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This paper examines economic redevelopment in a small Northern New England city historically dependent on the pulp and paper industry. After a century as the economic base of the community, the city's pulp mill was closed and dismantled in 2007, marking the end of the community's identity as a papermaking center. However, the environmental legacy of pulp production poses a number of challenges to redevelopment efforts. In this paper, I focus on data from the US Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis, using a first-world political ecology approach to understanding the relationship between the historical political economy, the contemporary structure of the surrounding forest, and the community's options for the future. More than a century of forest management for pulpwood production has left the surrounding region with a relatively young forest comprised of smaller-diameter and lower-value timber stands. Partly as a result of the structure of the resource base, rather than higher value-added forest products manufacturing, large-scale biomass energy production has emerged as the primary new wood-based industry in the study community. Coupled with shrinking local and regional markets for pulpwood, management for biomass promises to further reshape the forest. However, it is not yet clear if emerging biomass markets will result in improved stand quality or an even younger forest--or with what implications for the sustainability and functioning of the forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a view of the sustainable development principles, the development of advanced lowcarbon building materials represents one of the most important issues in the construction industry. To follow the current trends in research and development of building materials, special attention is paid to the reuse of all kinds of waste and industrial byproducts. One of the serious problems of today's society is the huge production of sewage sludge from waste water treatment and its disposal. As one of the promising ways of sewage sludge disposal is incineration, there is a need to study biomass ash, its environmental hazards and further use in industrial applications. In this paper, the heavy metal contamination of biomass ash is analysed together with its chemical and phase composition, reactivity, microstructure and morphology. As the biomass ash was found to be pozzolana active, it was admixed to cement mortar, and the structural and mechanical parameters of this material were tested. The use of biomass had no negative effect on the properties of the cement mortar. Since the content of heavy metals in the biomass ash was safely below the valid limits, and the water-soluble salts were immobilised in the blended cement matrix, the biomass ash studied was classified among the alternative low-carbon pozzolans applicable in the development of eco- and energy-efficient construction products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of climate change on current life is becoming more visible daily. Our capacity to be resilient to these changes is an act of responsibility for the future. Several directions could serve this purpose. The present study aims to determine the current state of the art in unconventional energy sources. Mainly, the focus will be on biomass. Biopower sources are an element of renewable energy alternatives, along with solar, wind, tide, wave, ocean, and geothermal. The statistics underline an increasing trend of these resource contributions to the total power input. The paper aims to determine the benefits of utilizing biomass as a renewable energy alternative. The key characteristics of such an approach will be examined, emphasizing their advantages and the potential for enhancing performance. There were limitations in accessing valuable information from the field. Through it, biomass-type resources present an increased interest due to their particular property to act in a double sense, unlike the other non-traditional ones. The extent of their application will be ascertained based on the available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution caused by biomass burning is the main environmental concern in Mozambique. This paper investigates the effect of biomass combustion on air quality, focusing on the sources of pollution, pollutants released, and health and environmental consequences. The substantial reliance on biomass for cooking, heating, and energy generation causes high levels of air pollution from the combustion of wood, agricultural residues, and charcoal. During biomass burning, particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are emitted, resulting in health hazards and contributing to climate change. Mozambique can considerably improve air quality, safeguard public health, and contribute to sustainable development by using cleaner cooking technology, supporting sustainable biomass management practices, and raising awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAUP theory is applied to a LiDAR dataset acquired over a forested scene. The Weibull Probability Density Function (PDF) has been fit to LiDAR derived canopy height profiles for plots covering the complete 1 × 1 km scene. Ten plot sizes are tested from 10 – 300 m. Parameters describing the location and scale of the PDF are used as analogous of canopy height and canopy length respectively. Results suggest that, for a structurally homogenous forested scene, localised variance decreases for canopy height with increasing plot dimensions. The opposite is apparent for canopy length, it is suggested this is a result of a spatially heterogeneous understorey layer negatively skewing the distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The use of renewable energy sources, which focus on sustainable development, faces many challenges that were