Investigating the Performance of the Compact Particulate Matter Collector for Use in Domestic Water Systems

The concept of the new water treatment system was developed. The system is based on the previously invented technology – Compact Particulate Matter Collector (CPMC). A primary area was defined in which such technology is intended to be used: water treatment in compact flue-gas condensation systems for a low-power wood-fuelled biomass boiler. Such a system is intended for use in domestic conditions. Such a process involves contamination of technical water with a mixture of particulate matter, resulting in suspension. The CPMC aims to divide the suspension into the relevant fractions effectively. A prototype operating based on CPMC technology was built. An experimental plan was developed, and an experimental stand was constructed to determine the prototype’s efficiency. The experimental plan envisaged five different prototype operating modes and two research steps, depending on the degree of prototype modification. Based on the research results, it was concluded that the prototype could operate effectively in the laboratory environment: achievable efficiency is equal on average between 57.84 % and 88.09 % depending on the operating mode (see the diagram below). The result is assessed as positive. TRL 3 has been reached. The next phases of the study would be the integration of the prototype into the relevant compact flue-gas condensation system and the exploration of commercialisation capabilities, which will stimulate TRL increase

A Dynamic Simulation Tool for Modelling Climate Neutrality Scenarios in Municipalities

Human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels, have increased global temperature at an unprecedented rate since the pre-industrial period. Cities and municipalities have a crucial role in accelerating the decarbonization of economic sectors, since they are at the hub of economic development and progress. The percentage of people who live in cities is expected to rise significantly by 2050, and so do GHG emissions from cities unless urban decision-makers commit to significant improvements. They are in charge of establishing a strategy course to boost energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, and reduce GHG emissions. They are crucial in inspiring communities and stakeholders to promote energy alternatives that are climate neutral. Nevertheless, this potential is not yet fully realized due to a lack of knowledge and helpful tools. It is challenging for municipality representatives to estimate baseline CO2 emissions, and it is even more difficult to comprehend several potential future situations. This research contextualizes a new computer simulation tool called the CommitClimate Simulator. The tool was developed to help municipalities calculate the carbon footprint and propose a framework for long-term scenario design and future projections. The modeling tool is based on the System Dynamics approach and includes all major GHG emission sectors following international guidelines. The modeling results emphasize the significant impact of behavior change measures on transforming local economies towards climate neutrality. Behavioral change measures are especially crucial in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transport. This means that policymakers should not only consider technical or economic aspects in the policy design process, but great care should also be placed on public education and involvement, information and awareness raising campaigns, and fundamental research of energy consumption habits and determining factors

Carbon Neutrality in Municipalities: Balancing Local and Centralized Renewable Energy Solutions

Carbon-neutrality in municipalities can be achieved by combining individual heating (IH) and district heating (DH) solutions involving the use of renewable energy sources (RES). Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, but the best solution depends on the specific circumstances of each municipality. As an environmentally friendly and efficient energy use, a decentralised heat supply contributes to achieving energy conservation and emissions reduction goals. Decentralised energy use, such as solar collectors with an accumulation system or biomass as a resource, reduces dependence on centralised heat generation and transmission. Often, the appropriate infrastructure for connection to DH networks has not yet been built. On the other hand, it is easier to make investments to construct proper infrastructure in the case of large-scale centralised heat supply. Moreover, a centralised heat supply with RES can provide more inhabitants with RES heat energy. Within the framework of the study, the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in one of the municipalities of Latvia – the Carnikava parish of Ādaži Municipality – are analysed. The study examines two scenario complexes including IH solutions in buildings or DH solutions with a centralised approach. The study evaluates several alternatives to increase the share of RES (e.g., solar collectors, biomass, heat pumps, etc.) in the centralised heat supply. To evaluate RES individual solutions in various municipal buildings, the study evaluates alternatives with different technical solutions that increase the use of RES in heat supply

Increasing Sustainability in Vocational Education System: Latvia Case Study

Promoting sustainability in educational systems is crucial for preserving resources and diminishing negative impacts on the environment. A key aspect of this is enhancing energy efficiency within educational institutions. By implementing energy-efficient building systems, advancing the use of renewable energy sources, and incorporating sustainable practices into the curriculum, educational institutions can decrease their environmental impact and conserve resources for future generations. Active participation from all stakeholders, including managers, teaching staff, and students, is essential for the success of these efforts. Providing students with a comprehensive education on sustainability equips them to apply this knowledge in their future professions, thus contributing to a more sustainable society. This research paper aims to explore ways to increase sustainability in Latvia's vocational education system, with a specific focus on reducing energy consumption in buildings and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. A study of 23 professional schools has been conducted to understand the current state of sustainability in the educational system, including data collection on energy consumption and surveying the schools on their current energy efficiency practices, renewable energy sources, and environmental policies. The energy efficiency and renewable energy production measures have been optimized for each school. A composite indicator has been developed to rank and compare schools based on their sustainability, promoting the use of energy-efficient and renewable energy sources within a limited budget. Results of the study show that by implementing mandatory and optional measures, the schools can significantly decrease primary energy consumption by 32% and greenhouse gas emissions by 33%

Investigation of Fuel Effect on Biomass Gasification Process Using Equilibrium Model

