Applications of porous media combustion technology – A review

The rapid advances in technology and improved living standard of the society necessitate abundant use of fossil fuels which poses two major challenges to any nation. One is fast depletion of fossil fuel resources; the other is environmental pollution. The porous medium combustion (PMC) has proved to be one of the feasible options to tackle the aforesaid problems to a remarkable extent. PMC has interesting advantages compared with free flame combustion due to the higher burning rates, the increased power dynamic range, the extension of the lean flammability limits, and the low emissions of pollutants. This article provides a comprehensive picture of the global scenario of applications of PMC so as to enable the researchers to decide the direction of further investigation. The works published so far in this area are reviewed, classified according to their objectives and presented in an organized manner with general conclusions.     

Performance analysis of a waste heat driven activated carbon based composite adsorbent – Water adsorption chiller using simulation model

This study aims at improving the performance of a waste heat driven adsorption chiller by applying a novel composite adsorbent which is synthesized from activated carbon impregnated by soaking in sodium silicate solution and then in calcium chloride solution. Modeling is performed to analyze the influence of the hot water inlet temperature, cooling water inlet temperature, chilled water inlet temperatures, and adsorption/desorption cycle time on the specific cooling power (SCP) and coefficient of performance (COP) of the chiller system with the composite adsorbent. The simulation calculation indicates a COP value of 0.65 with a driving source temperature of 85 °C in combination with coolant inlet and chilled water inlet temperature of 30 °C and 14 °C, respectively. The most optimum adsorption–desorption cycle time is approximately 360 s based on the performance from COP and SCP. The delivered chilled water temperature is about 9 °C under these operating conditions, achieving a SCP of 380 W/kg.     

Development and transient performance results of a single stage activated carbon – HFC 134a closed cycle adsorption cooling system

A laboratory model of a thermally driven adsorption refrigeration system with activated carbon as the adsorbent and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC 134a) as the refrigerant was developed. The single stage compression system has an ensemble of four adsorbers packed with Maxsorb II specimen of activated carbon that provide a near continuous flow which caters to a cooling load of up to 5 W in the 5–18 °C region. The objective was to utilise the low grade thermal energy to drive a refrigeration system that can be used to cool some critical electronic components. The laboratory model was tested for its performance at various cooling loads with the heat source temperature from 73 to 93 °C. The pressure transients during heating and cooling phases were traced. The cyclic steady state and transient performance data are presented.     

Transformation of biomass into carbon nanofiber for supercapacitor application – A review

This paper starts with a review on challenges and need of improved supercapacitor application, which is then followed by advantages of biomass compared with other materials for use in supercapacitor application. The conversion of biomass into carbon nanofiber using different techniques was extensively reviewed for its advantages and limitations. It was revealed that the materials currently used are yet to be fully sustainable or feasible for energy storage application. In contrast, biomass represents a widely available and sustainable material to be converted into carbon nanofiber for energy storage application. Different techniques were employed for carbon nanofiber production to achieve different objectives, comprising high product yield, feasible diameter adjustment, low electric consumption, and shorter production time. Nevertheless, it was revealed that many key properties of the biomass-derived carbon nanofiber have yet to be fully investigated, as there are still knowledge gaps to be filled for each technique. Thus, more studies are needed to broaden the existing understanding in the key parameters of different techniques in order to develop a highly desirable carbon nanofiber from biomass for sustainable energy storage application.     

Development of small-scale and micro-scale biomass-fuelled CHP systems – A literature review

A review is carried out on the development of small- and micro-scale biomass-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Discussions have been concentrated on the current application of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) in small- and micro-scale biomass-fuelled CHP systems. Comparisons have been made between ORC and other technologies such as biomass gasification and micro-turbine based biomass-fuelled CHP systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each technology have been discussed. Recommendations have been made on the future development of small- and micro-scale biomass-fuelled CHP.     

Study of the effect of finned tube adsorber on the performance of solar driven adsorption cooling machine using activated carbon–ammonia pair

Solar refrigeration represents an important application of solar energy due to the excellent matching between the high sunshine and the refrigeration needs. Solar adsorption refrigeration devices are among the significant techniques used to meet the needs for cooling requirements. Several solar refrigeration systems have been proposed and are under development such as sorption systems including liquid/vapor, solid/vapor absorption, adsorption, vapor compression and others. The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of a cylindrical adsorber on the performances of a solar adsorption refrigerating machine. The adsorber heated by solar energy contains an activated carbon–ammonia pair; it is composed by many cylindrical tubes welded using external fins. A model based on the conservation equations of energy and mass in the adsorber has been developed and well described. Using real solar irradiance data as well as many initial conditions, the model computes for each point and in the considered time interval during the day, the temperature, the adsorbed mass, the pressure inside the adsorber and the solar performance coefficient (COP). The results show that the optimal diameter of the adsorber with fins is greater than the one without fins. Moreover the mass cycled in the case of an adsorber equipped with external fins is more significant than the one without fins, and the maximal temperature reached in the adsorber with fins attains 97 °C while in the adsorber without fins reaches 77 °C. Thus, the performances of the solar adsorption refrigerating machine with an adsorber equipped with fins are higher than the machine without fins.     