insufficient in mutual understanding of the actors involved in this process. This paper will discuss the need for a multidisciplinary approach to electricity generation in biogas power plants with a focus on the raw material supply chain. The aim of this paper is to point out possible improvements in the process of operation of biogas power plants, which is most common in the Republic of Serbia and which can be achieved through joint efforts of researchers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, based on good practices implemented in the EU. Biogas power plants use organic raw materials: silage based on energy crops and manure from livestock production, from which, in a highly automated process of anaerobic digestion, they obtain biogas from which electricity is further produced and placed on the grid at fiding tariffs. In order for this product to be ecologically, energetically and economically sustainable, close cooperation of experts in the field of agriculture (agronomists and cattle breeders), biology (microbiologists), soil science (with a focus on nutrient management), mechanical engineering (electricity production from biogas) is necessary, spatial planning (to avoid the use of fertile agricultural land for biomass production), environmental science (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions), waste management (to expand the list of materials used as raw materials), energy, and decision-makers at the state level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About three billion people across the globe are relying on biomass to fulfil their day-to-day domestic energy requirements by using as fuel in traditional open fires and technically inefficient stoves. Emission from biomass cookstoves leads to serious health hazards along with contributing to global warming and environmental pollution to a larger extent. Various testing methods are being used by researchers for quantifying the emission characteristics of biomass cookstoves and several technical aspects are adopted to reduce hazardous emission. The current paper provides a comprehensive review on emission behaviour of various biomass cookstoves used in different regions of world. The review emphasizes several pollutants emitted from different biomass cookstoves, various emission performance evaluation methods adopted by researchers to quantify emissions, and technical concepts and principles implemented by researcher community to reduce emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the global situation, it is necessary for an industrial company to integrate production scheduling and traceability planning, in a way to get more reliable stand and to make economics advantages. This paper presents biomass supply chain company which could produce a renewable energy. Traceability is a tracking requirement to check whether the quality of the product is satisfied. The supply chain of biomass planning problem aims to meet customer demand subject to traceability and other restrictions. The problem is modelled as a mixed integer linear program, and then it is solved using neighborhood search approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the production capacity and density of biomass pellets from oil palm trunk (OPT) material have been investigated by using a portable biomass pellet molding machine. Biomass pellet capacity and density were measured by variations of roller press speed, die plate thickness and roller press width. Roller press speed was with three variations from 100 rpm to 140 rpm, die plate thickness was from 20 mm to 30 mm, and roller press width was from 25 mm to 27 mm. The experimental data was then processed statistically using the response surface method. The production capacity of OPT biomass pellet is significantly influenced by dying plate thickness on a portable biomass pellet molding machine, while OPT biomass pellet density is determined experimentally by roller press speed. In addition, the production capacity, which can be achieved by the biomass pellet molding machine was 49.5 kg/h, while the density of the biomass pellet produced was 1.3 g/cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass has been used as a fuel mixed with coal in power plants, but biomass has a big challenge because it has chlorine contents that may affect the potential corrosion in the CFPP combustion. This paper aims to convey the chlorine and sulfur content of various mines of Indonesia Coal. The value will be compared to other countries coal and then calculated blended with various biomass to obtain the limitation of chlorine and sulfur content in coals for co-firing. Materials obtained from various mines in Indonesia are used, coals from another country and biomass are used from secondary data. The chlorine content of Indonesia coal is around 0.010% to 0.020%, and from several foreign coals is higher than Indonesia coal, which the value of the highest chlorine contents from Australia and China each 0.159 % and 0.183%, while almost of all biomass have the chlorine content higher than coal. The highest chlorine content is PKS and SRF, which have values of 0.528% and 0.875%. Blending Indonesia coal with various types of biomass shows that the chlorine and sulfur value are still low-risk corrosion potential except for blending composition 20% and 25% with SRF is increased to moderate risk potential [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outstanding performance and low residue level of the co-current reactor gasifier make it a viable approach. Although it can only be used for low moisture biomass, and improvements are required by integrating adjustments in reactor configuration, feeding method, equivalence ratio, air supply method, and gasification temperature, biomass feeding rate, recirculation methodology and co-gasification. This paper aims to review the co-current gasifier for biomass gasification