Gasification is one of the most promising technologies of converting biomass into energy. Different type of biomass can be used for gasification process since there are no strict limitations for parameters of used fuel. Various types of biomass are used in Latvia for production of energy. Wood fuels make up the main part of used biomass in Latvia. However, many non-wood biomass types are available as well. This study presents the comparison of wood and non-wood biomass use in gasification process. Biomass gasification model based on thermodynamic equilibrium was used to simulate gasification process with various biomass types. All input parameters were constant in model except fuel properties. In general gasification process was simulated with seven types of biomass – draff from beer production, common reed, middling from oats and wheat sieving, straw from grain cultivation, buckwheat hulls, rapeseed by-product from biofuel production, as well as wood. These non-wood biomass types are available in Latvia. Produced syngas calorific value and gasification process efficiency are taken as the indicators to examine the gasification performances using various biomass types. The regression model was proposed to describe relation between fuel properties and efficiency of the gasification process. Results show that non-wood biomass can be successfully used for gasification process. Ash content growth in the fuel promotes temperature decrease in the reactor. Fuel chemical composition has effect on the produced syngas composition and heating value

Bibliometric Analysis of the Alternative Biomass Types and Biomass Combustion Technologies

As renewable energy demand grows, different sectors (especially energy and household) face increasing fuel shortages. Increasing interest in alternative biomass for heat production also increases the need to develop appropriate combustion technologies. This paper investigates studies carried out in the context of renewable energy. The main objectives of the article are to identify the trends between alternative biomass types and combustion processes and to find binding keywords between the topics mentioned. Two bibliometric methods – performance analysis and science mapping analysis – are applied to analyse scientific literature related to the specific application from the Scopus database. Performance analysis results show that the number of publications and citations on using alternative biomass in energy is increasing annually. The most significant number of publications in terms of biomass types are municipal solid waste and algae, while in terms of combustion technologies, it is about direct combustion and gasification. According to the results of scientific mapping analysis, algae has a strong link to climate change and sustainability issues

Techno-Economic Analysis of Biofuel Production Plants Producing Biofuels Using Fisher Tropsch Synthesis

To address rising climate change problems, one significant task is reducing pollution in the transport sector by substituting fossil with biomass-based fuels. One of the potential production methods is by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. Both gasoline and diesel types of fuel can be produced. For FT fuels a carbon containing feedstock is needed as an end product, it can be processed in multiple ways using various systems, however the main parts of production are biomass preparation and gasification, where afterwards clean-up of the synthetic gas is required. A liquid form from the syngas is achieved via FT synthesis, after which hydroprocessing is needed for separating naphtha, diesel, and lighter-molecularweight hydrocarbons or other components. For comparison of biofuel plants, the biomass of choice, production processes and end products were analysed, as well as economic feasibility of technologies, to determine whether the costs and investments required are reasonable for the possible outcome

A New Approach to Water Treatment: Investigating the Performance of Compact Particulate Matter Collector for Use in Compact Flue Gas Condenser

The concept of the new water treatment system was developed. A primary area was defined in which such technology is intended to be used: water treatment in compact flue-gas condensation systems for a low-power wood-fuelled biomass boiler. A prototype operating based on invented technology was built. An experimental plan was developed, and an experimental stand was constructed to determine the prototype’s efficiency. Based on the study’s results, it was concluded that the prototype could operate effectively in the laboratory environment: achievable efficiency is equal on average between 57.84 % and 88.09 % depending on the operating mode. The result is assessed as positive. TRL 3 has been reached

The Influence of Process Temperature, Equivalence Ratio and Fuel Moisture Content on Gasification Process: A Review

The behaviour of gasification process depends on different factors and parameters. Some factors do not have direct effect, but they affect other parameters, that have high influence on efficiency of gasification process. Equivalence ratio (ER), temperature in the reactor and fuel moisture content are three parameters which have dominant impact on the produced gas composition and gasification process in general. This study shows the literature review of works where effect of different factors on the gasification process is presented. The comparison and detailed analysis of collected study were done to determine effect of these three factors on the produced gas composition (CH4, H2, CO, CO2, N2). The last part of study presents mathematical description of the relationships between the most critical parameters and gasification process efficiency. Mathematical analysis is implemented using STATGRAPHICS Centurion software. Several discrepancies found in different studies are indicated and described in this article. It proves that analysed parameters have complex and mutual influence on the biomass gasification process. Description of the process allows finding theoretical optimum for every analysed factor. The results of this study can be used to develop a mathematical model of the gasification process and forecast the produced gas chemical composition

Treatment of Particulate Matter Pollution: People’s Attitude and Readiness to Act

The paper displays results of the questionnaire called “Particulate matter pollution in air”, which serves as a tool to determine level of public awareness of the health risks related to pollution from small capacity heating equipment in households. Barriers for installation of the innovative flue gas treatment technology called a fog unit in households and possible mechanisms to decrease or prevent these barriers were defined. The first part of the questionnaire included overall information about participants: age, gender, education level, place of residence, activities to protect the environment and motives behind performing these activities. The remaining questions were divided in four groups: “Environmental views”, “Knowledge on air pollution”, “Willingness to pay”, “Choice of flue gas treatment technologies”. The results of questionnaire correspond with raised problem situations. Over 80 % of respondents lack information on pollution and possible consequences deriving from it, and on potential solutions to prevent pollution. Residents of households are willing to pay for installation of flue gas treatment equipment (capital investments)