Biomass gasification cogeneration – A review of state of the art technology and near future perspectives

Biomass is a renewable resource from which a broad variety of commodities can be produced. However, the resource is scarce and must be used with care to avoid depleting future stock possibilities. Flexibility and efficiency in production are key characteristics for biomass conversion technologies in future energy systems. Thermal gasification of biomass is proved throughout this article to be both highly flexible and efficient if used optimally. Cogeneration processes with production of heat-and-power, heat-power-and-fuel or heat-power-and-fertilizer are described and compared. The following gasification platforms are included in the assessment: The Harboøre up draft gasifier with gas engine, the Güssing FICFB gasifier with gas engine or PDU, the LT-CFB gasifier with steam cycle and nutrient recycling and finally the TwoStage down draft gasifier with gas engine, micro gas turbine (MGT), SOFC, SOFC/MGT or catalytic fuel synthesis.     

Development of lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite perovskite electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells – A review

There is an enormous driving force in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to reduce the operating temperatures from high temperatures (800–1000 °C) to intermediate and low temperatures (400–800 °C) in order to increase the durability, improve thermal compatibility and thermal cycle capability, and reduce the fabrication and materials costs. One of the grand challenges is the development of cathode materials for intermediate and low temperature SOFCs with high activity and stability for the O₂ reduction reaction (ORR), high structural stability as well as high tolerance toward contaminants like chromium, sulfur and boron. Lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) perovskite is the most popular and representative mixed ionic and electronic conducting (MIEC) electrode material for SOFCs. LSCF-based materials are characterized by high MIEC properties, good structural stability and high electrochemical activity for ORR, and have played a unique role in the development of SOFCs technologies. However, there appears no comprehensive review on the development and understanding of this most important MIEC electrode material in SOFCs despite its unique position in SOFCs. The objective of this article is to provide a critical and comprehensive review in the structure and defect chemistry, the electrical and ionic conductivity, and relationship between the performance, intrinsic and extrinsic factors of LSCF-based electrode materials in SOFCs. The challenges, strategies and prospect of LSCF-based electrodes for intermediate and low temperature SOFCs are discussed. Finally, the development of LSCF-based electrodes for metal-supported SOFCs and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) is also briefly reviewed.     

Sustainability of the four generations of biofuels – A review

Biofuel has emerged as an alternative source of energy to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and combat global warming. Biofuels are classified into first, second, third and fourth generations. Each of the biofuel generations aims to meet the global energy demand while minimizing environmental impacts. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the current generations without jeopardizing the needs of future generations. The aim of sustainability is to ensure continuous growth of the economy while protecting the environment and societal needs. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the sustainability of these four generations of biofuels. The objectives are to compare the production of biofuel, the net greenhouse gases emissions, and energy efficiency. This study is important in providing information for the policymakers and researchers in the decision-making for the future development of green energy. Each of the biofuel generations shows different benefits and drawbacks. From this study, we conclude that the first generation biofuel has the highest biofuel production and energy efficiency, but is less effective in meeting the goal of reducing the greenhouse gases emission. The third generation biofuel shows the lowest net greenhouse gases emissions, allowing the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, the energy required for the processing of the third generation biofuel is higher and, this makes it less environmentally friendly as fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. The third and fourth generation feedstocks are the potential sustainable source for the future production of biofuel. However, more studies need to be done to find an alternative low cost for biofuel production while increasing energy efficiency.     

Technoeconomics of large-scale clean hydrogen production – A review

Hydrogen is widely used in many industries, yet its role in the clean energy transition goes beyond being an element of these industries. Near-term practical large-scale clean hydrogen production can be made available by involving nuclear, solar, and other renewable energy sources in the process of hydrogen production, and coupling their energy systems to sustainable carbon-free hydrogen technologies. This requires further investigation and assessment of the different alternatives to achieve clean hydrogen using these pathways. This paper assesses the technoeconomics of promising hydrogen technologies that can be coupled to nuclear and solar energy systems for large-scale hydrogen production. It also provides an overview of the design, status and advances of these technologies.     

