In response to the global climate challenge and the increasing demand for energy, exploring renewable energy alternatives has become crucial. Bio-oils derived from biomass pyrolysis are emerging as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based liquid fuels. This paper shares findings from the Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology on the quality of crude biomass pyrolysis bio-oil samples. These findings highlight their potential as motor liquid fuels. The article details the results of tests on the physicochemical properties of four distinct bio-oil samples. Additionally, it presents preliminary test results on the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils in a batch reactor. The production of homogeneous, stable mixtures using other fuel additives, such as diesel oil, rapeseed methyl ester (RME), and butanol, is also discussed.

This article is a broad literature review of materials used and defined as potential for heat storage processes. Both single-phase and phase-change materials were considered. An important part of this paper is the definition of the toxicity of heat storage materials and other factors that disqualify their use depending on the application. Based on the literature analysis, a methodology was developed for selecting the optimal heat storage material depending on the typical parameters of the process and the method of heat transfer and storage. Based on the presented results, a solution was proposed for three temperature ranges: 100 °C (low-temperature storage), 300 °C (medium-temperature storage) and 500 °C (high-temperature storage). For all defined temperature levels, it is possible to adapt solid, liquid or phase-change materials for heat storage. However, it is essential to consider the characteristics of the specific system and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the accumulation material used. Rock materials are characterised by similar thermophysical parameters and relatively low prices compared with their universality, while liquid energy storage allows for greater flexibility in power generation while maintaining the operational parameters of the heat source.

Liquid biofuels are of special interest due to the possibility of their application as a substitute for fossil liquid fuels. The necessary step is to investigate the possibility of bio-fuel application in terms of its properties and similarities to fossil liquid fuels (e.g., crude oil, heavy fuel oil, diesel). The properties and combustion performance of heavy fuel oil (HFO) and products of the fatty acids distillation residues (FADR) were analyzed in this study. The application of animal-fat-delivered fuels is fully suggested in the literature. Nevertheless, the investigations focused on the raw materials or their transformation into diesel. The novelty of this paper is the utilization of FADR as a substitute for HFO. The utilization of FADR allows the use of this material as a feedstock to obtain valuable products (fuel) and avoids generating waste after animal fat processing. The experimental investigations were carried out using a technical-scale 150 kW_th combustion chamber. FADR can be recognized as a substitute for HFO due to its beneficial calorific properties and viscosity. Other beneficial effects are the significantly lower emission of SO₂ (lower than 1 ppm) and PAHs (i.e., 355 µg/m³_n) during the combustion of FADR. Finally, the application of FADR requires less energy demand for fuel heating and pressurization.

In response to global climate challenges and the increasing demand for energy, exploring renewable energy alternatives has become crucial. Bio-oils, derived from biomass pyrolysis, are emerging as potential replacements for fossil fuel-based liquid fuels. This paper shares findings from the Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology on the quality of crude biomass pyrolysis bio-oil samples. These findings highlight their potential as motor liquid fuels. The article details the results of tests on the physicochemical properties of four distinct bio-oil samples. Additionally, it presents preliminary test results on the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils in a batch reactor. The production of homogeneous, stable mixtures using other fuel additives, such as diesel oil, rapeseed methyl ester (RME), and butanol, is also discussed.

The article presents the results of research and development work conducted as part of the H2GEO project, aimed at creating a comprehensive technology for the processing of post-mining coal waste heaps. The core of the solution is a mobile density separation system based on a pulsating jig, enabling effective recovery of carbonaceous and mineral fractions. Laboratory experiments assessed the impact of key process parameters—such as sieve slot size, pulsation frequency, and enrichment time—on the efficiency and accuracy of separation for different grain size classes. The most favorable results were obtained using a 2.5 mm screen, a pulsation frequency of 60 min⁻¹, and extended enrichment time, which ensured high-quality separation and low ash content in the carbon-bearing product. The findings supported the design of a new industrial separator (jig) equipped with advanced control systems, facilitating the production of homogeneous fractions suitable for further processing into hydrogen, geopolymers, and construction materials. The proposed solution aligns with circular economy principles, promoting waste reuse, environmental hazard mitigation, and the revitalization of degraded post-industrial areas.

Stamp-charging technology has gained increasing importance in the coke-making industry, owing to its ability to utilize lower-cost coals with inferior coking properties while maintaining the required coke quality. This contributes to more efficient utilization of coal resources and improved...