Publikationen

Other papers | 2017

Influence of Calcium-rich Coatings on the Catalytic Activity of Bed Materials in CO2-Gasification of Biomass

Kuba M, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Influence of Calcium-rich Coatings on the Catalytic Activity of Bed Materials in CO2-Gasification of Biomass. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (poster). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Influence of coated olivine on the conversion of intermediate products from decomposition of biomass tars during gasification

Kuba M, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Influence of coated olivine on the conversion of intermediate products from decomposition of biomass tars during gasification. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 1 March 2017;7(1): 11-21.

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Steam gasification of solid biomass in dual fluidized bed systems is a suitable technology for the production of chemicals, fuels for transportation, electricity, and district heating. Interaction between biomass ash and bed material leads to the development of Ca-rich bed particle layers. Furthermore, incomplete decomposition of biomass leads to the formation of tar components; among these are stable intermediate products such as 1H-indene and stable gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane. In this work, the influence of bed particle layers on the conversion of intermediate products such as 1H-indene and methane via steam reforming was investigated by conducting experiments in a lab-scale test rig. Satisfying conversion of 1H-indene into gaseous molecules (e.g., CO, CO2, H2) was achieved with used, layered olivine, whereas fresh olivine showed significantly poorer performance. Since steam reforming was connected to the water-gas-shift reaction for the tested hydrocarbons, investigations regarding carbon monoxide conversion in the presence of steam were conducted as well. Furthermore, a comparison of the influence of fresh and used bed material concerning the conversion of methane is presented, showing that methane is not affected by the bed material, independent of the presence of particle layers.
 

Conference presentations and posters | 2011

Influence of combustion conditions on the genotoxic potential of fine particle emissions from small-scale wood combustion

Brunner T, Kelz J, Obernberger I, Javala P, Hirvonen M. Influence of combustion conditions on the genotoxic potential of fine particle emissions from small-scale wood combustion, Central European Biomass Conference 2011, 26th-29th of January 2011, Graz, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2018

Influence of drag laws on pressure and bed material recirculation rate in a cold flow model of an 8 MW dual fluidized bed system by means of CPFD

Kraft S, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Influence of drag laws on pressure and bed material recirculation rate in a cold flow model of an 8 MW dual fluidized bed system by means of CPFD. Particuology, February 2018;36:70-81.

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A cold flow model of an 8 MW dual fluidized bed (DFB) system is simulated using the commercial computational particle fluid dynamics (CPFD) software package Barracuda. The DFB system comprises a bubbling bed connected to a fast fluidized bed with the bed material circulating between them. As the hydrodynamics in hot DFB plants are complex because of high temperatures and many chemical reaction processes, cold flow models are used. Performing numerical simulations of cold flows enables a focus on the hydrodynamics as the chemistry and heat and mass transfer processes can be put aside. The drag law has a major influence on the hydrodynamics, and therefore its influence on pressure, particle distribution, and bed material recirculation rate is calculated using Barracuda and its results are compared with experimental results. The drag laws used were energy-minimization multiscale (EMMS), Ganser, Turton–Levenspiel, and a combination of Wen–Yu/Ergun. Eleven operating points were chosen for that study and each was calculated with the aforementioned drag laws. The EMMS drag law best predicted the pressure and distribution of the bed material in the different parts of the DFB system. For predicting the bed material recirculation rate, the Ganser drag law showed the best results. However, the drag laws often were not able to predict the experimentally found trends of the bed material recirculation rate. Indeed, the drag law significantly influences the hydrodynamic outcomes in a DFB system and must be chosen carefully to obtain meaningful simulation results. More research may enable recommendations as to which drag law is useful in simulations of a DFB system with CPFD.

Other papers | 2009

Influence of dry and humid gaseous atmosphere on the thermal decomposition of calcium chloride and its impact on the remove of heavy metals by chlorination

Fraissler G, Jöller M, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Influence of dry and humid gaseous atmosphere on the thermal decomposition of calcium chloride and its impact on the remove of heavy metals by chlorination. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification. 2009;48(1):380-8.

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Other papers | 2015

Influence of ethylene on the formation of mixed alcohols over a MoS2 catalyst using biomass-derived synthesis gas

Weber G, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Influence of ethylene on the formation of mixed alcohols over a MoS2 catalyst using biomass-derived synthesis gas. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 2015;5(1):85-94.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Influence of firebed temperature on particle emissions in a residential wood pellet boiler

Gehrig M, Jäger D, Pelz SK, Weissinger A, Groll A, Thorwarth H, Haslinger W. Influence of firebed temperature on particle emissions in a residential wood pellet boiler. Atmospheric Environment. July 2016;136: 61-67.

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The crucial point in inorganic particle formation from biomass combustion is the temperature-dependent release of inorganic compounds, especially potassium (K). Currently, common wood fuels comprise of a comparatively low amount of K, but the increased usage of wood energy requires new feedstocks in the future. Potentially new feedstocks, such as short rotation coppice (SRC), fuels from agriculture (e.g., straw), or wood from broad-leafed trees of low rotation, contain usually high ash contents and/or high K concentrations. Apparently, these feedstocks will cause increased inorganic particle emissions from biomass combustion processes. The principle of a decreased firebed temperature as a primary measure aiming at a retention of K in the ashes of the firebed is a common approach for particle emission reduction and was investigated in several previous studies. The present study describes the usage of an ash-rich fuel from SRC pellets made from willow in a residential pellet boiler modified with an unique prototype of direct water-based firebed cooling. This test setup enables the study of the isolated impact of decreased firebed temperatures and its influence on the combustion process and emissions as well. A statistically significant effect of the firebed cooling on temperatures below the burner plate as on gaseous HCl and SO2 was found. The high ash content of the used fuel limited the effectiveness of the applied direct firebed cooling in residential biomass combustion. The accumulation of a thick and thermal insulating ash layer above the burner plate decreased the heat transfer, limited the cooling efficiency, and revealed deviations from the expected particle formation process.

Conference presentations and posters | 2019

Influence of fuel ash and bed material on the water-gas-shift equilibrium in DFB steam gasification

Fürsatz K, Fuchs J, Bartik A, Kuba M, Hofbauer H. Influence of fuel ash and bed material on the water-gas-shift equilibrium in DFB steam gasification. ICPS 2019.

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The bed material chosen for dual fluidized bed steam gasification has an important effect on the performance of gasification. Depending on their characteristics and properties, bed materials can have either a higher or lower catalytic activity, which influences the product gas composition as well as the tar content in the product gas. More catalytically active bed materials, like limestone and olivine, improve the quality of the product gas by e.g. promoting the water-gas-shift reaction and tar reforming reaction. The layers formed on the bed material are another aspect influencing the product gas composition. These layers are formed by the interaction of bed material and fuel ash. The deviation from the water-gas-shift equilibrium was chosen to quantify the effect of several bed materials and ash layers on the catalytic activity. The bed materials tested were K-feldspar, limestone, and activated olivine, while the used fuels were softwood, chicken manure, a bark – chicken manure mixture, and a bark –straw – chicken manure mixture. The performed experiments showed that an increased catalytic activity can be achieved by either using a catalytically active bed materials or ash-rich fuels.

 

Other papers | 2013

Influence of fuel feeding positions on gasification in dual fluidized bed gasifiers

Wilk V, Schmid JC, Hofbauer H. Influence of fuel feeding positions on gasification in dual fluidized bed gasifiers. Biomass Bioenergy. 2013;54:46-58.

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An in-bed and an on-bed feeding system are implemented in a dual fluidized bed gasifier in order to investigate the influence of the fuel feeding position on the gasification process. Two bed materials, fresh and used olivine, are used because of their varying catalytic activity. The comparison of in-bed and on-bed feeding of wood pellets shows that in-bed feeding is more favorable, because lower tar concentrations are achieved and the gas composition is closer to water-gas shift equilibrium. Better mixing of bed material and fuel particles occurs with in-bed feeding. The residence time of the gas phase in the fluidized bed is longer in the case of in-bed feeding, and therefore better performance of the gasifier is achieved. Sufficient residence time of the fuel in the bubbling bed is important when a less active bed material is used. More active bed material is capable of compensating for the shorter residence time of the gas phase in contact with bed material during on-bed feeding. •Experimental investigation of in-bed and on-bed feeding.•Two bed materials (catalytic activity) and two fuels (devolatilization behavior).•In-bed feeding more favorable due to lower tar concentration and better gas quality.•Residence time of the gas phase in the fluidized bed is longer during in-bed feeding.•More active bed material compensates for shorter residence time of the gas phase. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Other papers | 2013

Influence of fuel particle size on gasification in a dual fluidized bed steam gasifier

Wilk V, Hofbauer H. Influence of fuel particle size on gasification in a dual fluidized bed steam gasifier. Fuel Process Technol. 2013;115:139-51.

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The influence of the distribution of fuel particle size on steam gasification was studied systematically in a dual fluidized bed gasifier. Pilot plant gasification experiments have been conducted using sawdust and pellets produced from the same raw material. Three different kinds of waste wood with a broad particle size distribution were also considered for comparison. The fuels differ in their content of particles smaller than 1 mm of equivalent diameter. With an increasing proportion of particles smaller than 1 mm, the product gas contained less H2 and more CO and CH4. Less product gas was generated and the concentration of tar increased. It is observed that entrainment of small fuel particles plays an important role in the dual fluidized bed gasifier. Based on the superficial gas velocity in the freeboard of the gasification reactor, a limiting diameter for the entrainment of fuel particles can be determined. Under the conditions investigated a total of 22 wt.% of fuel particles present in the mixture of sawdust and pellets was entrained very rapidly after feeding because of their size. They mainly devolatilize in the freeboard and only have limited contact with the catalytic bed material. Therefore, these volatiles are less likely to be reformed and more tar is found in the product gas. As a conclusion, the particle size determines the region where the thermal conversion of the fuel particle mainly takes place: within the fluidized bed or in the freeboard. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
 

Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Influence of Heterogeneous Secondary Reactions during Slow Pyrolysis on Char Oxidation Reactivity of Woody Biomass

Anca-Couce A, Dieguez-Alonso A, Zobel N, Berger A, Kienzl N, Behrendt F. Influence of Heterogeneous Secondary Reactions during Slow Pyrolysis on Char Oxidation Reactivity of Woody Biomass. Energy and Fuels. 16 March 2017;31(3): 2335-2344.