Multiple bed regenerative adsorption cycle using the monolithic carbon–ammonia pair

A refrigeration/heat-pump system based on a number of simple tubular adsorption modules is described. A single module is comprised of a generator and a receiver/condenser/evaporator. A single generator consisting of a 12.7 mm stainless steel tube lined with 2.6 mm of monolithic active carbon has been manufactured. A complete module has been tested in a simple rig, which subjects it to alternating hot and cold airstreams, desorbing and adsorbing ammonia. A complete system, consisting of 32 modules has been modelled in detail and its predicted performance is presented. Key parameters have been varied and their effect on the performance discussed.     

Estimation of methane production for batch technology – A new approach

In the case of agricultural biogas plants it is the living microorganisms (mainly archaea) that determine the amount of methane produced. If the conditions in the digester are not adequate or the substrates are selected incorrectly, the microorganisms will not be able to develop properly and methane production will also be low or none. Therefore, in the first place the influence of individual factors on the production of methane was analysed. Next, based on the conclusions drawn from the analysis of the factors, a mathematical model was developed that will facilitate the selection of appropriate substrates and process parameters by future investors building agricultural biogas plants. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the impact of the factors on the production of methane and to present a mathematical model for estimating methane production for batch technology used in agricultural biogas plants (this kind of production is also used in laboratories for testing specific substrates). The model presented in the paper has been developed and tested on a group of over seventy substrates of agricultural origin. The inclusion of many factors determining methane production in the model is not complicated as each of the factors is easy to measure.     

Applications of enzymatic biofuel cells in bioelectronic devices – A review

In this review paper, the authors have presented a brief conceptual summary of the applications of biofuel cell in general and enzymatic one in special with a short historical background, rather than their design and operation. Greater emphasis has been given to the recent progress in the development of biofuel cells and their applications for powering bioelectronic devices. Importance of electronic management of the energy derived from biological sources and interfacing enzyme-based biofuel cells with power consuming microelectronic devices have also been discussed briefly. The applications of the enzyme in the advancement of anode and cathode of biofuel cells based on the classification of single-enzyme and multi-enzyme catalysis system have also been briefly reviewed. In addition, the role of nanotechnology accompanied with redox mediators in enhancing the power output of enzymatic biofuel cells has been discussed with the help of some notable research efforts made recently with a particular emphasis on some of the latest and most imperative breakthroughs in EBFCs design based on buckypapers and carbon nanodots. The progress in implantable and self-powered bioelectrochemical devices with special heed to latest advances have been summarized in the light of several briefly described research contributions made in recent years. Moreover, the long-term stability and factors influencing the catalytic activity of enzymes in EBFCs have been reviewed in the context of the implantable and wearable application of these power sources. Finally, its prospects along with the prevailing scientific and technical challenges that will need to be resolved in the future for realizing their practical applications are discussed briefly.     

Flow characteristics of refrigerants flowing through capillary tubes – A review

A comprehensive review of the literature on the flow of various refrigerants through the capillary tubes of different geometries viz. straight and coiled and flow configurations viz. adiabatic and diabatic, has been discussed in this paper. The paper presents in chronological order the experimental and numerical investigations systematically under different categories. Flow aspects like effect of coiling and effect of oil in the refrigerants on the mass flow rate through the capillary tube have been discussed. Furthermore, the phenomenon of metastability and the correlations to predict the underpressure of vaporization have also been discussed. The paper provides key information about the range of input parameters viz. tube diameter, tube length, surface roughness, coil pitch and coil diameter, inlet subcooling and condensing pressure or temperature. Other information includes type of refrigerants used, correlations proposed and methodology adopted in the analysis of flow through the capillary tubes of different geometries operating under adiabatic and diabatic flow conditions. It has been found from the review of the literature that there is a lot more to investigate for the flow of various refrigerants through different capillary tube geometries.     

A review of the IEA/NEA Projected Costs of Electricity – 2015 edition

The IEA/NEA recently issued their eighth edition of the Study on the “Projected Costs of Generating Electricity” – 2015 edition. The Study is mainly concerned with calculating the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). The LCOE calculations are based on a levelised average life time cost approach using the discounted cash flow (DCF) method. The analysis was this year, and for the first time, performed using three discount rates (3%, 7%, and 10%). The LCOE can serve as a tool for calculating the cost of different generation technologies. However the Study's usefulness is affected by its narrow base of a limited set of countries that are not necessarily representative. It ignored the negative role of subsidies and did not provide a methodology for selective application of the discount rates and costing of carbon. The global power generation scene is changing. Generation growth in OECD countries has become very limited; simultaneously there is rapid growth of varying renewables (VRE) generation which needs special criteria for assessing its system cost. All this demands a rethinking of the application and usefulness of the LCOE in future generation planning.     

