Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of Indian low rank coal using thermogravimetric analysis

The present research work deals wilh the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and kinetic analysis of three typical Indian low rank coals selected from Indian coal mines at various temperature ranges. Experiments were performed at four differerH heating rate (50, 100,150, 200 K/min) for three typical Indian low rank coal samples in a nitrogen atmosphere from temperature range 30-950 °C. The peak of temperature and mass loss for Indian low rank coal were evaluated. Current study also deals for the utilization and the behaviour of Indian low rank coal during the pyrolysis by using TGA. The activation energy for Indian low rank coal were calculated based on TGA data by using Friedman Method. Corresponding calculated mean value of activation energy for Indian low rank coal is found 49.132 kJ/mol. These experimental results help to explain and predict the behaviour of Indian low rank coal in practical applications.

Development of waste-to-energy through integrated sustainable waste management:the case of ABREN WtERT Brazil towards changing status quo in Brazil

In the context of circular economy,it is known that once waste is generated,it should be subject to proper treatment for recovering material or energy before being disposed.Many countries worldwide,especially developing countries such as Brazil,have been struggling to effectively apply sustainable waste management in municipalities and still rely on dumpsites and unsuitable landfills.Misinformation,a weak legal framework,lack of financial resources and poor infra-structure as well as pressure from organizations profiting from the expansion of landfills are some factors contributing to the preservation of the negative status quo:the“landfill culture”.Material recovery,i.e.,recycling and composting,is applied to less than 5%of Brazilian municipal waste,while 95%is disposed of in landfills or dumpsites.In this context,ABREN WtERT(Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council)Brazil was created in 2019 as the first permanent organization formed to promote the development of energy and material recovery from waste focused on the waste-to-energy(WTE)market.In this paper,the strategy proposed and implemented by the organization towards changing the status quo in Brazil through an integrated sustainable waste management approach is described.The proposed strategy integrates the concepts of Sustainability and Circular Economy for minimizing landfill disposal(avoiding methane emissions)and maximizing material/energy recovery.Among others,the approach focuses on changing the public opinion regarding thermal treatment facilities,mainly incinerators,which has been wrongly linked to pollution,excessive public expenditures and considered a harm to the recycling industry.The activities performed by ABREN include engaging public and private institutions,enhancing education,leading the publication of research and business studies,gathering industry members and academy experts,as well as creating strategic alliances with players around the globe.As a result,within a few years,major outcomes were achieved in Brazil,such as:(i)changes in the legal framework,(ii)launching of a specific public auction category for sponsoring electricity production from WTE facilities,and(iii)establishment of official targets for municipalities to decrease landfill disposal and increase recycling/biological treatment and energy recovery from thermal treatment.Among the national goals,it should be highlighted the target regarding the increase from zero to 994 MW of electricity production from municipal solid waste,which will require building dozens of new WTE facilities.Global outcomes are expected as well since Brazil is the seventh largest country of the globe and the most influential in Latin America.International and national business deals should thrive due to the need of operational skills and technology imports,and the avoidance of carbon emissions will positively reflect the world climate.In parallel,there is also potential for the academy to benefit from research projects and investments if the WTE national industry is to be developed in the long term.

An overview of biomass solid fuels:Biomass sources,processing methods,and morphological and microstructural properties

Biomass solid fuel(BSF)has emerged as a promising renewable energy source,but its morphological and microstructural properties are crucial in determining their physical,mechanical,and chemical characteristics.This paper provides an overview of recent research on BSF.The focus is on biomass sources,BSF processing methods,and morphological and microstructural properties,with a special emphasis on energy-related studies.Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established for the study to ensure relevance.The inclusion criteria encompassed studies about BSFs and studies investigating the influence of biomass sources and processing methods on the morphological and microstructural properties of solid fuels within the past five years.Various technologies for converting biomass into usable energy were discussed,including gasification,torrefaction,carbonization,hydrothermal carbonization(HTC),and pyrolysis.Each has advantages and disadvantages in energy performance,techno-economics,and climate impact.Gasification is efficient but requires high investment.Pyrolysis produces bio-oil,char,and gases based on feedstock availability.Carbonization generates low-cost biochar for solid fuels and carbon sequestration applications.Torrefaction increases energy density for co-firing with coal.HTC processes wet biomass efficiently with lower energy input.Thermal treatment affects BSF durability and strength,often leading to less durability due to voids and gaps between particles.Hydrothermal carbonization alters surface morphology,creating cavities,pores,and distinctive shapes.Slow pyrolysis generates biochar with better morphological properties,while fast pyrolysis yields biochar with lower porosity and surface area.Wood constitutes 67%of the biomass sources utilized for bioenergy generation,followed by wood residues(5%),agro-residues(4%),municipal solid wastes(3%),energy crops(3%),livestock wastes(3%),and forest residues(1%).Each source has advantages and drawbacks,such as availability,cost,environmental impact,and suitability for specific regions and energy requirements.This review is valuable for energy professionals,researchers,and policymakers interested in biomass solid fuel.