Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 13th International Conference on Biofuels and Bioenergy Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Day :

  • Biofuels | Bioenergy | Biomass | Biogas | Biodiesel | Biorefineries | Green energy |

Session Introduction

Jaccovan Haveren

Wageningen Food and Biobased research, the Netherlands

Title: Biobased jet fuels via a combined microbial –chemocatalytic approach
Speaker
Biography:

Dr Jacco van Haveren has been with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Centre for over 25 years in several positions. He is currently Programme Manager Bio based Chemicals and Biofuels. He is the co-author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications and more than 25 patent applications.

Abstract:

According to the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), global warming needs to be restricted to 2 ºC to prevent severe climate change. As a result the EU aims to reduce the emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in 2050 with 80-95% relative to the 1990 benchmark. In the transport sector, the aim is to reduce GHG emissions with 60% concurrently with a reduction in fossil fuels consumption. Current projections are that the heavy duty automotive, marine and aviation transport sectors will only marginally employ renewable based electricity and hydrogen.

Therefore development of carbon containing advanced biofuels is mandatory to fulfil the needs of the heavy duty automotive, marine and aviation transport sector.

WFBR (Wageningen Food and Biobased Research) is supporting industries in developing and optimising production biomass for bioenergy purposes and of advanced biofuels. The recently ended Lignifame project studied the catalytic depolymerisation of lignin and the use of lignin-derived phenolics as a fuel additive. The ongoing Biojetfuels project comprises a combined microbial –thermo/chemo catalytic approach towards biojet fuels, starting from the side - and waste stream carbohydrates. A consortium consisting of partners along the value chain, comprising Albemarle, Fraunhofer Umsicht, Lamb Weston, SkyNRGY, Pervatech, WFBR and University of Utrecht, is studying the microbial conversion of side and waste stream carbohydrates into butanol and acetone/isopropanol and the subsequent thermocatalytic/chemo catalytic chain extension and hydrogenation into a product slate that is suitable to be used as aviation fuel. The use of lignin as a co-feed is also explored. The various steps in this sequence are being optimised and integrated in order to be able to produce a detailed techno-economic evaluation. Gas phase fermentation of CO/CO2 mixtures into butanol can complement this approach towards advanced bio-jet fuels. 

Speaker
Biography:

Margarita V. Alario, PhD is Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, WI., USA.  She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed articles in multidisciplinary journals. She is a Fulbright Scholar and has been the recipient of several national and international awards and grants.

 

Abstract:

The “Atoms for Peace” program launched by president D. Eisenhower in his speech at the UN General Assembly on December 8, 1953, marked a turning point in the uses of nuclear technology. It promised to establish civilian uses of nuclear technology, no doubt one of the central scientific and technological achievements of modernity. The “Atoms for Peace” became the economic and foreign policy benchmark of the Eisenhower Administration, intended on promoting civic and industrial uses of nuclear technology. The results are a bit more complex than that. The recent announcement of the USA and Russia to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty only exacerbate the complexity. Using the mid-range, structurally informed social theories of risk, this research explores the “Atoms for Peace” program and the broader legacy of ongoing technological and environmental risks. I purport to do so in three steps: 1) I examine the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and its promises. 2) I examine the legacy of the “Atoms for Peace” program, which paradoxically, may have been the turning point in the history of nuclear proliferation. 3) I explore the implications of the “Atoms for Peace” program with an eye on geopolitical events, as they are currently unravelling.

Burcu Gür

Yeditepe University School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Turkey

Title: Plant cell wall modifying XTH enzymes are associated with abiotic stress protection.
Speaker
Biography:

Burcu Gür completed her bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics, in Ä°stanbul University. Following that, she graduated from the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology at Yeditepe University in the laboratory of Dr Andrew John Harvey in July 2018. Her doctoral dissertation was entitled “Multi-omics Approach to Investigate the Roles of Xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase/Hydrolases (XTHs) in Agriculturally Important Plants”.

Abstract:

Modification of the carbohydrate molecules in the cell walls of plants is essential for growth, maturation and response to external factors, a task fulfilled by enzymes like xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (xths). Many experiments have demonstrated that certain XTH genes are up-regulated during a variety of abiotic stresses. In this project, rice, tomato and capsicum XTH enzymes were examined at transcriptomic and protein levels to give a better understanding of their functions within the plants. Detailed analyses of protein substrate specificities of the XTH enzymes revealed a distinct preference for an unsubstituted basal form of xyloglucan. Rice, tomato and capsicum XTH enzymes were able to show activity with xyloglucan and a cellulose analogue (hydroxyethyl cellulose) as the donor substrate and a variety of acceptor substrates such as xylo-, cello-, and mixed-link β-glucan oligosaccharides. However, the ratio between activities on xyloglucan molecules and other carbohydrate molecules was higher with capsicum XTH enzymes than it was with tomato and rice. Phenotypic observation of different pepper varieties under abiotic stress conditions revealed tolerant and susceptible varieties. Transcriptomic analyses of caxth2 3 demonstrated that these genes were upregulated under abiotic stress conditions. Varieties that were considered to be phenotypically tolerant generally upregulated capsicum XTH gene expression earlier and stronger compared to less tolerant varieties. Our XTH enzymes in this study showed the ability to cross link between different hemicellulosic and cellulosic substrates potentially strengthening the plant cell wall.

