Energies

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17 pages, 2499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Techno-Economic Analysis of an Advanced Recycling Process for Photovoltaic Panels Enabling Polymer Separation and Recovery of Ag and Si

by Antonio Rubino, Giuseppe Granata, Emanuela Moscardini, Ludovica Baldassari, Pietro Altimari, Luigi Toro and Francesca Pagnanelli

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13246690 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3333

Abstract

Photovoltaic panels were included in EU Directive as WEEE (Wastes of Electric and Electronic Equipment) requiring the implementation of dedicated collection schemes and end-of-life treatment ensuring targets in terms of recycling rate (80%) and recovery rate (85%). Photovoltaic panels are mainly made up [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic panels were included in EU Directive as WEEE (Wastes of Electric and Electronic Equipment) requiring the implementation of dedicated collection schemes and end-of-life treatment ensuring targets in terms of recycling rate (80%) and recovery rate (85%). Photovoltaic panels are mainly made up of high-quality solar glass (70–90%), but also metals are present in the frames (Al), the cell (Si), and metallic contacts (Cu and Ag). According to the panel composition, about $72 per 100 kg of panels can be recovered by entirely recycling the panel metal content. The PhotoLife process for the treatment of end-of-life photovoltaic panels was demonstrated at pilot scale to recycle high value glass, Al and Cu scraps. A process upgrade is here reported allowing for polymer separation and Ag and Si recycling. By this advanced PhotoLife process, 82% recycling rate, 94% recovery rate, and 75% recoverable value were attained. Simulations demonstrated the economic feasibility of the process at processing capacity of 30,000 metric ton/y of end-of-life photovoltaic panels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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18 pages, 1435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conformance Checking of a Longwall Shearer Operation Based on Low-Level Events

by Marcin Szpyrka, Edyta Brzychczy, Aneta Napieraj, Jacek Korski and Grzegorz J. Nalepa

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6630; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13246630 - 15 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2540

Abstract

Conformance checking is a process mining technique that compares a process model with an event log of the same process to check whether the current execution stored in the log conforms to the model and vice versa. This paper deals with the conformance [...] Read more.

Conformance checking is a process mining technique that compares a process model with an event log of the same process to check whether the current execution stored in the log conforms to the model and vice versa. This paper deals with the conformance checking of a longwall shearer process. The approach uses place-transition Petri nets with inhibitor arcs for modeling purposes. We use event log files collected from a few coal mines located in Poland by Famur S.A., one of the global suppliers of coal mining machines. One of the main advantages of the approach is the possibility for both offline and online analysis of the log data. The paper presents a detailed description of the longwall process, an original formal model we developed, selected elements of the approach’s implementation and the results of experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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21 pages, 4245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucose-Oxygen Biofuel Cell with Biotic and Abiotic Catalysts: Experimental Research and Mathematical Modeling

by Violetta Vasilenko, Irina Arkadeva, Vera Bogdanovskaya, George Sudarev, Sergei Kalenov, Marco Vocciante and Eleonora Koltsova

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5630; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13215630 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3771

Abstract

The demand for alternative sources of clean, sustainable, and renewable energy has been a focus of research around the world for the past few decades. Microbial/enzymatic biofuel cells are one of the popular technologies for generating electricity from organic substrates. Currently, one of [...] Read more.

The demand for alternative sources of clean, sustainable, and renewable energy has been a focus of research around the world for the past few decades. Microbial/enzymatic biofuel cells are one of the popular technologies for generating electricity from organic substrates. Currently, one of the promising fuel options is based on glucose due to its multiple advantages: high energy intensity, environmental friendliness, low cost, etc. The effectiveness of biofuel cells is largely determined by the activity of biocatalytic systems applied to accelerate electrode reactions. For this work with aerobic granular sludge as a basis, a nitrogen-fixing community of microorganisms has been selected. The microorganisms were immobilized on a carbon material (graphite foam, carbon nanotubes). The bioanode was developed from a selected biological material. A membraneless biofuel cell glucose/oxygen, with abiotic metal catalysts and biocatalysts based on a microorganism community and enzymes, has been developed. Using methods of laboratory electrochemical studies and mathematical modeling, the physicochemical phenomena and processes occurring in the cell has been studied. The mathematical model includes equations for the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and the growth of microbiological population, the material balance of the components, and charge balance. The results of calculations of the distribution of component concentrations over the thickness of the active layer and over time are presented. The data obtained from the model calculations correspond to the experimental ones. Optimization for fuel concentration has been carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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12 pages, 25608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prospects for Processing Reservoir Oil Sludge into Hydrocarbons by Low-Temperature Hydrogenation in Sorbing Electrochemical Matrices in Comparison with Conventional High-Temperature Hydrocracking

by Anton Maximov, Aslan Tsivadze, Alexander Fridman, Tatyana Kuchinskaya, Alexander Novikov, Maxim Shabanov and Evgeny Naranov

Energies 2020, 13(20), 5362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13205362 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

In this paper, we developed an effective method for purifying oil sludge using a sorbing electrochemical matrix and assessed the prospects of this method in comparison with conventional hydrocracking. We synthesized Ni-W supported hydrocracking catalysts with different morphology and studied their activity under [...] Read more.

In this paper, we developed an effective method for purifying oil sludge using a sorbing electrochemical matrix and assessed the prospects of this method in comparison with conventional hydrocracking. We synthesized Ni-W supported hydrocracking catalysts with different morphology and studied their activity under various conditions, we compared the obtained catalysts with commercial catalyst SGK-5. We demonstrated that the introduction of a secondary mesoporous structure in the catalyst leads to an increase in the yield of light fractions to 52 wt.%. The possibility is demonstrated to obtain hydrocarbons from reservoir oil sludge, dispersed into an aqueous solution of detergent, by the method of low-temperature hydrogenation in sorbing electrochemical matrices. The obtained product was characterized by low viscosity, low content of transition metals (<320 ppm), and sulphur (<260 ppm). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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22 pages, 3494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Logical-Information Model of Energy-Saving Production of Organic Sulfur Compounds from Low-Molecular Sulfur Waste Fuel Oil

by Valery Meshalkin, Elena Shinkar, Nadezhda Berberova, Nadezhda Pivovarova, Foat Ismagilov and Andrey Okhlobystin

Energies 2020, 13(20), 5286; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13205286 - 12 Oct 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2027

Abstract

A logical-informational model of energy resource-efficient chemical technology for the utilization of hydrogen sulfide and low molecular alkanethiols, which are toxic and difficult to remove sulfur components of residual fuel (fuel oil), is proposed. Based on the IDEF1 methodology and existing knowledge about [...] Read more.

A logical-informational model of energy resource-efficient chemical technology for the utilization of hydrogen sulfide and low molecular alkanethiols, which are toxic and difficult to remove sulfur components of residual fuel (fuel oil), is proposed. Based on the IDEF1 methodology and existing knowledge about the technological processes of the demercaptanization of various hydrocarbon raw materials (oils, gas condensates), a scheme for the production of organic sulfur compounds from sulfur waste extracted from fuel oil has been modeled. For a sufficiently complete removal of hydrogen sulfide and low molecular weight alkanethiols, energy- and resource-saving stages of the technological process have been developed, which are implemented by ultrasonic and/or magnetic treatment of fuel oil. It is proposed to use the combined action of two alternative methods of processing fuel oil to increase the efficiency of cleaning fuel oil from sulfur components. For the first time, an approach has been developed to utilize unwanted sulfuric impurities contained in fuel oil by involving electric and microwave synthesis in green technological processes, to obtain practically useful organic sulfur compounds with biological activity. It is shown that the use of one-electron oxidant thiols and hydrogen sulfide in organic media leads to the synthesis of organic disulfides and elemental sulfur. Indirect (with the use of mediators) electrosynthesis contributes to the cyclic conduct of the technological process, an increase in efficiency and a decrease in energy consumption compared to the direct (on electrodes) initiation of sulfur components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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20 pages, 3607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Evaluation of Energy Efficiency of New Hybrid Turning-Burnishing Process in Terms of Surface Properties

by Trung-Thanh Nguyen and Mozammel Mia

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4929; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13184929 - 20 Sep 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1886

Abstract

The combination of the turning and burnishing process is an efficient approach to improve machined quality and productivity. This paper aims to optimize energy efficiency (EF), improved hardness ratio (IHR), and decreased roughness ratio (DRR) of a [...] Read more.

The combination of the turning and burnishing process is an efficient approach to improve machined quality and productivity. This paper aims to optimize energy efficiency (EF), improved hardness ratio (IHR), and decreased roughness ratio (DRR) of a new hybrid turning-burnishing process. The machining parameters are the feed rate (f), turning speed (v), depth of cut (a), burnishing pressure (p), and the diameter of the compressing ball (d). A new turning-burnishing tool using compressed air has been designed and fabricated. A set of experiments for Aluminum Alloy 5083 were performed using the Taguchi method. The weightage principal component analysis (WPCA) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) were applied to obtain the weight values and optimal outcomes. The results indicated that optimum values of the depth of cut, pressure, diameter, feed rate, and speed are 1.00 mm, 0.4 MPa, 16.00 mm, 0.084 mm/rev, and 120 m/min, respectively. The improvements in the EF and IHR are by 20.75% and 8.23% respectively, while the DDR is decreased by 19.05%, as compared to common values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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10 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Monazite Concentration Processes for the Extraction of Uranium and Thorium Fuel Material

by Olga Fedorova, Elizaveta Vershinina, Svetlana Krasitskaya, Ivan Tananaev, Boris Myasoedov and Marco Vocciante

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4601; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13184601 - 4 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486

Abstract

The optimal conditions for the nitric acid dissolution of precipitates of hydroxides and hydrated oxides of rare-earth elements, uranium, and thorium obtained after autoclave alkaline opening of samples of monazite concentrate have been determined. The distribution of radioactive impurities between the solid phase [...] Read more.

The optimal conditions for the nitric acid dissolution of precipitates of hydroxides and hydrated oxides of rare-earth elements, uranium, and thorium obtained after autoclave alkaline opening of samples of monazite concentrate have been determined. The distribution of radioactive impurities between the solid phase and the solution in the processes of alkaline opening, dephosphorization, and acid dissolution of the pulp was studied. Two options are proposed for the extraction of uranium and thorium in the presence of rare earth elements, followed by separation of the components using tributyl phosphate of various contents in the carbon diluent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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12 pages, 2791 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Process Simulation for Li-MnO₂ Primary Battery Recycling: Cryo-Mechanical and Hydrometallurgical Treatments at Pilot Scale

by Pier Giorgio Schiavi, Ludovica Baldassari, Pietro Altimari, Emanuela Moscardini, Luigi Toro and Francesca Pagnanelli

Energies 2020, 13(17), 4546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13174546 - 2 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2547

Abstract

Li primary batteries are currently treated along with other Li batteries in several big pyro- metallurgical plants in Northern EU countries. Nevertheless, pyro-metallurgical processes do not allow for Mn and Li recycling and present negative environmental impacts, on the other hand hydrometallurgical processing [...] Read more.

Li primary batteries are currently treated along with other Li batteries in several big pyro- metallurgical plants in Northern EU countries. Nevertheless, pyro-metallurgical processes do not allow for Mn and Li recycling and present negative environmental impacts, on the other hand hydrometallurgical processing can potentially ensure the integral recovery of all materials in Li primary batteries. In this work, preliminary experimental findings obtained in the LIFE-LIBAT project (LIFE16 ENV/IT/000389) are reported. In this project, end of life Li(0)-MnO₂ batteries were cryo-mechanically treated and then the metals were recovered by a hydrometallurgical process. Representative samples of end of life Li(0) batteries were characterized by type and composition. Batteries were stabilized in an N₂ bath and then crushed, sieved, and magnetically separated in the SEVal pilot units. Separated fractions (fine fraction, magnetic coarse fraction, and non-magnetic coarse fraction) were chemically characterized for target metal content (Li and Mn). Fractions were first treated for Li extraction and recovery, then the fine fraction was also leached for Mn recovery. Mass balances evidenced a 55% recycling rate and process simulations outlined profitability in the potentiality range in agreement with battery collection fluxes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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14 pages, 1615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Novel Two-Stage Flashing Process for Acid Gas Removal from Natural Gas

by Yiyang Dai, Yuwei Peng, Yi Qiu and Huimin Liu

Energies 2019, 12(21), 4213; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en12214213 - 5 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

Excessive CO₂ content will reduce the natural gas calorific value and increase the energy consumption of the regenerator in natural gas desulfurization and decarbonization. This paper uses Aspen HYSYS to model a novel two-stage flash process of acid gas removal process from [...] Read more.

Excessive CO₂ content will reduce the natural gas calorific value and increase the energy consumption of the regenerator in natural gas desulfurization and decarbonization. This paper uses Aspen HYSYS to model a novel two-stage flash process of acid gas removal process from natural gas. According to the results from the simulation, as well as running experiences in a natural gas processing plant in the middle east, it can be demonstrated that this new process, which has been used in the field of natural gas desulfurization and decarbonization, can meet the requirement of product specifications. Based on the steady state simulation, Aspen HYSYS sensitivity function is used to evaluate influence of key operating parameters, such as the second flash pressure and temperature, on the energy consumption. Compared to the traditional acid gas removal process and acid gas enrichment process, the new two-stage flash acid gas removal process has less energy consumption (2.2 × 109 kJ·h⁻¹). In addition, two-stage flash acid gas removal process also improves the efficiency of acid gas enrichment, while the overall energy consumption is less than combination process of traditional process and acid gas enrichment process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling of Industrial Processes)

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