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The continuous increase of energy demand with the subsequent huge fossil fuel consumption is provoking dramatic environmental consequences. The main challenge of this century is to develop and promote alternative, more eco-friendly energy production routes. In this framework, Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) are a quite attractive technology which could satisfy the users’ energy request working in reversible operation. Two operating modes are alternated: from “Gas to Power”, when SOCs work as fuel cells fed with hydrogen-rich mixture to provide both electricity and heat, to “Power to Gas”, when SOCs work as electrolysers and energy is supplied to produce hydrogen. If solid oxide fuel cells are an already mature technology with several stationary and mobile applications, the use of solid oxide electrolyser cells and even more reversible cells are still under investigation due to their insufficient lifetime. Aiming at providing a better understanding of this new technological approach, the study presents a detailed description of cell operation in terms of electrochemical behaviour and possible degradation, highlighting which are the most commonly used performance indicators. A thermodynamic analysis of system efficiency is proposed, followed by a comparison with other available electrochemical devices in order to underline specific solid oxide cell advantages and limitations.
Fiammetta Bianchi; Barbara Bosio. Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4777 .
AMA StyleFiammetta Bianchi, Barbara Bosio. Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (9):4777.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFiammetta Bianchi; Barbara Bosio. 2021. "Operating Principles, Performance and Technology Readiness Level of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells." Sustainability 13, no. 9: 4777.
Valorising biomass waste and producing renewable energy or materials is the aim of several conversion technologies. In this work, we consider two residues from different production chains: lignocellulosic residues from agriculture and wool residues from sheep husbandry. These materials are produced in large quantities, and their disposal is often costly and challenging for farmers. For their valorisation, we focus on slow pyrolysis for the former and water hydrolysis for the latter, concisely presenting the main literature related to these two processes. Pyrolysis produces the C-rich biochar, suitable for soil amending. Hydrolysis produces a N-rich fertiliser. We demonstrate how these two processes could be fruitfully integrated, as their products can be flexibly mixed to produce fertilisers. This solution would allow the achievement of balanced and tuneable ratios between C and N and the enhancement of the mechanical properties. We propose scenarios for this combined valorisation and for its coupling with other industries. As a result, biomass waste would be returned to the field, following the principles of circular economy.
Filippo Marchelli; Giorgio Rovero; Massimo Curti; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio; Cristina Moliner. An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers. Energies 2021, 14, 497 .
AMA StyleFilippo Marchelli, Giorgio Rovero, Massimo Curti, Elisabetta Arato, Barbara Bosio, Cristina Moliner. An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers. Energies. 2021; 14 (2):497.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo Marchelli; Giorgio Rovero; Massimo Curti; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio; Cristina Moliner. 2021. "An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers." Energies 14, no. 2: 497.
Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) can work efficiently in reversible operation, allowing the energy storage as hydrogen in power to gas application and providing requested electricity in gas to power application. They can easily switch from fuel cell to electrolyzer mode in order to guarantee the production of electricity, heat or directly hydrogen as fuel depending on energy demand and utilization. The proposed modeling is able to calculate effectively SOC performance in both operating modes, basing on the same electrochemical equations and system parameters, just setting the current density direction. The identified kinetic core is implemented in different simulation tools as a function of the scale under study. When the analysis mainly focuses on the kinetics affecting the global performance of small-sized single cells, a 0D code written in Fortran and then executed in Aspen Plus is used. When larger-scale single or stacked cells are considered and local maps of the main physicochemical properties on the cell plane are of interest, a detailed in-home 2D Fortran code is carried out. The presented modeling is validated on experimental data collected on laboratory SOCs of different scales and electrode materials, showing a good agreement between calculated and measured values and so confirming its applicability for multiscale approach studies.
Fiammetta Rita Bianchi; Arianna Baldinelli; Linda Barelli; Giovanni Cinti; Emilio Audasso; Barbara Bosio. Multiscale Modeling for Reversible Solid Oxide Cell Operation. Energies 2020, 13, 5058 .
AMA StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi, Arianna Baldinelli, Linda Barelli, Giovanni Cinti, Emilio Audasso, Barbara Bosio. Multiscale Modeling for Reversible Solid Oxide Cell Operation. Energies. 2020; 13 (19):5058.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi; Arianna Baldinelli; Linda Barelli; Giovanni Cinti; Emilio Audasso; Barbara Bosio. 2020. "Multiscale Modeling for Reversible Solid Oxide Cell Operation." Energies 13, no. 19: 5058.