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The influence of heterogeneous secondary reactions on char oxidation reactivity, which can take place during slow pyrolysis processes in a woody biomass particle, is analyzed in this study. To this end, the oxidative behavior of primary char produced in a thermobalance with initial wood masses of a few milligrams is compared to the behavior of char produced under conditions enhancing secondary reactions, i.e., large particle and bed sizes in fixed-bed reactors. The influence of the maximum conversion temperature, heating rate, and catalytic effect of inorganics is also studied to compare the effect of each parameter. Results show that a significant reduction in reactivity takes place when char is produced under conditions enhancing these secondary reactions during pyrolysis. The effect is of similar order as the effect as a result of thermal annealing at 900 °C or the catalytic effect of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Therefore, the presence of heterogeneous secondary reactions during pyrolysis should be taken into account in studies addressing biomass char reactivity. Furthermore, it is shown that the reduction of reactivity as a result of secondary reactions is related to neither the loss of oxygen-containing functional groups nor the potential blocking of pores, specially micropores, resulting from the formation of this secondary char. The explanation may, therefore, lie on the deactivation or blocking of active sites by the secondary char.

Other Publications | 2016

Influence of leak tightness and heat storage capacity of biomass room heating appliances on thermal efficiency

Sturmlechner R, Reichert G, Stressler H, Aigenbauer S, Schmidl C, Schwabl M, Haslinger W. Influence of leak tightness and heat storage capacity of biomass room heating appliances on thermal efficiency. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (poster). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2012

Influence of operating conditions on the performance of biomass-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Sauciuc A, Abosteif Z, Weber G, Potetz A, Rauch R, Hofbauer H, Schaub G, Dumitrescu L. Influence of operating conditions on the performance of biomass-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Biomass Conversion. 2012;2(3):253-263.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Influence of pellet length on performance of pellet room heaters under real life operation conditions

Wöhler M, Jaeger D, Reichert G, Schmidl C, Pelz SK. Influence of pellet length on performance of pellet room heaters under real life operation conditions. Renewable Energy. 1 May 2017;105: 66-75.

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Wood pellet combustion for heating is increasing in importance in Europe. However, the most commonly used heating appliances such as wood pellet stoves are responsible for emissions which could negatively affect human health. The emissions quality of pellet stoves is influenced by pellet properties and combustion phase characteristics. The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of pellet length on the performance of pellets stoves under real life operation conditions. Three softwood pellet samples were produced, differing only in length. Combustion tests with two different types of pellet stoves were performed in steady and non-steady combustion phases. Gaseous and particulate emissions as well as fuel mass flow were measured. Results show a reduced fuel mass flow (up to 36%) into the combustion chamber for long pellets compared to short pellets. The results of the combustion tests show a considerable influence of pellet length on the performance of both pellet stoves. For example, carbon monoxide emissions and particulate emissions of one stove in nominal load operation increased for long pellets compared to short pellets from 185 mg/m3 to 882 mg/m3, and from 27 mg/m3 to 37 mg/m3 respectively. Results also show a considerable influence of the combustion phase on the emissions level.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Influence of physical properties of the feedstock on gasification in a dual fluidized bed steam gasifier

Wilk V, Hofbauer H. Influence of physical properties of the feedstock on gasification in a dual fluidized bed steam gasifier, International Conference on Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) 2012, 3rd-6th of June 2012, Naples, Italy. p 979-804. (peer reviewed)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Influence of sampling rate for gravimetric determination of PM concentrations of a small scale pellet stove

Reichert G. Influence of sampling rate for gravimetric determination of PM concentrations of a small scale pellet stove, Conference ”Dust measuring procedures for small biomass furnaces” 2012, 7th of November 2012, Berlin, Germany.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Influence of solvent temperature and type on naphthalene solubility for tar removal in a dual fluidized bed biomass gasification process

Tonpakdee P, Hongrapipat J, Siriwongrungson V, Rauch R, Pang S, Thaveesri J, Messner M, Kuba M, Hofbauer H. Influence of solvent temperature and type on naphthalene solubility for tar removal in a dual fluidized bed biomass gasification process. Current Applied Science and Technology. 2021.21(4):751-76.

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Tar condensation is a cause of blockage in downstream application of the gasification process. An oil scrubber is considered as an effective method for tar removal. In this research, the naphthalene solubility in different local Thai oils and water was investigated in a laboratory-scale test-rig. The solubility value was conducted at 30, 50, 70, and 80°C. Biodiesels investigated were rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and two different palm methyl esters (PME 1 and PME 2). Furthermore, vegetable oils including sunflower oil, rice bran oil, crude palm oil, and refined palm oil were examined. The results showed that higher temperature enhanced naphthalene solubility in all types of investigated oils. Biodiesel has the highest value of naphthalene solubility. All scrubbing oils have similar naphthalene solubility trends at the temperature range of 50-80°C in the order of RME > PME 1 > PME 2 > diesel > sunflower oil > refined palm oil > rice bran oil > crude palm oil. Based on these experimental investigations, PME 1 has a naphthalene solubility value similar to RME. Therefore, PME 1 has been selected to be tested as scrubbing solvent in the 1 MWel prototype dual fluidized gasifier located in Nong Bua district, Nakhon Sawan province, Thailand.

Other papers | 2017

Influence of sulfur components on the catalytic mixed alcohol synthesis based on wood gas derived from biomass steam

Binder, M., Rauch, R., Koch, M., Summers, M., Aichernig, C., and Hofbauer, H.: Influence of sulfur components on the catalytic mixed alcohol synthesis based on wood gas derived from biomass steam. In: Proceedings of the 25th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 12 - 15 June 2017, Stockholm, Sweden.

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Other Publications | 2013

Innovative Energietechnologien in Österreich - Marktentwicklung 2013

Biermayr P, Eberl M, Enigl M, Rechner H, Kristöfel C, Leonhartsberger K, Maringer F, Moidl S, Strasser C, Weiss W, Wörgetter M. Innovative Energietechnologien in Österreich – Marktentwicklung. Berichte aus Energie und Umweltforschung. 2013:26.

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Other papers | 2017

Innovative flexible grate solutions for future biomass combustion appliances

Feldmeier, S., Wopienka, E., Schwarz, M., Mehrabian Bardar, R.: Innovative flexible grate solutions for future biomass combustion appliances. (European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2017, Stockholm).

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The energetic utilization of alternative fuels (short rotation coppice, miscanthus), agricultural by-products (straw, corn cobs) or biomass residues (nut shells, coffee grounds) becomes of increasing interest. Due to variations in fuel properties – and the ash content in particular – biomass fuels considerably influence the conditions in the combustion zone and especially in the fuel bed. Usually, state-of-the-art combustion appliances are optimized for a particular fuel quality and typically approved only for utilization of standardized wood pellets or wood chips. Research activities within the GrateAdvance project focus on fuel flexible grate technologies being capable of adapting conditions in the combustion zone by a systematic and targeted adjustment of grate parameters in order to minimize emissions and slagging problems, thus setting the basis for a new generation of biomass technologies. Moreover, a novel control concept will ensure optimal combustion conditions for any biomass fuel, and specifically adjust to relevant fuel properties.

Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Innovative laboratory unit for pre-testing of oxygen carriers for chemical-looping combustion

Fleiss B, Fuchs J, Penthor S, Arlt S, Pachler R, Müller S, Hofbauer H. Innovative laboratory unit for pre-testing of oxygen carriers for chemical-looping combustion. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 2021

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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 an oxygen carrier (OC) and acts in a dual fluidized bed as a separation tool and supplies the fuel with oxygen, which as an oxidation medium causes combustion to CO2 and H2O. The use of solid fuels, especially biomass, is the focus of current investigations. The OC plays a key role, because it must meet special requirements for solid fuels, which are different to gaseous fuels. The ash content, special reaction mechanisms, and increased abrasion make research into new types of OC essential. Preliminary testing of OC before their use in larger plants regarding their suitability is recommended. For this reason, this work shows the design and the results of a laboratory reactor, which was planned and built for fundamental investigation of OC. Designed as a transient fluidized bed, the reactor, equipped with its own fuel conveying system and an in situ solid sampling, is intended to be particularly suitable for cheap and rapid pre-testing of OC materials. During the tests, it was shown that the sampling device enables non-selective sampling. Different OC were tested under various operating conditions, and their ability to convert different fuels could be quantified. The results indicate that OC can be sufficiently investigated to recommend operation in larger plants.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Innovative room heating technologies

Schmidl C. Innovative room heating technologies, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Input data reduction for microgrid sizing and energy cost modeling: Representative days and demand charges

Fahy K, Stadler M, Pecenak ZK, Kleissl J. Input data reduction for microgrid sizing and energy cost modeling: Representative days and demand charges. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. 2019.11:065301

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Computational time in optimization models scales with the number of time steps. To save time, solver time resolution can be reduced and input data can be down-sampled into representative periods such as one or a few representative days per month. However, such data reduction can come at the expense of solution accuracy. In this work, the impact of reduction of input data is systematically isolated considering an optimization which solves an energy system using representative days. A new data reduction method aggregates annual hourly demand data into representative days which preserve demand peaks in the original profiles. The proposed data reduction approach is tested on a real energy system and real annual hourly demand data where the system is optimized to minimize total annual costs. Compared to the full-resolution optimization of the energy system, the total annual energy cost error is found to be equal or less than 0.22% when peaks in customer demand are preserved. Errors are significantly larger for reduction methods that do not preserve peak demand. Solar photovoltaic data reduction effects are also analyzed. This paper demonstrates a need for data reduction methods which consider demand peaks explicitly.

 

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Integrated carbon capture (CC), field tests and further perspectives in industrial

Martini S. Integrated carbon capture (CC), field tests and further perspectives in industrial, 5 th international Freiberg Conference on IGCC & XtL Technologies 2012, 21st-24th of May 2012, Leipzig, Germany.

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Other papers | 2014

Integrating mitigation and adaptation into development: The case of Jatropha curcas in sub-Saharan Africa

Muys B, Norgrove L, Alamirew T, Birech R, Chirinian E, Delelegn Y, et al. Integrating mitigation and adaptation into development: The case of Jatropha curcas in sub-Saharan Africa. GCB Bioenergy. 2014;6(3):169-71.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Integrating steam gasification into established infrastructure in the pulp and paper industry

Karl T, Integrating steam gasification into established infrastructure in the pulp and paper industry. 6th Central European Biomass Conference, 22-24 January 2020, Graz.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Integration Aspects in the Next Generation of CHP Plants Based on Gasification

Rauch R. Integration Aspects in the Next Generation of CHP Plants Based on Gasification, International Seminar on Gasification 2012, 18th-19th of October 2012, Stockholm, Sweden.

