Publikationen

Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Optimization of a 50 MW bubbling fluidized bed biomass combustion chamber by means of computational particle fluid dynamics

Kraft S, Kuba M, Kirnbauer F, Bosch K, Hofbauer H. Optimization of a 50 MW bubbling fluidized bed biomass combustion chamber by means of computational particle fluid dynamics. Biomass and Bioenergy. 4 August 2015;89:31-39.

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An efficient utilization of biomass fuels in power plants is often limited by the melting behavior of the biomass ash, which causes unplanned shutdowns of the plants. If the melting temperature of the ash is locally exceeded, deposits can form on the walls of the combustion chamber. In this paper, a bubbling fluidized bed combustion chamber with 50 MW biomass input is investigated that severely suffers deposit build-up in the freeboard during operation. The deposit layers affect the operation negatively in two ways: they act as an additional heat resistance in regions of heat extraction, and they can come off the wall and fall into the bed and negatively influence the fluidization behavior. To detect zones where ash melting can occur, the temperature distribution in the combustion chamber is calculated numerically using the commercial CPFD (computational particle fluid dynamics) code, Barracuda Version 15. Regions where the ash melting temperature is exceeded are compared with the fouling observed on the walls in the freeboard. The numerically predicted regions agree well with the observed location of the deposits on the walls. Next, the model is used to find an optimized operating point with fewer regions in which the ash melting temperature is exceeded. Therefore, three cases with different distributions of the inlet gas streams are simulated. The simulations show if the air inlet streams are moved from the freeboard to the necking area above the bed a more even temperature distribution is obtained over the combustion chamber. Hence, the areas where the ash melting temperatures are exceeded are reduced significantly and the formation of deposits in the optimized operational mode is much less likely.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Outlook for the Project: Future Application and Development of the AshMelT methods

Schwabl M, Wopienka E. AshMelT Workshop “Outlook for the Project: Future Application and Development of the AshMelT methods” (held during de World Sustainable Energy Days 2015), 25th-27th of February, Wels, Austria, 2015.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Parameter Study with Sulfidized Molybdenum Catalyst for Mixed Alcohol Synthesis with Biomass-Derived Synthesis Gas

Weber G, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Parameter Study with Sulfidized Molybdenum Catalyst for Mixed Alcohol Synthesis with Biomass-Derived Synthesis Gas, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Performance of a water gas shift pilot plant processing product gas from an industrial scale biomass steam gasification plant

Kraussler M, Binder M, Fail S, Bosch K, Hackel M, Hofbauer H. Performance of a water gas shift pilot plant processing product gas from an industrial scale biomass steam gasification plant. Biomass and Bioenergy. 4 August 2015;89:50-57.

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In this paper, the performance of a commercial Fe/Cr based catalyst for the water gas shift reaction was investigated. The catalyst was used in a water gas shift pilot plant which processed real product gas from a commercial biomass steam gasification plant with two different qualities: extracted before and extracted after scrubbing with a rapeseed methyl ester gas scrubber. The performance of the WGS pilot plant regarding these two different gas qualities was investigated. For this reason, extensive chemical analyses were carried out. CO, CO2, CH4, N2, O2, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 and H2S, COS, and C4H4 S were measured. In addition, GCMS tar and NH3 analyses were performed. Furthermore, the catalyst's activity was observed by measuring the temperature profiles along the reactors of the water gas shift pilot plant. During the 200 h of operation with both product gas qualities, no catalyst deactivation could be observed. A CO conversion up to 93% as well as a GCMS tar reduction (about 28%) along the water gas shift pilot plant was obtained. Furthermore, a specific H2 production of 63 g H2 per kg biomass (dry and ash free) was reached with both product gas qualities. No significant performance difference could be observed.

Other papers | 2015

Performance of a water gas shift pilot plant processing tar-rich product gas from a commercial biomass steam gasification plant operating at partial load conditions

Kraussler M, Binder M, Hofbauer H. Performance of a water gas shift pilot plant processing tar-rich product gas from a commercial biomass steam gasification plant operating at partial load conditions. International Bioenergy Exhibition and Asian Bioenergy Conference 2015. October 2015, Shanghai, China.

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Other papers | 2015

Performance of a Water Gas Shift Unit Processing Product Gas from Biomass Steam Gasification

Kraussler M, Binder M, Fail S, Rauch R, Bosch K, Hackel M, Hofbauer H. Performance of a Water Gas Shift Unit Processing Product Gas from Biomass Steam Gasification. 23rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (oral presentation). June 2015, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Production of high purity hydrogen from biomass-derived synthesis gas using dual fluidised bed gasification technology

Loipersböck J., Rehling B., Rauch R., Hofbauer H. Production of high purity hydrogen from biomass-derived synthesis gas using dual fluidised bed gasification technology, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Regulation of land competition in Brazil

Ludwiczek N. Regulation of land competition in Brazil, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Short term online corrosion measurements in biomass fired boilers. Part 1: Application of newly developed mass loss probe

Retschitzegger S, Gruber T, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Short term online corrosion measurements in biomass fired boilers. Part 1: Application of a newly developed mass loss probe. Fuel Process Technol 2015;137:148-156.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Simultaneous online determination of S, Cl, K, Na, Zn and Pb release from a single particle during biomass combustion Part 1: Experimental setup implementation and evaluation

Sommersacher P, Kienzl N, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Simultaneous online determination of S, Cl, K, Na, Zn and Pb release from a single particle during biomass combustion Part 1: Experimental setup implementation and evaluation. Energy and Fuels. 15 October 2015;29:6734-6746.

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The interest in experimental data regarding thermal fuel decomposition as well as the release behavior of ash-forming elements of biomass fuels for modeling and simulation purposes is continuously increasing. On the basis of combustion experiments with lab-scale reactors and single-particle reactors, integral release data regarding ash-forming vapors can be obtained, whereby the release is calculated on the basis of analysis data of the fuel and the ash residues. At the moment, almost no time-resolved release data of ash-forming elements from single particles exist. Therefore, a single-particle reactor was designed, which has been coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This reactor can be used for targeted experiments in a temperature range of 250–1050 °C under inert, reducing, and oxidizing conditions. With this reactor, it is possible to simultaneously determine the surface and center temperatures of a biomass particle, weight loss of the particle, and flue gas composition. The reactor has been coupled to an ICP-MS through a gas stream that is sufficiently diluted with Ar. First performance tests with pure salts (KCl, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, ZnCl2, and PbCl2) proved that relevant volatile ash-forming elements can be detected with the ICP-MS. For a further validation of the received signals, combustion tests with Miscanthus pellets have been carried out, whereby the controlled interruption of the experiments has also been investigated. These tests prove that with this system the simultaneous time-resolved determination of S, Cl, K, Na, Zn, and Pb is possible whereby the Cl signal can only be used with restrictions. On the basis of the determined release of ash-forming elements for the entire combustion experiment, a quantification/calibration of the measured intensities has been carried out. The data gained from these tests will provide deeper insights into release processes as well as form a relevant basis for release model development.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Sommersacher P, Kienzl N, Brunner T, Obernberger I

Sommersacher P, Kienzl N, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Online determination of the release of inorganic elements using a single particle reactor coupled with an ICP-MS, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Other papers | 2015

State of the art biomass gasification for CHP production – the Ulm plant

Kirnbauer F, Maierhans F, Kuba M, Hofbauer H. State of the art biomass gasification for CHP production – the Ulm plant. Regatec 2015. 7-8 May 2015, Barcelona, Spain.

