Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioTrainValue (BIOmass Valorisation via Superheated Steam Torrefaction, Pyrolisis, Gasification Amplified by Multidisciplinary Researchers TRAINining for Multiple Energy and Products’ Added VALUEs)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-01-01 al 2024-12-31
The BioTrainValue project addresses key challenges in the global shift to sustainable energy and a circular economy, focusing on climate change, energy security, and waste management. It aligns with the European Green Deal and the United Nations SDGs. The main goal is to optimize biomass valorization techniques to produce bio-based products and energy while ensuring economic and environmental sustainability.
The project focuses on thermochemical and biological techniques like drying, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, and combustion, refining these technologies for industrial applications in energy and agriculture. By overcoming technical, economic, and environmental challenges, BioTrainValue aims to bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment, enhancing feasibility and scalability.
BioTrainValue supports global and regional strategies for sustainable energy and waste management. It aligns with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan by promoting biomass reuse and contributes to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, enhancing renewable energy diversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Challanges
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by producing biofuels and biocarbons.
Converting agricultural and forestry residues into valuable products to mitigate waste-related environmental issues.
Advancing energy security with localized, decentralized renewable energy systems.
Impacts
Environmental: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and waste through efficient biomass use.
Economic: Scalable, cost-effective technologies for biofuels and bio-based products.
Societal: Improved employability and rural development through capacity-building and energy security solutions.
BioTrainValue contributes to the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
The project focuses on thermochemical and biological techniques like drying, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, and combustion, refining these technologies for industrial applications in energy and agriculture. By overcoming technical, economic, and environmental challenges, BioTrainValue aims to bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment, enhancing feasibility and scalability.
BioTrainValue supports global and regional strategies for sustainable energy and waste management. It aligns with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan by promoting biomass reuse and contributes to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, enhancing renewable energy diversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Challanges
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by producing biofuels and biocarbons.
Converting agricultural and forestry residues into valuable products to mitigate waste-related environmental issues.
Advancing energy security with localized, decentralized renewable energy systems.
Impacts
Environmental: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and waste through efficient biomass use.
Economic: Scalable, cost-effective technologies for biofuels and bio-based products.
Societal: Improved employability and rural development through capacity-building and energy security solutions.
BioTrainValue contributes to the global transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
1. Pilot-Scale Infrastructure Development:
o A pilot-scale installation for biomass torrefaction using superheated steam was successfully optimized at the Lodz University of Technology. The system achieved a production capacity of 30 kg/h of torrefied biomass (carbonized solid fuel), using a rolling-bed dryer for biomass pretreatment. The rolling-bed dryer, developed through the collaboration of TUL and NIC, represents an innovative and efficient solution for biomass drying, a critical and energy-intensive first stage in torrefaction processes. This dryer was tested in a pilot-scale (50 kg/h) setup for drying pine wood chips intended for superheated steam torrefaction.
2. Laboratory Experiments and Analysis:
o In-depth kinetic studies were conducted for wet and dry torrefaction processes. Various biomass feedstocks such as pinewood, sorghum, oxytree, forest waste, and coffee grounds were characterized, showcasing their potential as bioenergy sources.
o Advanced research included TGA, DSC, and TG-FTIR analysis for understanding biomass drying and torrefaction kinetics, resulting in precise process parameters for different biomass types.
o Experiments demonstrated significant improvements in the hydrophobicity, calorific value, and bulk density of biochar products.
3. Innovative Fuel and Product Development:
o Five biomass feedstocks were used to produce innovative fuels, biocarbons, and activated carbons.
o Biocarbons were further tailored for use as agricultural additives, enhancing soil quality and supporting sustainable farming practices.
4. Cross-Institutional Research:
o Researchers conducted secondments at partner institutions, such as NIC, BEST, Aston University and TUL, to analyze lignocellulosic feedstocks, such as oxytree trimmings and forestry residues, focusing on their bioenergy potential.
5. Dissemination and Networking:
o The consortium organized the First International Conference of Thermochemical Conversion & Bioenergy in Łódź, which attracted a wide audience of scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
o The project resulted in 8 peer-reviewed publications and ongoing work on several manuscripts to disseminate findings widely.
o A pilot-scale installation for biomass torrefaction using superheated steam was successfully optimized at the Lodz University of Technology. The system achieved a production capacity of 30 kg/h of torrefied biomass (carbonized solid fuel), using a rolling-bed dryer for biomass pretreatment. The rolling-bed dryer, developed through the collaboration of TUL and NIC, represents an innovative and efficient solution for biomass drying, a critical and energy-intensive first stage in torrefaction processes. This dryer was tested in a pilot-scale (50 kg/h) setup for drying pine wood chips intended for superheated steam torrefaction.