Speaker
Biography:

Vanima Lalsa has completed her Master’s in Social Work and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and continues to serve in Public Health through the USA. She strives to provide compassionate care and maintain compassion in clinical and uses compassion as driving for innovation to serve Human Kind. She looks forward to solving tomorrow’s problem from a dynamic framework.

Abstract:

My submission to “International Conference on Green Energy” is to encourage constructions of Bidets or any type of washes near the toilet to allow for people to wash after bathroom use. This is public health and environmental effort.

Aligning with the United Nation’s Goal 6: Clean water and Sanitation, the environmental aspect assists in reducing composition of toilet paper and chemicals embedded from the landfill and ocean. It is possible that larger amounts of toilet paper is used to achieve an acceptable level of cleanliness. Further research can compare the amount of water used to wash versus the energy and resources used to produce toilet paper. Further research can also indicate the benefits and detriments of different types or toilet papers.

The public health aspects encourage a thorough wash which keeps skin integrity intact. This is important for elderly populations and ensuring that comfort measures are always in place. It is also important for children in early childhood years, approximately 5-7, to promote effective health education on genital hygiene and cleanliness.

At the least, people should be given the choice to wash after bathroom use instead of only relying on toilet paper to meet hygienic needs. Construction can include building an additional sink outlet. This is a simple construction that can produce a positive impact.

Speaker
Biography:

Vanima Lalsa has completed her Master’s in Social Work and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and continues to serve in Public Health through the USA. She strives to provide compassionate care and maintain compassion in clinical and uses compassion as driving for innovation to serve Human Kind. She looks forward to solving tomorrow’s problem from a dynamic framework.

Abstract:

My submission to “International Conference on Green Energy” is to encourage constructions of Bidets or any type of washes near the toilet to allow for people to wash after bathroom use. This is public health and environmental effort.

Aligning with the United Nation’s Goal 6: Clean water and Sanitation, the environmental aspect assists in reducing composition of toilet paper and chemicals embedded from the landfill and ocean. It is possible that larger amounts of toilet paper is used to achieve an acceptable level of cleanliness. Further research can compare the amount of water used to wash versus the energy and resources used to produce toilet paper. Further research can also indicate the benefits and detriments of different types or toilet papers.

The public health aspects encourage a thorough wash which keeps skin integrity intact. This is important for elderly populations and ensuring that comfort measures are always in place. It is also important for children in early childhood years, approximately 5-7, to promote effective health education on genital hygiene and cleanliness.

At the least, people should be given the choice to wash after bathroom use instead of only relying on toilet paper to meet hygienic needs. Construction can include building an additional sink outlet. This is a simple construction that can produce a positive impact.

Speaker
Biography:

Irum Zahara has completed her Bachelors (2005-2009) and Masters (2010-2012) in Environmental Sciences from University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Irum Zahara has finished her second  Masters from TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany (2015-2017). During the master's degree, she has conducted her research in groundwater remediation at Aarhus University, Denmark, with the project title as “Ciliates Grazing, affects the Microbial Degradation of Vinyl Chloride in Groundwaters”. She has started her PhD studies in renewable resources at the University of Alberta, Canada.

Abstract:

Water and energy infrastructures are interdependent, as energy is required for water extraction, desalination, treatment and transportation. The energy industry also required water such as water is needed for resource exploitation (fossil fuels), energy conversion processes (refining), power production and transportation. Today, washing and cooling have now become the dominant processes for many of the substantial industries. These industries have in-return affected the quality of water and the aquatic ecosystems that depend on clean water. With a continuously growing population and increasing demand for energy consumption is leading to water contamination and its proper treatment has now become a global issue of concern. The water used for energy production becomes contaminated through a variety of ways and carries a wide range of contaminants such as inorganics (heavy metals), organics and other water-soluble/miscible by-and co-products. Cost-effective, sustainable and scalable treatment methods with high removal efficiency for the removal of multiple contaminants are highly desirable. Recently we have developed a sorption technology which uses modified/engineered keratin biopolymers from poultry feathers to remove heavy metals. Besides many other natural materials, keratins proteins provide an excellent role to be used as bio-sorbents or filtration systems to remove toxic contaminants because of their functional groups and side chains as backbone structures. The developed sorbents were tested at lab scale for the removal of 9 trace metals. The results are highly promising with very high sorption affinity ≤80% removal of metals. We are currently testing to expand the applicability of these bio-sorbents for a wide range of contaminants. The overall aim is to develop an alternative, low cost and environment-friendly sorption technology that is both effective as well as economically viable for industrial scale wastewater treatment to simultaneously remove multiple contaminants produced by energy generation processes.