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Other Publications | 2015

Survey of modern pellet boilers in Austria and Germany - System design and customer satisfaction of residential installations

Büchner D, Schraube C, Carlon E, von Sonntag J, Schwarz M, Verma VK, Ortwein A. Survey of modern pellet boilers in Austria and Germany - System design and customer satisfaction of residential installations. Applied Energy;160: 390-403.

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The variety of available technical building equipment leads to increasingly complex heating systems with various requirements for efficient operation. Furthermore, in existing buildings the heating system is often historically evolved and contains parts having different ages. Those systems have limited capacity to suit the requirements of replaced components. This paper investigates the operational behavior of small-scale pellet heating systems in Austria and Germany, considering installations in new buildings and boiler replacements in existing buildings and how they are influencing the customer satisfaction.

This investigation was carried out by means of a comprehensive survey for residential customers using pellet fired heating systems. More than 2500 questionnaires were distributed between 2011 and 2013 in Austria, Germany, Greece, Spain and the United Kingdom. In total 293 returned questionnaires were evaluated. The efficiency of the monitored heating systems was estimated using surveyed boiler parameters. Successively, the influence of different operational parameters on the boilers efficiency was evaluated with a statistical analysis, using Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman correlation.

Results showed that the correct installation of the monitored pellet heating system is easier for new buildings compared to the replacement of old fossil boilers in existing buildings. Optimal operating conditions are characterized by less frequent ignitions and by higher operational loads. Pellet systems operated with a high efficiency in both building types, but for new buildings it is more likely to occur. More than 87% of the participating customers stated that they are highly satisfied with their pellet boiler.

Peer reviewed papers | 2015

The behavior of biomass and char particles in a dual fluidized bed gasification system

Kraft S, Kuba M, Hofbauer H. The behavior of biomass and char particles in a dual fluidized bed gasification system. Powder Technology 2018;338:887-897.

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Biomass gasification in fluidized beds is a complex process in which particles occur in a wide range of size and density. In this paper, the mixing behavior of the char, biomass and bed material in a gasification reactor of a typical dual fluidized bed (DFB) system was investigated in a cold flow model. Experiments with ternary mixtures were performed in which the size and the density of the used particles were varied. For the experiments, a cold flow model was constructed with a full bed material recirculation loop, similar to DFB systems. Experiments revealed that at low fluidization velocities, the smaller char particles and biomass particles occur more preferentially in the bed material recirculation stream. If the fluidization velocities are increased, this tendency diminishes. Furthermore, the experiments showed that the mass fraction of biomass particles in the recirculation stream is always higher than that of the lighter char particles. It is also shown that the current design of the gasification reactor in DFB systems is not optimal. A way to overcome this issue in existing plants is presented.
Conference presentations and posters | 2015

The Influence of Wood Pellet Prices on Heat Generation Costs of Alternative Heating Systems

Kristöfel C, Strasser C, Schmid E. The Influence of Wood Pellet Prices on Heat Generation Costs of Alternative Heating Systems, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Other papers | 2015

The role of 1H-indene in product gas of biomass gasification

Kuba M, Kirnbauer F, Hofbauer H. The role of 1H-indene in product gas of biomass gasification. International Bioenergy Exhibition and Asian Bioenergy Conference 2015. October 2015, Shanghai, China.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

The Role of Leak Air in a Double-Wall Chimney

Lichtenegger K, Hebenstreit B, Pointner C, Schmidl C, Höftberger E. The role of leak air in a double-wall chimney. Heat Mass Transfer. 2015;51(6):787-94.

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In modern buildings with tight shells, often room-independent air supply is required for proper operation of biomass stoves. One possibility to arrange this supply is to use a double-wall chimney with flue gas leaving through the pipe and fresh air entering through the annular gap. A one-dimensional quasi-static model based on balance equations has been developed and compared with experimental data. Inclusion of leak air is crucial for reproduction of the experimental results. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Conference presentations and posters | 2015

Time-resolved characterization of PM10 emissions from modern small scale biomass combustion units, including PAHs

Kistler M, Schmidl C, Cetintas EC, Padouvas E, Bauer H, Puxbaum H, Kasper-Giebl A. Time-resolved characterization of PM10 emissions from modern small scale biomass combustion units, including PAHs, 23rd European Biomass Conference 2015, 1st-4th of June 2015, Vienna, Austria. (visual presentation)

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Use of Hazelnut's Pruning to Produce Biochar by Gasifier Small Scale Plant

Colantoni A, Longo L, Evic N, Gallucci F, Delfanti L. Use of Hazelnut‟s Pruning to Produce Biochar by Gasifier Small Scale Plant. International Journal of Renewable Energy Research. 2015;5(3):873-878.

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Biochar is the product of biomass pyrolysis and gasification. One of the possible application of this product is certainly in agronomic sector, as soil amendment. However biochar use in Italy is subordinated to insert this product in fertilizer list, which biochar could be commercialized with. The aim of this paper is to know the biochar from gasification process (using an Imbert downdraft prototype), in particular investigating its potentiality as soil amendment in terms of European and Italian regulations and in terms of physical and chemical characterizations.

Other papers | 2015

Validation of a Kinetic Model for the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction Applying a Fe/Cr Catalyst Processing Wood Gas from Biomass Steam Gasification

Kraussler M, Fail S, Plaza Quevedo A, Cortes Guerro JA, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Validation of a Kinetic Model for the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction Applying a Fe/Cr Catalyst Processing Wood Gas from Biomass Steam Gasification. 23rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (Poster). June 2015, Vienna, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2015

Ventilation of Carbon Monoxide from a Biomass Pellet Storage Tank - A Study of the Effects of Variation of Temperature and Cross-Ventilation on the Efficiency of Natural Ventilation

Emhofer W, Lichtenegger K, Haslinger W, Hofbauer H, Schmutzer-Roseneder I, Aigenbauer S, et al. Ventilation of carbon monoxide from a biomass pellet storage tank - A study of the effects of variation of temperature and cross-ventilation on the efficiency of natural ventilation. Ann Occup Hyg. 2015;59(1):79-90.

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Wood pellets have been reported to emit toxic gaseous emissions during transport and storage. Carbon monoxide (CO) emission, due to the high toxicity of the gas and the possibility of it being present at high levels, is the most imminent threat to be considered before entering a pellet storage facility. For small-scale (<30 tons storage capacity) residential pellet storage facilities, ventilation, preferably natural ventilation utilizing already existing openings, has become the most favored solution to overcome the problem of high CO concentrations. However, there is little knowledge on the ventilation rates that can be reached and thus on the effectiveness of such measures. The aim of the study was to investigate ventilation rates for a specific small-scale pellet storage system depending on characteristic temperature differences. Furthermore, the influence of the implementation of a chimney and the influence of cross-ventilation on the ventilation rates were investigated. The air exchange rates observed in the experiments ranged between close to zero and up to 8 m3h-1, depending largely on the existing temperature differences and the existence of cross-ventilation. The results demonstrate that implementing natural ventilation is a possible measure to enhance safety from CO emissions, but not one without limitations. © 2014 © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

"BioCAT – Clean air technology for small-scale combustion systems"

Reichert G, Wöhler M, Schwabl M, Schmidl C, Aigenbauer S, Bachmaier H, Figl F, Hartmann H, Haslinger W, Kirchhof J, Stressler H, Sturmlechner R, Turowski P, Voglauer B. BioCAT – Clean air technology for small-scale combustion systems, 4. Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria. (oral presentation)

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Active condensation in a 10MW heating plant - measurement results from the first heating season

Hebenstreit B, Höftberger E, Schwabl M, Lundgren J, Toffolo A. Active condensation in a 10MW heating plant - measurement results from the first heating season, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Advanced Biofuels Technologies – R&D in Austria

Bacovsky D, Wörgetter M. Advanced Biofuels Technologies – R&D in Austria, Fuels of the Future 2014, 20th-21st of January 2014, Berlin, Germany.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Air quality management and biomass burning at domestic level

Aigenbauer S, Bachmaier H, Figl F, Hartmann H, Haslinger W et al. Air quality management and biomass burning at domestic level, Progetto Fuoco 2014, 19th-23rd of February 2014, Verona, Italy.