that emphasizes on design enhancements and their impact on the co-current gasifier efficiency. Overall overview reveals that apart from biomass characteristics and operation parameters, the gasifier configuration is a vital parameter in gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants that potentially harm the environment as well as human health. Paracetamol is a common analgesic drug often detected in wastewater and surface water. The efficacy of wild algal biomass as an adsorbent to remove paracetamol from aqueous solutions was examined in this paper. Adsorption of paracetamol was carried out using three different algal biomass modification methods namely non-modified algal biomass, alkaline modified algal biomass, and acidic modified algal biomass. The paracetamol biosorption was studied through batch experiments at 30 °C, agitation speed of 150 rpm at pH of 6.8 during 120 min reaction time. The highest removal up to 63.56% and adsorption capacity of 32.56 mg/g was obtained using non-modified biomass. Overall, the results obtained suggest that wild algae biomass is a promising biosorbent for the removal of pharmaceuticals from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assesses wood as a valuable raw material for the production of building, finishing, insulating materials and fuel. An analysis was made of the production activities of one of the timber enterprises of the Angara-Yenisei region and the portfolio of marketable products produced by it for the period from 2017 to 2021. An assessment is made of the dynamics of changes in production volumes and the cost of fibreboard, lumber and pellets over 5 years. The influence of the average distance of cargo transportation, the pace of housing construction in Russia, the volume of production in the furniture industry, the growth of the global economy, restrictions on the export of products to the European market caused by both the spread of coronavirus infection and the foreign political situation in the world on the production volumes of wood processing enterprises, its cost is described. and demand. In order to improve the timber industry enterprise, the need to ensure an optimal balance of production and consumption of wood biomass by means of improving the portfolio of manufactured products is substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the main environmental problems of today's society are the continuous increase of the amount of organic residues and the consumption of conventional (non-renewable) energy. One way to address these issues is through the processing of this residues and the production of biogas. Anaerobic digestion is considered to be the optimal treatment for various types of agricultural and wood biomass and for a wide variety of organic residues suitable for this purpose, these substrates being thus transformed into recoverable energy and organic fertilizer for agriculture. Anaerobic digestion is a microbiological process of decomposition of organic matter, in the absence of oxygen, applied on a large scale for the production of renewable energy. The paper presents a series of considerations on obtaining biogas through anaerobic digestion from agricultural biomass, wood, energy crops and food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming necessitates a replacement of traditional technologies based on fossil fuels. The number of options is rather limited. Renewable energies will play a dominant role in this process. Whereas biomass and hydro-electricity are limited, wind and photovoltaic power (PV) can be upscaled to large capacities. The technical side of CO2-free technologies has been covered in the bulk of these proceedings. In this paper, we concentrate on the main characteristics of an electricity system based mostly on wind and PV power and the consequences of integrating intermittent technologies. Most practical examples are taken from Germany. The question whether nuclear power can be considered as clean electricity source supplementing renewable energies will be discussed. Nuclear power will still play a role in 2050 and beyond in and outside of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we will present the research findings the impact of the particle size in pressing chamber during densification of wooden briquettes. In general during in the biomass densification process technological and material variables influence this process and thus the final briquettes quality. The impact of compression pressure and compression temperature is known very well. The main goal of presented experimental research is to determine the impact and relationship between particle size and pressing conditions. This variable influencing also lonely raw material treatment, densification and also pressing forces distribution into the pressing chamber. The abovementioned impact can be observed during densification in the quality indicators. Research findings presented in this paper are based on a realized experimental research which was done on Faculty of Mechanical Engineering STU in Bratislava. This experimental research was a logical result of and based on authors practical experience and wide theoretical analyses of selected parameters impact. Experimental research findings were obtained using single-axis densification. The influence of the particle size interacting with compression pressure on the final density, and thus also on acting forces size was determined. The experimental research findings presented here should prove the significance in briquette production and also in the engineering of densification machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper refers to the biomass steam cycle power plants of medium capacity (12 to 40 MW at generator clamps), which burn wood vegetal biomasses. The first part highlights the specific features of this kind of biomass: the high organic Oxygen content in