Vol. 12 No. 1 (2023)

Open Access

Original research article

Article ID: 3333

Developing alternatives to hydrocarbon via pyrolysis and gasification of industry residual biomass

by Tourn Silvana, Saires Paula, Bertero Melisa, Falco Marisa, Chamorro Ester

Progress in Energy & Fuels, Vol.12, No.1, 2023; 164 Views, 36 PDF Downloads

Pyrolysis and gasification are thermal treatment processes using biomass to produce biofuels that can replace fossil fuels in industrial boilers and furnaces. This paper discusses the potential utilization of four types of residual biomass highly produced in the Argentina Northeast (NEA) region, i.e., rice husk, an agricultural waste rich in cotton husk, carob sawdust, and spent red quebracho sawdust, as raw material. Pyrolysis liquid product yields were 34–51 wt% and char yields were 29–40 wt%; tar represented 16–23 wt%. For gasification, gas yields were between 45.6 wt% and 65.7 wt%; as for tar, it represented 2.4–14.1 wt% of initial biomass, and char yields were 31.4–40.3 wt%. Characterization of all products was performed to clarify their potential applications. Bio-oils, i.e., aqueous fractions of pyrolysis liquid products, have high water content (77–88 wt%), that is why they have lower density and viscosity than tars, oil fractions of pyrolysis liquids. However, chemical stability of bio-oils may vary, and their heating values are much lower than the heating values from tars. Based on these, it is possible to concluded that tar is the product with increased added value and higher energy properties. Efficiency of gasification and heating values of the gases obtained were high for waste rich in cotton husk and spent red quebracho sawdust, suggesting a good potential for the utilization in gasification processes. Additionally, char composition and properties for all biomasses, from both process, show that it is feasible to use them in several new applications.

Open Access

Original research article

Article ID: 3308

Challenges of a sustainable energy and vehicle-related value chain for BEVs and FCEVs through the 5th wave theory

by David Novak, Hamid Doost Mohammadian

Progress in Energy & Fuels, Vol.12, No.1, 2023; 265 Views, 64 PDF Downloads

The transition to sustainable energy and transportation systems presents complex challenges for the value chain of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These challenges are explored through the lens of the 5th wave theory, which predicts the emergence of a new technological paradigm based on clean energy and mobility. One major challenge is the need for a comprehensive infrastructure to support the production, distribution, and consumption of sustainable energy and clean transportation. This includes charging stations for BEVs and hydrogen refueling stations for FCEVs, as well as renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Another challenge is the need to develop a circular economy for the production and disposal of BEV and FCEV components, including batteries and fuel cells. This requires designing products for reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing, as well as establishing collection and recycling systems that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. The shift to sustainable energy and transportation requires significant changes in consumer behavior and preferences, as well as policy and regulatory frameworks to support the adoption of BEVs and FCEVs. This includes measures such as incentives for the purchase of clean vehicles, as well as emissions standards and carbon pricing to incentivize the transition to low-carbon transportation. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration across the entire value chain, from vehicle manufacturers and energy providers to policymakers and consumers. By embracing the 5th wave theory and working together to create a sustainable energy and vehicle-related value chain, we can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future. Purpose: In the overall context of global earth overheating (often downplayed as “climate change”), BEVs and FCEVs are at the core of the road mobility solution to be sought. Although this is recognized in expert circles and now even by most politicians worldwide, there are still many challenges in this regard. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the challenges of establishing a sustainable energy and vehicle-related value chain for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) through the 5th wave theory. The paper aims to identify the key challenges and propose solutions for establishing a sustainable value chain for these vehicles. Design/methodology/approach: The aim was to find out what challenges still exist around the implementation of BEVs and FCEVs. Germany and the EU are exemplary here for most industrialized countries. This paper uses a qualitative approach to analyze the challenges of establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs through the 5th wave theory. The study is based on a review of existing literature and case studies of countries that have implemented sustainable energy and transportation systems. Findings: Most people have come to understand that anthropogenic global overheating can only be solved by new technologies (which cost money, time, and behavioral change) in production and application. BEVs and FCEVs appear to be an essential part of the desired solution. Nevertheless, there are currently still numerous challenges and also concrete concerns worldwide, which partially cast the implementation in a questionable light. The findings suggest that establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs requires a comprehensive infrastructure, circular economy principles, and changes in consumer behavior and policy frameworks. The paper proposes solutions for addressing these challenges, including the establishment of charging and hydrogen refueling stations, the development of circular economy principles for the production and disposal of BEV and FCEV components, and the implementation of policies to incentivize the adoption of clean vehicles. Affected countries: The situation described here relates to Germany and the EU countries, but it is likely to be comparable, or at least similar, for many industrialized countries. The challenges and solutions proposed in this paper are relevant to countries worldwide that are transitioning to sustainable energy and transportation systems. The paper includes case studies of countries such as Germany, and the EU countries, that have made significant progress in establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs. Research/future/practical implications: Yes, there are various hurdles in the introduction of BEVs and FCEVs. Leading association bosses, ministers and government leaders may not want too many changes too quickly themselves; business sees it as an immense cost factor (not to mention technical changes) and private individuals act according to their own motivational factors. In conclusion, it can be assumed that the ability to make money or reduce one’s costs with BEVs/FCEVs can be the fastest accelerator in their adoption. This can then best be achieved with simple “out-of-the-box” solutions in mindset (see Novak triangle) [1] . The research implications of this paper include the need for further research on the challenges of establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The future implications of this paper include the importance of establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The practical implications of this paper include the need for collaboration across the entire value chain to establish a sustainable infrastructure for sustainable energy and transportation systems. Originality/value: Currently, there are virtually no scientific books that would present the overall context of the challenges around BEVs and FCEVs at a glance. Therefore, only current surveys, market volumes and challenges in environmental and working conditions can be described here. This paper contributes to the literature on sustainable energy and transportation systems by analyzing the challenges of establishing a sustainable value chain for BEVs and FCEVs through the 5th wave theory. The paper proposes solutions for addressing these challenges and includes case studies of countries that have implemented sustainable value chains for these vehicles. The paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers working towards a sustainable energy and transportation future.

Open Access

Review article

Article ID: 3351

A survey on electrical cars advantages

by Ali Molavi, Mohammad Taghipour

Progress in Energy & Fuels, Vol.12, No.1, 2023; 1825 Views, 444 PDF Downloads

The production of electric cars dates back to 1900 AD, at that time, on the one hand, due to the problems that electric motors had. And on the other hand, the discovery of oil and its abundant production were not taken into account in the remarkable development of internal combustion engines for the construction of these cars. But with the emergence of world wars and conflicts over oil, this material gained more value and more attention was attracted to electric cars, and that was that since 1990, the production of electric cars was taken more seriously, as well. In electric cars, the power supply system includes an electric motor, controller, batteries, and its charger. The electric drive system of the electric car has the task of converting the direct current produced by the battery into mechanical energy, which means the drive assembly of all parts, which convert the direct current of the batteries into the traction force and torque necessary for the movement of the wheels. One of the most important features of an electric car is the range and power of movement (acceleration, speed, incline, loading and flexibility), charging time and the high price of batteries in most existing electric cars. In this research, after the introduction and definition of the electric car and a description of the history of the electric car, the advantages of this type of car have been examined.