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Other Publications | 2014

Analysis of Environmental and Economic Aspects of International Pellet Supply Chains

Ehrig, R. Analysis of Environmental and Economic Aspects of International Pellet Supply Chains, Ph.D. Thesis, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria, 2014.

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Biomass plays a key role to achieve the EU's 20-20-20 energy and climate targets. Because of rising European demand and limited domestic resources, the EU relies on worldwide imports. Given this framework, the present thesis explores the inuences on wood pellet supply chains considering dierent environmental policies, price risks and the eect of torrefaction pretreatment. The examinations refer to three real case studies for pellet trade from Australia, Canada, and Russia to Europe. In the rst investigation, the eciency of co-ring imported wood pellets in terms of CO2 savings and related subsidy schemes is analysed. Scenarios show that co-ring biomass is ecient to contribute to the EU energy targets. Though, policy makers could use these instruments more eective when directing sourcing decision towards options with even less environmental impacts. The second analysis explores the inuence of statistically derived price risks on total supply chain economics. It is shown that price risks can eect strong uctuations in the short term, which seriously aect the protability of individual trade routes. Securing the supply chain is mainly based on individual producer-buyer agreements, personal branch experiences and fast reactions on the subsidy system. Systematic evaluation of supply chains could contribute to a more reliable market and thus foster investment decisions. In the last investigation, the economic and environmental performance of potential torrefaction-based supply chains is assessed. As a result, torrefaction-based supply
chains turn out to be a certain alternative to conventional ones. Though, still huge research eorts and industrial demonstration are required to make torreed biomass a real alternative on the market.

 

Other papers | 2014

Analysis of woody biomass commodity price volatility in Austria

Kristöfel C, Strasser C, Morawetz UB, Schmidt J, Schmid E. Analysis of woody biomass commodity price volatility in Austria. Biomass Bioenergy. 2014;65:112-124.

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Several energy and agricultural commodities have experienced higher price volatility in recent years. Management of price risks usually leads to additional costs that are often shared and transmitted along the supply chain to the final consumers. Only little information is currently available on how price volatility of woody biomass commodities has developed compared to energy and agricultural commodities in recent years. We compute the historic price volatility of woody biomass commodities using the standard deviation of log returns as well as univariate GARCH models. The results show that the price volatility of several woody biomass commodities has increased in recent years. However, the price volatility of woody biomass is still lower compared to the price volatility of agricultural commodities and fossil fuels. The analysis of factors and linkages provides insights of the current biomass market developments.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Applicability survey of different torrefied biomass fuels in small scale appliances

Feldmeier S, Schwabl M, Wopienka E, Strasser C, Haslinger W. Applicability survey of different torrefied biomass fuels in small scale appliances, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany. p 662-666.

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The torrefaction process is a promising key technology for biomass treatment. An improvement of the fuel properties, e.g. a higher gross calorific value and a resulting increased energy density, is expected. The changed fuel properties in terms of water repellence enable an improved storability. However, the modified fuel characteristics change the combustion behaviour of the fuel. Since small­scale pellet boilers mainly are dedicated to wood pellets, the applicability of torrefied fuel yet remains unclear. Within the EU FP7 project SECTOR, amongst others, the end­use application of torrefied biomass was investigated in several small scale appliances and the behaviour during the stationary operational conditions of the combustion process was assessed. The experimental design was divided in two parts: First, a survey of the combustion appliances was conducted in order to observe the influence of the changed fuel properties on the different boiler systems. Afterwards, the combustion behaviour of torrefied pellets made of different raw material quality was monitored by utilizing the test fuels and monitor the emission release. The results of these experimental series provide an initial indication for the feasibility of the utilization of several torrefied fuels in state­of­the­art pellet boilers.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Application of a Model Based Control Strategy at a Fixed Bed Biomass District Heating Plant

Zemann C, Heinreichsberger O, Gölles M, Brunner T, Dourdoumas N, Obernberger I. Application of a Model Based Control Strategy at a Fixed Bed Biomass District Heating Plant. 22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings. 2014;1698-1705.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Ash melting behaviour of solid biofuels in residential pellet boilers

Schwabl M, Feldmeier S, Wopienka E, Haslinger W, Dahl J, Jensen TB, Hartmann H, Schön C, Boman C, Boström D. Pellets Workshop “Ash melting behaviour of solid biofuels in residential pellet boilers” (held held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Bi-directional networks in district heating systems: Results of the heat flow simulaiton

Lichtenegger K, Wöss D, Halmdienst C, Schnetzinger R, Höftberger E. Bidirectional Networks BiNe, Workshop “ Bi-directional networks in district heating systems: Results of the heat flow simulation” (held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Bilanzierung und Optimierung des Zweibett-Wirbelschicht-Dampfvergasers Oberwart mit IPSEpro

Wilk V, Bosch K, Hofbauer H. Bilanzierung und Optimierung des Zweibett-Wirbelschicht-Dampfvergasers Oberwart mit IPSEpro, Fachtagung Prozesssimulation in der Energietechnik 2014, 10th of September 2014, Leipzig, Germany.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Biodiesel Production in Africa

Walimwipi H, Yamba FD, Wörgetter M, Rathbauer J, Bacovsky D. Biodiesel production in Africa. Bioenergy for sustainable development in Africa. ISBN 978-94-007-2181-4 2012:93-102.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biograce-II - Harmonised Greenhouse Gas Calculations for Electricity, Heating and Cooling from Biomass

Ludwiczek N, Bacovsky D, Neeft J. Biograce-II - Harmonised Greenhouse Gas Calculations for Electricity, Heating and Cooling from Biomass, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany. p 1359-1361.

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Other Publications | 2014

Biohydrogen Production Based on the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction in Wood Gas

Fail, S. Biohydrogen Production Based on the Catalyzed Water Gas Shift Reaction in Wood Gas, Ph.D. Thesis, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass CHP Oberwart –Production of heat, power and valuable gases

Rauch R. Biomass CHP Oberwart –Production of heat, power and valuable gases, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass CHP Oberwart: Status and Future Potentials

Wilk V, Bosch K, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Biomass CHP Oberwart: Status and Future Potentials, 4th International Symposium on Gasification and its Applications (iSGA-4) 2014, 2nd-5th of September 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2014

Biomass Gasification for Synthesis Gas Production and Applications of the Syngas

Rauch R, Hrbek J, Hofbauer H. Biomass gasification for synthesis gas production and applications of the syngas. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment. 2014;3(4):343-62.

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Synthesis gas from biomass can be produced and utilized in different ways. Conversion of biomass to synthesis gas can be done either in fluidized bed or entrained flow reactors. As gasification agent oxygen, steam, or mixtures are used. The most common use of biomass gasification in the last decades has been for heat and/or power production. Nowadays, the importance of transportation fuels from renewables is increased due to environmental aspects and growing fossil fuels prices. That is why the production of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) liquids, methanol, mixed alcohols, substitute natural gas (SNG), and hydrogen from biomass is now in focus of view. The most innovative and interesting ways of synthesis gas utilization and projects, BioTfueL or GoBiGas, BioLiq, Choren, etc. are discussed here. Further the microchannel technology by Oxford Catalysts and distributed production of SNG in decentral small scale are presented. The synthesis platform in Güssing, Austria is also presented. The FT liquids, hydrogen production, mixed alcohols, and BioSNG, these are the projects associated with the FICFB gasification plant in Güssing. Also the principle and examples of sorption-enhanced reforming to adjust H2/CO ratio in product gas during the gasification is described. Finally, in the conclusion also an outlook for the thermochemical pathway to transportation fuels is given. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:343-362. doi: 10.1002/wene.97 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Biomass in the Common Roadmap

Haslinger W. Biomass in the Common Roadmap, Annual Event of European Technology Platform Renewable Heating and Cooling 2014, 22nd of May 2014, Brussels, Belgium.

