sediment samples on biogas slurries with different compositions was tested and compared to an adapted version of this extraction method. The analytical results proved the successful applicability of the developed analytical technique for the speciation of trace nutrients in anaerobic digestion systems. The procedure fulfills the basic requirements of reproducible data, a time-saving analytical approach and economic feasibility. Recovery rates of 90-110% were obtained for the most important trace elements Fe, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni and Zn. However, it was demonstrated that the adapted method provides more reliable information about the bioavailable fractions and it is considered the more appropriate approach. Data on fractionation indicated that up to 76% of these essential trace nutrients might be present in an insoluble state. Depending on the specific trace element a significant fraction, from 30% to more than 70%, is not directly bioavailable. This important aspect should be considered to guarantee sufficient supply of the microbial consortium with trace elements and at the same time to avoid overdosage. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Carbon Footprint of Sorting for a Middle-Caloric Fraction After Mechanical-Biological Treatment

Rixrath D, Piringer G, Ragoßnig AM, Meirhofer M. Carbon Footprint of Sorting for a Middle-Caloric Fraction After Mechanical-Biological Treatment, ISWA Annual Congress Florence 2012, 17th-19th of September 2012, Florence, Italy. (peer reviewed)

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Management of municipal and commercial waste in Austria frequently involves mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) followed by incineration. A middle-caloric MBT output stream (lower heating value (LHV) = 9.90 MJ/kg WW, particle size = 20-80 mm) with a high proportion of inert material like stones, bricks, and metals (40.5 %m) is currently incinerated. Under favorable market conditions, it could be economically advantageous to split off a low-caloric heavy fraction (HF) that can be landfilled and to incinerate only the remaining, lighter fraction (LF) with a higher heating value. This study analyzes the specific global-warming potential (100-year GWP per tonne of input waste) of such an additional separation step and of the subsequent treatment processes. Four treatment alternatives were considered: a reference scenario without separation and three separation scenarios – a near-infrared (NIR) sensor-based scenario, an X-ray-transmission (XRT) sensor-based scenario, and a mechanical separation scenario using a diagonal sifter (DS). To calculate the specific GWP, the analysis applied techniques from life-cycle assessment (LCA). Primary data were obtained from pilot-scale and full-scale separation experiments, and from equipment manufacturers. Commercial databases provided secondary data. The results consist of separate LCA models for each scenario, including credits for fossil fuels replaced by LF incineration and HF landfill gas utilization. When only direct separation-related emissions are considered, the DS separation has by far the lowest specific GWP, followed by NIR-based separation, and by XRT-based separation. Overall specific GWP is strongly influenced by the choice of separation technology. It is lowest for the XRT scenario, followed closely by the reference scenario, while the DS and NIR scenarios show considerably higher results. Results are dominated by the net emissions from LF incineration. While incineration emissions are largely compensated by credits from replaced fossil fuels, credits for landfill gas utilization are much smaller than direct landfilling emissions. The ranking of the separation scenarios is largely determined by three waste stream characteristics: the ratio of biogenic to fossil carbon content and the LHV in the LF, and the degradable biogenic carbon content in the HF. Changes in important modeling assumptions leave the ranking between scenarios unchanged. It can be concluded that – given the right choice of
separation technology – a small positive effect of sorting on the overall specific GWP is feasible. This
work demonstrates that global warming effects of waste treatment decisions can be estimated and
considered early in the planning stage of treatment system design.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Carbon Footprint of Sorting for a Middle-Caloric Fraction After Mechanical-Biological Treatment

Rixrath D, Piringer G, Ragoßnig AM, Meirhofer M. Carbon Footprint of Sorting for a Middle-Caloric Fraction After Mechanical-Biological Treatment, ISWA Annual Congress Florence 2012, 18th of September 2012, Florence, Italy.

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