The present work aims at investigating the residence time distribution (RTD) of a multiple spouted bed reactor, which will be applied for the pyrolysis and gasification of residual biomass. The unit is composed of square-based spouted beds, placed in series and at descending heights, and communicating with each other through an opening in the lateral wall. The gas is fed evenly in parallel. The experimental analysis is based on tracer experiments in cold-flow units, assessing the influence of the number of units and the bed height. The tests proved the good mixing properties of the spouted beds, which create a stable fluidization regime and do not feature dead zones. Each spouted bed can generally be well assimilated to an ideal continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The RTD of the device seems adequate for the application, and also seems to be well tuneable through the selection of the bed height and number of units. Given the good similarity with ideal reactor networks, these represent a valid tool to estimate the final behavior in terms of RTD.
Filippo Marchelli; Massimo Curti; Mattia Tognin; Giorgio Rovero; Cristina Moliner; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio. Experimental Study on the Solids Residence Time Distribution in Multiple Square-Based Spouted Beds. Energies 2020, 13, 4694 .
AMA StyleFilippo Marchelli, Massimo Curti, Mattia Tognin, Giorgio Rovero, Cristina Moliner, Elisabetta Arato, Barbara Bosio. Experimental Study on the Solids Residence Time Distribution in Multiple Square-Based Spouted Beds. Energies. 2020; 13 (18):4694.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo Marchelli; Massimo Curti; Mattia Tognin; Giorgio Rovero; Cristina Moliner; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio. 2020. "Experimental Study on the Solids Residence Time Distribution in Multiple Square-Based Spouted Beds." Energies 13, no. 18: 4694.
Recently, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) are being increasingly investigated for carbon capture applications. The wet and low CO2 cathode feeds of such applications can substantially affect the electrochemistry of the cell. A dual-anion mechanism has been introduced to model this electrochemical regime characterized by the parallel migration of carbonate and hydroxide ions. A model based on this mechanism has been implemented in an in-house-developed Fortran code that has been now integrated into Aspen Plus. The model is able to calculate the main performance parameters on the plane of a cell when geometry as well as feed flow rates, compositions, temperature, pressure, and current density are provided as input data. In the present work, the application of the simulation tool is presented in a process analysis aimed to optimize the formulation of the electrochemical module, further evaluate the controlling factors of the dual-anion mechanism, and discuss possible technological optimizations.
D. Bove; E. Audasso; T. Barckholtz; G. Kiss; J. Rosen; B. Bosio. Process analysis of molten carbonate fuel cells in carbon capture applications. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2020, 46, 15032 -15045.
AMA StyleD. Bove, E. Audasso, T. Barckholtz, G. Kiss, J. Rosen, B. Bosio. Process analysis of molten carbonate fuel cells in carbon capture applications. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2020; 46 (28):15032-15045.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD. Bove; E. Audasso; T. Barckholtz; G. Kiss; J. Rosen; B. Bosio. 2020. "Process analysis of molten carbonate fuel cells in carbon capture applications." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 46, no. 28: 15032-15045.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a well-developed technology, mainly used for combined heat and power production. High operating temperatures and anodic Ni-based materials allow for direct reforming reactions of CH4 and other light hydrocarbons inside the cell. This feature favors a wider use of SOFCs that otherwise would be limited by the absence of a proper H2 distribution network. This also permits the simplification of plant design avoiding additional units for upstream syngas production. In this context, control and knowledge of how variables such as temperature and gas composition are distributed on the cell surface are important to ensure good long-lasting performance. The aim of this work is to present a 2D modeling tool able to simulate SOFC performance working with direct internal CH4 reforming. Initially thermodynamic and kinetic approaches are compared in order to tune the model assuming a biogas as feed. Thanks to the introduction of a matrix of coefficients to represent the local distribution of reforming active sites, the model considers degradation/poisoning phenomena. The same approach is also used to identify an optimized catalyst distribution that allows reducing critical working conditions in terms of temperature gradient, thus facilitating long-term applications.
Emilio Audasso; Fiammetta Rita Bianchi; Barbara Bosio. 2D Simulation for CH4 Internal Reforming-SOFCs: An Approach to Study Performance Degradation and Optimization. Energies 2020, 13, 4116 .
AMA StyleEmilio Audasso, Fiammetta Rita Bianchi, Barbara Bosio. 2D Simulation for CH4 Internal Reforming-SOFCs: An Approach to Study Performance Degradation and Optimization. Energies. 2020; 13 (16):4116.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmilio Audasso; Fiammetta Rita Bianchi; Barbara Bosio. 2020. "2D Simulation for CH4 Internal Reforming-SOFCs: An Approach to Study Performance Degradation and Optimization." Energies 13, no. 16: 4116.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are an emerging technology among different fuel cell types since they are successfully used in stationary cogeneration units to produce heat and electricity. Different scale applications are proposed as alternative energy sources for residential usage and industrial power plants, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions which characterize fossil-fuel-based processes. Their spread is favoured by the development of proper simulation tools that allow system design optimization and control in real-time operations. For this purpose, model building and validation, through comparison with experimental observations, are fundamental steps to guarantee the simulation validity. A single-anode-supported planar SOFC with two possible cathodic current collector designs is tested in common operating conditions, evaluating the performance through EIS analysis and characteristic curves. These provide a preliminary validation for the proposed 2D steady state simulation code. This model, implemented in Fortran, makes it possible to forecast the main SOFC local properties on both the anodic and cathodic sides. The key point of the code is the electrochemical kinetics, based on a semi-empirical approach where requested parameters, derived from fitting of experimental results, are introduced in physically based equations. In this way, the influence of specific cell design on system performance is evaluated.
Fiammetta Rita Bianchi; Roberto Spotorno; Paolo Piccardo; Barbara Bosio. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance Analysis through Local Modelling. Catalysts 2020, 10, 519 .
AMA StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi, Roberto Spotorno, Paolo Piccardo, Barbara Bosio. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance Analysis through Local Modelling. Catalysts. 2020; 10 (5):519.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi; Roberto Spotorno; Paolo Piccardo; Barbara Bosio. 2020. "Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance Analysis through Local Modelling." Catalysts 10, no. 5: 519.
An isothermal electrochemical model of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) operating in reversible mode is presented. Firstly, the model has been fitted with experimental data of a single MCFC operating only in fuel cell mode. Then, the MCFC model was used to calculate the overpotentials of the cell operating as electrolyzer. Additionally, equations were added to calculate the concentration overpotentials in the fuel and oxygen electrode, useful to improve the prediction of the limiting current densities where the fuel started to lack. The validation of the model simulating the operation of the cell in reversible mode was carried out with experimental data obtained on a single MCFC operating in reversible mode. The results indicate that in general the model predicts cell performance well when several parameters like temperature, composition in the fuel electrode and composition in the oxygen electrode are varied around a nominal operating point. Concerning the electrolysis operation of the cell, the theoretical thermo-neutral voltage is presented, as well as the power consumption and hydrogen production when the cell operates at the thermo-neutral voltage. Finally, the hydrogen production was validated comparing the experimental and numerical hydrogen molar fraction present at the exit of the fuel electrode.
Juan Pedro Pérez-Trujillo; Francisco Elizalde-Blancas; Stephen J. McPhail; Massimiliano Della Pietra; Barbara Bosio. Preliminary theoretical and experimental analysis of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell operating in reversible mode. Applied Energy 2020, 263, 114630 .
AMA StyleJuan Pedro Pérez-Trujillo, Francisco Elizalde-Blancas, Stephen J. McPhail, Massimiliano Della Pietra, Barbara Bosio. Preliminary theoretical and experimental analysis of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell operating in reversible mode. Applied Energy. 2020; 263 ():114630.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuan Pedro Pérez-Trujillo; Francisco Elizalde-Blancas; Stephen J. McPhail; Massimiliano Della Pietra; Barbara Bosio. 2020. "Preliminary theoretical and experimental analysis of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell operating in reversible mode." Applied Energy 263, no. : 114630.
Pellets from residues from rice harvest (i.e., straw and husk) were produced and their main properties were evaluated. Firstly, rice straw pellets were produced at lab scale at varying operational conditions (i.e., load compression and wt % of feeding moisture content) to evaluate their suitability for palletization. Successively, rice straw and husk pellets were commercially produced. All the samples were characterized in terms of their main physical, chemical, and physico-chemical properties. In addition, axial/diametral compression and durability tests were performed to assess their mechanical performance. All the analyzed properties were compared with the established quality standards for non-woody pellets. In general, rice straw pellets presented suitable properties for their use as pelletized fuels. Rice husk pellets fell out of the standards in recommended size or durability and thus preliminary treatments might be required prior their use as fuels.
Cristina Moliner; Alberto Lagazzo; Barbara Bosio; Rodolfo Botter; Elisabetta Arato. Production, Characterization, and Evaluation of Pellets from Rice Harvest Residues. Energies 2020, 13, 479 .
AMA StyleCristina Moliner, Alberto Lagazzo, Barbara Bosio, Rodolfo Botter, Elisabetta Arato. Production, Characterization, and Evaluation of Pellets from Rice Harvest Residues. Energies. 2020; 13 (2):479.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Moliner; Alberto Lagazzo; Barbara Bosio; Rodolfo Botter; Elisabetta Arato. 2020. "Production, Characterization, and Evaluation of Pellets from Rice Harvest Residues." Energies 13, no. 2: 479.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) stand out among other fuel cell types because of their specific characteristics. The high operating temperature permits to reach optimal conductivity and favours kinetics without requiring noble metal catalysts. The SOFC behaviour analysis is fundamental to optimise operating conditions and to obtain the best performance. For this purpose, specific models are studied to investigate the electrochemical kinetics, which is the most critical aspect in the simulation. This is closely linked to cell materials and structure, as well as to operating conditions (feed composition and temperature above all) that influence cell polarization effects. The present work aims at evaluating these contributions by means of a semi-empirical kinetic formulation based on both theoretical and experimental approaches. A dedicated experimental campaign on an anode-supported NiYSZ/8YSZ/GDC-LSCF button cell is performed to identify experimental parameters. Each working variable is changed singularly to understand its specific effect, avoiding the overlap of multiple effects. The studied kinetics is validated using a 0D model to evaluate global cell operation, and a 1D model to estimate occurring mechanisms along anode thickness. The comparison between experimental and simulated data allows a preliminary validation of the proposed model, providing a base for subsequent more specific studies.
Fiammetta Rita Bianchi; Barbara Bosio; Arianna Baldinelli; Linda Barelli. Optimization of a Reference Kinetic Model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Catalysts 2020, 10, 104 .
AMA StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi, Barbara Bosio, Arianna Baldinelli, Linda Barelli. Optimization of a Reference Kinetic Model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Catalysts. 2020; 10 (1):104.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFiammetta Rita Bianchi; Barbara Bosio; Arianna Baldinelli; Linda Barelli. 2020. "Optimization of a Reference Kinetic Model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells." Catalysts 10, no. 1: 104.
The recyclability of polylactide acid (PLA) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV)-based biocomposites (10%, 20% and 30% by weight of sisal natural fibre) was evaluated in this work. The mechanical and thermal properties were initially determined and were shown to be similar to commodity plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Three recycle steps were carried out and the mechanical and thermal properties of recycled samples were evaluated and compared to the reference samples. The tensile modulus increased for recycled PLA biocomposites, whereas it was hardly influenced by recycling the PHBV biocomposites. The tensile strength and deformation at the break decreased notably after the first cycle in all cases. Although all the biocomposites became more brittle with recycling, the properties were conserved along until the third cycle, proving their promising recyclability. From the data obtained from the dynamic mechanical analysis, a slight decrease of the storage modulus of PHBV was observed, whereas PLA showed a significant decay of its properties at the 3rd recyclate. The PLA specimens were filled with sisal fibres until they reached 20%wt, which seemed also less subject to the embrittlement occurring along the recycling phase. The characteristic temperatures (glass transition-Tg, crystallization-Tc, melting-Tm) of all the biocomposites were not highly affected by recycling. Only a slight decrease on the melting point of the recycled PHBV was observed suggesting an overall good reprocessability. Moreover, the processing conditions lied in the same range as the conventional plastics which would facilitate potential joint valorization techniques.
Alberto Lagazzo; Cristina Moliner; Barbara Bosio; Rodolfo Botter; Elisabetta Arato. Evaluation of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties Decay of PHBV/Sisal and PLA/Sisal Biocomposites at Different Recycle Steps. Polymers 2019, 11, 1477 .
AMA StyleAlberto Lagazzo, Cristina Moliner, Barbara Bosio, Rodolfo Botter, Elisabetta Arato. Evaluation of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties Decay of PHBV/Sisal and PLA/Sisal Biocomposites at Different Recycle Steps. Polymers. 2019; 11 (9):1477.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlberto Lagazzo; Cristina Moliner; Barbara Bosio; Rodolfo Botter; Elisabetta Arato. 2019. "Evaluation of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties Decay of PHBV/Sisal and PLA/Sisal Biocomposites at Different Recycle Steps." Polymers 11, no. 9: 1477.
Char is the solid by-product of biomass gasification. It usually represents a cost for plant owners, who have to dispose of it at a cost. However, its high carbon content and surface area could make it suitable for further applications, such as adsorption. In this work, we studied its potential for the adsorptive removal of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a common pollutant present in the producer gas of gasification, as well as in biogas from anaerobic digestion. Different samples of char collected from commercial gasification plants in South Tyrol (Italy) were tested. The adsorption was reproduced in a lab-scale tubular fixed-bed reactor. The results highlight that all samples could capture hydrogen sulphide, showing different adsorption performances. The materials’ specific surface area and metal and oxygen content seem to affect the removal capacity. After these tests, we selected the best-performing char, and tested its adsorption performance in different operative conditions, i.e. at different inlet concentrations of H2S and temperatures.
Filippo Marchelli; Eleonora Cordioli; Francesco Patuzzi; Elena Sisani; Linda Barelli; Marco Baratieri; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio. Experimental study on H2S adsorption on gasification char under different operative conditions. Biomass and Bioenergy 2019, 126, 106 -116.
AMA StyleFilippo Marchelli, Eleonora Cordioli, Francesco Patuzzi, Elena Sisani, Linda Barelli, Marco Baratieri, Elisabetta Arato, Barbara Bosio. Experimental study on H2S adsorption on gasification char under different operative conditions. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2019; 126 ():106-116.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo Marchelli; Eleonora Cordioli; Francesco Patuzzi; Elena Sisani; Linda Barelli; Marco Baratieri; Elisabetta Arato; Barbara Bosio. 2019. "Experimental study on H2S adsorption on gasification char under different operative conditions." Biomass and Bioenergy 126, no. : 106-116.
From experiments, the influence of the physical characteristics of different binary mixtures of solids on the spouting regime of a pyramidal square-based spouted bed reactor is assessed. The applied methodology permits a more precise evaluation of the effects of the tested variables (diameter, density, sphericity) on the response variables (minimum air flows at which spouting begins and at which to maintain spouting conditions). The associated pressure drops along the bed of particles and the height of the formed fountain are analysed in each case. During the initial stages of fluidisation, binary mixtures containing different density ratios show dead zones. Segregation becomes more evident at large-size and high-density ratios. The lack of sphericity was found to be the main reason leading to blocking, channelling, and start-up problems when system failures occur. Nevertheless, the extent of segregation in all cases decreases with increasing the spouting velocity. In addition, a computational fluid dynamic model based on the discrete element method, previously validated for a single solid bed, is proposed as a tool to predict and evaluate potential segregation phenomena in binary mixtures. This model reproduced with high accuracy the encountered segregation phenomena. Its use may help define the technical limits inherent in the pyramidal spouted bed reactor.
Cristina Moliner; Filippo Marchelli; Massimo Curti; Barbara Bosio; Giorgio Rovero; Elisabetta Arato. Spouting behaviour of binary mixtures in square-based spouted beds. Particuology 2019, 43, 193 -201.
AMA StyleCristina Moliner, Filippo Marchelli, Massimo Curti, Barbara Bosio, Giorgio Rovero, Elisabetta Arato. Spouting behaviour of binary mixtures in square-based spouted beds. Particuology. 2019; 43 ():193-201.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Moliner; Filippo Marchelli; Massimo Curti; Barbara Bosio; Giorgio Rovero; Elisabetta Arato. 2019. "Spouting behaviour of binary mixtures in square-based spouted beds." Particuology 43, no. : 193-201.
Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) technology offers interesting opportunities in the panorama of a larger penetration of renewable and distributed power generation, namely high electrical efficiency at manageable scales for both remote and industrial applications. In order to optimize the performance and the operating conditions of such a pre-commercial technology, an effective synergy between experimentation and simulation is fundamental. For this purpose, starting from the SIMFC (SIMulation of Fuel Cells) code set-up and successfully validated for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, a new version of the code has been developed for IT-SOFCs. The new release of the code allows the calculation of the maps of the main electrical, chemical, and physical parameters on the cell plane of planar IT-SOFCs fed in co-flow. A semi-empirical kinetic formulation has been set-up, identifying the related parameters thanks to a devoted series of experiments, and integrated in SIMFC. Thanks to a multi-sampling innovative experimental apparatus the simultaneous measurement of temperature and gas composition on the cell plane was possible, so that a preliminary validation of the model on local values was carried out. A good agreement between experimental and simulated data was achieved in terms of cell voltages and local temperatures, but also, for the first time, in terms of local concentration on the cell plane, encouraging further developments. This numerical tool is proposed for a better interpretation of the phenomena occurring in IT-SOFCs and a consequential optimization of their performance.
Bruno Conti; Barbara Bosio; Stephen John McPhail; Francesca Santoni; Davide Pumiglia; Elisabetta Arato. A 2-D model for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Preliminarily Validated on Local Values. Catalysts 2019, 9, 36 .
AMA StyleBruno Conti, Barbara Bosio, Stephen John McPhail, Francesca Santoni, Davide Pumiglia, Elisabetta Arato. A 2-D model for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Preliminarily Validated on Local Values. Catalysts. 2019; 9 (1):36.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBruno Conti; Barbara Bosio; Stephen John McPhail; Francesca Santoni; Davide Pumiglia; Elisabetta Arato. 2019. "A 2-D model for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Preliminarily Validated on Local Values." Catalysts 9, no. 1: 36.
A spouted bed was simulated through two Computational Fluid Dynamic models: CFD-TFM and CFD-DEM. The two models were compared and validated with data from literature, showing good agreement between experimental and simulated results. Both models were able to predict the dynamics of the bed from the static situation to stable spouting conditions, even though some discrepancies in the solid volume fraction or velocity profiles were observed. Overall, CFD-DEM reproduced better the experimental measurements, and, since the computational effort was proved to be similar in both cases due to the low number of particles in the bed, it was preferred to describe the present spouted bed. In larger systems, however, CFD-DEM might not be so convenient, requiring the evaluation of the degree of accuracy and the computational costs prior to the application of this or alternative models.
Cristina Moliner; Filippo Marchelli; Nayia Spanachi; Alfonso Martinez-Felipe; Barbara Bosio; Elisabetta Arato. CFD simulation of a spouted bed: Comparison between the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Two Fluid Model (TFM). Chemical Engineering Journal 2018, 377, 120466 .
AMA StyleCristina Moliner, Filippo Marchelli, Nayia Spanachi, Alfonso Martinez-Felipe, Barbara Bosio, Elisabetta Arato. CFD simulation of a spouted bed: Comparison between the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Two Fluid Model (TFM). Chemical Engineering Journal. 2018; 377 ():120466.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Moliner; Filippo Marchelli; Nayia Spanachi; Alfonso Martinez-Felipe; Barbara Bosio; Elisabetta Arato. 2018. "CFD simulation of a spouted bed: Comparison between the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Two Fluid Model (TFM)." Chemical Engineering Journal 377, no. : 120466.
The thermal stability and decomposition kinetics of PLA/sisal biocomposites was discussed to evaluate the suitability of their use in energy recovery processes such as pyrolysis and combustion. The influence of the addition of sisal up to 30%wt, the presence of coupling agent, and the atmosphere of operation, i.e. inert or oxidative was discussed by means of multi-rate linear non-isothermal thermogravimetric experiments. All biocomposites showed a mean high heating value of 15 MJ/kg indicating their suitability for energy recovery processes. The thermal requirements of PLA/sisal decomposition were assessed in terms of onset decomposition temperature and apparent activation energy. A minimum of 240 °C and 174 kJ·mol-1 in inert environment and 225 °C and 190 kJ·mol-1 in oxidative environment ensured the feasibility of the reactions regardless the composition of the PLA/sisal biocomposites. The atmosphere of work lead to a greater amount of residue in case of pyrolysis reactions that would need further treatment whereas an oxidative atmosphere resulted in nearly zero final waste stream. The similar kinetics obtained for all samples regardless the amount of sisal or use of coupling agent eases the operability of energy facilities aimed of turning these biowastes into new fuels.
C. Moliner; J.D. Badia; B. Bosio; E. Arato; R. Teruel-Juanes; T. Kittikorn; E. Strömberg; M. Ek; S. Karlsson; A. Ribes-Greus. Thermal kinetics for the energy valorisation of polylactide/sisal biocomposites. Thermochimica Acta 2018, 670, 169 -177.
AMA StyleC. Moliner, J.D. Badia, B. Bosio, E. Arato, R. Teruel-Juanes, T. Kittikorn, E. Strömberg, M. Ek, S. Karlsson, A. Ribes-Greus. Thermal kinetics for the energy valorisation of polylactide/sisal biocomposites. Thermochimica Acta. 2018; 670 ():169-177.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Moliner; J.D. Badia; B. Bosio; E. Arato; R. Teruel-Juanes; T. Kittikorn; E. Strömberg; M. Ek; S. Karlsson; A. Ribes-Greus. 2018. "Thermal kinetics for the energy valorisation of polylactide/sisal biocomposites." Thermochimica Acta 670, no. : 169-177.
We simulated a lab-scale cold-flow spouted bed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) for the solid phase, using a commercial CFD program, ANSYS FLUENT 18.0. To limit the computational expense, we tested both a simplified pseudo-2D geometry and a complete 3D geometry. We found that the Haider and Levenspiel drag model is suitable for the pseudo-2D geometry; however, this model does not correctly predict fluidisation in the 3D geometry. Conversely, the Gidaspow drag model behaves accurately in the 3D geometry but overestimates the motion of particles in the pseudo-2D geometry. We studied several single-solid and binary mixtures to assess the reproducibility of segregation phenomena. The pseudo-2D model was able to predict the onset and minimum spouting flow rates of all mixtures with good accuracy. An analysis of the volume fraction contours of the binary mixtures permitted us to confirm that segregation phenomena were correctly predicted at low gas velocities. We showed that segregation decreased as the inlet gas flow rate was increased. Calculations performed in the complete 3D geometry were preliminarily assessed as more reliable but required almost four times as much computational time as those for the pseudo 2D geometry.
Filippo Marchelli; Cristina Moliner; Barbara Bosio; Elisabetta Arato. A CFD–DEM study of the behaviour of single-solid and binary mixtures in a pyramidal spouted bed. Particuology 2018, 42, 79 -91.
AMA StyleFilippo Marchelli, Cristina Moliner, Barbara Bosio, Elisabetta Arato. A CFD–DEM study of the behaviour of single-solid and binary mixtures in a pyramidal spouted bed. Particuology. 2018; 42 ():79-91.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo Marchelli; Cristina Moliner; Barbara Bosio; Elisabetta Arato. 2018. "A CFD–DEM study of the behaviour of single-solid and binary mixtures in a pyramidal spouted bed." Particuology 42, no. : 79-91.
Cryosurgery is a rapidly developing discipline, alternative to conventional surgical techniques, used to destroy cancer cells by the action of low temperatures. Currently, the refrigeration is obtained via the adiabatic expansion of gases in probes used for surgeries, with the need of inherently dangerous pressurized vessels. The proposed innovative prototypal apparatus aims to reach the cryosurgical temperatures exploiting a closed-loop refrigeration system, avoiding the hazardous presence of pressurized vessels in the operating room. This study preliminarily examines the technical feasibility of the cryoablation with this machine focusing the attention on the cryoprobe design. Cryoprobe geometry and materials are assessed and the related heat transfer taking place during the cryoablation process is simulated with the aid of the computational fluid dynamics software ANSYS®Fluent. Parametric analyses are carried out varying the length of the collecting tubes and the inlet velocity of the cold carrier fluid in the cryoprobe. The values obtained for physical quantities such as the temperature reached in the treated tissue, the width of the obtained cold front, and the maximum pressure required for the cold carrier fluid are calculated and discussed in order to prove the effectiveness of the experimental apparatus and develop the machine further.
Barbara Bosio; Dario Bove; Lorenzo Guidetti; Leopoldo Avalle; Elisabetta Arato. Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer in the Cryoprobe of an Innovative Apparatus for Cryosurgery. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 2018, 141, 011008 .
AMA StyleBarbara Bosio, Dario Bove, Lorenzo Guidetti, Leopoldo Avalle, Elisabetta Arato. Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer in the Cryoprobe of an Innovative Apparatus for Cryosurgery. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. 2018; 141 (1):011008.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Bosio; Dario Bove; Lorenzo Guidetti; Leopoldo Avalle; Elisabetta Arato. 2018. "Numerical Simulation of the Heat Transfer in the Cryoprobe of an Innovative Apparatus for Cryosurgery." Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 141, no. 1: 011008.
An improved and more sustainable waste management system is required for successful development of technologies based on renewable sources. Rice straw is submitted to controlled combustion reactions and the produced ashes are chemically treated to produce silica. After a chemical activation step, the activated silica shows potential as an adsorbent agent and will be used to remove the excess of nitrates in groundwater and wells in the area of Alginet (Valencia, Spain), selected as a vulnerable zone within the Nitrates Directive. The demonstration activity aims to have a local impact on municipalities of 200 inhabitants or fewer, decreasing from current nitrate concentrations close to 50 mg/L, to a target of 25 mg/L. In a successive step, the methodology will be transferred to other municipalities with similar nitrate problems (Piemonte, Italy) and replicated to remove different pollutants such as manure (the Netherlands) and waste waters from the textile industry (Italy).
Cristina Moliner; Roberto Teruel-Juanes; Carmem T. Primaz; Jose David Badia; Barbara Bosio; Pilar Campíns-Falcó; Carmen Molíns-Legua; Francesc Hernandez; Lorenzo Sanjuan-Navarro; Plàcid Madramany; José Morán; José Castro; Francisco Javier Sanchis; José Domingo Martínez; Frank Hiddink; Amparo Ribes-Greus; Elisabetta Arato. Reduction of Nitrates in Waste Water through the Valorization of Rice Straw: LIFE LIBERNITRATE Project. Sustainability 2018, 10, 3007 .
AMA StyleCristina Moliner, Roberto Teruel-Juanes, Carmem T. Primaz, Jose David Badia, Barbara Bosio, Pilar Campíns-Falcó, Carmen Molíns-Legua, Francesc Hernandez, Lorenzo Sanjuan-Navarro, Plàcid Madramany, José Morán, José Castro, Francisco Javier Sanchis, José Domingo Martínez, Frank Hiddink, Amparo Ribes-Greus, Elisabetta Arato. Reduction of Nitrates in Waste Water through the Valorization of Rice Straw: LIFE LIBERNITRATE Project. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (9):3007.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Moliner; Roberto Teruel-Juanes; Carmem T. Primaz; Jose David Badia; Barbara Bosio; Pilar Campíns-Falcó; Carmen Molíns-Legua; Francesc Hernandez; Lorenzo Sanjuan-Navarro; Plàcid Madramany; José Morán; José Castro; Francisco Javier Sanchis; José Domingo Martínez; Frank Hiddink; Amparo Ribes-Greus; Elisabetta Arato. 2018. "Reduction of Nitrates in Waste Water through the Valorization of Rice Straw: LIFE LIBERNITRATE Project." Sustainability 10, no. 9: 3007.
The initial setting up and preliminary tests on a square‐based spouted bed gasifier at pilot scale (20 kWth) have been investigated. The novel plant is composed of: a squared‐base spouted bed unit, a feeding system to regulate the biomass mass inflow, an air pump, a clean‐up system, and an online gas chromatograph analyzer to assess the quality of the produced gas. The profile of temperatures along the reactor has been monitored with different thermocouples during experimental tests. The start‐up process has been optimized to reduce the time to achieve stationary conditions. Two different materials (wood pellets and prunings from apple trees) have been tested at different feeding rates. Wood pellets were used to validate the performance of the spouted bed reactor and afterwards, residues of prunings from apple trees were validated as a suitable potential feedstock for energy recovery purposes. In addition, a representative sample of char from wood pellet gasification has been collected and characterized. In particular, the properties of specific surface area, pore size, and pore distribution have been measured by the Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method. The obtained outcomes represent one of the few available results in literature using a square‐based spouted bed reactor for the gasification of biomass at pilot scale. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Dario Bove; Cristina Moliner; Massimo Curti; Marco Baratieri; Barbara Bosio; Giorgio Rovero; Elisabetta Arato. Preliminary tests for the thermo‐chemical conversion of biomass in a spouted bed pilot plant. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering 2018, 97, 59 -66.
AMA StyleDario Bove, Cristina Moliner, Massimo Curti, Marco Baratieri, Barbara Bosio, Giorgio Rovero, Elisabetta Arato. Preliminary tests for the thermo‐chemical conversion of biomass in a spouted bed pilot plant. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2018; 97 (1):59-66.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDario Bove; Cristina Moliner; Massimo Curti; Marco Baratieri; Barbara Bosio; Giorgio Rovero; Elisabetta Arato. 2018. "Preliminary tests for the thermo‐chemical conversion of biomass in a spouted bed pilot plant." The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering 97, no. 1: 59-66.