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Other Publications | 2014

Can bioavailability of trace elements be measured in AD systems?

Ortner M, Rachbauer L, Somitsch W, Bochmann G, Fuchs W. Can bioavailability of trace elements be measured in AD systems? Biogas Science 2014, International Conference on Anaerobic Digestion 26th–30th of October 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in anaerobic digestion?

Ortner M, Rachbauer L, Somitsch W, Fuchs W. Can bioavailability of trace nutrients be measured in anaerobic digestion? Appl Energy. 2014;126:190-8.

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Trace nutrients significantly affect the microbial metabolic activity within anaerobic digestion processes but always imply the risk of overdosing of heavy metals. In this study the applicability of a sequential extraction scheme established for soil and sediment samples on biogas slurries with different compositions was tested and compared to an adapted version of this extraction method. The analytical results proved the successful applicability of the developed analytical technique for the speciation of trace nutrients in anaerobic digestion systems. The procedure fulfills the basic requirements of reproducible data, a time-saving analytical approach and economic feasibility. Recovery rates of 90-110% were obtained for the most important trace elements Fe, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni and Zn. However, it was demonstrated that the adapted method provides more reliable information about the bioavailable fractions and it is considered the more appropriate approach. Data on fractionation indicated that up to 76% of these essential trace nutrients might be present in an insoluble state. Depending on the specific trace element a significant fraction, from 30% to more than 70%, is not directly bioavailable. This important aspect should be considered to guarantee sufficient supply of the microbial consortium with trace elements and at the same time to avoid overdosage. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Conversion and leaching characteristics of ashes during outdoor storage

Supancic K, Obernberger I, Kienzl N, Arich A. Aschenutzung Workshop „Conversion and leaching characteristics of ashes during outdoor storage” (held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Cost and energy efficient, environmentally friendly micro and small scale CHP

Haslinger W. Cost and energy efficient, environmentally friendly micro and small scale CHP, 5th AEBIOM European Bioenergy Conference 2014, 12th-14th of May 2014, Brussels, Belgium.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Deployment scenarios of biomass-to-end-use chains for torrefied biomass

Schipfer F, Kranzl L, Bienert K, Ehrig R, Meyer M. Deployment scenarios of biomass-to-end-use chains for torrefied biomass, Word Sustainable Energy Days next 2014, 26th-28th of February 2014, Wels, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Deployment strategies for solid sustainable energy carriers from biomass by means of torrefaction

Schipfer F, Bienert K, Majer S, Ehrig R, Strasser C, Kranzl L, Deployment strategies for solid sustainable energy carriers from biomass by means of torrefaction, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Developing a simulation model for a mixed alcohol synthesis reactor and validation of experimental data in IPSEpro

Weber G, Di Giuliano A, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Developing a simulation model for a mixed alcohol synthesis reactor and validation of experimental data in IPSEpro, 4th International Symposium on Gasification and its Applications (iSGA-4) 2014, 2nd-5th of September 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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The production of higher alcohols over a sulfidized molybdenum catalyst (MoS2) using a biomass-derived synthesis gas has been studied at Güssing for several years. The mixed alcohol (MA) pilot plant uses synthesis gas provided by the biomass-based combined heat and power plant (CHP) Güssing. Parameter variations were carried out wherein temperature, space velocity and gas composition were varied to evaluate the impact on CO conversion, product distribution and yield. The influence of side reactions to hydrocarbons was also a research objective. A sufficient amount of experimental data was obtained during these experiments. Evidence for the influence of various reaction parameters was found, but the mass balance could not be closed. A mathematical model of the MA synthesis reactor was developed using the stationary equation-orientated flow sheet simulation software IPSEpro. This publication gives an overview of modeling the MA reactor and condenser unit and testing the model with example calculations. Validated experimental results from 2012 parameter variation are shown and a comparison between experimental and validated quantities is carried out. A comparison with literature data shows that the observed tendencies are in good correlation to literature. The developed reactor model was enabling the possibility for carrying out a validation of the experimental data. IPSEpro uses the method of least-squares to obtain the approximate solution of the overall determined system. The established model was very close to the actual MA pilot plant. The model is very accurate about MA liquid product compositions and all measured flows.

Other papers | 2014

Development of a gas phase combustion model suitable for low and high turbulence conditions

Shiehnejadhesar A, Mehrabian R, Scharler R, Goldin GM, Obernberger I. Development of a gas phase combustion model suitable for low and high turbulence conditions. Fuel. 2014;126:177-87.

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A novel hybrid gas phase combustion model suitable for low as well as high turbulent combustion conditions is proposed. In particular, in the region above the fuel bed of small-scale biomass combustion plants, gas phase mixing is highly influenced by laminar and low turbulence zones. Here, the eddy break-up combustion models are not valid because they were originally developed for highly turbulent flows. Therefore, a CFD gas phase reaction model applicable over the whole Reynolds range from laminar to turbulent flows is developed. It is a hybrid Eddy Dissipation Concept/finite rate kinetics model which calculates the effective reaction rate from laminar finite rate kinetics and the turbulent reaction rate and weights them depending on the local turbulent Reynolds number of the flow. To validate the proposed model, comparisons are made with experimental data for a series of jet flames covering laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow conditions. The simulation results show that the prediction of flame can be improved with the proposed hybrid combustion model. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Development of a new Type test method for residential wood combusiton (RWC) appliances focusing on real life operation

Reichert G, Schmidl C, Aigenbauer S, Figl F, Moser W, Stressler H, Haslinger W, Development of a new Type test method for residential wood combusiton (RWC) appliances focusing on real life operation, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany. p 373-380.

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Since batch-wise operated biomass roomheaters are claimed to cause high amounts of gaseous and particulate emissions effective measures for a reduction of these emissions especially in real life operation have to be implemented in the future. For a verification of the real life operation performance as well as for a better product differentiation of biomass room heating appliances on the market advanced testing methods will be necessary in the future. Therefore a new test method for roomheaters called “Stove Testing 2020” (ST2020) was developed. According to the new test method the emission and efficiency performance of roomheaters is determined under operating conditions that are closer to real life. Compared to the existing EN 13240 standard also transient combustion phases are included. For a final evaluation of the test method the reproducibility as well as the real life relevance was analysed by a Round-Robin-Test as well as by field tests. The results showed sufficient reproducibility as well as a high real life relevance of the ST2020 test method. However, due to the strong impact of user behavior on emission and efficiency performance in real life operation further technological improvements of biomass roomheaters have to be strongly supported by effective measures to guarantee a correct operation.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Development of novel concepts for microalgae in the Austrian energy system

