BEST
Bioenergy and
Sustainable Technologies
Publications
Conference 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.
Conference contributions | 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.
Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals | 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;
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 contributions | 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)
Conference contributions | 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.
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.
Conference contributions | 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)
Conference contributions | 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.
Conference contributions | 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.
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.
Conference contributions | 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.
Conference contributions | 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)
Scientific Journals | 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.
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.
Contributions to trade journals | 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.
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 contributions | 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).
Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals | 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.
Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals | 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.
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 Scientific Journals | 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.
Contributions at other events | 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.
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 contributions | 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.
Conference contributions | 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
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.
Other Presentations | 2014
Microalgae as source of biogas: Anaerobic digestion of un- and pre-treated biomass
Gruber M, Zohar E, Jerney J, Nussbaumer M, Ludwig I, Hieger C, Bromberger P, Bochmann G, Obbard JP, Schagerl M, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Microalgae as source of biogas: Anaerobic digestion of un- and pre-treated biomass, Algae Networking Event 2014, 11th of September 2014, Dürnrohr, Austria. (oral presentation)
Other Presentations | 2013
Microbial conversion of H2S for sulphuric acid recycling
Rachbauer L, Gabauer W, Ortner M, Bochmann G. Microbial conversion of H2S for sulphuric acid recycling, 9th International Conference on Renewable Resources & Biorefineries 2013, 5th-7th of June 2013, Antwerpen, Belgium. (peer reviewed) (visual presentation)
Conference contributions | 2020
Microgrid Lab 100 % - R&D project for decentralized energy supply with biomass and other Distributed energy Resources
Aigenbauer S. Microgrid Lab 100 % - R&D project for decentralized energy supply with biomass and other Distributed energy Resources. 6th Central European Biomass Conference, 22-24 January 2020, Graz.
Conference contributions | 2020
Microgrid Lab 100% Testbed for the development of control algorithms for microgrids
Aigenbauer S, Microgrid Lab 100% Testbed for the development of control algorithms for microgrids. 6th Central European Biomass Conference, 22-24 January 2020, Graz.
Conference contributions | 2017
Microgrids and the Regional Balance of Supply and Demand in the Electricity and Heating Sector
Stadler M, Mair C, Zellinger M, Lichtenegger K, Haslinger W, Temper M, Moser A, Carlon E, Muschick D, Gölles M. Microgrids and the Regional Balance of Supply and Demand in the Electricity and Heating Sector. 20. Österreichischer Biomassetag, Windischgarsten, 14. - 15. November 2017.