• Energy Research

Abstract Hybrid systems combine two or more power generating devices and make use of the synergism to generate maximum power and offer very high efficiencies. The aim of this work is to investigate the performance achievable from a small-scale hybrid power plant based on the integration between a micro gas turbine (MGT) and a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fed by the syngas generated by a biomass downdraft gasifier (BG). The thermal energy needed to reach the turbine inlet temperature is supplied by the exhausts coming from a catalytic burner in which the SOFC anode and cathode off-gases are burnt. The hybrid BG-SOFC/MGT plant, based on a simplified configuration and realized considering components commercially available, is designed for optimizing not only the electric power generation, but also the thermal power production, in accordance with the promotion of decentralized CHP plants. The performance assessment has been carried out by means of a numerical model, based on thermodynamic/thermochemical approaches and realized by integrating the models of each plant section, developed by using the Aspen Plus software package. The models validation, performed by using experimental data, demonstrates that the results produced are close to those obtained from each unit, so that the overall integrated model can provide a sufficiently accurate prediction of the expected actual hybrid power plant. The effects of some operating parameters on cogeneration performances, such as the MGT pressure ratio and the S/C (steam to carbon) in the SOFC unit, have been evaluated and analyzed. Results show that the best performances are achieved by assuming the MGT pressure ratio equal to 4.5 and the S/C equal to 0. In this case the electric power is 262 kW (SOFC supplies 180 kW), the thermal power is 405 kW and the electric (AC) and cogeneration efficiencies are 35% and 88%, respectively.

Abstract Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity has the potential to be a major energy solution, sustainably suitable for urban areas of the future. However, although PV technology has been projected as one of the most promising candidates to replace conventional fossil based power plants, the potential disadvantages of the PV panels end-of-life (EoL) have not been thoroughly evaluated. The current challenge concerning PV technology resides in making it more efficient and competitive in comparison with traditional fossil powered plants, without neglecting the appraisal of EoL impacts. Indeed, considering the fast growth of the photovoltaic market, started 30 years ago, the amount of PV waste to be handled and disposed of is expected to grow drastically. Therefore, there is a real need to develop effective and sustainable processes to address the needed recycle of the growing number of decommissioned PV panels. Many laboratory-scale or pilot industrial processes have been developed globally during the years by private companies and public research institutes to demonstrate the real potential offered by the recycling of PV panels. One of the tested up lab-scale recycling processes – for the crystalline silicon technology – is the thermal treatment, aiming at separating PV cells from the glass, through the removal of the EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) layer. Of course, this treatment may entail that some hazardous components, such as Cd, Pb, and Cr, are released to the environment, therefore calling for very accurate handling. To this aim, the sustainability of a recovery process for EoL crystalline silicon PV panels was investigated by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) indicators. The overall goal of this paper was to compare two different EoL scenarios, by evaluating the environmental advantages of replacing virgin materials with recovered materials with a special focus on the steps and/or components that can be further improved. The results demonstrate that the recovery process has a positive effect in all the analyzed impact categories, in particular in freshwater eutrophication, human toxicity, terrestrial acidification and fossil depletion indicators. The main environmental benefits arise from the recovery of aluminum and silicon. In particular, the recovered silicon from PV waste panels would decrease the need for raw silicon extraction and refining in so lowering the manufacturing costs, and end-of-life management of PV panels. Moreover, the amount of the recovered materials (silicon, aluminum and copper, among others) suggests a potential benefit also under an economic point of view, based on present market prices.

Abstract Here we present the technical and economical performances of a small scale trigeneration power plant based on solid oxide fuel cells and designed for a small residential cluster (i.e. 10 apartments). The energy system features a natural gas solid oxide fuel cell, a boiler, a refrigerator, and a thermal storage system. We compare different power plant configurations varying the size of the fuel cell and the refrigeration technology to satisfy the chilling demand (i.e. absorption or mechanical chiller). Given that the ability to meet the power demand is crucial in this kind of applications, the plant performances are assessed following an optimal control strategy, as a function of different energy demand profiles and electricity prices, and of rated and part load efficiencies of each energy converter. The optimization of the energy system operating strategy is performed through a graph theory-based methodology. Results are provided in terms of electrical and thermal efficiency, operating strategy, as well as economic saving, primary energy consumption reduction, and pay back period, considering different capital costs of the fuel cell.