Sonnleitner A, Bacovsky D. Development of novel concepts for microalgae in the Austrian energy system, 4. Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Microalgae are seen worldwide as a new and promising feedstock for the energy supply chain.
Because of their high productivity and their ability to convert CO2 into biomass, microalgae are a
potential raw material for biorefineries, avoiding the food versus fuel conflict, and contributing to an
increased share of renewable energy. According to the current state of the art the utilization of algal
biomass for the production of fuel, energy and heat seems to be economically not competitive and the
life cycle assessment shows improvement possibilities in energy consumption (project
Algae&Energy:Austria). There are different options for utilization concepts which are technologically
and economically feasible. New concepts need to be developed and synergies with already existing
technologies need to be used.
Challenges along the value chain:
· Supply of water for cultivation
· Supply of nutrients for cultivation
· Energy consumption during cultivation
· Harvesting and processing of biomass
· Investment and operating costs
One possibility to cover the need of water and nutrients in a cost-effective way is the combination of
microalgae cultivation and waste water treatment. The cultivation of algae using different waste water
types common in Austria is technologically possible. In particular municipal waste water and effluents
from breweries and dairies are suitable as substrate. Due to the usage of this synergy the need for
fresh water and artificial fertilizer for algae cultivation decreases substantially and therefore operating
costs are reduced. Promising production concepts were developed and further research and
development needs were pointed out (project SAM).
After producing algal biomass the harvesting and processing steps for further utilization seem to be
difficult. In particular the high amount of water increases the energy expenditure in most of the
conversion pathways. Hydrothermal liquefaction seems to be promising to reduce the energy intensity
through two major factors: First, the conversion takes place in the liquid phase, and no energy
intensive drying of the algal biomass is needed. Second, the entire carbon which is fixed in the algae
can be used for energy production. The main product of hydrothermal liquefaction is a bio-oil, which
can be further processed in existing refinery processes into biogenic motor fuels, plastics and basic
chemicals (project microHTL).
In Austria many scientific research groups and companies are dealing with microalgae in the energy
system. These research and development efforts comprise different topics and approaches, like
different cultivation system designs (open pond, photobioreactor), biotechnological optimization of
microalgae species, the utilization of algal biomass in energetic and material pathways or the
combination of microalgae cultivation with existing technologies. It is of growing importance to
establish a network of Austrian experts and research groups for enhancement of cooperation and
research within the field of algae (project network biobased industry).
Through the optimization along the entire value chain with special regard to novel concepts of
cultivation, harvesting, processing, conversion and utilization, as well as an enhanced network of
Austrian experts and research groups, microalgae can serve as biogenic feedstock for the energy

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Economic and ecological comparison of torrefaction-based biomass supply chains in Central Europe

Ehrig R, Kristöfel C, Rauch P, Strasser C, et al. Economic and ecological comparison of torrefaction-based biomass supply chains in Central Europe, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Economics and price risks in international pellet supply chains

Ehrig R, Behrendt F, Wörgetter M, Strasser C. Economics and price risks in international pellet supply chains. International Pellet Supply Chains. ISBN 978-3-319-07015-5. 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Efficiency criteria for pellet heating systems

Schmidl C. Efficiency criteria for pellet heating systems, European Pellet Conference 2014, 26th-28th of February 2014, Wels, Austria.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Efficient anaerobic mono-digestion of N-rich slaughterhouse waste: Influence of ammonia, temperature and trace elements

Ortner M, Leitzinger K, Skupien S, Bochmann G, Fuchs W. Efficient anaerobic mono-digestion of N-rich slaughterhouse waste: Influence of ammonia, temperature and trace elements. Bioresour Technol. 2014;174:222-32.

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Three mono-digestion experiments treating slaughterhouse waste with high TKN concentration (~11. g/kg) were applied in lab-scale at mesophilic and psychrophilic conditions to study the impact of high ammonia concentrations and additives. Precipitation of sulphur by addition of ferrous chloride did not influence process behaviour, whereas supplementation of trace elements significantly improved process stability by reducing volatile fatty acid concentration towards zero.The limit of NH4-N concentration causing a rise of VFAs to 19,000mg/l and reduction of methane by 25% was found between 7.7 and 9.1g/kg which correspond to NH3 concentrations of 830-1060mg/l.Psychrophilic operation (25°C) lowered inhibitory NH3 concentration to 140mg/l, but process performance was stable only at low OLR of 0.4kgVS/m3d.Robust performance at highest possible NH4-N concentration (7.7g/kg), low VFA accumulation and satisfying methane yield of about 280Nm3/t COD was observed at OLR of 2.5kgVS/m3d at 37°C. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Emissions from Biomass Boilers - The State of the Art

Schwabl M. Emissions from Biomass Boilers - The State of the Art, Wood Heating Conference, Newcastle 2015, 21st of November 2014, Newcastle, England.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Empirical analysis of biomass and energy price volatility

Kristöfel C, Strasser C, Morawetz U, Schmid E. Empirical analysis of biomass and energy price volatility. Schriften der GEWISOLA. 2014;49:385-386. (peer reviewed) (visual presentation)

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The current debate on biomass price volatility mainly refers to increased market dynamics and integration as well as renewable energy policy intervention. Higher price volatility leads to additional costs that are often transmitted along the supply chain to the final consumers. We empirically analyze whether or not price volatility of woody biomass commodities has increased in recent years. Results indicate that the price volatility of some woody biomass
commodities has increased, but it is still lower than of fossil fuels.

Other papers | 2014

Experimental and modeling study of catalytic steam reforming of methane mixture with propylene in a packed bed reactor

Sadooghi P, Rauch R. Experimental and modeling study of catalytic steam reforming of methane mixture with propylene in a packed bed reactor. Int J Heat Mass Transfer. 2014;78:515-21.

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Producer gas from biomass gasification contains mainly hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and some other low molecular hydrocarbons like propylene. This paper reports mathematical simulation and experimental study of steam reforming of methane mixture with propylene in a packed bed reactor filled with nickel based catalysts. Due to the high heat input through the reformer tube wall and the endothermic reforming reactions, a two-dimensional pseudo-heterogeneous model that takes into account the diffusion reaction phenomena in gas phase as well as inside the catalyst particles has been used to represent temperature distribution and species concentration within the reactor. Steam reforming of propylene is faster and more selective than methane and it is shown that addition of propylene to the methane steam mixture reduces the conversion of methane. The obtained results play a key role in optimization and design of a commercial reactor. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 

Other Publications | 2014

Fermentation of biomass from micro algae

Gruber M, Zohar E, Jerney J, Bochmann G, Obbard JP, Schagerl M, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Fermentation of biomass from micro algae, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2014

H2S and NH3 tolerance of acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

Rachbauer L, Lorber G, Ortner M, Bochmann G. H2S and NH3 tolerance of acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Hydroprocessing and Catalytic Cracking of Fischer-Tropsch Biowaxes to Biokerosene

Rauch R, Jovcic M, Aichernig C, Ililopoulou E, Heracleous E, Lapppas AA. Hydroprocessing and Catalytic Cracking of Fischer-Tropsch Biowaxes to Biokerosene, Processing Technologies for the Forest and Biobased Products Industries PTF BPI 2014, 24th-25th of September 2014, Kuchl, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Impact of firebed temperature on PM1 formation in a small-scale biomass furnace

Gehrig M, Pelz S, Thorwarth H, Haslinger W, Jaeger D. Impact of firebed temperature on PM1 formation in a small-scale biomass furnace, International Aerosol Conference 2014, 31st of August-5th of September 2014, Busan, Korea.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Improvement of the accuracy of short-term corrosion probe measurements by addition of a mass loss probe

Retschitzegger S, Brunner T, Obernberger I. Improvement of the accuracy of short-term corrosion probe measurements by addition of a mass loss probe, Proc. of the Conference Impacts of Fuel Quality on Power Production and Environment 2014, 26th-31st of October 2014, Snowbird, USA.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Improving small scale combustion systems for better air quality

Schmidl C, Moser W, Reichert G. Improving small scale combustion systems for better air quality, TERMICA DA BIOMASSE E QUALITÀ DELL’ARIA 2014, 25th of June 2014, Udine, Italy.