the dry mass (which reduces the amount of air for combustion), and the high hygroscopicity (which reduces the calorific values of the wet biomass, compared to the dry state). Further on we model numerically, using well-known methods, the termochemical processes for burning wood biomass with different diffuse and hygroscopic water quotas. Next, we preliminary compute the energy performances of the fluidized bed steam generators with 40 to 125 MJ/s heat flow rate, which burn wood vegetal biomasses. For the water-steam circuit we use the rational correlations between the parameters of the main steam, the feeding water temperature and the water preheating scheme determined in the previous paper: „Biomass non-reheat steam cycle power plants. Part 1: Technical assessment of schemes and water-steam parameters". Knowing the heat quotas transmitted in the Steam Generator (SG) sections allows to construct the heat transfer diagram in the SG area of high and medium temperatures and to determine the gas temperature when entering the air preheater, which depends mainly on the feeding water temperature. On increasing the feeding water temperature the SG losses associated to the gas heat evacuated on the stack increase, and the SG energy efficiency decreases. On the other hand, the gross electric efficiency of the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) is a product of the SG efficiency and of the thermodynamic conversion circuit. The development of the regenerative preheating leads to two adverse effects : SG efficiency decrease and the thermal cycle efficiency increase. The technically optimal solution is the one for which the product of the two efficiencies is maximized. Due to the high number of variables, the problem can only be solved by case analyses. In the paper we analyze the TPP with the steam cycle without reheat with two variants of thermal circuit design type: with 5 preheat stages up to 190 °C, respectively with 6 preheat stages up to 220 °C. The results show that, for a high biomass humidity, an advanced preheating could be unfavorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers produced from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) via Alkaline Peroxide Pulping (APP) was preceded by three main steps; dewaxing of EFB, alkaline peroxide (AP) impregnation into EFB and refining of biomass to generate pulp. The experiment was carried by varying chemical level and number of impregnation stages. For 2:2.5% AP level, two-stage impregnation improved hand sheets tear index by 45%, 164% boost in tensile index, 26% enhancement in zero span index and more than 5% in burst index. By applying 8:10% AP level, significant improvements were gained at the third and fourth stages of AP impregnation. Although there was no significant change in hand sheet strength with multiple impregnation for 4:5% AP level, improvement in brightness of hand sheets was apparent, analogous to the effect of increasing AP level. The found paper properties development show that alkaline peroxide pulping of EFB could be adapted to various targeted properties by adjustment of AP level and impregnation stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first part of the paper analyses the role of renewable resources in the production of electric and thermal energy in Romania. It was taken in consideration also the wood mass destined to heating the population, as a large number of households still use this fuel exclusively. Starting from the plough land and its associated production, there is the availability of agricultural biomass possible to use for energy production. The paper is concluded with the final considerations on the benefits of using biomass for energy production. As far as straw is concerned, a feasible long-distance transport option has not yet been found, so their use is limited to the range in which the trucks can be economically conveyed. The same is true for the case of energy willow or sorghum crops. For sorghum its fermentation is advantageous. For the biomass cultivator the following opportunities can be identified: Reduced storage costs; Reducing the environmental pollution and, implicitly, avoiding the sanitation costs of the adjacent area; Income generation through sales; Development of deprived areas and rational employment of the workforce. For the biomass consumer the following advantages can be mentioned: Reducing Renewable Fuel Costs vs. Conventional Fuels (Fuel, Natural Gas, Coal); as a rule, in Romania, agricultural biomass was imposed for the production of thermal energy; Reducing environmental costs. This is possible if it is considered that by using biomass as a fuel, CO2 emissions are considered to be zero compared to the use of conventional fuels under the Kyoto Convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is focused on literature review from the scientific works in area of utilization of biomass in agglomeration process. Actual environmental potential of biomass, as well as its availability, emphasizes the importance of this topic. The composition and properties of biomass differs from the fossil fuels. It is important to view on utilization of biomass in agglomeration process in wired then ecological context. Technological and economical parameters are also important for its utilization. The type pf the biomass, coke substitution ratio, are key parameters for fusion technology, as well as for final agglomerate quality. The latest researches in the field highlights the need of different approaches to biomass adjustment, before it can be put into agglomeration mixture. In the analysed studies several sintering processes were described with different biomass sources (raw biomass, carbonized and subsequently briquetted straw, composite fuel made from a mixture of weakly coking coal and carbonized straw, or by application of various additives to the surface of the biomass in