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Hot gas cleaning of producer gas generated from a gasification process has many advantages in terms of thermal efficiency, gas-quality improvement, compact gas-cleaning devices, and economic feasibility. In this study, the characteristics of molten tin as a working fluid for hot gas cleaning were examined. To evaluate the hot gas cleaning performance of molten tin, the producer gas generated from the gasification of empty fruit bunch pellets was tested with a molten-tin-based gas cleaning system connected to the downstream of the gasifier. Gas chromatographic analysis of the producer gas shows that the removal efficiencies of hydrogen sulfide and non-condensable tar were about 97% and 80%, respectively, in a molten tin bed maintained at 400 °C. The results suggest that molten tin could be used as a multifunctional gas-cleaning medium for the simultaneous removal of tar and hydrogen sulfide from the producer gas.

New energy generation and storage systems are continuously being developed due to climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental laws. Some systems are incremental innovations of existing systems while others are radical innovations. Radical innovation systems are risky investments due to their relevant technical and economic uncertainties. Prototyping can hedge these risks by spending a fraction of the cost of a full-scale system and in return receiving economic and technical information regarding the system. In economic terms, prototyping is an option to hedge risk coming at a cost that needs to be properly assessed. Real options analysis is the project appraisal approach for these assessments. This paper aims to introduce and test an algorithm based on real options analysis to quantitatively assess the “option to prototype” in the energy sector. First, the interrelated research areas of prototyping, energy systems, and real options analysis are reviewed. Then, a novel algorithm is presented and applied to an innovative Generation Integrated Energy Storage system: Wind-driven Thermal Pumping to demonstrate the effectiveness of option to prototype and the main parameters influencing this decision. Results show that the cost of the prototype and the market size (number of identical systems to build) are key parameters.

Abstract In this paper, the performance of a polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic module and photovoltaic/thermal module are experimentally investigated under outdoor conditions, using a roll-bond thermal collector attached on the backside of the photovoltaic module. Furthermore, the temperature, pressure and velocity distributions across the photovoltaic/thermal module are simulated using a steady state thermal model. Compared with the photovoltaic module, the performances of photovoltaic/thermal module with and without the coolant circulation are both examined using a water volume of 100 L and a coolant mass flow rate of 0.034 kg/s. Using a design with a timed supplement water strategy, the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic/thermal system has been increased by 3.25%. Compared without supplement before, the electrical energy can be extra increased more than 1%. A good agreement is found between simulated and experimental results. There is no doubt that the output performance of the photovoltaic/thermal system can be improved effectively by the design of timed supplement water.

Abstract This study aims to provide an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) perspective of the production and distribution of alternative marine fuels in Brazilian ports, considering the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction target for 2050 (IMO2050). Although other mitigation measures are available, it is likely that alternative fuels will be required, implying additional costs and entailing relevant impacts on other energy chains and land use. Hence, the national IAM BLUES model is adapted to represent the relevant part of the international shipping sector. A set of scenarios is developed considering different fuel alternatives, demand assumptions and national mitigation targets. Findings show that taking into account emissions of CO2 only or of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) within the IMO strategy significantly impacts the optimal technological portfolio. Furthermore, achieving the IMO2050 goal without considering a national decarbonization strategy may result in potential spillovers. The intense use of the energy sector could partially compromise the gains obtained by maritime decarbonization or even surpass it. Therefore, only an integrated mitigation strategy would lead to more effective decarbonization of the entire marine supply.

Abstract As mitigating climate change becomes an increasing worldwide focus, it is vital to explore a diverse range of technologies for reducing emissions. Heating and cooling make up a significant proportion of energy demand, both domestically and in industry. An effective method of reducing this energy demand is the storage and use of waste heat through the application of seasonal thermal energy storage, used to address the mismatch between supply and demand and greatly increasing the efficiency of renewable resources. Four methods of sensible heat storage; Tank, pit, borehole, and aquifer thermal energy storage are at the time of writing at a more advanced stage of development when compared with other methods of thermal storage and are already being implemented within energy systems. This review aims to identify some of the barriers to development currently facing these methods of seasonal thermal energy storage, and subsequently some of the work being undertaken to address these barriers in order to facilitate wider levels of adoption throughout energy systems.

Abstract This article proposes a novel hybrid solar gradient utilization photocatalytic-thermal-catalytic-Trombe (PTC-Trombe) wall, which can realize dual functions of air purification and space heating. Firstly, based on the previous studies on photocatalytic-Trombe (PC-Trombe) and thermal-catalytic-Trombe (TC-Trombe) walls, a thermal and mass model of PTC-Trombe wall is established. Secondly, the performance comparisons among three Trombe walls are conducted based on the experimental results in daytime. Thirdly, the effect of solar radiation intensity on the system performance of PTC-Trombe wall is discussed. Finally, the energy saving performance of three walls in Hefei is calculated. Results are: (1) PTC-Trombe wall behaves the best performance for formaldehyde degradation compared with other walls; (2) The effect of solar radiation intensity on the catalytic oxidation rate in PTC-Trombe wall can be divided into three regions with different catalytic oxidation mechanisms; (3) The total reduced heat loads for PC-Trombe wall, TC-Trombe wall and PTC-Trombe wall are 309.8, 204.7 and 296.1 MJ/m2, while the total generated volume of clean air is 4764.9, 6608.9 and 9482.2 m3/m2, respectively.