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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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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 | 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.

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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Other Publications | 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)

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Other papers | 2014

Model based control of a small-scale biomass boiler

Gölles M, Reiter S, Brunner T, Dourdoumas N, Obernberger I. Model based control of a small-scale biomass boiler. Control Engineering Practice. 2014;22(1):94-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conengprac.2013.09.012

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Because of increased efforts to reduce CO2 emissions a significant step in the development of small-scale (residential) biomass boilers for space heating has been achieved in recent years. Currently, the full potential for low-emission operation at high efficiencies, which is in principle possible due to optimized furnace geometries as well as combustion air staging strategies, cannot be exploited since there is still the need to enhance the controllers applied. For this reason, a model based control strategy for small-scale biomass boilers was developed and successfully implemented in a commercially available system. Thereby, appropriate mathematical models were developed for all relevant parts of the furnace and connected to an overall model subsequently used for the control unit design. The resulting controller is based on the input–output linearization and the state variables are estimated by an extended Kalman filter. Finally, the new control was implemented at a commercially available small-scale biomass boiler and the experimental verification showed a significant improvement of the operating behaviour in comparison to the conventional control.

Other papers | 2014

Model based control of the secondary air massflow of biomass furnaces [Modellbasierte Regelung des Sekundärluftmassenstromes bei Biomasse-Feuerungsanlagen]

Schörghuber C, Gölles M, Dourdoumas N, Obernberger I. Model based control of the secondary air massflow of biomass furnaces. At-Automatisierungstechnik. 2014;62(7):487-99.

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To influence the combustion process of modern biomass furnaces specifically the combustion-controller determines the necessary mass flows. The gaseous mass flows can be adjusted by fans and flaps. To ensure the desired overall performance of the furnace the mass flows need to be set by inner control loops respectively. Within the work described in this paper a model based approach for the control design of the inner control loop is presented exemplarily for the secondary air supply. Thereby a flatness-based feedforward control will be designed by means of an appropriate model. © 2014 Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag GmbH.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Model based optimization of a combined biomass-solar thermal system

Stift F, Hartl M, Ferhatbegović T, Aigenbauer S, Simetzberger A. Model based optimization of a combined biomass-solar thermal system. Energy Procedia. 2014;48:681-688. (peer reviewed)

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Other Publications | 2014

Modellierung und Regelung eines Pufferspeichers in Kombination mit einer Biomassefeuerung

Hemmer, J. Modellierung und Regelung eines Pufferspeichers in Kombination mit einer Biomassefeuerung, Master Thesis, Technische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Die vorliegende Arbeit widmet sich der Herleitung mathematischer Simulationsmodelle eines Pufferspeichers, eines Solarkollektors sowie eines Plattenwärmeübertragers. Dabei wird das Simulationsmodell des Pufferspeichers anhand eines am Markt verfügbaren Pufferspeichers entwickelt. Die mathematischen Beschreibungen der Simulationsmodelle basieren auf einer partiellen Differentialgleichung zur Beschreibung der Wärmeübertragung in einem durchströmten zylindrischen Rohr. Nach dem Erhalt der mathematischen Modelle werden diese mit einem impliziten Lösungsverfahren numerisch gelöst. Anschließend werden die experimentell zu ermittelnden Parameter des Pufferspeichermodells anhand gezielt durchgeführter Versuche bestimmt. Nach dem Ermitteln der Parameter wird das Simulationsmodell des Pufferspeichers mit einem weiteren Versuch experimentell verifiziert. Schlussendlich bildet das mathematische Modell des Pufferspeichers den untersuchten Pufferspeicher sehr zufriedenstellend ab, womit ein Simulationsmodell vorliegt, das gezielte Untersuchungen ohne aufwändige Versuche ermöglicht. Abschließend wird eine Regelung für die Wärmeübertragung aus dem Solarkollektor in den Pufferspeicher entwickelt. Dabei werden zwei in der Praxis übliche Verfahren untersucht. Bei der ersten Variante erfolgt die Übertragung der Wärme in den Pufferspeicher über ein im Pufferspeicher integriertes Solarregister. Bei der zweiten Variante erfolgt die Übertragung der Wärme über einen Plattenwärmeübertrager vom Wasser-Frostschutzgemisch auf Wasser, welches dann direkt in den Pufferspeicher eingespeist wird. Als Reglerstruktur wird in beiden Fällen ein Standard-Regelkreis mit einer statischen Vorsteuerung verwendet. Anhand von Simulationsstudien werden zunächst die Parameter des PI-Reglers festgelegt und in weiterer Folge die mit der jeweiligen Variante resultierenden Temperaturverläufe des Wassers im Pufferspeicher untersucht und gegenübergestellt. Dabei stellt sich heraus, dass die Temperatur des Wassers im Pufferspeicher, bei gleich bleibender Strahlungsstromdichte der Solarstrahlung Igauf den Solarkollektor, die gewünschte Solltemperatur bei Wärmeübertragung mittels Plattenwärmeübertrager schneller erreicht, als bei Wärmeübertragung durch das Solarregister. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht die Verwendung des Plattenwärmeübertragers eine Schichtung der Temperatur des Wassers im Pufferspeicher und somit eine Speicherung der Wärme auf einen höheren Temperaturniveau.

Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Multi-physics modelling of packed bed biomass combustion

Mehrabian R, Shiehnejadhesar A, Scharler R, Obernberger I. Multi-physics modelling of packed bed biomass combustion. Fuel. 2014;122:164-78.

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A transient 3D model for two main zones, namely the fuel bed and the freeboard, of biomass packed bed combustion systems was developed. It integrates the models for the biomass conversion sub-processes and solves the governing equations for the gas and solid phase and their interactions. The intra-particle gradients are included by considering the biomass particles as thermally thick particles. The shrinkage of the packed bed and the variations of the bed porosity due to the uneven consumption of the fuel are taken into account. Detailed kinetic mechanisms are used for the simulation of homogeneous gas phase reactions. To verify the model and to increase the understanding of packed bed combustion, laboratory-scale fixed-bed batch experiments have been performed in a reactor with 9.5 cm diameter and 10 cm length. The model performance was extensively validated with gas phase measurements (CO, CO2, CH4, H2, H2O and O2) above the fuel bed, temperatures at different heights in the bed and in the freeboard, and the propagation rate of reaction front. The simulation results are in a good agreement with the measured values. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Off-gassing – Safety issues related with harmful emissions from wood pellets

Emhofer W. Second International Workshop on Pellet Safety “Off-gassing – Safety issues related with harmful emissions from wood pellets”, 5th of May, Fügen, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Off-gassing –Safety issues related with emissions from wood pellets along the pellet supply chain

Emhofer W, et al. Pellets Workshop ” Off-gassing –Safety issues related with emissions from wood pellets along the pellet supply chain” (held held during the Central European Biomass Conference 2014), 15th-18th of January, Graz, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Optimising the heating system of a low energy house

Rimoldi M, Carlon E. Optimising the heating system of a low energy house, Word Sustainable Energy Days next 2014, 26th-28th of February 2014, Wels, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2014

Pellet off-gassing during storage: The impact of storage conditions and type of source material

Meier, F. Pellet off-gassing during storage: The impact of storage conditions and type of source material, Master Thesis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria, 2014.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Performances of a non-sulfided CoMo/SiO2-Al2O3 hydrocracking catalyst used in BtL Technology

Sauciuc A, Ganea R, Dumitrescu L, Rauch R, Hofbauer H. Performances of a non-sulfided CoMo/SiO2-Al2O3 hydrocracking catalyst used in BtL Technology, 4th International Symposium on Gasification and its Applications (iSGA-4) 2014, 2nd-5th of September 2014, Vienna, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Price cointegration in the Austrian wood fuel market,

Kristöfel C, Morawetz UB, Schmid E, Strasser C. Price cointegration in the Austrian wood fuel market, 22nd European Biomass Conference 2014, 23rd-26th of June 2014, Hamburg, Germany. p 1330-1335.

