scholarly journals Waste To Wisdom: Utilizing Forest Residues for the Production of Bioenergy and Biobased Products

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han-Sup Han ◽  
Arne Jacobson ◽  
E.M. (Ted) Bilek ◽  
John Sessions
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Biobased Products ◽  
Forest Residues ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Conversion Technologies

The Waste to Wisdom project was part of the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) and funded by the Department of Energy (DE-EE0006297) at an amount of $5.8 million. Our interdisciplinary research team, consisting of academics, business professionals, and land managers, worked together for about four years (September 2013 to December 2017) to: 1) conduct field-based experiments to develop innovative tools and systems that improve the economics, accessibility, and production of quality feedstocks from forest residues, 2) develop and test stand-alone in-woods or near-the-forest biomass conversion technologies (BCTs) for the production of biochar, torrefied wood, and briquettes, and 3) perform analyses to evaluate the economic feasibility of commercial deployment of BCTs and to quantify the life cycle economic and environmental benefits of utilizing forest residues with BCTs for the production of bioenergy and bioproducts. The research papers presented in this Special Issue cover key aspects of the research efforts and findings made by the project team. We encourage the audience to visit the project web site (http://wastetowisdom.com/) to learn more about the team’s research on feedstock development, biomass conversion technologies, and the financial and environmental benefits of utilizing forest residues for production of bioenergy and biobased products. Keywords: Air quality, Biomass conversion technology, Forest harvesting, Woody biomass.

scholarly journals Energy Production from Forest Biomass: An Overview

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Gonçalves ◽  
Isabel Malico ◽  
Adélia M.O. Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Forest Sustainability ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Conversion Technologies ◽  
Biomass For Energy

As long as care is taken regarding stand and forest sustainability, forest biomass is an interesting alternative to fossil fuels because of its historical use as an energy source, its relative abundance and availability worldwide, and the fact that it is carbon-neutral. This study encompasses the revision of the state of the sources of forest biomass for energy and their estimation, the impacts on forests of biomass removal, the current demand and use of forest biomass for energy, and the most used energy conversion technologies. Forests can provide large amounts of biomass that can be used for energy. However, as the resources are limited, the increasing demand for biomass brings about management challenges. Stand structure is determinant for the amount of residues produced. Biomass can be estimated with high accuracy using both forest inventory and remote sensing. Yet, remote sensing enables biomass estimation and monitoring in shorter time periods. Different bioenergy uses and conversion technologies are characterized by different efficiencies, which should be a factor to consider in the choice of the best suited technology. Carefully analyzing the different options in terms of available conversion technologies, end-uses, costs, environmental benefits, and alternative energy vectors is of utmost importance.

Strategies for Reducing Moisture Content in Forest Residues at the Harvest Site

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Raj Kizha ◽  
Han-Sup Han ◽  
Jeffrey Paulson ◽  
Anil Koirala
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Forest Residues ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Conversion Technologies ◽  
Harvest Site

Abstract. The moisture content (MC) of biomass derived from forest residues can pose a challenge to biomass utilization. It plays a significant role in determining the cost of transportation and subsequent market price. Additionally, emerging biomass conversion technologies, such as gasification, torrefaction, and briquetting, have very narrow specifications for the MC (e.g., <15%) in their feedstocks. The goal of this study was to develop strategies for reducing moisture content by evaluating different arrangement patterns of forest residues and its effect on MC reduction at the harvest site. The study compared four different arrangement patterns including criss-cross, teepees, traditional piling (processor piled), and scattered residues in three different timber harvest units in northern California. Two of the arrangement patterns (criss-cross and processor piled) were also covered with a plastic cover. Samples were collected from each treatment using a transect method and were recorded for 12 months. There was an overall drop of MC from 52% (freshly cut) to 12% between all arrangements over the study period. The cost of construction per pile, averaged $37, $41, and $48 for teepees, criss-cross, and processor piles, respectively. Even though, there was no significant difference in MC reduction between piles (except scattered), each pile arrangement of forest residues directly affected biomass feedstock operations, logistics, and costs. Keywords: Feedstock quality, Logging slash, Transect sampling method, Woody biomass energy.