order to improve its surface properties.) The paper analysis each study and indicates the importance of development of reducing agents from available renewable sources. The paper is focused on literature review from the scientific works in area of utilization of biomass in agglomeration process. Actual environmental potential of biomass, as well as its availability, emphasizes the importance of this topic. The composition and properties of biomass differs from the fossil fuels. It is important to view on utilization of biomass in agglomeration process in wired then ecological context. Technological and economical parameters are also important for its utilization. The type pf the biomass, coke substitution ratio, are key parameters for fusion technology, as well as for final agglomerate quality. The latest researches in the field highlights the need of different approaches to biomass adjustment, before it can be put into agglomeration mixture. In the analysed studies several sintering processes were described with different biomass sources (raw biomass, carbonized and subsequently briquetted straw, composite fuel made from a mixture of weakly coking coal and carbonized straw, or by application of various additives to the surface of the biomass in order to improve its surface properties.) The paper analysis each study and indicates the importance of development of reducing agents from available renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic energy systems are an important part of the systems for obtaining energy from renewable sources. Generating electricity from renewable sources is becoming more developed in most countries. The energy produced is fed into the power grid and used both for household as well for industrial. Issues related to pollution and global warming have led to more pronounced development of technologies for producing electricity from wind, solar, hydro, biomass and geothermal. Development and the continuous research it is intended to reduce production costs, distribution and integration. Regardless of the location where we are on Earth, we get a certain number of hours with light. In this paper we focus on grid-connected PV systems installed on two buildings of a coal mine. We present the analysis of a photovoltaic system suitable to a mountainous area and also highlight the implementation issues. The motivation of this paper comes closely related to the increasing awareness about the potential and actual contributions of the solar energy, with environmental, economic and social benefits. Highlighting the potential of the area regarding renewable resources, emphasized the motivation for accomplish this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a model for estimating and predicting the dynamics of plankton in a lake-type reservoir, depending on the meteorological and hydrophysical parameters, is carried out in the Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 2014-2018. Model for quantitative description of biomass production depending on solar radiation and temperature was developed. The influence of water stratification on algae blooming was investigated on the basis of systematic procedures for the quantitative analysis of phytoplankton. Water samples were fixed with formalin and examined using a Levenhuk microscope equipped with a digital camera to display images and video on computer. Subsequently, the samples were concentrated to count the algae cells with the help of Goryaev's chamber, determine their volume and determine the concentration of biomass. This paper includes a systematic study of plankton dependence on changing hydrometeorological conditions during the vegetative period of 2017. The water samples of the Gorky reservoir on the Volga were analyzed from the horizons of 0.5 ... 8 m in the period from May to October 2017. The biggest concentration of biomass of plankton in 2017 was observed on July 3 at a depth of 2 m. The smallest biomass of plankton in 2017 was observed on June 21 at a depth of 2 m. In general, the biggest concentration of biomass of plankton in months is observed in July in the upper water layer, the smallest - in October. There was a significant variation in the average size of cells and their number per unit volume, which is associated with a change in species diversity during the season. As a result, the maximum concentration of biomass was observed with a relatively small number of cells per unit volume. Conversely, in samples with a high number of cells, a relatively small biomass of phytoplankton was observed. The majority of the algae species were represented by diatoms while in the previous three years cyanobacteria dominated. The variation was explained by the fact that in 2017 water stratification was weak in summer and autumn due to climate changes. Insufficient heating of the water column is a limiting factor for the representatives of cyanobacteria, which cause the algae blooming. The studies established a significant difference between the observed plankton concentration in the upper layer and the modified Bradford-Maiero model. The number of parameters considered in Bradford-Maiero model was insufficient. This paper stimulates the development of sophisticated model of plankton dynamics in the upper layer, depending on temperature, stratification and solar radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is important in causing the economic growth of any country. Due to depletion of conventional energy sources and escalating prices of such fuels, the researchers have started to focus their attention on the use of alternative fuels. A possible solution may be found with renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, hydropower and wind energy. Biomass is abundant, environmental friendly and is an attractive substitute to fossil fuels. When compared to all energy sources from biomass, alternative fuels in gaseous