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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

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Peer reviewed papers | 2021

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. 23 Dec 2021

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The pulp and paper industry represents an industry sector which is characterised by its already high degree of sustainability. Biomass is a renewable input material, and typically highly developed recovery cycles minimise the loss of chemicals used in the pulping process. However, certain parts of the recovery cycle are still operated on fossil fuels. This study deals with the substitution of the fossil-based gaseous fuel with product gas from biomass gasification.

Gasification experiments have shown that bark available at pulp and paper mills is suitable to produce a product gas via dual fluidised bed steam gasification as a promising substitute for natural gas. Based on the comparison of process layouts regarding the separation of non-process elements, separation efficiency is derived for different setups. To ensure operational security of the chemical recovery cycle, comprehensive gas cleaning including heat exchangers, a particle filter, and a liquid scrubber unit is advised. The gas flow of fuel gas into the gas burner is increased as the heating value of the product gas is accordingly lower in comparison to natural gas. Furthermore, adaptions of the gas burner might be necessary to address the earlier ignition of the H2-rich product gas compared to natural gas.

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

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Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Integration of market aspects into material development: approach and exemplification for a wood composite

Fuhrmann M, Schwarzbauer P, Hesser F. Integration of market aspects into material development: approach and exemplification for a wood composite. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-021-01697-z

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Due to a variety of applications and complex requirements in specific fields of use, the number of different materials is increasing. Thereof, the majority fails at the stage of market introduction, because the focus of material development is mostly on technical aspects, while market aspects are often neglected. One possible way of market introduction is material substitution. Thereby, requirements a material needs to meet are well known. However, a certain market focus on material development would be helpful regarding the final goal of the customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study presents an approach, which aims at guiding the technical material development and thus starts one stage earlier than most other studies, which focus on market introduction. A multi-stage approach helps integrating market aspects into material development, using the following methods: (1) method of Ashby to compare materials from a technical point of view and identify theoretically substitutable material groups and potential applications, (2) market data research and comparison for the identification of attractive markets, (3) method of Kano to classify material requirements and prioritize the optimization of material properties to satisfy the customers in selected markets. This approach is showcased and discussed using the example of an innovative wood composite under development, where it represented an aiding tool for guiding the further material development. An adaptation to any other material is possible at each of the three stages, although there are some limitations, which have to be considered, for example the selection of technical properties for the material comparison.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Integration of Oxidative Honeycomb Catalysts in Firewood Stoves - Perfomance Analysis, Safety Aspects and Long Term Durability

Reichert G, Schmidl C, Schwabl M, Stressler H, Sturmlechner R, Haslinger W. Integration of Oxidative Honeycomb Catalysts in Firewood Stoves - Perfomance Analysis, Safety Aspects and Long Term Durability, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2010

Integration of Sensor Based Sorting in the Mechanical Treatment of Municipal and Commercial Waste

Brooks L, Ragossnig A, Meirhofer M, Pieber S. Integration of Sensor Based Sorting in the Mechanical Treatment of Municipal and Commercial Waste, Orbit 2010, 29th of June-3rd of July 2010, Heraklion, Crete.

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Due to the Austrian legal framework provided by the landfill ordinance from 1996 which has been fully implemented by January 1st 2009, waste with an organic content higher than 5% TOC (total organic carbon) must not be dumped without prior treatment in order to avoid greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Besides thermal treatment also mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) has been enabled by the regulator as an eligible treatment approach, whereby waste to be dumped must comply with the threshold of 6,600 kJ/kg DM (dry mass) stipulated for the upper caloric value. This is a tough challenge due to the high energy content of plastic, paper, cardboard and wood components which are still contained in the low caloric output fraction of the MBT of municipal and commercial waste as those materials have a much higher upper caloric value. From the resource conservation point of view the utilization of these waste components for energetic purposes is desirable too.
The implementation of the legal framework as one measure battling climate change as well as constantly rising energy prices have caused a change from pure waste management with the intention to reduce the organic content in waste, to the point where high caloric components have become a substitute for fossil fuels in certain sectors of industries (cement industry, pulp & paper industry, steel works, etc). Using waste derived or so-called refuse derived fuel (RDF) demands high purity in order to secure environmental standards as well as product quality and therefore process related requirements have to be met. This can be achieved by 1) qualified selection of the waste streams into the treatment plants and 2) by processing technologies allowing the separation of wanted/unwanted waste components within the plant concept. In cooperation with a regional waste management company, responsible for the treatment and disposal of 82,000 t/a of municipal and commercial waste and operator of a MBT plant as well as a landfill, further processing of a specific output waste stream from the MBT plant was analysed in order to allow an optimized routing of the output streams including the energetic utilization of high caloric components and landfilling of low caloric and inert components. Experiments using the innovative treatment technology of sensor based sorting were conducted with a waste stream characterized by 59 % high caloric components (polymers, paper and cardboard, wood), 8 % other organic components, 27 % inert waste, 3 % metals and 3 % other waste (textiles, fine fraction < 20 mm, hazardous waste). The particle size of that particular waste stream is 20-80 mm. The sorting machine was a NIR (near infrared) multiplex sensor based sorting system with a wavelength of 1,400-1,900 nm in pilot scale. Results showed that by varying the parameters air pressure (bar), scanning speed (Hz), blow out time (ms) and the evaluation of spectra, about 76 % of polymers, 86 % of wood and 96 % of paper and cardboard of the input fractions could be separated from the inorganic waste stream. The remaining components were inert waste (53%), metals (3 %), other waste (textiles, contaminated waste, fine fraction < 20 mm) (3 %), but also dark polymers (12 %), undefined organics (e.g. fruits, vegetables) (9%) and still 20 % of polymers, wood, paper and cardboards. Due to the high portion of organic components and dark polymers in the stream, the threshold of 6,600 kJ/kg DM defined for waste to be landfilled could not be met. Further experiments with a more sensitive sorting system, a spectral imaging technology (wavelength up to 2,500 nm), are planned, supposing that the rejection rate of dark polymers could be increased. Theoretical considerations have shown that in that case the threshold could be met.

Other Publications | 2012

Integration vom Hydroprocessing in die Fischer-Tropsch Synthese

Götz, F. Integration vom Hydroprocessing in die Fischer-Tropsch Synthese, Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria, 2012.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Integration von Biogas in Bioprozesse - Nährstoffrückführung und Energiegewinnung

Drosg B. Integration von Biogas in Bioprozesse - Nährstoffrückführung und Energiegewinnung. 6th Central European Biomass Conference (oral presentation). 2020.

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Other papers | 2014

Integration von Oxidationskatalysatoren in Holzöfen

Reichert G, Schmidl C. Integration von Oxidationskatalysatoren in Holzöfen, 13. Holzenergiesymposium 2014, 12th of September 2014, Zürich, Schweiz. pp 77-92. (peer reviewed)

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Batch-wise operated wood stoves for room heating purposes are popular and widespread in Europe. Beside economic and ecological reasons they are also very important for reaching the European CO2 emission targets. However, since they contribute significantly to harmful gaseous as well as particulate emissions, they have to be optimized towards clear emission reduction in real life operation. Catalysts integrated in wood stoves can significantly contribute to reach this target. The results of this study showed an emission reduction potential of
integrated ceramic and metallic honeycomb catalysts of around 30 % to 99 %. Thereby the highest reduction potential was investigated for CO emissions (reduction rate 75 % to 99 %), followed by reductions of VOC emissions (reduction rate 40 % to 60 %) and reductions of PM emissions of around 30 % to 40 %. Long term tests and safety test series lead to the conclusion that integrated catalysts have to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent blocking and to guarantee optimal reduction performance.

Other Publications | 2014

Integration von Thermogeneratoren in einen Scheitholzofen zur Eigenstromversorgung der automatischen Luftklappenregelung

Mair, C. Integration von Thermogeneratoren in einen Scheitholzofen zur Eigenstromversorgung der automatischen Luftklappenregelung, Diploma Thesis, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria, 2014.

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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.

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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 | 2017

Intelligent Heat Networks: First Results of an Energy-Information-Cost-Model

Lichtenegger K, Hoeftberger E, Schmidl C, Woess D, Proell T, Halmdienst C. Intelligent Heat Networks: First Results of an Energy-Information-Cost-Model. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks. September 2017;11: 1-12.

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Integrating additional renewable heat sources into district heating networks can have several beneficial effects, but it also requires more sophisticated control strategies than supply by only one central plant. In this article, we study the integration of prosumers (i.e. buildings which have both the capacity to produce and the need to consume energy, here heat) into heat distribution grids.

This study is performed with a simplified model, based on energy and information flows. The prosumers can act autonomously, based on a price communicated by the central heat plant. This price is determined based on the benefit for the network by additional heat feed-in and is regularly updated. This leads to an interlocking of a physical/technical and an economic feedback loop. The control parameters are optimized by using a stochastic optimization algorithm, based on simulation runs for one typical week in winter, spring and summer.

We compare the results with standard setups (heat network with only consumers, central heat generation and additional heat-producing building disconnected from the grid) and obtain an improvement concerning fuel consumption in most and concerning emissions in many situations. While economic benefits are achieved in most scenarios, it is a non-trivial task to construct a market model that distributes these benefits in a fair way between the central heat plant and the prosumers.

Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Interactions of Olivine and Silica Sand with Potassium- or Silicon-Rich Agricultural Residues under Combustion, Steam Gasification, and CO2 Gasification

Li G, Nathan GJ, Kuba M, Ashman PJ, Saw WL. Interactions of Olivine and Silica Sand with Potassium- or Silicon-Rich Agricultural Residues under Combustion, Steam Gasification, and CO2 Gasification. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research. 6 October 2021. 60 (39):14354 - 14369.

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Interactions between olivine or silica sand and potassium (K)-rich grape marc or silicon (Si)-rich wheat straw were studied in a fixed-bed reactor under combustion, steam, or a CO2 gasification atmosphere. This study focused on the effects of atmosphere composition, feedstock, and bed material type on the thermochemical aspects of agglomeration. The agglomeration extent of grape marc with olivine as the bed material under air and steam atmospheres is significantly less than with silica sand. The presence of CO2, compared to that of O2 or steam, was found to promote the reaction between K and olivine by facilitating the production of reactive silica from olivine carbonization. The use of olivine promotes the release of K by more than 10% compared with silica. No significant differences were observed in the agglomeration extent of wheat straw in its interaction with either olivine or silica sand. Nevertheless, olivine alters the agglomeration mechanism of wheat straw to become “melting-induced” from “coating-induced” in a silica bed.