Waste to Wisdom: Utilizing Forest Residues for the Production of Bioenergy and Biobased Products

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han-Sup Han ◽  
Arne Jacobson ◽  
Ted Bilek ◽  
John Sessions ◽  
Ivan Eastin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biobased Products ◽  
Forest Residues

Performance Analysis of a Biomass Gasifier Genset at Varying Operating Conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle D Palmer ◽  
Mark A Severy ◽  
Charles E Chamberlin ◽  
Anthony J. Eggink ◽  
Arne E Jacobson
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Catalytic Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Diesel Generator ◽  
Forest Operations ◽  
Coast Redwood ◽  
Moisture Contents ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Conversion Technologies

Abstract. An All Power Labs PP20 gasifier generation set (Berkeley, Calif.) was tested to evaluate its suitability for powering biomass conversion technologies (BCT) at remote forest operations sites. Feedstock of the species tanoak (), coast redwood (), and Douglas fir () were tested at moisture contents of 15% and 25% (wet basis). The PP20 was connected to a load bank with five different load profiles designed to simulate possible BCT loads. Two parameters of power quality, voltage variability, and frequency deviation, were determined to be within acceptable limits. The unit also successfully powered a remote biochar operation in Branscomb, California. Emissions of the PP20, when compared to diesel generator regulations, would meet non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) and NOX requirements but exceed the CO emissions limits by a factor of ten. The CO emissions could be reduced by adding a catalytic converter. The results indicate that it is possible to use a PP20 unit to provide electric power for the highly variable loads of a BCT system. Keywords: Bioenergy, Biomass conversion technology, Gasification, Renewable energy.

scholarly journals Bio-Based Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-39
Author(s):  
Simone Wurster ◽  
Luana Ladu ◽  
Dhandy Arisaktiwardhana
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Biobased Products ◽  
Type I ◽  
Insulation Material ◽  
Expert Consultation ◽  
Automotive Components ◽  
Mulch Film

Communicating the related environmental benefits of bio-based products to consumers represents a key component of their market uptake. In this regard, the use of ecolabels ISO 14024 Type I play a crucial role. This article identifies and analyzes different criteria proposed by ecolabels for conducting a sustainability assessment of bio-based products considering its entire lifecycle. A comparison of the selected criteria with existing indicators ruled out by the SDGs is proposed. Through expert consultation, the suitability of existing ecolabel criteria for bio-based products has been tested for four applications of biobased products: food packaging from PLA; biobased automotive components; bio-based mulch film; and bio-based insulation material.

scholarly journals Economic Feasibility of Solar Irrigation Pumps: A Study of Northern Bangladesh

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Md. Tawhidul Islam ◽  
Md. Elias Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Service Model ◽  
The Government

Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world. With a total population of around 165 million, the country has constantly been facing food security challenges and other problems. Therefore, increasing food production is one of the feasible solutions to this challenge, and proper agricultural land use for food production bears critical importance. Adopting sustainable irrigation systems and viable technologies would be vital for ensuring efficient use of agricultural land in Bangladesh to safeguard the country's food security. Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can be a reliable option in this regard. However, Bangladesh has experienced a prolonged growth rate of SIP installation in the last decade.  The countryhas set a target to install 10000 SIPs by the year 2027, albeit it is a tiny share of the 1.57 million conventional irrigation pumps operating in the country. This study aims to investigate the economic feasibility of the SIPs operating in the northern region of Bangladesh in terms of estimating financial feasibility and environmental benefits. The study is mainly based on primary data collected from the users of SIPs from two Upazilas of Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. A total of 14 SIPs, categorized into large, medium, and small pumps, are selected randomly from the available SIPs in the study areas. The financial analysis reveals that small SIPs are the most profitable option (20% IRR) for investment. Large SIPs are moderately profitable (10% IRR), and their profitability can be improved (10.50% IRR) by introducing additional uses of solar energy. However, medium SIPs are the worst (5% IRR) option for investment. In the study areas, large and medium SIPs are designed for the 'fees for service model', and small SIPs are designed for the 'fees for ownership model'. It is found that the 'fees for ownership model' is more profitable than the 'fees for service model'. Moreover, the net environmental benefit for all SIPs is found almost equal to the given subsidy for installing them. Also, the net environmental benefit per kilowatt peak (kWp) is highest for the small SIPs. This paper recommends that additional use (e.g., husking, grinding, supply excess electricity to grid, and so on) of solar energy can improve the profitability of investmenton SIPs. Further, the government should continue giving grants for installing SIPs and promote 'fees for ownership model' (small SIPs) for personal use. It would speed up the dissemination rate of SIPs and help increase the country's agricultural production and improve the environmental conditions.

scholarly journals NEW PARAMETERS FOR THE FOREST BIOMASS WASTE ECOFIREWOOD MANUFACTURING PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (32) ◽  
pp. 560-571
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina RUOSO ◽  
Lisiane Corrêa BITENCOURT ◽  
Lucas Urach SUDATI ◽  
Marcos Antônio KLUNK ◽  
Nattan Roberto CAETANO
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Forest Biomass ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Forest Residues ◽  
Biomass Waste