2. Laboratory Experiments and Analysis:
o In-depth kinetic studies were conducted for wet and dry torrefaction processes. Various biomass feedstocks such as pinewood, sorghum, oxytree, forest waste, and coffee grounds were characterized, showcasing their potential as bioenergy sources.
o Advanced research included TGA, DSC, and TG-FTIR analysis for understanding biomass drying and torrefaction kinetics, resulting in precise process parameters for different biomass types.
o Experiments demonstrated significant improvements in the hydrophobicity, calorific value, and bulk density of biochar products.
3. Innovative Fuel and Product Development:
o Five biomass feedstocks were used to produce innovative fuels, biocarbons, and activated carbons.
o Biocarbons were further tailored for use as agricultural additives, enhancing soil quality and supporting sustainable farming practices.
4. Cross-Institutional Research:
o Researchers conducted secondments at partner institutions, such as NIC, BEST, Aston University and TUL, to analyze lignocellulosic feedstocks, such as oxytree trimmings and forestry residues, focusing on their bioenergy potential.
5. Dissemination and Networking:
o The consortium organized the First International Conference of Thermochemical Conversion & Bioenergy in Łódź, which attracted a wide audience of scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
o The project resulted in 8 peer-reviewed publications and ongoing work on several manuscripts to disseminate findings widely.
The BioTrainValue project has achieved results that exceed current state-of-the-art practices in biomass valorization.
• Superheated Steam Torrefaction:
o This novel approach to biomass torrefaction offers significant advantages over nitrogen-based systems, including better process control, reduced emissions, and enhanced product quality. The superheated steam method promotes higher energy density, hydrophobicity, and carbon retention in biochar.
• Drying and Torrefaction Processes:
o A rolling-bed dryer integrated with a superheated steam torrefaction system has been developed and optimized. This system allows for efficient pretreatment and conversion of various biomass types, such as oxytree, sorghum, and pinewood.
• Wet Torrefaction Advancements:
o Research using zeolite catalysts demonstrated significant improvements in hydrochar quality and reduced VOC emissions. This method also offers enhanced carbon sequestration and energy efficiency compared to traditional processes.
Product Development and Applications
• Innovative Biofuels:
o Production of biofuels with increased calorific value, reduced biodegradability, and improved transport and storage properties.
• A techno-economic assessment of biomass torrefaction installations will show that if the proposed systems are scalable and cost-effective, with the potential for commercial deployment in the EU market.
• Pilot installations have provided critical data for assessing energy efficiency and carbon footprint, supporting the development of small renewable energy systems (1–5 MW) with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Environmental Impact
• The project aligns with the EU's decarbonization and circular bioeconomy goals by promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Biomass-derived fuels and materials demonstrate clear advantages in carbon sequestration and emission reductions.
• Superheated Steam Torrefaction:
o This novel approach to biomass torrefaction offers significant advantages over nitrogen-based systems, including better process control, reduced emissions, and enhanced product quality. The superheated steam method promotes higher energy density, hydrophobicity, and carbon retention in biochar.
• Drying and Torrefaction Processes:
o A rolling-bed dryer integrated with a superheated steam torrefaction system has been developed and optimized. This system allows for efficient pretreatment and conversion of various biomass types, such as oxytree, sorghum, and pinewood.
• Wet Torrefaction Advancements:
o Research using zeolite catalysts demonstrated significant improvements in hydrochar quality and reduced VOC emissions. This method also offers enhanced carbon sequestration and energy efficiency compared to traditional processes.
Product Development and Applications
• Innovative Biofuels:
o Production of biofuels with increased calorific value, reduced biodegradability, and improved transport and storage properties.
• A techno-economic assessment of biomass torrefaction installations will show that if the proposed systems are scalable and cost-effective, with the potential for commercial deployment in the EU market.
• Pilot installations have provided critical data for assessing energy efficiency and carbon footprint, supporting the development of small renewable energy systems (1–5 MW) with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Environmental Impact
• The project aligns with the EU's decarbonization and circular bioeconomy goals by promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Biomass-derived fuels and materials demonstrate clear advantages in carbon sequestration and emission reductions.