Chromium deposition and poisoning of cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells – A review

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) using chromia-forming alloy interconnect requires the development of cathode not only with high electrochemical activity but also with the high resistance or tolerance towards Cr deposition and poisoning. This is due to the fact that, at SOFC operating temperatures, volatile Cr species are generated over the chromia scale, poisoning the cathodes such as (La,Sr)MnO₃ (LSM) and (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O₃ (LSCF) and causing a rapid degradation of the cell performance. Thus, a fundamental understanding of the interaction between the Fe–Cr alloys and SOFC cathode is essential for the development of high performance and stable SOFCs. The objective of this paper is to critically review the progress and particularly the work done in the last 10 years in this important area. The mechanism and kinetics of the Cr deposition and Cr poisoning process on the cathodes of SOFCs are discussed. Chromium deposition at SOFC cathodes is most likely dominated by the chemical reduction of high valence Cr species, facilitated by the nucleation agents on the electrode and electrolyte surface and/or at the electrode/electrolyte interface, i.e., the nucleation theory. The driving force behind the nucleation theory is the surface segregation and migration of cationic species on the surface of perovskite oxide cathodes. Overwhelming evidences indicate that the surface segregation plays a critical role in the Cr deposition. The prospect of the development in the Cr-tolerant cathodes for SOFCs is presented.     

Thermal comfort in hospitals – A literature review

In general, there is a wide range of literature covering the area of thermal comfort, but not a focused literature review of thermal comfort in hospitals has published yet. However, there has been no study on the direct effect of thermal comfort on health. The authors have found a reasonable amount of literature in thermal comfort in hospitals. This paper presents a literature review on thermal comfort in hospitals. From the review, the paper concludes that it is important to undertake original studies in the relationship between thermal comfort conditions and productivity for hospital staff. The study finally concluded that it is important to find some solutions to reconcile the different thermal comfort conditions required by different occupants in hospitals. These solutions could be used whenever patients and the attending caregivers have to stay in one room for a long time compulsorily.     

Biodiesel resources and production technologies – A review

The environmental concern and availability of fuels are greatly affecting the trends of fuels for transportation vehicles. Biodiesel is one of the options as alternative transport fuel. This can be produced from straight vegetable oils (SVOs), oils extracted from various plant species and animal fats. Amongst many resources, availability and cost economy are the major factors affecting the large scale production of the biodiesels. The transesterification is one of the production processes for biodiesel, but incomplete esterification of all fatty acids in the starting material, lengthy purification methods such as water washing, relatively long reaction times, contamination and separation difficulties associated with co-production of glycerol and saponification of the starting material under certain reaction conditions are still being major challenges in the biodiesel production. Technological advancement and enhanced production methods are the demand of present time for large scale and sustainable production of biodiesel. In the present paper, comprehensive review on its production process, feed stock and its applications have been made. From many case studies it was concluded that engine performance with B20 biodiesel blends, and mineral diesel were found comparable.     

Selective conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into furan compounds using bimetal-modified bio-based activated carbon: Analytical Py-GC×GC/MS

Bio-based activated carbon supported Cu, Al, Sn and their bimetals were devised to serve as solid acid catalysts for the pyrolysis of xylan to generate furan compounds, and their catalytic activity was evaluated by Py-GC × GC/MS. The Cu–Al/C catalysts with diverse Cu to Al ratios exhibited better performance in enhancing the content of furans and the selectivity of 2-MF compared with other catalysts. Among the series of Cu–Al/C catalysts, 4Cu–2Al/C achieved a content of furan compounds as high as 80.6%, and 2-MF, FF and furan were the major furan products with selectivity values of 44.0%, 30.0% and 15.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the catalyst also worked well in promoting the pyrolysis of xylose, glucose, cellulose and pine to produce furans, and the highest and lowest contents of furans were obtained from glucose (87.8%) and pine (70.1%), respectively. These results suggest the 4Cu–2Al/C obviously promotes the formation of furans, which is comparable to those of recently reported solid acid catalysts. Characterization with XRD, XPS, NH₃-TPD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, and SEM, demonstrated that the effective interactions between Cu species and Al species facilitated the dehydration of saccharides and the dehydrogenation of cyclopentanones to increase furan compounds. Al species, mainly Al₂O₃ were the major contributor to the Lewis acid sites, and Cu specie played an essential role in regulating the acidity and enhancing the selectivity of 2-MF. In addition to furans, 4Cu–2Al/C was found to have positive effects on hindering the formation of acids in the pyrolysis products.