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LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Assessment of the energetic feasibility of a novel CHP biorefinery concept

Mendes Ferreira, Ângelo Miguel LU (2023) MVKM05 20231
Department of Energy Sciences
Abstract
This study investigates the potential for energetic self-reliance in an integrated biore-
finery, the Earth Power Lodge (EPL), which aims to convert waste into valuable by-
products through bio- and thermochemical conversion processes. The primary questions
addressed include assessing the necessity of external propane to sustain the pyrolysis
process and the net energy output of the ThermoChemical Reactor (TCR) process when
fractional distillation is applied to the resulting bio-oils. The study provides a compre-
hensive analysis of the expected energetic performance and external fuel needs of the
EPL, currently in its pilot phase, and presents an overview of modern bioenergy gen-
eration. The research emphasises the importance of... (More)
This study investigates the potential for energetic self-reliance in an integrated biore-
finery, the Earth Power Lodge (EPL), which aims to convert waste into valuable by-
products through bio- and thermochemical conversion processes. The primary questions
addressed include assessing the necessity of external propane to sustain the pyrolysis
process and the net energy output of the ThermoChemical Reactor (TCR) process when
fractional distillation is applied to the resulting bio-oils. The study provides a compre-
hensive analysis of the expected energetic performance and external fuel needs of the
EPL, currently in its pilot phase, and presents an overview of modern bioenergy gen-
eration. The research emphasises the importance of systems thinking, focusing on the
interrelationships and interactions within the whole system. The study demonstrates
that the TCR can be self-sustainable in terms of heat and electricity under certain
conditions, such as the availability of high-quality digester gas and stored bio-oil. The
research concludes with key findings, including the essential role of intensive microalgae
processing for biogas availability, the need for bio-oil combustion for system start-up,
and the potential for improving pyrolysis oil quality through distillation. The study
suggests that the EPL technology holds promise for the future of energy systems due
to its flexibility, decentralisation, and ability to convert waste into valuable by-products. (Less)
Popular Abstract
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers have been exploring innovative
ways to convert waste into valuable resources. A recent study delves into the feasibility
of a unique biorefinery concept known as the Earth Power Lodge (EPL). This concept
stands out due to its focus on transforming waste into beneficial by-products using both
bio- and thermochemical processes.
The primary objective of the study was to assess the energy self-reliance of the EPL. In
simpler terms, the company behind the EPL wanted to know if it could produce enough
energy to sustain its operations without relying on external fuel sources. The findings
were promising. The study revealed that the thermochemical reactor (TCR) within the
EPL... (More)
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, researchers have been exploring innovative
ways to convert waste into valuable resources. A recent study delves into the feasibility
of a unique biorefinery concept known as the Earth Power Lodge (EPL). This concept
stands out due to its focus on transforming waste into beneficial by-products using both
bio- and thermochemical processes.
The primary objective of the study was to assess the energy self-reliance of the EPL. In
simpler terms, the company behind the EPL wanted to know if it could produce enough
energy to sustain its operations without relying on external fuel sources. The findings
were promising. The study revealed that the thermochemical reactor (TCR) within the
EPL could be self-sustaining, but with a few conditions. For instance, the availability of
high-quality digester gas and stored bio-oil played a crucial role in ensuring the reactor’s
self-sustainability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mendes Ferreira, Ângelo Miguel LU
supervisor
organization
course
MVKM05 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
biorefinery, bioenergy, biomimicry, combined heat and power, Earth Power Lodge
report number
LUTMDN/TMHP-23/5551-SE
ISSN
0282-1990
language
English
id
9135723
date added to LUP
2023-09-06 09:08:02
date last changed
2023-09-06 11:06:39
@misc{9135723,
  abstract     = {{This study investigates the potential for energetic self-reliance in an integrated biore-
finery, the Earth Power Lodge (EPL), which aims to convert waste into valuable by-
products through bio- and thermochemical conversion processes. The primary questions
addressed include assessing the necessity of external propane to sustain the pyrolysis
process and the net energy output of the ThermoChemical Reactor (TCR) process when
fractional distillation is applied to the resulting bio-oils. The study provides a compre-
hensive analysis of the expected energetic performance and external fuel needs of the
EPL, currently in its pilot phase, and presents an overview of modern bioenergy gen-
eration. The research emphasises the importance of systems thinking, focusing on the
interrelationships and interactions within the whole system. The study demonstrates
that the TCR can be self-sustainable in terms of heat and electricity under certain
conditions, such as the availability of high-quality digester gas and stored bio-oil. The
research concludes with key findings, including the essential role of intensive microalgae
processing for biogas availability, the need for bio-oil combustion for system start-up,
and the potential for improving pyrolysis oil quality through distillation. The study
suggests that the EPL technology holds promise for the future of energy systems due
to its flexibility, decentralisation, and ability to convert waste into valuable by-products.}},
  author       = {{Mendes Ferreira, Ângelo Miguel}},
  issn         = {{0282-1990}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Assessment of the energetic feasibility of a novel CHP biorefinery concept}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}