form offer more convenience. Producer gas from biomass gasification can be used as an alternative fuel in spark-ignition engines. Use of 100% producer gas in spark ignited engine is peculiar because of its low energy density, hence low output and efficiency. This paper reviews the use of producer gas as alternative fuel for SI engines, experimental investigation on producer gas as fuel, merits, demerits and problems faced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the influence of biomass ash (BA) from wooden chips processing on the properties of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) mortar. The MKPC belongs to chemically bonded cementitious binders and is formed through the reaction between the dead burned magnesia (MgO), KH2PO4 and water. The dead burned magnesia powder as well as the biomass ash were first analysed by XRF, particle size distribution and specific density. In the production of MKPC-based composites, the biomass ash was used in the amount of 30 %, 40 % and 50 % by mass of MKPC binder. The bulk density, specific density, open porosity, compressive strength, flexural strength and dynamic Young´s modulus of elasticity of hardened MKPC/BA composite materials in comparison to the reference material without BA were investigated. In addition, the hygric properties were evaluated using the measurement of water absorption coefficient. The experimental results show that MKPC mortar with BA admixture is promising environmentally friendly material designed especially for repair applications in civil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biomass through co-combustion technology in industry and coal-fired power plants (CFPP) is being tested intensively. Biomass can replace 5-10% of coal capacity in CFPP and results in massive demand for biomass supply availability. Biomass from agricultural residues has excellent energy potential, with a theoretically convertible biomass energy value of 682,771 GW. However, the difference between agricultural residue biomass characteristics and coal causes a disadvantage in power generation, such as power de-rating. The process of converting agricultural residue biomass into solid fuel with coal equivalent characteristics needs to be carried out so that substitution of coal to biomass or with co-combustion technology can be implemented. This paper discusses the potential of agricultural residue biomass and methods of converting agricultural residues biomass into solid fuels for co-combustion technology. From the results of this study, it was discussed that the conversion technology commonly used in agricultural residue biomass is torrefaction (either wet or dry torrefaction). To optimize the conversion process of agricultural residues biomass into coal equivalent solid fuel, it is suggested a combination of conversion technology (multi-process) to be applied and used for processing several types of biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the socio-economic development of any nation, such factors as the amount and type of energy resources available, conversion and extraction pathways employed, the rate of utilization and sustainability must be addressed appropriately. Nigeria is one of the developing countries that is lagging in that regard because of poor and disrupted investment in the energy sector irrespective of its enormous energy resources. Nigeria has enormous potential in both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. Some of these renewable sources include hydropower, solar energy, wind power, biomass and geothermal energy. In this paper, the focus is on biomass energy because it is one of the sustainable renewable energy sources with high extraction potentials, due to the vast arable land and favourable climatic conditions in Nigeria. The biomass resources found in Nigeria include agricultural resources, forest resources, aquatic biomass, and waste. These resources are capable of generating about 2.33 EJ of energy and about 144 million tonnes in mass, yearly, which can be harnessed through some pathways such as thermochemical, physio-chemical, and biochemical, for heating or cooling, electricity generation, and as fuel for transportation. Some authors argued that the utilization of the available landmass for the production of biomass resources poses a great threat to food security in Nigeria. However, this challenge can be offset by enhancing the existing agricultural practices to improve the quality of yield without tampering with the quantity of food produced. Biomass is reliable, cost-effective, sustainable, and has the capacity to create both direct and indirect jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is the important element that ensures the economic and social development level in the world. According to the research made in this field a lot of researches are orientated to the development of the alternative source of energy. The importance to ensure the necessary energy will be observed from the moment when will start to exhaust the fossil combustible. This paper describes the efficiency use of the fossil combustible and renewable source of energy (SRE) on Romanian energetically market. The accessibility of the renewable energy source in the world directed the economical and social increase in the developing state. Energy is a source that generates the progress of the state. The main objectives of the paper are the accessibility of the energetically source in Romania and the fuel consumption for heating. Important obtained results in the research describes the biomass (pellets, briquettes and wood) as an accessibility solid combustible for producing energy in the world, being widely spread and the cheapest on the energetically market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the biomass densification can be recognized various technological variables and also material parameters