The decarbonization of the maritime sector represents a priority in the energy policy agendas of the majority of Countries worldwide, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recently revised its strategy aiming for an ambitious zero-emissions scenario by 2050. In these regards, there is a broad consensus on hydrogen as one of the most promising clean energy vectors for maritime transport, and a key towards that goal. However, to date, an international regulatory framework for the use of hydrogen on-board of ships is absent, this posing a severe limitation to the adoption of hydrogen technologies in this sector. To cope with this issue, this paper presents a preliminary gap assessment analysis for the International Code of Safety for Ship Using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) with relation to hydrogen as a fuel. The analysis is structured according to the IGF Code chapters, and a bottom-up approach is followed to review the code content and assess its relevance to hydrogen. The risks related to hydrogen are accounted for in assessing the gaps and providing a first level set of recommendations for IGF Code updates. By this means, this work settles the basis for further research over the identified gaps, towards the identification of a final set of recommendations for the IGF Code update.

Abstract: Biomass can be stored and converted into any form of energy. Hydrogen is a ‘clean’ energy source: its combustion produces only water and energy. A new, eco-friendly reservoir of hydrogen is required to achieve clean and sustainable energy production. Ethanol is a suitable biofuel in this respect, being easy to produce and safe to handle, transport and store. Bioethanol plays an important role as a promising renewable energy source due to its useful properties; it can also be converted to hydrogen-rich gas through a simple reforming process, and is potentially ideal for molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs).

Twelve single chambered, air-cathode Tubular Microbial Fuel Cells (TMFCs) have been filled up with fruit and vegetable residues. The anodes were realized by means of a carbon fiber brush, while the cathodes were realized through a graphite-based porous ceramic disk with Nafion membranes (117 Dupont). The performances in terms of polarization curves and power production were assessed according to different operating conditions: percentage of solid substrate water dilution, adoption of freshwater and a 35mg/L NaCl water solution and, finally, the effect of an initial potentiostatic growth. All TMFCs operated at low pH (pH$=3.0 \pm 0.5$), as no pH amendment was carried out. Despite the harsh environmental conditions, our TMFCs showed a Power Density (PD) ranging from 20 to 55~mW/m$^2 \cdot$kg$_{\text{waste}}$ and a maximum CD of 20~mA/m$^2 \cdot$kg$_{\text{waste}}$, referred to the cathodic surface. COD removal after a $28-$day period was about $45 \%$. The remarkably low pH values as well as the fouling of Nafion membrane very likely limited TMFC performances. However, a scale-up estimation of our reactors provides interesting values in terms of power production, compared to actual anaerobic digestion plants. These results encourage further studies to characterize the graphite-based porous ceramic cathodes and to optimize the global TMFC performances, as they may provide a valid and sustainable alternative to anaerobic digestion technologies. 13 pages, 10 Figures

The building sector is one of the key energy consumers worldwide. Fuel cell micro-Cogeneration Heat and Power systems for residential and small commercial applications are proposed as one of the most promising innovations contributing to the transition towards a sustainable energy infrastructure. For the application and the diffusion of these systems, in addition to their environmental performance, it is necessary, however, to evaluate their economic feasibility. In this paper a life cycle assessment of a fuel cell/photovoltaic hybrid micro-cogeneration heat and power system for a residential building is integrated with a detailed economic analysis. Financial indicators (net present cost and payback time are used for studying two different investments: reversible-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and natural gas SOFC in comparison to a base scenario, using a homeowner perspective approach. Moreover, two alternative incentives scenarios are analysed and applied: net metering and self-consumers’ groups (or energy communities). Results show that both systems obtain annual savings, but their high capital costs still would make the investments not profitable. However, the natural gas Solide Oxide Fuel Cell with the net metering incentive is the best scenario among all. On the contrary, the reversible-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell maximizes its economic performance only when the self-consumers’ groups incentive is applied. For a complete life cycle cost analysis, environmental impacts are monetized using three different monetization methods with the aim to internalize (considering them into direct cost) the externalities (environmental costs). If externalities are considered as an effective cost, the natural gas Solide Oxide Fuel Cell system increases its saving because its environmental impact is lower than in the base case one, while the reversible-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell system reduces it.