Peer reviewed papers | 2021

Interactions of Olivine and Silica Sand with Potassium- or Silicon-Rich Agricultural Residues under Combustion, Steam Gasification, and CO2Gasification

Li G, Nathan GJ, Kuba M, Ashman PJ, Saw WL. Interactions of Olivine and Silica Sand with Potassium- or Silicon-Rich Agricultural Residues under Combustion, Steam Gasification, and CO2Gasification. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research. 2021.60(39):14354-14369.

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Interactions between olivine or silica sand and potassium (K)-rich grape marc or silicon (Si)-rich wheat straw were studied in a fixed-bed reactor under combustion, steam, or a CO2 gasification atmosphere. This study focused on the effects of atmosphere composition, feedstock, and bed material type on the thermochemical aspects of agglomeration. The agglomeration extent of grape marc with olivine as the bed material under air and steam atmospheres is significantly less than with silica sand. The presence of CO2, compared to that of O2 or steam, was found to promote the reaction between K and olivine by facilitating the production of reactive silica from olivine carbonization. The use of olivine promotes the release of K by more than 10% compared with silica. No significant differences were observed in the agglomeration extent of wheat straw in its interaction with either olivine or silica sand. Nevertheless, olivine alters the agglomeration mechanism of wheat straw to become “melting-induced” from “coating-induced” in a silica bed.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Interrelation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Sensory Properties of Alternative and Torrefied Wood Pellets

Poellinger-Zierler B, Sedlmayer I, Reinisch C, Hofbauer H, Schmidl C, Kolb LP, Wopienka E, Leitner E, Siegmund B. Interrelation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Sensory Properties of Alternative and Torrefied Wood Pellets. energy & fuels 2019.33:5270-5281.

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The increasing demand for wood pellets on the market, which is caused by their excellent combustion properties, inspires the production as well as the utilization of alternative biomass pellets as fuel. However, the emission of volatile organic compounds gives pellet materials a distinct odor or off-odor, which is directly perceived by the end user. Thus, there is an urgent need for knowledge about the emitted volatile organic compounds and their potential formation pathways as well as their contributions to odor properties of the pellets. In this study, pellets made of biomass energy crops (i.e., straw or miscanthus), byproducts from the food industry (i.e., rapeseed, grapevine, or DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles from beer production)), or eucalyptus, as well as torrefied pinewood and torrefied sprucewood were investigated with respect to the emitted volatile compounds and their possible impact on the pellet odor. Headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to enrich, separate, and identify the compounds. Techniques used in sensory science were applied to obtain information about the odor properties of the samples. A total of 59 volatile compounds (acids, aldehydes and ketones, alcohols, terpenes, heterocyclic compounds, and phenolic compounds) were identified with different compound ratios in the investigated materials. The use of multivariate statistical data analysis provided deep insight into product–compound interrelation. For pellets produced from bioenergy crops, as well as from byproducts from the food industry, the sensory properties of the pellets reflected the odor properties of the raw material. With respect to the volatiles from torrefied pellets, those volatiles that are formed during the torrefaction procedure dominate the odor of the torrefied pellets covering the genuine odor of the utilized wood. The results of this work serve as a substantiated basis for future production of pellets from alternative raw materials.

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.

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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.

Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Investigation of real life operation of biomass room heating appliances – results of a European survey

Wöhler M, Andersen JS, Becker G, Persson H, Reichert G, Schön C, Schmidl C, Jaeger D, Pelz SK. Investigation of real life operation of biomass room heating appliances – results of a European survey. Applied Energy. 1 May 2016;169: 240-249.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2020

Investigation of solid oxide fuel cell operation with synthetic biomass gasification product gases as a basis for enhancing its performance

Pongratz G, Subotić V, Schroettner H, Stoeckl B, Hochenauer C, Anca-Couce A, Scharler R. Investigation of solid oxide fuel cell operation with synthetic biomass gasification product gases as a basis for enhancing its performance. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.2020.

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Solid oxide fuel cells represent a promising technology to increase the electrical efficiency of biomass-based combined-heat-power systems in comparison to state-of-the-art gas engines, additionally providing high temperature heat. To identify favorable fuel gas compositions for an efficient coupling with gasifiers at low degradation risk is of major importance to ensure stability, reliability, and durability of the systems used, thus increasing attractiveness of electricity production from biomass. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive analysis on the influence of main gas components from biomass gasification on the performance and efficiency of a cell relevant for real application. An industrial-size electrolyte supported single cell with nickel/gadolinium-doped ceria anode was selected showing high potential for gasifier-solid oxide fuel cell systems. Beneficial gas component ratios enhancing the power output and electric efficiency are proposed based on the experimental study performed. Furthermore, the degradation stability of a SOFC fueled with a synthetic product gas representing steam gasification of woody biomass was investigated. After 500 h of operation under load at a steam-to-carbon ratio of 2.25 in the fuel gas, no performance or anode degradation could be detected.

Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Investigation of the corrosion behaviour of 13CrMo4-5 for biomass fired boilers with coupled online corrosion and deposit probe measurements

Gruber T, Schulze K, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Investigation of the corrosion behaviour of 13CrMo4-5 for biomass fired boilers with coupled online corrosion and deposit probe measurements. Fuel. 2015;144:15-24.

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High-temperature corrosion in biomass fired boilers is still an insufficiently explored phenomenon which causes unscheduled plant shutdowns and hence, economical problems. To investigate the high-temperature corrosion and deposit formation behaviour of superheater tube bundles, online corrosion probe as well as deposit probe measurements have been carried out in a specially designed fixed bed/drop tube reactor in order to simulate a superheater boiler tube under well-controlled conditions. The investigated boiler steel 13CrMo4-5 is commonly used as steel for superheater tube bundles in biomass fired boilers. Forest wood chips and quality sorted waste wood (A1-A2 according to German standards) as relevant fuels have been selected to investigate the influence on the deposit formation and corrosion behaviour. The following influencing parameter variations have been performed during the test campaigns: flue gas temperature between 650 and 880°C, steel temperature between 450 and 550°C and flue gas velocity between 2 and 8 m/s. One focus of the work presented is the detailed investigation of the structure and the chemical composition of the deposits formed as well as of the corrosion products. A further goal of the work presented was the development of an empirical model which can be used within CFD simulations of flow and heat transfer to calculate and evaluate the local corrosion potential of biomass fired plants already at the planning stage. The corrosion probe measurements show a clear dependency on the parameters investigated and the empirical function developed reproduces the measured corrosion behaviour sufficiently accurate. Since the additional calculation time within the CFD simulation is negligible the model represents a helpful tool for plant designers to estimate whether high-temperature corrosion is of relevance for a certain plant or not, when using fuels with similar compositions and the steel 13CrMo4-5. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reports | 2020

Investigation of the formation of coherent ash residues during fluidized bed gasification of wheat straw lignin

Priscak J, Fürsatz K, Kuba M, Skoglund N, Benedikt F, Hofbauer H. Investigation of the formation of coherent ash residues during fluidized bed gasification of wheat straw lignin. Energies. 2020;13(15):3935:

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Thermal conversion of ash-rich fuels in fluidized bed systems is often associated with extensive operation problems caused by the high amount of reactive inorganics. This paper investigates the behavior of wheat straw lignin—a potential renewable fuel for dual fluidized bed gasification. The formation of coherent ash residues and its impact on the operation performance has been investigated and was supported by thermochemical equilibrium calculations in FactSage 7.3. The formation of those ash residues, and their subsequent accumulation on the surface of the fluidized bed, causes temperature and pressure fluctuations, which negatively influence the steady-state operation of the fluidized bed process. This paper presents a detailed characterization of the coherent ash residues, which consists mostly of silica and partially molten alkali silicates. Furthermore, the paper gives insights into the formation of these ash residues, dependent on the fuel pretreatment (pelletizing) of the wheat straw lignin, which increases their stability compared to the utilization of non-pelletized fuel.

Conference presentations and posters | 2012

Investigation of the Thermal Conversion Behavior of Polyethylene Mixtures in a Dual Fluidized Bed Gasifier

Wilk V, Hofbauer H. Investigation of the Thermal Conversion Behavior of Polyethylene Mixtures in a Dual Fluidized Bed Gasifier, 3rd International Symposium on Gasification and its Applications (iSGA-3) 2012, 16th of October 2012, Vancouver, Canada. (peer reviewed) (oral presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Investigation of User Behavior and Assessment of Typical Operation Mode for Different Types of Firewood Room Heating Appliances in Austria

Reichert G, Schmidl C, Haslinger W, Schwabl M, Moser W, Aigenbauer S, Wöhler M, Hochenauer C. Investigation of User Behavior and Assessment of Typical Operation Mode for Different Types of Firewood Room Heating Appliances in Austria. Renewable Energy. August 2016;93: 245-254.

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Firewood heaters like firewood roomheaters, tiled stoves and residential biomass cookers are commonly used for supplying the residences with renewable heat. However, these kinds of appliances were identified as responsible for relevant amounts of gaseous CO and OGC as well as particulate emissions causing negative health effects. Beside technological reasons, the operating conditions and the user behavior are essential reasons for increased emissions, especially in real life operation.

Therefore, this study aimed at an investigation and assessment of typical real life user behavior by a survey. Based on the findings effective and customer friendly technological and non-technological optimization approaches for a better and more environmental friendly real life performance were defined.

The results of the study showed principally similar user behavior of all considered types of appliances regarding most relevant operation characteristics, i.e. kind, properties and amount of used fuels, ignition procedure and air valve settings. Most effective non-technological optimization approaches were found for an enhancement of external training arrangements and the development of user friendly manuals that aimed mainly at an improvement of the ignition procedure from bottom–up to top–down ignition method. The use of devices with an automatically controlled combustion air supply was identified as promising technological measure.

Other papers | 2016

Investigations of a dual fluidized bed steam gasification plant by means of computation particle fluid dynamics

Kraft S, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Investigations of a dual fluidized bed steam gasification plant by means of computation particle fluid dynamics. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (oral presentation). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Other papers | 2013

Investigations of aerosol formation pathways during MSW combustion based on high-temperature impactor measurements

Brunner T, Fluch J, Obernberger I, Warnecke R. Investigations of aerosol formation pathways during MSW combustion based on high-temperature impactor measurements. Fuel Process Technol. 2013;105:154-60.

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In order to gain deeper insights into aerosol formation processes during MSW combustion, test runs with a specially developed high-temperature aerosol measurement and sampling device, the so called high-temperature impactor (HTI), as well as subsequent chemical analyses of the particles sampled have been performed at a real-scale plant. The results show that aerosol formation during MSW combustion is based on the volatilisation of minor amounts of Si-, Ca-, Mg- and Al-compounds followed by nucleation in the fuel bed region which is then followed by excessive condensation of alkaline metal sulphates and especially chlorides in the radiative and the convective boiler sections. At lower flue gas temperatures in the superheater as well as the economiser section also the condensation of heavy metal (Zn, Pb) chlorides provides contributions to aerosol formation. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Conference presentations and posters | 2010

Investigations of aerosol formation pathways during MSW combustion based on high-temperature impactor measurements

Brunner T, Fluch J, Obernberger I, Warnecke R. Investigations of aerosol formation pathways during MSW combustion based on high-temperature impactor measurements, Impacts of Fuel Quality on Power Generation 2010, 29th of August-3rd of September 2010, Saariselka, Lapland.

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Other papers | 2012

Investigations on hydrotreating of fischer tropsch-biowaxes for generation of bio-products from lignocellulosic biomass

Schablitzky HW, Lichtscheidl J, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Investigations on hydrotreating of fischer tropsch-biowaxes for generation of bio-products from lignocellulosic biomass. Modern Applied Science. 2012;6(4):28-37.

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The present study describes the application of Fischer Tropsch biowaxes as a feedstock in a pilot-scale hydroprocessing unit at operating conditions very similar to industrial size hydrotreating plants of traditional refineries. The project focus on a future coprocessing of biowax/gasoil blends due to produce bio-products derived from lignocellulosic biomass: crack gases, naphtha, kerosene, diesel and a residual product. Hydro-processing plants operating at mild cracking conditions support the production of high amounts in middle distillates at reduced coke formation. Premium bio-diesel and bio-kerosene with excellent cold flow properties are the main objective of the investigations. Various test runs with different hydrotreating catalysts have been conducted due to determine the influence of waxy feedstock on catalyst behavior and product distribution. Depending on the catalyst selected, the fixed bed reactor streamed by hydrogen operates under specified cracking condition defined by the following parameters: reactor temperature, hydrogen pressure and weight hourly space velocity (WHSV). Test runs with selected catalysts - isodewaxing (IDW), hydro-desulphurization (HDS) and the catalytic deparaffination (CDP) catalyst - have been executed at constant process conditions in order to compare the product spectrum and properties of product groups. Highest amounts of bio-diesel and bio-kerosene with excellent cold flow properties can be obtained with the IDW catalyst. This NiW- based catalyst with special additives generates cleaved and reshaped molecular fragments via skeletal isomerisation increasing the isoparaffin content of naphtha and middle distillates. Further investigations with this catalyst type have been executed due to determine the catalyst aging effect in a separate long term test run. The loss of cracking severity during operation of the catalyst can be observed by a steady decline in conversion. Unsaturated hydrocarbons such as olefins and diolefines in the bio-feedstock support the formation of a coke layer on the catalyst surface resulting in reinforced deactivation. As the consequence naphtha and finally the crack gases and the kerosene fraction are shifted to higher molecular fragments increasing the diesel and residue yield. Physicochemical properties of the product groups obtained during the test run vary and especially the cold flow properties from the diesel and kerosene fraction degrade significant. Balancing the conversion decline of the catalyst in operation can be realized by increasing the reactor temperature and the hydrogen pressure, but the effect is time limited.
 

Other papers | 2015

Investigations on the catalytic activity of bed material coating regarding the water-gas-shift reaction and the steam reforming of model compounds for lighter and heavier hydrocarbons

Kuba M, Havlik F, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Investigations on the catalytic activity of bed material coating regarding the water-gas-shift reaction and the steam reforming of model compounds for lighter and heavier hydrocarbons. 23rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (oral presentation). June 2015, Vienna, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Investigations using a cold flow model of char mixing in the gasification reactor of a dual fluidized bed gasification plant

Kraft S, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. Investigations using a cold flow model of char mixing in the gasification reactor of a dual fluidized bed gasification plant. Powder Technology. 1 July 2017;316: 687-696.

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This paper treats the mixing and movement of char in a dual fluidized bed (DFB) biomass gasification plant. In these plants such measurements are troublesome to perform, and so a cold flow model has been developed to investigate this topic. This cold flow model allows simulating the fluidization behaviour of the gasification reactor in the DFB plant in Güssing, Austria. The recirculation of the bed material is also possible, and can be easily controlled with a rotary valve. In the cold flow model, bronze is used as the bed material and polyethylene as the char. It is possible to take samples during operation to investigate the char concentration in the bed material recirculation stream. Experiments have shown that the char shows a flotsam behaviour since it is of low density. Furthermore, the investigations have shown that higher fluidization rates and higher bed material recirculation rates enhance the char mixing and increase the char concentration in the recirculation stream. It was found that doubling the overall char concentration in the system does not lead to a doubling of the char concentration in the bed material recirculation stream. Furthermore, the influence of the bed height in the gasification reactor was investigated. It was found that higher bed heights lead to lower char concentrations in the recirculation stream. These initial investigations revealed that much is still unknown about DFB plants, but the knowledge of the behaviour of the different types of particles in the bubbling bed of the gasification reactor helps to further improve and develop the DFB technology.

Other papers | 2013

Jatropha mahafalensis oil from Madagascar: Properties and suitability as liquid biofuel

Sonnleitner A, Rathbauer J, Randriamalala JR, Raoliarivelo LIB, Andrianarisoa JH, Rabeniala R, et al. Jatropha mahafalensis oil from Madagascar: Properties and suitability as liquid biofuel. Energy for Sustainable Development. 2013;17(4):326-30.

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Access to affordable and renewable sources of energy is crucial to reducing poverty and enhancing rural development in countries of the global South. Straight vegetable oil was recently identified as a possible alternative to conventional biomass for rural energy supply. In this context, the Jatropha curcas Linn. species has been extensively investigated with regard to its potential as a biofuel feedstock. In contrast, only little is known about Jatropha mahafalensis Jum. & H. Perrier, which is an indigenous and endemic representative of the Jatropha genus in Madagascar. This paper explores the potential and suitability of J. mahafalensis as a biofuel feedstock. Seed samples were collected in the area of Soalara in south-western Madagascar in February and September 2011. Two agro-ecological zones (coastal area and calcareous plateau) and two plant age groups (below and above 10. years) were considered. These four sample groups were analyzed with regard to oil properties, element contents, and fatty acid profiles. Measured values differed greatly between the two harvests, probably owing to different climatic or storage conditions. No direct relation between age of trees or location and oil quality could be established. The analyses indicate that J. mahafalensis oil can be used in oil lamps, cooking stoves and stationary combustion engines for electrification or for biodiesel production. However, modifications in storage and extraction methods, as well as further processing steps are necessary to enable its utilization as a straight vegetable oil and feedstock for biodiesel production. If these technical requirements can be met, and if it turns out that J. mahafalensis oil is economically competitive in comparison with firewood, charcoal, paraffin and petroleum, it can be considered as a promising feedstock for rural energy supply. © 2013 International Energy Initiative.

Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Kerosin from wood over FT synthesis

Rauch R. Kerosin from wood over FT synthesis, 7. Kolloquium Sustainable BioEconomy, KIT, 9th of December 2013, Karlsruhe, Germany. (oral presentation)

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Other Publications | 2023

Key Driver: Sustainability

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

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Other Publications | 2022

Key Messages – Kurze Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse aus der Motivanalyse

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„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 | 2012

Key-note lecture: Novel characterisation methods for biomass fuels and their application

Obernberger I. Key-note lecture: Novel characterisation methods for biomass fuels and their application, Conference Impacts of Fuel Quality on Power Production and Environment 2012, 23th-27th of September 2012, Puchberg, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Kinetic scheme and heat of reaction of biomass pyrolysis and torrefaction considering charring reactions.

Anca-Couce A, Mehrabian R, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Kinetic scheme and heat of reaction of biomass pyrolysis and torrefaction considering charring reactions, 20th International Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis Conference (PYRO2014), 19th-22nd of May 2014, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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Other papers | 2014

Kinetic scheme of biomass pyrolysis considering secondary charring reactions

Anca-Couce A, Mehrabian R, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Kinetic scheme of biomass pyrolysis considering secondary charring reactions. Energy Conversion and Management. 2014;87:687-96.

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A widely applicable kinetic scheme for pyrolysis is still missing. In this work an adaptation of the mechanistic scheme developed by Ranzi et al. (2008) for pyrolysis of small ash free biomass particles is proposed. The scheme is modified to include secondary char formation reactions, which are relevant for particles of a certain thickness, and sugar formation is avoided due to the catalytic effect of alkali metals in biomass. The predictions of the adapted scheme are compared to experimental data from the literature of pyrolysis in fixed beds of particles with a size of around 1 cm. It is shown that the adaptation improves the prediction of the final char yield and its CHO composition and also the yields of the main groups of volatiles, as carbonyls + alcohols, sugars and water vapor. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Other papers | 2014

Kinetic scheme to predict product composition of biomass torrefaction

Anca-Couce A, Mehrabian R, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Kinetic scheme to predict product composition of biomass torrefaction [Internet]; 2014 [cited 2015 Aug 12]. Available from: www.scopus.com.

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A kinetic scheme for the prediction of product composition of torrefaction is presented in this work. The scheme is based on a pyrolysis scheme for fast pyrolysis of small ash free biomass particles and was adapted to consider the presence of secondary char formation reactions, the inhibition of sugar formation due to the catalytic effect of alkali metals in biomass, as well as the typical hemicellulose structure of hardwoods. The torrgas composition predicted by the model is compared to experimental data of torrefaction in a lab-scale packed bed reactor. It is shown that the adapted model is able to predict the yields of the main volatile groups, i.e., permanent gases, light and heavy condensable species and the yields of the several groups in which condensable species were classified based on their structure, i.e., carbonyls and alcohols, furans, phenolics as well as water vapour. Copyright © 2014,AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.

Reports | 2019

Langzeitvalidierung eines neuen Ansatzes zur CO-Lambda-Optimierung

Zemann C, Gölles M. Langzeitvalidierung eines neuen Ansatzes zur CO-Lambda-Optimierung. 2019.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Layer formation mechanism of K-feldspar in bubbling fluidized bed combustion of phosphorus-lean and phosphorus-rich residual biomass.