 

Terence Goh

National University of Singapore, Singapore

Title: Microgrid Configuration for Bankability
Speaker
Biography:

Dr Terence Goh has more than two decades of experience in energy systems and is a subject matter expert on energy storage, microgrid and solar renewable. He has led business development and closed successfully several projects in the renewable space across the APAC region. He is an authority and thought leader on both Solar Renewable and Energy Storage and has been a keynote speaker at several international conferences (Australia All Energy Conferences 2015, 2016, Australia Energy Storage Conference 2015, SIEW 2016/ 2017). He was one of two world-wide speakers invited to Thailand’s EGAT/ PEA/ MEA/ EPPO conference in 2017 and 2018. He was also invited as a keynote speaker to CISOLAR2018, Ukraine, LCES2018 in Qingdao, China, and by the Institute of Chemical Engineering in Dubai, UAE, Dec 2018

Abstract:

The project team conducted a site visit following the review of information provided by the customer to conclude a particular location as the preferred site for the first development of solar power plant on an island in the Philippines. This was concluded based on the assessment of four potential sites visited previously, taking into consideration energy reliability, future demand trend, generation capital and O&M cost, and tax and tariff structure as the evaluation criteria for bankability. The solar Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was significantly lower for the recommended site compared to the other sites for a plant size up to 8MW over a span of 25 years.

Based on the preferred location, a preliminary solar energy production assessment (EPA) using a representative block of 1 MWDC ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) plant was conducted, to generate a site-specific, hourly time series energy production profile.  The technical modelling assumptions for the EPA was a 1 MWp system of polycrystalline silicon (p-Si) PV modules installed in 3 rows, connected to either one 880 kW central inverter (configuration C1) or forty 20 kW string inverter (configuration C2).  Based on the high level long-term global horizontal irradiance (GHI) assessment conducted by the team.

The team performed an exhaustive simulation that covered a wide range of energy configurations – over 50 combinations of Solar / Bunker / Energy storage – over a lifespan of 25 years. Simulation inputs were based on demand load trends, the local power supply agreement (PSA) as well as carefully taking into account customers’ comments and their feedback.

The simulation study found that it is economically favourable to first install a 5MW solar farm that is progressively upgraded at 0.5MW per annum until the total power generation reaches 8MW so as to achieve the client’s targets of a minimum 16% IRR and an electricity tariff of 11.2295 PhP/kWhr. Based on the load profile of all the 4 feeders in the island and information provided for the 3 HFO low-speed generators and other information provided by the client multiple configurations of energy mixes were simulated.

Speaker
Biography:

Kornél L. Kovács received his PhD and DSc from Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He became a full professor at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged in 1996 and served as department chair for 16 years. He was also the Dean of Biosciences for 12 years, currently Professor Emeritus. Altogether he spent 4.5 years as visiting scientist in the USA (University of California at Berkeley and the University of Georgia) and 1.5 years in France (CEA-CENG Grenoble). His main scientific interest is to understand the anaerobic microbial communities and to engineer the community for more efficient performance. In 2004 he was elected as President of the Hungarian Biogas Association, re-elected 3 times. He published more than 300 publications in scientific journals and is a co-author of 8 patents.

 

Abstract:

Poultry manure (PM) is generated in massive and increasing amounts worldwide. This material is loaded with organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) compounds offering great potential for biogas production in anaerobic degradation (AD). Its high nitrogen content inhibits the biogas forming a microbial community; therefore PM has limited use as biogas monosubstrate. A small fraction of PM can be utilized for AD in co-fermentation with other agricultural by-products, but even in this case, the majority of the valuable N and P content end up in the digestate.

The complex recovery of both the N and P and energy contents of PM is achieved by employing a simple water extraction of the raw PM. This removes water-soluble organics together with about half of N and P. The solid fraction is then separated from the supernatant by sedimentation and can be fed directly into the AD reactor for biogas production yielding about 500 L biogas/kg OTS, which contains 250 L methane/kg OTS. Biogas is composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. The biomethane component is a biofuel, which can replace fossil natural gas in every application. The valuable components in the supernatant are recovered by using it as a growth medium for heterotrophic/mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae. Chlorella Vulgaris removed the majority of N, P and dissolved organics within a few days at 50 μmol (m−2 s−1) light intensity and 25°C. Due to the non-sterile cultivation conditions, algae-bacteria biomass developed in about 50-50% wet weight ratio, which could be reused as biogas substrate.

Speaker
Biography:

Rachel graduated with a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Limerick in 2014. She began her PhD in 2015 as part of an employment-based postgraduate program funded by the Irish Research Council in collaboration with Alnico Technologies LTD.

Abstract:

Depleting fossil fuel resources and the difficulty of achieving acceptable biodiesel yields of 96.5 % (EN 14214) has resulted in the development of many experimental biodiesel reactors. One such reactor operating by the use of semi-discontinuous magnetic fields to drive magnetic elements is applied here. Experimental flow field or Reynolds’s number measurements are inaccessible in this reactor. However, the velocity of magnetic elements is related to the shear rate of the liquid and the interaction of magnetic elements is related to the interaction of local flow velocity field’s i.e. turbulent flow. The average translational velocity of a single magnetic element was measured as a function of RMS magnetic field strength; Fig. 1 displays results for up to 4 elements. Therefore, biodiesel yield was correlated with the number of mixing elements where the total kinetic energy of the system was fixed. Reactions are of short duration and are maintained at ambient temperature and so, the heat dissipated due to collisions is neglected. The translational kinetic energy then is a measure of energy dissipated per unit volume of liquid per unit time and, in theory, the smallest turbulent Eddie size decreases with decreasing liquid volume. The presence of smaller eddies reflects smaller local flow velocity but a larger velocity gradient and thus an overall increase in shear stress. This overall increase in shear stress may be confirmed using a pseudoplastic shear-thinning material in the reactor by performing a viscosity measurement immediately after mixing using a high-speed camera and applying Stroke’s equation.