which significantly influences the final solid biofuels quality. The paper deals with the experimental research of the relationship between technological variables and material parameters during densification of acacia wood sawdust. The main goal of presented experimental research is to determine the relationship between compression pressure, pressing temperature and raw material moisture content and particle size during densification of acacia wood sawdust. Research findings presented in this paper are based on a realized experimental research which was done on Faculty of Mechanical Engineering STU in Bratislava. This experimental research was a logical result of and based on authors practical experience and wide theoretical analyses of selected variables influence. Described experimental research was realized by single-axis densification. This paper describes also the design of experiment (DOE) and evaluation methodology for this experimental plan in order to determine the influence of technological variables and material parameters on a final biofuels density which mainly represents the biofuels quality. This contribution discusses the analysis of experimental process, its individual steps and their subsequent DOE leading to the development of a mathematical model that will describe this process. The experimental findings presented here are showing the importance of mentioned variables and parameters during the densification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell factory is the most important machinery for bioproduct. Yeast cell is known as the most productive machinery for ethanol production regarding its robustness toward high concentration of ethanol in the environment. However, it is become challenging when using lignocellulosic hydrolysate as raw material. For ethanol production, fermentation process depends on its cell's vitality under stress condition by ethanol accumulation in the environment. Furthermore, ethanol production using lignocellulosic hydrolysate undergo various challenges against inhibitory chemical complex such as 2-furaldehyde (furfural), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), syringaldehyde, and vanillin coupled with some cell membrane-permeative acids, such as acetic acid, formic acid, and a small fraction of levulinic acid. Yeast cell maintains its survival on the stress condition by modification of its the genes regulation. Several considerations should be sought to engineered yeast as cell factory for ethanol production using lignocellulosic hydrolysate. This paper will discuss yeast survival mechanism toward its product and lignocellulosic hydrolysate environment, inhibitors effect to yeast cell, and gene regulation toward lignocellulosic hydrolysate for bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternate fuel availability helps to replace bagasse in sugar and make them available for other purposes like paper manufacture or ethanol production. Also, power plant operators are compelled to reduce emissions of pollutants during the generations of electricity due to the increased awareness of carbon footprint and its effect on the environment. An optimization is performed on one such scenario where a combination of solar energy, coal, biomass and bagasse are used. Minimization of the emissions and bagasse utilization are taken as multiobjective problem in this paper with combined use of coal and biomass along with bagasse. The problem is formulated as Bagasse Saving and Emission Reduction (BS&ER) power dispatch problem and the results of the simulation show that the combination of solar power and others fuels can reduce both bagasse utilization and the emission of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Economic modeling of distributed generation (DG) systems has become an important area of research with the modern push towards greener and more sustainable electricity generation practices as any proposal without a solid business case is bound to flounder with the state of the global economy. This paper assessed the state-of-the-art in DG economic modeling and based on this developed a model to determine the economic suitability of DG projects in Ontario, Canada. This model was applied to the energy profile of the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario and it was found that using 2× 5MW biomass combined heat and power (CHP) DGs and selling electricity to the grid will save them $2.56 million annually on energy costs. This paper recommends that further research is done in optimizing between local distribution companies (LDCs) and DG operator economic benefits of DGs, applying risk and uncertainty to economic modeling, analyzing the cost of biomass pellets in Ontario, and doing hour-by-hour modeling of the University of Guelph's energy usage to verify the findings of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Forest materials represent great potential for advancing our goals in the 21st century for sustainable building, energy independence, and carbon sequestration. A critical component of an improved system for producing bioproducts and bioenergy from forest materials is the ability to sort trees, stems, and logs into end-product categories that represent their highest potential values. Nondestructive testing and evaluation technologies have been explored by scientists, engineers, and managers around the world for their ability to assess wood and fiber properties of individual trees, stems, and logs. Strong relationships were found exist between various acoustic measurements on trees/logs and fundamental wood properties such as microfibril angle, density, and various physical and mechanical properties. Commercial field-ready tools are now available that are capable of sorting this biomass based upon fundamental properties that determine product potential. The research results can be applied at a number of stages in