Wagner K, Häggström G, Skoglund N, Priscak J, Kuba M, Öhman M, Hofbauer H. Layer formation mechanism of K-feldspar in bubbling fluidized bed combustion of phosphorus-lean and phosphorus-rich residual biomass. Applied Energy 2019.248:545-554.

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The use of phosphorus-rich fuels in fluidized bed combustion is one probable way to support both heat and power production and phosphorus recovery. Ash is accumulated in the bed during combustion and interacts with the bed material to form layers and/or agglomerates, possibly removing phosphorus from the bed ash fraction. To further deepen the knowledge about the difference in the mechanisms behind the ash chemistry of phosphorus-lean and phosphorus-rich fuels, experiments in a 5 kW bench-scale-fluidized bed test-rig with K-feldspar as the bed material were conducted with bark, wheat straw, chicken manure, and chicken manure admixtures to bark and straw. Bed material samples were collected and studied for layer formation and agglomeration phenomena by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The admixture of phosphorus-rich chicken manure to bark changed the layer formation mechanism, shifting the chemistry to the formation of phosphates rather than silicates. The admixture of chicken manure to straw reduced the ash melting and agglomeration risk, making it possible to increase the time until defluidization of the fluidized bed occurred. The results also highlight that an increased ash content does not necessarily lead to more ash melting related problems if the ash melting temperature is high enough.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood Part 1: K-Feldspar

Faust R, Hannl T K, Berdugo Vilches T, Kuba M, Öhmann M, Seemann M C, Knutsson P Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood Part 1: K-Feldspar.Energy&Fuels 2019.33:8:7321-7332

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The choice of bed material for biomass gasification plays a crucial role for the overall efficiency of the process. Olivine is the material conventionally used for biomass gasification due to the observed activity of olivine toward cracking of unwanted tars. Despite its catalytic activity, olivine contains high levels of chromium, which complicates the deposition of used bed material. Feldspar has shown the same activity as olivine when used as a bed material in biomass gasification. As opposed to olivine, feldspar does not contain environmentally hazardous compounds, which makes it a preferred alternative for further applications. The interaction of bed material and ash heavily influences the properties of the bed material. In the present study interactions between feldspar and main ash compounds of woody biomass in an indirect gasification system were investigated. Bed material samples were collected at different time intervals and analyzed with SEM-EDS and XRD. The obtained analysis results were then compared to thermodynamic models. The performed study was divided in two parts: in part 1 (the present paper), K-rich feldspar was investigated, whereas Na-rich feldspar is presented in part 2 of the study (DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b01291). From the material analysis performed, it can be seen that, as a result of the bed materials’ interactions with the formed ash compounds, the latter were first deposited on the surface of the K-feldspar particles and later resulted in the formation of Ca- and Mg-rich layers. The Ca enriched in the layers further reacted with the feldspar, which led to its diffusion into the particles and the formation of CaSiO3 and KAlSiO4. Contrary to Ca, Mg did not react with the feldspar and remained on the surface of the particles, where it was found as Mg- or Ca-Mg-silicates. As a result of the described interactions, layer separation was noted after 51 h with an outer Mg-rich layer and an inner Ca-rich layer. Due to the development of the Ca- and Mg-rich layers and the bed material–ash interactions, crack formation was observed on the particles’ surfaces.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood. 1. K-Feldspar

Faust R, Hannl TK, Berdugo Vilches T Kuba M, Öhman M, Seemann M, Knutsson P. Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood. 1. K-Feldspar. Energy and Fuels 2019.33:7321-7332.

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The choice of bed material for biomass gasification plays a crucial role for the overall efficiency of the process. Olivine is the material conventionally used for biomass gasification due to the observed activity of olivine toward cracking of unwanted tars. Despite its catalytic activity, olivine contains high levels of chromium, which complicates the deposition of used bed material. Feldspar has shown the same activity as olivine when used as a bed material in biomass gasification. As opposed to olivine, feldspar does not contain environmentally hazardous compounds, which makes it a preferred alternative for further applications. The interaction of bed material and ash heavily influences the properties of the bed material. In the present study interactions between feldspar and main ash compounds of woody biomass in an indirect gasification system were investigated. Bed material samples were collected at different time intervals and analyzed with SEM-EDS and XRD. The obtained analysis results were then compared to thermodynamic models. The performed study was divided in two parts: in part 1 (the present paper), K-rich feldspar was investigated, whereas Na-rich feldspar is presented in part 2 of the study (DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b01291). From the material analysis performed, it can be seen that, as a result of the bed materials’ interactions with the formed ash compounds, the latter were first deposited on the surface of the K-feldspar particles and later resulted in the formation of Ca- and Mg-rich layers. The Ca enriched in the layers further reacted with the feldspar, which led to its diffusion into the particles and the formation of CaSiO3 and KAlSiO4. Contrary to Ca, Mg did not react with the feldspar and remained on the surface of the particles, where it was found as Mg- or Ca-Mg-silicates. As a result of the described interactions, layer separation was noted after 51 h with an outer Mg-rich layer and an inner Ca-rich layer. Due to the development of the Ca- and Mg-rich layers and the bed material–ash interactions, crack formation was observed on the particles’ surfaces.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood. 2. Na-Feldspar

Hannl TK, Faust R, Kuba M, Knutsson P, Berdugo Vilches T, Seemann MC, Öhman M. Layer Formation on Feldspar Bed Particles during Indirect Gasification of Wood Part 2: Na-Feldspar. Energy and Fuels 2019.33:7333-7346.

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Selecting a suitable bed material for the thermochemical conversion of a specific feedstock in a fluidized bed system requires identification of the characteristics of potential bed materials. An essential part of these characteristics is the interaction of the bed material with feedstock ash in a fluidized bed, which leads to layer formation and morphology changes. For this purpose, the interaction of feldspar bed material with the main ash-forming elements in wood ash (Ca, K, Mg, Si) in an indirect gasification system was analyzed using SEM-EDS, XRD, and thermodynamic modeling. In part 1 of this work (DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b01291), the layer formation on K-feldspar dominated by Ca reaction and ash deposition was investigated. The aim of this second part of the work was to determine the time-dependent layer formation on Na-feldspar and compare the results with the findings for K-feldspar. Interaction of Na-feldspar with ash-derived elements resulted in different layers on Na-feldspar: K reaction layers, where K replaced Na and Si shares decreased; Ca reaction layers, where Ca enriched and reacted with the Na-feldspar; and ash deposition layers, where wood ash elements accumulated on the surface. Ca reaction layers were formed first and became continuous on the surface before K reaction layers and ash deposition layers were detected. Cracks and crack layer formation in the Na-feldspar particles were found after several days of operation. The layer compositions and growth rates indicate that the diffusion of Ca and K plays an essential role in the formation of Ca reaction and K reaction layers. The reaction with Ca and the crack formation coincide with the interaction previously found for quartz and K-feldspar. In contrast to K-feldspar, Na-feldspar showed high potential for reaction with K. The findings indicate that the reaction of Na-feldspar with ash-derived K makes Na-feldspar a less stable bed material than K-feldspar during the thermochemical conversion of K-rich feedstocks in a fluidized bed system.

Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Layer formation on K-feldspar in fluidized bed combustion and gasification of bark and chicken manure

Wagner K, Häggström G, Mauerhofer AM, Kuba M, Skoglund N, Öhman M, Hofbauer H. Layer formation on K-feldspar in fluidized bed combustion and gasification of bark and chicken manure. Biomass and Bioenergy 2019.127:105251.

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Understanding layer formation on bed materials used in fluidized beds is a key step for advances in the application of alternative fuels. Layers can be responsible for agglomeration-caused shut-downs but they can also improve the gas composition in fluidized bed gasification. Layers were observed on K-feldspar (KAlSi3O8) impurities originating from the combined heat and power plant Senden which applies the dual fluidized bed (DFB) steam gasification technology. Pure K-feldspar was therefore considered as alternative bed material in DFB steam gasification. Focusing on the interactions between fuel ash and bed material, K-feldspar was tested in combustion and DFB steam gasification atmospheres using different fuels, namely Ca-rich bark, Ca- and P-rich chicken manure, and an admixture of chicken manure to bark. The bed particle layers formed on the bed material surface were characterized using combined scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; area mappings and line scans were carried out for all samples. The obtained data show no essential influence of operational mode on the layer-formation process. During the combustion and DFB steam gasification of Ca-rich bark, a layer rich in Ca formed while K was diffusing out of the layer. The use of Ca- and P-rich chicken manure inhibited the diffusion of K, and a layer rich in Ca and P formed. The addition of P to bark via chicken manure also changed the underlying layer-formation processes to reflect the same processes as observed for pure chicken manure.

Conference presentations and posters | 2011

LCA of small scale biomass combustion systems for the development of a product label (Ökobilanz von Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen für die Entwicklung eines Produktlabels)

Jungmeier G, Lingitz A, Canella L, Haslinger W, Strasser C, Moser W. LCA of small scale biomass combustion systems for the development of a product label (Ökobilanz von Biomasse-Kleinfeuerungsanlagen für die Entwicklung eines Produktlabels), Central Europe Biomass Conference 2011, 26th-29th of January 2011, Graz, Austria.

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Other papers | 2013

Leak air in a double-wall chimney system

Lichtenegger K, Hebenstreit B, Pointner C. Leak air in a double-wall chimney system. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2013;410:012059. (peer reviewed)

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Operating biomass stoves in modern buildings with tight shells often requires a room-independent air supply. One possibility to arrange this supply is to use a double-wall chimney with fresh air entering through the annular gap. For this setup, a mathematical model has been developed and checked with experimental data. It turned out that for commercially available chimneys, leakage is not negligible and inclusion of leak air in the calculation is crucial for reproduction of the experimental data. Even with inclusion of this effect, discrepancies remain which call for further investigations and a refinement of the model.

Other Publications | 2021

Leitfaden: Energiegemeinschaften im Tourismussektor

Iglar B, Fina B, Jung M, Markotsky-Kolm E, Tölzer T, Zellinger M, Liedtke P, Oberbauer C. Leitfaden: Energiegemeinschaften im Tourismussektor. Klima- und Energiefonds. December 2021.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Lessons Learned from Alternative Fuels Experience

Sonnleitner A, Bacovsky D. Lessons Learned from Alternative Fuels Experience. 6th Central European Biomass Conference, 22-24 January 2020, Graz

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Decarbonising the transport sector is one of the key goals of national and international climate change mitigation policies. Rapid and effective market introduction of alternative fuels and vehicles is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the existing vehicle fleet as soon as possible and as extensively as possible.