 

Speaker
Biography:

Francisco M. Baena-Moreno is currently a PhD candidate in Çhemical and Environmental Engineering Department in the Technical School of Engineering, University of Seville. He got its MSc in Chemical Engineering in 2016. He has published 6 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a reviewer in prestigious journals.

Abstract:

In order to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions both by capturing it and producing clean and renewable fuels, it was investigated a potential strategy for biogas upgrading and calcium carbonate production (Baena-Moreno et al. 2018). This proposed process consisted of capturing CO2 from biogas by means of chemical absorption with NaOH, giving as main product Na2CO3. Regenerating the solvent agent with traditional physical processes, such as increasing temperature, has a high impact on the overall energy consumption. For this reason, an alternative regeneration path was proposed. In this process, NaOH was regenerated from Na2CO3 by chemically reacting with Ca(OH)2, hence CaCO3 was obtained as the main product. This type of CaCO3 is known as Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC). In the previous work, a complete study of the parameters effect on NaOH regeneration efficiency was treated, as well as a brief physicochemical characterization of the product obtained to ensure the carbonate phase reached. In this work, an exhaustive physicochemical characterization of calcium carbonate obtained in the biogas upgrading plant is presented. The physicochemical characterization was carried out by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results reveal that a valuable product can be obtained in this proposed biogas upgrading plant unit. Nevertheless, the physicochemical characterization techniques confirm that PCC obtained presents a calcite structure with a polymorph mixture form. Thus, a higher quality product could be obtained by means of other methods or operational conditions.

Yusufu Muwanga

Vfl Wolfsburg Uganda Supporters Foundation, Uganda

Title: The future of energy
Speaker
Biography:

Yusufu Muwanga is well-known business entrepreneurship. He started is a start-up in 2011 and now he is the Chairman of the board in Vfl Wolfsburg Uganda Supporters foundation, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract:

This paper reviews the worldwide history, current status, and predictable future trend of bioenergy and biofuels. Bioenergy has been utilized for cooking, heating, and lighting since the dawn of humans. The energy stored in annually produced biomass by terrestrial plants is 3–4 times greater than the current global energy demand. Commercial production of bioethanol from lignocellulose materials has just started, supplementing the annual supply of 22 billion gallons predominantly from food crops. Biodiesel from oilseeds reached the 5670 million-gallons/yr. production capacities, with further increases depending on new feedstock development. Bio-oil and drop-in biofuels are still in the development stage, facing cost-effective conversion and upgrading challenges. Gaseous biofuels extend to biogas and syngas. Production of biogas from organic wastes by anaerobic digestion has been rapidly increasing in Europe and China, with the potential to displace 25% of the current natural gas consumption. In comparison, production of syngas from gasification of woody biomass is not cost-competitive and therefore, narrowly practised. Overall, the global development and utilization of bioenergy and biofuels will continue to increase, particularly in the biopower, lignocellulose bioethanol, and biogas sectors. It is expected that by 2050 bioenergy will provide 30% of the world’s demanded energy. Biofuel is a type of fuel that comes from living matter, such as animal waste and plants. Biofuels are so significant because they are sustainable. Whereas fossil fuels are a finite resource, biofuels are derived from renewable sources. Perfecting the production of biofuels could lead to a cleaner, cheaper source of energy when compared to gasoline. Unfortunately, biofuels are not even close to the level necessary to replace fossil fuels. Flaws of biofuel, One of the most popular types of biofuel is called ethanol and is made from corn. Despite the very low cost of corn production, the process of turning it into fuel is somewhat expensive. This, in combination with the vast demand for gasoline, means that corn-based ethanol will not be replacing fossil fuels anytime soon. Furthermore, ethanol can take more energy to create than it saves. This net energy loss is inefficient. Another implication of biofuel is the concept that using plants to make fuel means that they won’t be used for food. This has many economic implications. Farmers would have to choose between growing food and fuel. This study found a strong correlation between the production of ethanol and food prices. In 2007-2008, the rise in ethanol production correlated with a 50% increase in corn prices. There are, of course, a number of confounding variables that could also affect this. A mechanism, however, does seem to be apparent. In economics this year, our class learned about different factors affect the demand for a good. As corn becomes necessary for both food and fuel, its demand will increase. With this, the price may go up. Given the other data suggesting a correlation between ethanol production and corn price, along with the apparent mechanism, I believe that ethanol production does lead to higher food prices. Corn, after all, is found in many, many different foods. A rise in the price of food could be seen as irresponsible, as many Americans may be unable to afford food at a higher cost. Biofuel does, on the other hand, carry a number of benefits. Most notably is the reduction in greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. These gasses contribute to global warming and prevent a serious threat to our livelihood. A study conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory found that large-scale ethanol use could lead to a 20% decrease in these greenhouse gasses. It is of course, observational in nature, so it is susceptible to confounding variables and does not imply a causal link. to those who understand the dangers of climate change, however, this reduction is hugely significant. Additionally, Biofuels like ethanol are sustainable. Because they are derived from renewable resources, they are far more stable in price and longevity compared to fossil fuels. A larger focus on the production of biofuels may lead to a more stable future. Overall, it seems to me like biofuels are not currently a viable option. They require a large amount of energy simply to produce and have possibly severe economic repercussions on the poor. It is, unfortunately, suboptimal with our current technology. I do believe, however, that biofuels should be researched and studied. If the process to produce them is perfected, they may be able to solve many of Earth’s largest issues like global warming and sustainable energy. We aren’t at that point yet, but with research and science, biofuels can be one of our greatest investments.