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The wood fuel market is connected to the forest­based industry in various ways: the sawmill by­ products such as sawdust and wood chips are usually used as raw material in the panel, pulp and paper industry and are increasingly pelletized to supply the energy commodity market. Hence, the question arises whether or not prices of these woody biomass commodities are integrated. Threshold cointegration and asymmetric error correction models are used to analyze the price dynamics between roundwood, wood pellets and sawmill by­ products. Results indicate that a statistical significant price transmission between sawmill by­products and wood pellets, but wood pellet and roundwood prices are not integrated. The price transmission between wood pellets and sawdust as well as wood chips is asymmetric. The Granger Causality test reveals that the prices of sawdust and wood chips depend on the price of wood pellets.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Promotion of bioenergy initiatives in Centru Region, Romania

Kristöfel C, Ehrig R, Strasser C. Promotion of bioenergy initiatives in Centru Region Romania, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Promotion of successful bioenergy initiatives in Eastern Europe

Kristöfel C. Promotion of successful bioenergy initiatives in Eastern Europe, Word Sustainable Energy Days 2014, 26th-28th of February 2014, Wels, Austria. (visual presentation)

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Other papers | 2014

Quantitation of aging products formed in biodiesel during the Rancimat accelerated oxidation test

Flitsch S, Neu PM, Schober S, Kienzl N, Ullmann J, Mittelbach M. Quantitation of aging products formed in biodiesel during the Rancimat accelerated oxidation test. Energy and Fuels. 2014;28(9):5849-56.

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Biodiesel (rapeseed oil methyl ester) was aged in a Rancimat device at a temperature of 110°C and an air flow of 10 L/h. Time-resolved analyses applying gas chromatography-flame ionization detection, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ion-exchange chromatography on the formation of aging products were performed. Formic and acetic acid, fatty acids with chain lengths from 5 to 18 carbon atoms, fatty acid methyl esters, and epoxides were quantified. After 12 h of aging, the concentrations of formic and acetic acid were 5600 ± 80 and 1360 ± 80 mg/kg, respectively. Fatty acid concentrations were in the range of <18-4200 mg/kg after 18 h of aging. Linoleic acid methyl ester and linolenic acid methyl ester (19 and 9.1 mass % of the non-aged fuel) were shown to be fully decomposed after 24 and 18 h of aging, respectively. After 51 h of aging, the concentration of oleic acid methyl ester (63 mass % of the non-aged fuel) decreased to 2.2 mass % and trans-epoxy stearic acid methyl ester and cis-epoxy stearic acid methyl ester reached concetrations of 5.9 and 0.7 mass %, respectively. The fuel composition shows only minor changes in early stages of aging, and a strong timely correlation of the formation of aging products with the end of the induction period of fuel was observed. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Reducing the risk of foaming and decreasing viscosity by two-stage anaerobic digestion of sugar beet pressed pulp

Stoyanova E, Forsthuber B, Pohn S, Schwarz C, Fuchs W, Bochmann G. Reducing the risk of foaming and decreasing viscosity by two-stage anaerobic digestion of sugar beet pressed pulp. Biodegradation. 2014;25(2):277-89.

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Anaerobic digestion (AD) of sugar beet pressed pulp (SBPP) is a promising treatment concept. It produces biogas as a renewable energy source making sugar production more energy efficient and it turns SBPP from a residue into a valuable resource. In this study one- and two-stage mono fermentation at mesophilic conditions in a continuous stirred tank reactor were compared. Also the optimal incubation temperature for the pre-acidification stage was studied. The fastest pre-acidification, with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 days, occurred at a temperature of 55 °C. In the methanogenic reactor of the two-stage system stable fermentation at loading rate of 7 kg VS/m3 d was demonstrated. No artificial pH adjustment was necessary to maintain optimum levels in both the pre-acidification and the methanogenic reactor. The total HRT of the two-stage AD was 36 days which is considerably lower compared to the one-stage AD (50 days). The frequently observed problem of foaming at high loading rates was less severe in the two-stage reactor. Moreover the viscosity of digestate in the methanogenic stage of the two-stage fermentation was in average tenfold lower than in the one-stage fermentation. This decreases the energy input for the reactor stirring about 80 %. The observed advantages make the two-stage process economically attractive, despite higher investments for a two reactor system. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
 

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Residential Wood Combustion (RWC) -Investigation of user behavior and operating conditions regarding stoves and their impact on emissions and efficiency

Reichert G, Schmidl C, Haslinger W, Moser W, Aigenbauer S, Figl F, Wöhler M. Residential Wood Combustion (RWC) -Investigation of user behavior and operating conditions regarding stoves and their impact on emissions and efficiency, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Rolle und Potenzial der Bioenergie für die Wärmeversorgung der Zukunft

Haslinger W. Rolle und Potenzial der Bioenergie für die Wärmeversorgung der Zukunft, Technologiegespräche Alpbach 2014, 13th-29th of August 2014, Alpbach, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2014

Scenedesmus obliquus as Source for Biogas: Anaerobic Digestion of Untreated and Pre-treated Biomass.

Gruber M, Zohar E, Jerney J, Bochmann G, Obbard JP, Schagerl M, Fuchs W, Drosg B. Scenedesmus obliquus as Source for Biogas: Anaerobic Digestion of Untreated and Pre-treated Biomass, 15. Tagung der Sektion Phykologie der DGB 2014, 23rd-26th of February 2014, Stralsund, Germany.

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Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Seeing about soil — management lessons from a simple model for renewable resources

Lichtenegger K, Schappacher W. Seeing about soil — management lessons from a simple model for renewable resources. International Journal of Modern Physics C. 2014;25(8).

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Employing an effective cellular automata model, we investigate and analyze the build-up and erosion of soil. Depending on the strategy employed for handling agricultural production, in many cases we find a critical dependence on the prescribed production target, with a sharp transition between stable production and complete breakdown of the system.

Strategies which are particularly well-suited for mimicking real-world management approaches can produce almost cyclic behavior, which can also either lead to sustainable production or to breakdown.

While designed to describe the dynamics of soil evolution, this model is quite general and may also be useful as a model for other renewable resources and may even be employed in other disciplines like psychology.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Sicherheit bei der Lagerung von Pellets

Emhofer W. Sicherheit bei der Lagerung von Pellets, Highlights der Energieforschung VIII - Erneuerbares Heizen und Kühlen 2014, 11th of July 2014, Vienna, Austria

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Status fortschrittlicher Biokraftstoffe

Bacovsky D. Status fortschrittlicher Biokraftstoffe, 7. EID Kraftstoff-Forum 2014, 18th-19th of March 2014, Hamburg, Germany

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Other papers | 2014

Strategy for the application of novel characterization methods for biomass fuels: Case study of straw

Obernberger I. Strategy for the application of novel characterization methods for biomass fuels: Case study of straw. Energy and Fuels. 2014;28(2):1041-52.