Biomass has a large share in the energy generation matrix, due to the regional economic benefits. This work has as main objective to evaluate the parameters used in the manufacture of briquettes produced with forest residues and the economic engineering for the manufacturer. The forest residues were: wood chips and chips of Eucalyptus spp. and barks of Pinus taeda. The evaluations were the chemical characterization of forest residues and the costs involved in the briquetting process. The forest residues presented extractive chemical composition and lignin. The production costs of the briquettes were affected mainly by the equipment, being the Pinus taeda barks the one that presented higher production cost. However, the production costs obtained in this study are approximately 20% lower than the production costs using traditional methods for forest firewood. The energy value from biomass allows the reduction of the dependence of energy, which can be used for the generation of steam or electricity, for subsistence. A fact for energy conversion is to evaluate the material moisture. It is suitable to burn residues with moisture between 45 to 55%. The consumed electric energy is important to evaluate the total costs. The energy required depends on the quality of raw material and the system employed. Forest residues is an important source for eco firewood production, contributing to energy generation and decreasing of the solid waste stored at the company. In this way, the new parameters for briquetting biomass forest wastes shown in this work, which is an important stage of the process, make economically viable and environmentally suitable the eco firewood production.

scholarly journals Prospects of applying 3-D printing to economics of remote communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 488-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Obydenkova ◽  
Nicholas C. Anzalone ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Reindeer Herder

Purpose Isolated communities face a variety of inconveniences including severe remoteness, poor roads and extreme climate conditions, resulting in the lack of security of supply chains and exorbitant prices for cargo delivery. This paper aims to investigate the present advantages and prospects of applying 3-D printing to improve economics and everyday life of remote communities, reindeer herder case taken as an example. Design/methodology/approach This study covers the use of a low-cost open-source 3-D printer (RepRap) capable of fused filament fabrication to reduce operating costs for nomadic reindeer herder groups. Three case studies are provided for reindeer-specific applications to probe economic and technical viability of the technology, namely, ear-tags, electric fence components and lasso accessories. Findings 3-D printed objects feature technical characteristics similar to those of analogues available on the market while reducing the price by 63 per cent. Distributed 3-D printing reduces the cost of raw materials by 68 per cent and shipping costs by 50 because of lower trip frequency. If all reindeer herders globally were to adopt distributed manufacturing of the three aforementioned sample items only, their annual savings from such solution would amount to US$2m. The paper discovers other economic, entrepreneurial, technical and environmental opportunities offered by 3-D printing put to service the needs of remote communities. Research limitations As the paper is the first-ever study of 3-D printing potential applied to the reindeer husbandry case, it is based on a more thorough analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of the technology, while cultural and entrepreneurial factors have been discussed as preconditions only. Practical implications The paper might serve as a valuable source of information for entrepreneurs, as well as for students and academics for further case studies in this area. Originality/value In remote conditions, 3-D printing offers a more sustainable way of good manufacturing. Numerous open source designs already available for specialists, financial effectiveness, environmental benefits and vast opportunities for entrepreneurs are among the most promising advantages of the technology.

Consumer Perception and Purchase Intention Towards Refurbished Smart Phones

2021 ◽  
pp. 270-284
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Divya Mohan
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Smart Phones ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Circular System ◽  
Cost Of Materials ◽  
Key Aspects

Circular economy is a global economic model that focuses to transform linear consumption in a circular system by minimizing waste and preserving the cost of materials. Refurbishment can be useful to recover value from old products and to minimize waste. Based on the insights from literature, a deductive research approach has been used to examine consumer understanding about refurbished smart phone and their purchase intention. A survey based on barriers, perceived risk, and benefits associated with refurbished phones was conducted. Multiple analyses of variance were employed to identify the effect of demographic parameters on refurbishing dimensions. Multiple regression was used to identify prominent predictors in determining purchase intention towards refurbished products. The study demonstrates a fine level of awareness among people about refurbished phone, and they link it to environmental benefits. A major concern among consumers was performance issue and financial risk involved in purchasing refurbished smart phones. Financial benefits are key aspects behind promoting refurbished.

Bio-Based Products

2022 ◽  
pp. 316-334
Author(s):  
Simone Wurster ◽  
Luana Ladu ◽  
Dhandy Arisaktiwardhana
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Biobased Products ◽  
Type I ◽  
Insulation Material ◽  
Expert Consultation ◽  
Automotive Components ◽  
Mulch Film

Communicating the related environmental benefits of bio-based products to consumers represents a key component of their market uptake. In this regard, the use of ecolabels ISO 14024 Type I play a crucial role. This article identifies and analyzes different criteria proposed by ecolabels for conducting a sustainability assessment of bio-based products considering its entire lifecycle. A comparison of the selected criteria with existing indicators ruled out by the SDGs is proposed. Through expert consultation, the suitability of existing ecolabel criteria for bio-based products has been tested for four applications of biobased products: food packaging from PLA; biobased automotive components; bio-based mulch film; and bio-based insulation material.

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