Modern Biomass Conversion Technologies

Energy production from biomass (Part 2): Conversion technologies.

The use of biomass to provide energy has been fundamental to the development of civilisation. In recent times pressures on the global environment have led to calls for an increased use of renewable energy sources, in lieu of fossil fuels. Biomass is one potential source of renewable energy and the conversion of plant material into a suitable form of energy, usually electricity or as a fuel for ...

Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass: a comparison between conversion technologies

The conversion of biomass into biofuels can increase fuel flexibility and reduce the related strategic vulnerability of petroleum based transportation fuel systems. Bioethanol has received considerable attention over the last years as a fuel extender or even neat liquid fuel. Lignocellulosic materials are very attractive substrates for the production of bioethanol because of their low cost and ...

Biomass Energy Conversion

Reciprocating Biomass Conversion Reactor (RBCR)

The reciprocating biomass conversion reactor (RBCR) is a novel means to produce bio-oil by fast-pyrolysis whose core is a re-purposed 4-cycle internal combustion engine. An inert gas and a small volume-fraction of pulverized biomass are input into the RBCR intake, and the crankshaft is cycled by an external energy source to supply the process heat. The biomass is converted during the compressio...

Technologies for biomass conversion : an overview and aspects to be developed

Biomass for energy uses is an important element of the EU policy, despite the current not positive economic situation. In fact, most of the initiatives in this sector need incentives or specific regulations like the compulsory incorporation of biofuels in the fuels for transport and this is often seen as a weak point by the traditional investors who don't wish to rely on artificial markets. Mor...