Speaker
Biography:

Abdallah el hadj Abdallah is a researcher (PhD) from Algeria (University of Blida) has his expertise in modelling, optimization with Artificial intelligence in many fields (Renewable energy, Phase Equilibria, Water treatment). His main interest in the last years is the application of the advanced computing Methods for the development of computer tools (graphical user interfaces) that help the design studies of technical process by minimizing the number of experiences.

Abstract:

In this work, a hybrid method based on neural network and particle swarm optimization is applied to literature data to develop and validate a model that can predict with precision vapor-liquid equilibrium data for the binary systems (hexafluoroethane (R116(1)), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and R1234ze) used for solar-photovoltaic refrigeration system. ANN was used for modelling the non-linear process. The PSO was used for two purposes: replacing the standard backpropagation in training the ANN and optimizing the process. Statistical analysis of the predictability of theptimizedeural network model shows excellent  agreement  with  experimental  data (coefficient of correlation equal to 0.998). Furthermore, the comparison in terms of average relative deviation (AARD%) between, the predicted results shows that the ANN-PSO model can predict far better the refrigerant mixture properties than classical models. This new approach has allowed the development of computer program in (MATLAB 2017) for the execution of optimized model which can provide a useful tool for design study (changing the solar system parameters-inputs of graphical user interface- and the evaluation of the efficiency of solar system (given as output parameter).

 

Joselito A. Olalo

University of the Philippines, Philippines

Title: Property optimization of biomass pyrolysis
Speaker
Biography:

Joselito A. Olalo is now in his dissertation stage in PhD in Energy Engineering, focusing on the waste-to-energy conversion from the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

Abstract:

In a coconut husk pyrolysis, the operating parameters such as composition, process temperature, heating rate and the particle size affect the outcome of the pyrolysis. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of particle size and temperature in coconut husk pyrolysis under different heating rates. A Box–Behnken design was employed to determine the effect of the two independent variables on the biochar production rate and to find the optimum condition of each variable for improved biochar production. FTIR and SEM were done to determine the structure and spectra of initial material and output char of coconut husk and how pyrolysis affects it.  In this paper, the size of the coconut husk particle and temperature are considered as a major factor in determining the yield and the gross calorific value of the pyrolysis reaction. Experimental results showed that a yield of 38%, 32%, and 28% for 500oC, 600oC and 700oC, respectively. Also a higher heating value of 20 MJ/kg, 23 MJ/kg and 26 MJ/kg for 500oC, 600oC and 700oC, respectively. The larger the particle size of the coconut husk, the longer the completion time of the pyrolysis reaction. This study also confirms the impact of using optimization techniques to determine the optimized particle size and temperature for coconut husk pyrolysis. The RSM with the Box–Behnken design was a useful tool for achieving the high yield and calorific value of biochar production.

Speaker
Biography:

Priyanka Srivastava is a third year PhD student in University of New South Wales. She completed her masters from Institute of Applied Medicine and Research in 2011, Ghaziabad and bachelors from Bundelkhand University in 2009. Madhya Pradesh, India.

 

Abstract:

Natural gas accounted for 25% of the primary energy source in Australia in 2015-16 and about 34% of this natural gas is produced from coal seam reservoirs (APPEA, 2018). Microbial production of methane nowadays is the main area of research interest. Methanogens and syntrophic bacteria play a major role in decomposing hydrocarbons present in the environment to produce methane. Decomposition of organic matter and production of methane are the results of multiple redox reactions carried out by different communities of bacteria but that actually can be manipulated by adding neutral red. In this study, we have proved that the addition of  250µM of neutral red in the cultures can increase methane production by 20µmoles. Queensland coal seam water and Jharia and Lithgow coal were used in this study. 20µmoles of methane has been produced in presence of 250µM of the neutral red solution and 5-10 µmoles of methane was produced with no neutral red. Microcosms containing neutral red indicated that neutral red played a major role by supporting the growth of the methanogens and syntrophic bacteria which results in the production of methane. In FTIR analysis, four spectra from the image indicated the change in chemistry in neutral red treated cultures across these regions: 1006.84 to1029.18 cm-1, 1445.9 to 1434.34 cm-1, 1596.65 to 1602.06 cm-1 and 2915.2-2917.82 cm-1. The growth of neutral red crystals was observed in 20-23 µm sized channels and bacteria were also observed on the coal surface by SEM. This indicates that neutral red could be a good electron mediator between syntrophic bacteria and methanogens to enhance the methane production from coal seams. 

Hana Shamata

Tatweer for Engineering and Technology research, Libya

Title: The Application of PV systems in Libyan Schools
Speaker
Biography:

Electrical Engineer with 2-year working experience in a renewable energy field in Tatweer research. Primary focus on specific research on solar energy technologies implementation and development in Libya. She has published two conferences papers and she is preparing two conference and journal papers

Abstract:

Libya is one of the largest oil producers in North Africa. Most of the country relies on the oil-based energy economy, furthermore, it is one of the countries that recently struggles to satisfy the increasing energy demand. With the growth of demand for oil and gas in addition to the negative environmental impacts associated with global warming, it is a must to look for more reliable and sustainable alternative energy sources. Fortunately, Libya has a high potential for renewable energy, solar energy in particular. In this paper, we study the implementation of PV systems on Libyan schools' rooftops either to sustain itself or inject the energy generated to the grid. The idea behind the schools came from the fact that most of the public schools have almost the same rooftop area and distributed all over the country, along with embedding the renewable energy in the curriculum to encourage the consumption of electricity for students who are the most effective generation socially, applying that will increase the job opportunities in PV field and education is an ultimate start. This study focuses on public schools and takes the El-Aaid El-fathi school in Benghazi as a case study. After that, the total energy that can be generated has been determined for this case study by about 168MWh per year and then the result generalized on the public schools in Libya that reaches to about 504GWh yearly that will save 309 k number of oil barrels.

Speaker
Biography:

In the next few decades energy crisis will be faced by the world at a great extent due to diversified use of non-renewable energy (fossil fuel). Resulting, it is high time to think about alternative source of fossil fuel. In this regard, biogas a renewable and effective energy source which can be a great replacement of fossil fuel can be produced through anaerobic digestion is one of the best options for rumen digesta management which will lead to production of energy-rich biogas, reduction in GHGs emissions and effective pollution control in butchery. The study was investigated to enhance biogas production from rumen digest by an anaerobic co-digestion process at the mesophilic condition. The experiment was carried out in 3000 ml batch type digester. The mixing ratio used was 1:1 for 40 days hydraulic retention time. Produced gas was measured by water replacement method. The result showed that co-digestion of rumen digesta with vegetables increased the biogas production. The maximum biogas generation from rumen digest of chicken and goat, cow and chicken, cow and goat and co-digestion of four substrates were 93.5,1311, 36.1, and 1072 ml/day at the 14th, 13th, 24th, and 7th day respectively. The average biogas generation was found for the above samples were 3.35, 96.80, 11.09, and 137.12 ml/day respectively. The higher cumulative production of biogas was found from co-digestion of rumen digest with vegetables. Therefore, the study is suggested that optimum co-digestion mixing ratio which produced biogas might hold promise for the future energy crisis recovery.

 

Abstract:

We used abiotic and abiotic factors are predictors of the promotions of different dispersal systems in Neotropical forest, to test whether the geographical patterns in dispersal systems are mostly related to the availability of resources for constructing Zoochorous fruits or to the availability of dispersal agent. Location 101one hectare vegetation plots established in eight Hold ridge life -zones in Neotropical forests.

Methods: We assigned dispersal systems to 1345 species and 700 morphospecies, using the relative frequency and relative abundance of endozoochory, zoochory, anemochory and hydrochory per plot as response variables., controlling for spatial autocorrelation and phylogenetic constraints.

Results: Endozoochory was highly represented in all plots, high levels of rainfall and low precipitation seasonally were associated with high promotions of zoochory.  And low promotions of anemochory. The biomass of primates was positively associated with Endozoochory. Contrary to the resources available hypothesis, was most common in soil with law carbon densities. Finally, the proportions of anemochory and hydrochory were highest in wind areas and flooded forests respectively.

Conclusion: Although there is a relationship between rainfall, zoochory and anemochory, the absence of any positive relationships between zoochory, temperature, soil total nitrogen density and soil carbon density shows that the proportions of dispersal systems in EAC"East African Community "Neotropical forests are mostly related to the availability of dispersal agents.

Osunsina

Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria

Title: Nigeria: A nation in quest for Green energy and Solar Energy
Speaker
Biography:

Osunsina has a PhD from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Management Tool for Climate Change from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. He is the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.  

Abstract:

One of the greatest challenges faced by Nigeria is its energy sector. Nigeria is an oil-rich country, and it comes as no surprise that almost all of the Nigerian energy consumption comes from non-renewable energy sources coal, natural gas, and, most importantly, oil. The Nigerian energy sector is highly vulnerable to shocks is due to its overdependence on crude oil. Nigeria Africa's most populous country needs more than 10 times its current electricity output to guarantee supply for its 198 million people - nearly half of whom have no access at all. Over the years, successive governments neglect and failure to develop the energy sector has greatly affected the nation. Also, the resilience of the Nigerian energy system is weak as climate change, bad governance and widespread poverty intensify the vulnerability of the energy economy. Only the shift to renewable energy as an efficient way to bring power to rural communities and help clean up a country with some of the world's worst urban pollution rates. It is believed that ready access to electricity will reduce youth unemployment and increase productivity. The country is exploring renewable energy program aimed at growing a thriving homegrown industry includes; providing jobs and economic empowerment to rural communities, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and protecting the environment while participating in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) program. Nigeria is endowed with solar, wind and hydroelectricity potentials which have not been harnessed and properly utilized to the benefit of the nation.

Speaker
Biography:

Prince Nana Kow Essel graduated with B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa in 2017. He is currently a Co-founder and CEO of Maiseville Group, Ghana. He was Former Co-founder and Former President of Grand Hedge International, Ghana.

 

Abstract:

Current energy crisis, a rise in petroleum prices and concerns about our nation’s energy security have generated a renewed interest in renewable and sustainable energy resources. In addition to the economic, energy and social reasons, the renewable/ sustainable energy sources are also considered as possible solutions for a long-term problem: the need to combat global warming. This phenomenon, caused and aggravated by the emission of harmful gases into the air (notoriously CO2) is the result of the intensive use of fossil fuels. Therefore, substituting these fossil fuels for renewable fuels creates opportunities for economic and social development, reduces the environmental impacts, and increases the energy security of the country. Ghana’s climate and geographic location make it well suited to become a major player in Africa’s biofuels industry.

The process of a chemical reaction which involves alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, into which catalysts are added such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The mixture is blended into the vegetable oil causing a chemical reaction called Transesterification which separates the vegetable oil into components. One component is a heavier liquid called glycerol (also called glycerine). Glycerol has many food and industrial uses however; glycerol from biodiesel production requires purification before it could be used for these purposes. The second component is called an ester of the oil or biodiesel. Biodiesel can also be produced from both edible and non-edible vegetable oils but the use of edible vegetable oils for biodiesel production has a major concern globally as the demand for food rises worldwide. This has resulted in sustainability issues on forest reserves and biodiversity imbalance as there are threats of deforestation with large scale production of Biofuels. In addition, the cost of edible vegetable oil feedstock supplies is inevitably high which account for more than 80% of the entire biodiesel production cost as well as their demand as food sources have turned the world’s attention to the search of alternatives in potential non-edible vegetable oil feedstocks such as Moringa Oleifera or otherwise known as drumstick.

The Moringa Oleifera has a higher recovery and quality of oil than comparable energy crops and has no direct competition for food crops as it is a non-edible vegetable oil source of fuel. The research is currently on-going and results will be discussed later.

Speaker
Biography:

Engr. Muhammad Rashed Al Mamun, PhD was born on February 8, 1982, in Kaliganj, Dhaka-Gazipur, Bangladesh. Dr Al Mamun successfully completed B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering and M.S. (Masters) degree in Farm Power and Machinery from the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh in 2004 and 2007 respectively, which was established with academic support from the Texas A&M University during 1961. Dr Al Mamun is an ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR in the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology in Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh. Prior to this position, he worked as an ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND LECTURER for the same University and AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER at the Department of Agricultural Extension in Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract:

In the next few decades energy crisis will be faced by the world at a great extent due to diversified use of non-renewable energy (fossil fuel). Resulting, it is high time to think about alternative source of fossil fuel. In this regard, biogas a renewable and effective energy source which can be a great replacement of fossil fuel can be produced through anaerobic digestion is one of the best options for rumen digesta management which will lead to production of energy-rich biogas, reduction in GHGs emissions and effective pollution control in butchery. The study was investigated to enhance biogas production from rumen digesta by anaerobic co-digestion process at mesophilic condition. The experiment was carried out in 3000 ml batch type digester. The mixing ratio used was 1:1 for 40 days hydraulic retention time. Produced gas was measured by water replacement method. The result showed that co-digestion of rumen digesta with vegetables increased the biogas production. The maximum biogas generation from rumen digesta of chicken and goat, cow and chicken, cow and goat and co-digestion of four substrates were 93.5,1311, 36.1, and 1072 ml/day at the 14th, 13th, 24th, and 7th day respectively. The average biogas generation was found for the above samples were 3.35, 96.80, 11.09, and 137.12 ml/day respectively. The higher cumulative production of biogas was found from co-digestion of rumen digesta with vegetables. Therefore, the study is suggested that optimum co-digestion mixing ratio which produced biogas might be holds promise for the future energy crisis recovery.

Speaker
Biography:

Hassan Mohajer is an adaptable, interdisciplinary researcher who has studied computer engineering at Karaj Azad University. His research interests include; global warming, Blockchain, renewable energy, solar panels and micro networks. He focuses on blockchain especially these days, Hassan believes that this technology can change the whole industry and make Smart grids more efficient, attractive and also feasible. Anyway, he loves camping.

Abstract:

Blockchain turns both currencies and commodities into a digital form without relying on middleman which allows one person to trade with another include trading renewable energy. Blockchain technology as a secure and low-cost platform to track the billions of eventual transactions in a distributed energy economy has attracted the attention of experts in various fields of science. The environmental impact of energy generation has been extensively scrutinized to identify new technologies that rely more on renewable sources and less on fossil fuel resources. there are common security and privacy challenges caused by untrusted and nontransparent energy markets also Integrating intermittent power generated from wind or solar plants into the power distribution network is a challenge. the world has been putting more effort into tightening banking and financial activities with stricter regulations. However, the effectiveness of this policy has remained controversial as many people believe that policymakers should promote freedom and transparency by empowering the public to directly interfere and change the system for the public interest. Using blockchain technology, a method has been developed to get rid of intermediaries and create a secure payment method to eliminate existing delays and increase the utilization of smart grids. It is understood that blockchain technology will be a promising approach to ensure traceable and secure transactions. However, blockchain necessitates elastic computing resources, big data management and a professional environment to develop the applications under consideration. Numerical and Security Analysis of This paper has shown that the use of blockchain technology has improved the performance of energy networks and created a secure space for payments.

Speaker
Biography:

Senior Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and recognised researcher in Solar Thermal Engineering. Senior Tutor in Heat Transfer, Design of heat exchangers, Solar thermal energy. Has recently led major studies of mathematical modelling and experimentation of solar thermal systems. Has a proven track record of course development, teaching and examining at all levels in technical education.

Abstract:

Thermo-hydraulic performance enhancement of parabolic trough solar collectors is challenging in defining the feasibility of solar thermal systems. Apart from the use of twisted tape in conventional heat exchangers, its application in parabolic trough solar collectors is justified by the present experimental investigation. By the use of twisted tape inserts (twist ratios of 5.2, 4.1 and 2.7) maximum instantaneous efficiency of 21.9%, 29.5% and 40% respectively are obtained whereas only 17.8% is attained with a plain receiver at best flow condition. The effect of rising in pressure drop with insertion of twisted tapes is found to be insignificant compared to heat transfer enhancement as indicated by effective thermo-hydraulic efficiency of the system. These values obtained for best flow condition in case of plain and three variations of twisted tape are 17.7%, 21.8%, 29.3% and 39.7% respectively. For a comprehensive analysis of parabolic trough collectors, an analytical model is more viable due to the limitations of outdoor experiments. Hence, an effort has been made to develop and validate an innovative model based on the experimental results. The analytical outlet temperature of HTF indicated good agreement whereas deviation is observed inefficiency which is justified by the sensitivity analysis.

Speaker
Biography:

Danam Mahesh pursuing his MS by Research at Indian Institute of Technology Chennai, India. He has done three projects on hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass to produce bio-crude. He has submitted two papers to “FUEL” and “Journal of cleaner production” journals.

Abstract:

Biomass is a promising feedstock for the production of bio-crude or bio-oil through thermo-chemical processes. Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) is one of the foremost techniques for the production of bio-crude from moisture-rich biomass and waste feedstock compared to pyrolysis. Typically, HTL employs water at its sub-critical conditions (300-374oC, 180-200 bars) to liquefy biomass.

In this study, the HTL technique is utilized to convert landfill Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) to bio-crude. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report HTL of unsegregated feedstock such as MSW. The HTL experiments were initially conducted with water as solvent at different temperatures and residence times in a stirred tank autoclave reactor of 1.3 L capacity. Typically, MSW (size: 4.75 - 1.5 mm) and 300 mL of solvent (water + glycerol) were added in the reactor and pressurized with nitrogen gas. The yield of bio-crude increased from 15.2 wt. % (with water as solvent) to 58 wt. % (with water: glycerol as solvent). The energy content of the bio-crude was 37.5 MJ/kg at 350 oC and 30 min. The obtained bio-crude can be upgraded to transportation fuels after a mild hydrotreating process. Thus, HTL is shown to be a feasible process to valorize MSW to high-quality bio-crude. 

Speaker
Biography:

Dr L.M. Das had been with Indian Institute of Delhi for over 37 years in several Positions. He is a Retired Professor and currently has been a member of many research / technical / and Scientific Committees. He has been awarded by many awards for their immense work He is the co-author of over 80 Research paper publications and Publishes chapters in several books.

Abstract:

It is well known that several important sectors of present lifestyle both in urban and rural sector has been very badly hit from two major crises arising out of fossil fuel depletion and rapid environmental degradation due to combustion of conventional fuels.

The present work describes the production of biodiesel from a variety of typical non-edible Indian feedstocks which can be grown under adverse situations.  The yield of Biodiesel obtained from Methanolysis was more than 97 per cent by having oil to Methanol molar ratio 12:1. Various blends of diesel and biodiesel were prepared, and long-term storage stability consideration was investigated using antioxidants at various concentrations. Amongst several antioxidants, Propyl Gallate(PrG)was observed to be very effective. The oxidative stability showed an increasing trend with a higher concentration of antioxidant level.

Blends of various proportions were tested in the engine and B20(20% by volume of biodiesel added to 8o% by volume of petrodiesel), Subsequently, exhaustive engine tests were carried out with a B20 fuel blend. Performance characteristics and exhaust emission characteristics were evaluated over a wide range of engine operating conditions. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of the engine showed improvement in the biodiesel-blended fuel (B20) as compared with neat diesel operation. Brake specific fuel consumption was also lower for B20 operation. There were no symptoms of any undesirable combustion phenomena during the entire range of engine operation.

After carrying out long term endurance tests in the typical engines used in genet’s and vehicles, a field test was successfully carried out on prototypes. Long term vehicle tests established the feasibility of biodiesel as a regular low- emission substitute to conventional diesel fuels for transport, power, agriculture and several other applications.