However, experience with various attempts to introduce alternative fuels and vehicles to the market has shown that this is not always successful. Several participants in the Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Program (AMF TCP) have therefore proposed an annex on lessons learned from market launch attempts.

The circumstances of the introduction of advanced motor fuels and the factors influencing their commercialization (resource, transport infrastructure, economic situation, etc.) in each country are different, and it is difficult to universally evaluate an advanced motor fuels policy.

For this reason, this annex clarifies the background and objective of the central government and local governments’ introduction policy and specific measures on advanced motor fuels in the past, and summarizes the effectiveness, successes, and lessons learned regarding the promotion of advanced motor fuels in each individual case of introduction and commercialization.

The participating countries Austria, China, Finland, Japan, Sweden and the USA conduct analyses of their own case studies on past market introductions taking into account specific framework conditions for each country:

Austria: low blend biofuels, CNG-driven cars, prevented introduction of E10

China: Ethanol

Finland: E10, E85, drop-in components for diesel, biogas

Japan: FAME, natural gas

Sweden: reduction obligation, high blend biofuels and biogas, E85

USA: low and high level blends of ethanol, methanol and FFVs, natural gas

The sum of the case studies is analysed and key drivers of successes and key barriers of failures are identified. Preliminary results from this work will be discussed in an expert workshop in 2020, and then the final lessons learned and recommendations will be derived. Policy briefs including key messages, best practices, lessons learned and avoided mistakes related to advanced motor fuels covering both fuels and related vehicle technologies will be developed and provided as recommendations for political decision makers.

Other Publications | 2015

Life cycle analysis of small scale pellet boilers characterized by high efficiency and low emissions

Monteleone B, Chiesa M, Marzuoli R, Verma VK, Schwarz M, Carlon E, Schmidl C, Ballarin Denti A. Life cycle analysis of small scale pellet boilers characterized by high efficiency and low emissions. Applied Energy. 1 October 2015;155:160-170.

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Other papers | 2013

Life cycle modeling of energy matrix scenarios, Belgian power and partial heat mixes as case study

Rubio Rodríguez MA, Feitó Cespón M, De Ruyck J, Ocaña Guevara VS, Verma VK. Life cycle modeling of energy matrix scenarios, Belgian power and partial heat mixes as case study. Appl Energy. 2013;107:329-37.

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The present paper introduces a life cycle modeling approach for representing actual demand of energy or energy intensive products delivered within a system (electricity, heat, etc.) for optimization of the energy mix, according to some of the available life cycle impact assessments (LCIAs). Unlike classical LCA modeling approach, the real amount of several energy products leaving the system and the interactions due to the presence of multi-output processes are considered within the present approach. As a case study, future scenarios are obtained for the Belgian electricity mix production and the heat mix potentially substituted by CHP or biomass, switching between abandoning or not power from nuclear energy. The possibility of using natural gas, biomass for cogeneration, wind power and solar photovoltaic energy are considered within the availability ranges of these resources. Finally, results are presented from successive optimizations according to the sustainability potential defined in a previous paper. A pathway to a more sustainable Belgian energy system is obtained. Finally it is concluded that under the modeling conditions and without nuclear energy it is not possible to obtain a reduction of GHGs and despite diminishing of non-renewable resource consumption, a rising of toxicity is obtained. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Other papers | 2015

Liquid biofuels from biomass steam gasification

Rauch R. Liquid biofuels from biomass steam gasification. 23rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, side event Austrian Day (oral presentation). June 2015, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Logwood Stove with Automatic Air Control Powered by Thermoelectric Generators

Mair C, Höftberger E, Moser W. Logwood Stove with Automatic Air Control Powered by Thermoelectric Generators, Word Sustainable Energy Days next 2013, 27th-28th of February 2013, Wels, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Long Term Durability and Safety Aspects of Oxidizing Honeycomb Catalysts Integrated in Firewood Stoves

Reichert G, Schmidl C, Haslinger W, Stressler H, Sturmlechner R, Schwabl M, Kienzl N, Hochenauer C. Long Term Durability and Safety Aspects of Oxidizing Honeycomb Catalysts Integrated in Firewood Stoves. Biomass and Bioenergy. August 2017;

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Critical heating operating conditions, as emulated in the safety test series, showed that temperatures below 400 °C at the integrated catalysts result in deposited agglomerations on the flow cross-section area of the catalyst's surface and in the risk of increased pressure drops. The deposited material of safety tests consisted predominantly of carbonaceous components with a share of around 120 g kg−1 of OC and 280–450 g kg−1 of EC. The oxidation potential of deposited carbonaceous material by higher temperatures was confirmed by a minor share of EC and OC (<50 g kg−1) on the catalyst's surface when a heating cycle with five batches was performed. Concluding a sufficient heating-up of catalyst integrated stoves is necessary to avoid deposition of carbonaceous agglomerations.

The long term tests resulted in deposited agglomerations of mineral particles on the catalyst's surface of both types of catalysts. The metallic honeycomb catalyst was more sensitive regarding blocking which was indicated by total blocked cells and a significant increase of pressure drop by 5.3 Pa. Due to the effect of agglomerated particles gaseous emissions increased significantly (CO around 300%, OGC around 45%) whereas PM emissions were reduced by 63%. The regeneration of catalyst performance was almost completely achieved by cleaning the catalyst with water and pressured air. For processing of blocking the open diameter of cells of the honeycomb catalysts play a relevant role. Therefore, in terms of real-life applicability the ceramic honeycomb catalyst seems to be more suitable compared to the metallic honeycomb catalyst.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Long-Term Monitoring of Pellet Boilers Installed in Residential Buildings: Efficiency and Operational Behaviour

Carlon E, Schwarz M, Verma VK, Schmidl C, Baratieri M. Long-Term Monitoring of Pellet Boilers Installed in Residential Buildings: Efficiency and Operational Behaviour, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Other papers | 2020

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

Zemann C, Hammer F, Gölles M, Horn M. Long-term validation of a new modular approach for CO-lambda-optimization. 28th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition. 6-9 July 2020.

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Long Term Validation of a New Modular Approach for CO-Lambda-Optimization

The optimization of existing biomass boilers in terms of efficiency and pollutant emissions is essential for their continued economic and ecological viability in future energy systems. These improvements are typically achieved by constructive changes which are expensive and can require prolonged downtimes. A well-known method for optimizing biomass boilers in terms of efficiency and pollutant emissions without constructive changes is the so-called CO-lambda-optimization. While multiple approaches for CO-lambda-optimization have been presented in literature, they are still rarely used in real biomass boilers. This is partly due to the fact that these approaches do not meet the requirements associated with their long-term operation in real biomass boilers. This contribution presents a new and modular approach for the CO-lambda-optimization which is specifically designed to meet these requirements. Particular emphasis in this contribution is laid on the long-term validation of the presented approach for CO-lambda-optimization at a medium-scale fixed-bed biomass boiler.

Other Publications | 2023

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

Nigitz T, Hammer F, Gölles M, Horn M.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Low energy houses heated by biomass boilers: optimization of the heating system control strategy by means of dynamic simulation

Carlon E, Schwarz M, Schmidl C, Baratieri M, Gasparella A, Haslinger W. Low energy houses heated by biomass boilers: optimization of the heating system control strategy by means of dynamic simulation, 3rd International High Performance Buildings Conference at Purdue 2014, 14th-17th of July 2014, Purdue, USA. (peer reviewed)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2009

Low temperature pyrolysis is used to substitute fossil fuels in a thermal power plant

Halwachs M, Kampichler G, Hofbauer H. Low temperature pyrolysis is used to substitute fossil fuels in a thermal power plant, 17th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, CCH-Congress Center Hamburg 2009, 29th of June-3rd of July 2009, Hamburg, Germany. p 1062-1064.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2009

Low temperature pyrolysis of agricultural residues - first results of a pilot plant

Halwachs M, Kampichler G, Kern St, Hofbauer H. Low temperature pyrolysis of agricultural residues - first results of a pilot plant, ICPS 2009, 1st-3rd of September 2009, Vienna, Austria.

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Reports | 2019

Machbarkeitsuntersuchung Methan aus Biomasse

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Im Rahmen dieser zusammenfassenden Machbarkeitsstudie werden Untersuchungen zum Biomassepotential in Österreich im Jahr 2050 sowie der Synthese von BioSNG auf Basis der Biomassewirbelschichtvergasung durchgeführt. Dabei werden verschiedene Vergasungsverfahren, welche durch den Reaktortyp charakterisiert sind, dargestellt. Bedingt durch das homogene Temperaturprofil, welches in einem Wirbelschichtvergaser gegeben ist und die dadurch gegebene einfache Regelbarkeit des Prozesses, stellt sich die Wirbelschicht als vorteilhaft im Vergleich zu Flugstromvergasern dar, welche durch das hohe Temperaturniveau einen höheren technischen Aufwand mit sich bringen und daher für Anlagen mit großen Brennstoffwärmeleistungen zu bevorzugen sind. In weiterer Folge wird auf den DFB Prozess und dessen Weiterentwicklung, den G-Volution Vergaser eingegangen, welcher den Vorteil eines größeren einzusetzenden Brennstoffspektrums aufweist.

Conference presentations and posters | 2019

Manufacturers' data vs. literature data - a comparison of LCI and LCA results for wood-burning residential heating systems

Rixrath D, Wartha C, Enigl E, Strasser C, Piringer G, Pali E. Manufacturers' data vs. literature data - a comparison of LCI and LCA results for wood-burning residential heating systems. SETAC 19 Conference (Poster). May 2019.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2020

Mapping bioenergy retrofitting in Europe´s industry - BIOFIT first results

Reumerman P, Rutz D, Janssen R, Bacovsky D, Gröngröft A, Saastamoinen H, Mäki E, Karampinis E. Mapping bioenergy retrofitting in Europe´s industry - BIOFIT first results. 28th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (poster) 2020.

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Other Publications | 2016

Market integration of wood fuels and heating oil

Kristöfel C, Strasser C, Schmid E, Morawetz UB. Market integration of wood fuels and heating oil. 24th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (poster). June 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2017

Marktmodellentwicklung für die dezentrale Wärmebereitstellung in Wärmenetzen

Leitner A, Lichtenegger K, Mair C, Höld M. Marktmodellentwicklung für die dezentrale Wärmebereitstellung in Wärmenetzen. 10. Internationale Energiewirtschaftstagung, TU Wien, 2017.

