• Energy Research
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Microalgae's aquatic, non-edible, highly genetically modifiable nature and fast growth rate are considered ideal for biomass conversion to liquid fuels providing promise for future shortages in fossil fuels and for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions from combustion. We demonstrate adaptability of PRO/II software by simulating a microalgae photo-bio-reactor and thermolysis with fixed conversion isothermal reactors adding a heat exchanger for thermolysis. We model a cooling tower and gas floatation with zero-duty flash drums adding solids removal for floatation. Properties data are from PRO/II's thermodynamic data manager. Hydrotreating is analyzed within PRO/II's case study option, made subject to Jet B fuel constraints, and we determine an optimal 6.8% bioleum bypass ratio, 230°C hydrotreater temperature, and 20:1 bottoms to overhead distillation ratio. Process economic feasibility occurs if cheap CO2, H2O and nutrient resources are available, along with solar energy and energy from byproduct combustion, and hydrotreater H2 from product reforming.

Specific excess power (Ps) contours that can be obtained using the energy method; these are important contours that show the performance limits of the aircraft, allow the performance comparison of different aircraft, and help determine the trajectory corresponding to the minimum time to climb without the need for any mathematical operation. Due to the difficulties associated with obtaining Ps contours, there are not many studies on this subject. In order to overcome these difficulties, within the scope of this study, an estimation model was created that will easily predict the Ps contour depending only on flight altitude and Mach number. The data required for modeling are Ps contours obtained in a different study for B737-800 aircraft in 4 different flights. Although it is new, the cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) method, which has proven its success in many optimization problems, has been used for modeling and highly accurate results have been obtained. A different metaheuristic method, particle swarm optimization (PSO), was used to measure the accuracy of the model created. These models constitute the first attempt in the current literature; furthermore the datasets used include real Flight Data Recorder (FDR) values. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd