Experimental analysis and simulation of biomass energy conversion processes and technologies
Author(s)
Moneti, Marta
Date Issued
May 16, 2016
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this research has been analysing the feasibility and productivity of energy production plants by non-traditional sources as biomass, to contribute to the growing demand of energy without using fossil fuels. A broad-spectrum research on two possible biomass conversion processes is presented: thermochemical and biochemical. In the first case, ChemCAD® software simulation of a bubbling fluidised bed gasifier plant with catalytic filter candles, Water Gas Shift (WGS) and Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) are reported; these were realized as part of the European project UNIfHY for pure hydrogen production.
In the second case experimental tests of anaerobic digestion at lab-scale are presented also as part of Rural Development Plan (RDP) project Measure 124. In these tests wastes, from agricultural companies and farms, which are pollutants for soils and watercourses or actually a monetary loss for the companies have been used. Furthermore it is proposed an anaerobic digestion model developed and implemented in the software AQUASIM 2.0 to study via simulations the single stages of the process, the bacterial activity, and to verify a priori the feasibility and the functionality of the process as a function of the input substrate. The purpose of this research is, on one hand providing a valuable alternative to companies, finding in their activity wastes a source of income and, on the other hand promoting the development and the realization of new small-scale energy production plants, thus at the same time to provide a response at the climate change.
Furthermore a study on a thermonuclear fusion reactor, as part of the cooperation between the University of Tuscia and the ENEA Frascati Research Centre, is reported. This technology could represent a valid response at the growing worldwide energy demand among the alternative energy sources that do not use fossil fuels. In this work, simulations of a new thermonuclear fusion reactor, DTT, whose design has been presented by ENEA in July 2015, are introduced. With these simulations a possible solution to the thermal load issue on this kind of machine has been found.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ingegneria dei sistemi agrari e forestali
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