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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.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Mathematical model of an absorption based flue gas heat recovery

Hebenstreit B, Lichtenegger K, Schnetzinger R, Höftberger E, Schmidl C, Lundgren J, Toffolo A. Mathematical model of an absorption based flue gas heat recovery, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (visual presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2019

Mathematical model of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using variable alpha-parameter to predict product distribution.

Filip L, Zámostný P, Rauch R. Mathematical model of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using variable alpha-parameter to predict product distribution. Fuel 2019;243:603-609.

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A mathematical model was developed based on data obtained on Fischer-Tropsch (FT) laboratory scale unit operated in steady state, belonging to BIOENERGY 2020+ GmbH, Austria to demonstrate alpha-parameter dependence on carbon number. The lab-scale unit processed the synthesis gas, obtained by the gasification of biomass (woodchips), to produce liquid fuels for transportation applications. The FT reaction took place in a slurry reactor filled with dispersed cobalt-based catalyst. The products were then separated by partial condensation depending on their boiling points. The final output of the FT laboratory scale unit comprised three product streams – wax, diesel and naphtha. The reaction and separation of products were simulated in Aspen Plus software. The mathematical model used kinetic description based on power-law rate equations. The modeled product selectivity was controlled using an alpha-parameter of the Anderson-Schulz-Flory distribution. Because of the significant deviation of products spectrum from typical Anderson-Schulz-Flory distribution, a modified description of reaction selectivity was developed. The description introduces variable alpha-parameter, dependent on number of carbon atoms in the reacting molecule. The mathematical model developed using MATLAB software considered the production of aliphatic paraffins having a number of carbon atoms from C1 to C60. The mathematical model of simulated lab-scale unit comprised an ideally mixed reactor RCSTR and three FLASH2 separators for the separation of desired products. The results from mathematical model were validated by a comparison with experimental results from FT lab-scale unit. The modified polynomial dependency of alpha-parameter on carbon number showed significantly better description of composition and amounts of FT products, especially for wax stream where the description using constant alpha led to enormous deviations. Such better prediction of composition and amounts of acquired products is important for evaluating efficiency of further upgrading the FT products to liquid fuel.

Other papers | 2013

Mathematical modeling of sulfur deactivation effects on steam reforming of producer gas produced by biomass gasification

Sadooghi P, Rauch R. Mathematical modeling of sulfur deactivation effects on steam reforming of producer gas produced by biomass gasification. Fuel Process Technol. 2013;110:46-52.

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Product gas produced by biomass gasification contains small amounts of sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide) which can reduce catalyst activity during steam reforming process. Sulfur removal has a negative effect on process efficiency and steam reforming has to be run without cleaning the gas prior to the reactor. It is therefore of interest to investigate the effect of sulfur on the performance of steam reforming reactions. In this work a packed bed reactor filled with nickel based catalysts is mathematically modeled to simulate the steady state pseudo-heterogeneous equations representing heat and mass transfer in the reactor tube. Catalytic bed is subjected to hydrogen sulfide and an isotherm model for the sulfur coverage on the Ni surface is considered to exactly investigate sulfur poisoning effects on methane conversion, hydrogen yield, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentration. It is shown that even when present in the hydrocarbon feedstock in small quantities, (ppm) levels, sulfur can have a significant effect in methane conversion and temperature distribution within the reactor. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Conference presentations and posters | 2016

Mathematische Modellierung mittlerer bis großer Solaranlagen als Basis für modellbasierte Regelungsstrategien

Unterberger V, Lichtenegger K, Innerhofer P, Gerardts B, Gölles M. Mathematische Modellierung mittlerer bis großer Solaranlagen als Basis für modellbasierte Regelungsstrategien. Gleisdorf Solar 2016. Gleisdorf: 2016. (Auszeichnung als innovativstes Poster).

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Peer reviewed papers | 2017

Maximizing the production of butyric acid from food waste as a precursor for ABE-fermentation

Stein UH, Wimmer B, Ortner M, Fuchs W, Bochmann G. Maximizing the production of butyric acid from food waste as a precursor for ABE-fermentation. Science of The Total Environment. 15 November 2017;598: 993-1000.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Mechanism of Layer Formation on Olivine Bed Particles in Industrial-Scale Dual Fluid Bed Gasification of Wood

Kuba M, He H, Kirnbauer F, Skoglund N, Boström D, Öhman M, Hofbauer H. Mechanism of Layer Formation on Olivine Bed Particles in Industrial-Scale Dual Fluid Bed Gasification of Wood. Energy & Fuels. 15 September 2016;30(9): 7410-7418.

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Utilization of biomass as feedstock in dual fluidized bed steam gasification is a promising technology for the substitution of fossil energy carriers. Experience from industrial scale power plants showed an alteration of the olivine bed material due to interaction with biomass ash components. This change results mainly in the formation of Ca-rich layers on the bed particles. In this paper, a mechanism for layer formation is proposed and compared to the better understood mechanism for layer formation on quartz bed particles. Olivine bed material was sampled at an industrial scale power plant before the start of operation and at pre-defined times after the operation had commenced. Therefore, time dependent layer formation in industrial-scale conditions could be investigated. The proposed mechanism suggests that the interaction between wood biomass ash and olivine bed particles is based on a solid-solid substitution reaction, where Ca2+ is incorporated into the crystal structure. As a consequence Fe2+/3+ and Mg2+ ions are expelled as oxides. This substitution results in the formation of cracks in the particle layer due to a volume expansion in the crystal structure once Ca2+ is incorporated. The results of this work are compared to relevant published results including those related to quartz bed particles.
 

Peer reviewed papers | 2016

Methodological approaches for fractionation and speciation to estimate trace element bioavailability in engineered anaerobic digestion ecosystems: An overview

van Hullebusch ED, Guibaud G, Simon S, Lenz M, Yekta SS, Fermoso FG, Jain R, Duester L, Roussel J, Guillon E, Skyllberg U, Almeida CMR, Pechaud Y, Garuti M, Frunzo L, Esposito G, Carliell-Marquet C, Ortner M, Collins G. Methodological approaches for fractionation and speciation to estimate trace element bioavailability in engineered anaerobic digestion ecosystems: An overview. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. 17 August 2016;46(16): 1324-1366.

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Other Publications | 2013

Metodologie per il campionamento di particolato prodotto da apparecchi per la combustione di biomassa solida

Andrea, Pizzi. Metodologie per il campionamento di particolato prodotto da apparecchi per la combustione di biomassa solida, Ph.D. Thesis, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy, 2013.

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La combustione di biomassa legnosa con piccoli apparecchi e caldaie è oggi vista con rinnovato interesse per il raggiungimento degli obiettivi comunitari di produzione di energia rinnovabile al 2020. L’aumento dell’utilizzo della biomassa combustibile è di stretto interesse del settore agroforestale, per via del notevole indotto economico che peraltro interessa tutto il territorio nazionale. Tuttavia, la combustione della biomassa è legata ad una serie di problematiche ambientali quali le emissioni in atmosfera di polveri sottili che influenzano direttamente la qualità dell’aria. Si ritiene, quindi, che l’auspicato aumento dell’utilizzo delle biomasse, soprattutto ai fini della produzione di calore (riscaldamento ambienti), sia legata al contenimento delle emissioni al camino. In questo contesto, è quindi importante la corretta misura delle polveri emesse dagli apparecchi di riscaldamento domestico alimentati a biomassa solida, tenendo conto anche della frazione condensabile, come richiesto dalla normativa. Il lavoro mette a confronto due tecniche di misura delle polveri, la tecnica di prelievo a caldo con raffreddamento dei fumi in impinger e la tecnica di diluizione con tunnel. Sono stati selezionati per il confronto due apparecchi di ridotta potenza (< 15 kWt) ed elevata efficienza: una caldaia a pellet ed una stufa a pellet. In condizioni di combustione completa le due tecniche restituiscono fattori di emissione simili. Nella stufa a pellet la misura a freddo è maggiore del 20 – 30 % rispetto alla misura a caldo. La ridotta presenza della frazione condensabile è stata confermata dall’analisi NPOC degli impinger. Sono state misurate le emissioni totali prodotte da un utilizzo reale del dispositivo, comprendendo anche le fasi transitorie di combustione (accensione, riscaldamento a regime e spegnimento), solitamente non considerate nelle misure standard di laboratorio. La fase di accensione produce fino a tre volte le polveri emesse in condizioni stazionarie. L’emissione totale si riduce all’aumentare del tempo di utilizzo del dispositivo, rientrando nell’intervallo delle emissioni delle condizioni stazionarie dopo circa 6 h. Gli IPA, emessi in quantità elevate, sono costituiti maggiormente da congeneri a peso molecolare medio – basso, associati a minore tossicità. Il TEQ è funzione della potenza e delle condizioni di
combustione del dispositivo.

Conference presentations and posters | 2013

Micro and small scale pellets CHPs. Technology survey.

Haslinger W, Aigenbauer S, Höftberger E. Micro and small scale pellets CHPs. Technology survey, European Pellets Conference 2013, 27th-28th of February 2013, Wels, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2009

Micro-CHP – Experiences with thermoelectric generators integrated in a wood pellet combustion unit

Friedl G, Moser W, McCarry A, Berndt K, Schöpke R. Micro-CHP – Experiences with thermoelectric generators integrated in a wood pellet combustion unit, 28th International_and 7th European_Conference_on_Thermoelectrics 2009, 26th-30th of July, 2009, Freiburg, Germany

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Wood pellet combustion units are a comfortable, full automatic and low emission solution for the provision of space heating in small scale applications. The requirement of an auxiliary energy source for the heat supply and distribution however results in a dependence on the electrical grid. The goal of this work is thereby to eliminate this dependence and to meet the auxiliary energy demand through the independent production of electrical energy. The thermoelectric power production method was chosen from a number of technology variations so as to guarantee the silent and maintenance free production of direct current that can be implemented in cellars and space heaters. The first development step was the implementation of a Prototype with a fuel heat input of 10 kW and a nominal electrical power of 200 W. The central point of the implementation was the integration of a thermo-generator in a pellet combustion unit and the subsequent evaluation of the system concept. The integrated system implemented in the prototype confirms the feasibility of the combination of these technologies. The electrical efficiency of the thermo-generator was found to be in accordance with the target value of 4%, corresponding to a produced nominal electric power of 200 W.

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