the operational value chain, from timberland through to the processing site. This paper introduces an array of acoustic tools for forest operations and demonstrates their ability to sort forest materials into categories that are suitable for their optimal uses, such as high value structural products, advanced composites, pulp and paper, and biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Correct design of air manifolds applied in biomass-fired batch boilers allows to avoid excessive emissions and high flow resistance, as well as helps achieving the required parameters of the fan supplying air to the boiler. The paper describes the process and the results of the optimization performed using selected methods based on the response surface analysis. An experimentally validated CFD model of the state of the art air manifold has been geometrically parametrized, in order to find the shape that is optimal from the point of view of the objective function. In each analysis, the objective function was linked to air flow characteristics. Selected algorithms of the interpolation of design points that were obtained as the result of the numerical experiment have been compared and evaluated. Optimization using the response surface generated using various algorithms has been performed and verified by further direct CFD computations. The obtained optimal values of the input parameters were applied in the final model of the prototype. The flow characteristics of the prototype and the reference state have been compared and discussed. Significant improvement of the operation conditions has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed an optimized method used for determination of minor elements (Cu, Zn, Mn) from Romanian biomass ash from three different biomass ash using ICPMS technique. The purpose of the study was to find a suitable method of analysis for the complex matrix of biomass ash by comparing two samples preparation methods: at 5500C and 8200C. For this study the content of metals from three different samples from forestry and related industries (P1), forestry and exploitation (P2) and agriculture (P3) was analyzed. The results obtained were compared with the value of certified reference material (CRM), to demonstrate the accuracy of the method and the quality of the results. The analysis method chosen in this study was highlighted as optimal for biomass ash analysis using performance parameters: precision, accuracy, detection limit, quantification limit, and expanded uncertainty. The determined elements were some of those considered to be of great concern for the environment, such as Cu, Zn, Mn. In all samples, the ash studied, Mn had the highest concentration among other minor elements. If we know the chemical composition of ash biomass, we can recycle biomass and reuse him as solid fuels. The method used has proven to be reliable, simple, selective and relatively inexpensive, and therefore allows rapid determination of Cu, Zn and Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper presents the analysis of the constructive - functional solution of a pellet press made with TEHNIC ECO CDI S.R.L. on the basis of an idea developed by INOE 2000 - IHP, on the subsidiary contract of a single project on Axis POC - G. At the level of the experimental model a pellet press with a motorized sieve and it was tested in real conditions to see if it achieves the designed parameters. During the work the functional samples and the results obtained during the experiments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the use of olive oil biomass waste as a secondary raw material for the production of Energy is studied. In fact the olive pomace can be transformed by means of composting and/or anaerobic digestion processes from a refuse to a resource. By exploiting this waste it is possible not only to reduce the quantity of waste, but it could also be a potential source of additional revenue for the entrepreneur and an undeniable stimulus for the territory's development. This paper is written with the help of F.A.T. Snc, a Sicilian family-owned oil mill, and with the entrepreneur Giuseppe Borzì, who represents the third generation of this family business. The business is focused on the olive growing and olive cold pressing, as well as on the production of wine and soaps. The entrepreneur is also interested in the development of new systems for the exploitation of the olive pomace, which is currently sold, but could be used as an ecological fuel for energy production. Unfortunately, biomass is often understimated in the reality of today's renewable energy sources, as it has low energy density, yet it is nonetheless very interesting since it represents the triumph of circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of evaluating the effect of different concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0%) of biochar from birch wood on the growth parameters of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. in model pots. The addition of biochar to the soil in most cases had a positive effect on growth parameters (root and shoot length and biomass, leaf area) of P. tanacetifolia. The best results were observed when biochar was added in concentrations of 7.5% whereas least effect – at 2.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the modern society has a very important component that is represented by renewable energy. Due to a high potential to deliver fuel and energy comparable with fossil fuels, biomass is considered the best alternative regarding renewable energy. This paper presents some experimental results regarding miscanthus grinding using a plant debris chopper TRV-0. Experimental determinations were done using different dimensions of the material subjected to grinding. The exploitation parameters obtained experimentally are also presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]