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Because of an increasing interest in the utilization of new and in terms of combustion-related properties rather unknown biomass fuels in heat and power production, advanced fuel characterization tools are gaining rising interest. Currently, ongoing research and development (R&D) focuses on a better and more precise description of the combustion properties of specific biomass fuels by applying new/advanced analysis methods and modeling tools. These novel characterization methods cover combustion tests in specially designed lab reactors, special fuel indices for biomass fuels, and the dedicated application of high-temperature equilibrium calculations. In this paper, a strategy is presented how the information gained from different advanced fuel characterization methods can be combined to characterize a fuel regarding its combustion behavior in a novel way. By means of this strategy, relevant qualitative and quantitative information regarding the ash-melting behavior, aerosol, SOx, HCl, and NOx emissions to be expected, and high-temperature corrosion risks can be gained. In addition, the approach can also be used for the evaluation of additives and fuel blending as measures to improve specific combustion properties. The results show that a much better and clearer picture about the combustion properties of a specific biomass fuel can be provided than by conventional approaches (such as wet chemical analysis or other standardized methods). The results can be used for the preliminary design of plants as well as for evaluation of the applicability of a specific technology for a certain biomass fuel or fuel spectrum. Moreover, they can be applied in combination with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for the detailed design and evaluation of furnaces and boilers. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Synergies of Wastewater and Microalgae Cultivation

Sonnleitner A, Bacovsky D, Bochmann G, Drosg B, Schagerl M. Synergies of Wastewater and Microalgae Cultivation, Word Sustainable Energy Days next 2014, 26th-28th of February 2014, Wels, Austria.

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Current international research results identify microalgae as a new and promising feedstock for the global energy supply chain. A novel concept to reduce costs and cover the need of water and nutrients is the combination of wastewater treatment and microalgae cultivation. In Austria in particular brewery and dairy effluents as well as municipal wastewater would be suitable for algae cultivation. Cultivation systems practical for the use of wastewater are High Rate Algal Ponds (open system, suspended culture), Algal Turf Scrubbers (open system, immobilized culture) and Photobioreactors (closed systems, suspended culture). The cultivation of microalgae in general and the special case of wastewater as nutrient source face a variety of challenges either concerning the accumulation of microalgal cells in wastewater (upstream process) or their removal and processing (downstream process). Taking a look at the whole production chain shows that for effluents of breweries, dairies
and smale-scale municipal wastewater no feasible concept for the combination of microalgae cultivation and wastewater treatment can be designed. A promising production concept for large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants are HRAPs or biofilm production in ATS systems for energetic and material pathways. Various R&D challenges are to overcome to lead to an optimization and further development of technologies for combined wastewater treatment and microalgae cultivation in Austria.

Peer reviewed papers | 2014

Techno-economic study of a heat pump enhanced flue gas heat recovery for biomass boilers

Hebenstreit B, Schnetzinger R, Ohnmacht R, Höftberger E, Lundgren J, Haslinger W, et al. Techno-economic study of a heat pump enhanced flue gas heat recovery for biomass boilers. Biomass Bioenergy. 2014;71:12-22.

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An active condensation system for the heat recovery of biomass boilers is evaluated. The active condensation system utilizes the flue gas enthalpy exiting the boiler by combining a quench and a compression heat pump. The system is modelled by mass and energy balances. This study evaluates the operating costs, primary energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions on an Austrian data basis for four test cases. Two pellet boilers (10kW and 100kW) and two wood chip boilers (100kW and 10MW) are considered. The economic analysis shows a decrease in operating costs between 2% and 13%. Meanwhile the primary energy efficiency is increased by 3-21%. The greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 equivalents are calculated to 15.3-27.9kg MWh-1 based on an Austrian electricity mix. The payback time is evaluated on a net present value (NPV) method, showing a payback time of 2-12 years for the 10MW wood chip test case. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Other papers | 2014

The Biomass Technology Roadmap of the RHC-Platform: Priorities for high efficient large-scale CHP units

Grammelis P, Goodwin N, Alakangas E, Haslinger W, Karampinis E. The Biomass Technology Roadmap of the RHC-Platform: Priorities for high efficient large-scale CHP units. VGB PowerTech. 2014;6:74-79.

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Die europäische Technologie-Plattform für Heizen und Kühlen mit erneuerbaren Energien (RHC-Plattform, www.rhc-platform.org) fördert die Forschung und Entwicklung bei der Wärme- und Kälteproduktion aus erneuerbaren Energiequellen in der EU. Die verschiedenen Endanwendungen (Strom und/oder Bereitstellung von Wärme, Kraftstoff) setzen eine Verdoppelung der Biomassenutzung voraus, um die 20-20-20-Ziele der EU zu erreichen. Neue Ressourcen müssen erschlossen, mobilisiert und der Wirkungsgrad der Umwandlungsprozesse gesteigert werden. In Biomasse-Heizkraftwerken sowie Heizwerken werden derzeit mehr als ein Drittel des gesamten Biomasseaufkommens eingesetzt. Dies führt zu neuen, gemeinsamen Herausforderungen für den Strom- und Wärmesektor.
Das Biomasse-Panel der RHC-Plattform hat Schwerpunkte für Forschung und Entwicklung definiert, um bestimmte Kennzahlen für Biomassewertschöpfungsketten zu erreichen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die Prioritäten für die Bestandteile der Wertschöpfungsketten vor, die relevant für den Strombereich sind:
a) nachhaltige und kosten-effiziente Biomasseversorgungsketten, b) thermisch behandelte Biomasse-Brennstoffe und c) hoch-effiziente KWK-Anlagen.
Herausforderungen für den Anlagenbetrieb sind Brennstoffflexibilität, Wirkungsgraderhöhung über den vollen Lastbereich, Betrieb mit variablen Brennstoffen und Qualitäten bei variablen Lastzuständen, höhere Betriebsparameter für Dampf und andere Wärmeträger, höhere Anlagenverfügbarkeit, Reduktion von unerwünschten gas- und partikelförmigen Emissionen und schließlich die Ascheverwertung.
 

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Thermal simulation of a pellet boiler and a heat storage tank for future control strategies

Schnetzinger R, Musumarra I, Hebenstreit B, Lichtenegger K, Schwarz M, Höftberger E. Thermal simulation of a pellet boiler and a heat storage tank for future control strategies, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Other Publications | 2014

Thermo-chemical pre-treatment of brewers' spent grains

Gorter S, Rachbauer L, Scheidl S, Gabauer W, Ortner M, Bochmann G. Thermo-chemical pre-treatment of brewers' spent grains, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Torrefied pellets – influence of torrefaction on pellet characteristics and combustion behaviour

Pointner C, Schmutzer-Roseneder I, Feldmeier S, Kristöfel C, Ehrig R, Schwabl M, Strasser C, Wörgetter M. Torrefied pellets – influence of torrefaction on pellet characteristics and combustion behavior, 4th Central European Biomass Conference 2014, 15th-18th of January 2014, Graz, Austria.

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Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Towards a Stochastic Cellular Automata Model of Log Wood Combustion

Lichtenegger K, Schappacher W, Hebenstreit B, Schmidl C, Höftberger E. Towards a Stochastic Cellular Automata Model of Log Wood Combustion. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2014:490:102015. (peer reviewed)

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Describing the combustion of log wood and others solid fuels with complex geometry, considerable water content and often heterogenous struture is a nontrivial task. Stochastic Cellular Automata models offer a promising approach for modelling such processes. Combustion models of this type exhibit several similarities to the well-known forest fire models, but there are also significant differences between those two types of models. These differences call for a detailed analysis and the development of supplementary modeling approaches. In this
article we define a qualitative two-dimensional model of burning log wood, discuss the most important differences to classical forest fire models and present some preliminary results.

Conference presentations and posters | 2014

Transport Biofuels in Europe - A Vision for 2030

Wörgetter M. Transport Biofuels in Europe - A Vision for 2030, Fuels of the Future 2014, 20th-21st of January 2014, Berlin, Germany.

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