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Simulation of a Continuous Pyrolysis Reactor for a Heat Self-Sufficient Process and Liquid Fuel Production

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  • Antonio Chavando

    (Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Superior School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Valter Bruno Silva

    (Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Superior School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal)

  • Luís A. C. Tarelho

    (Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • João Sousa Cardoso

    (Superior School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Daniela Eusebio

    (Superior School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-110 Portalegre, Portugal)

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of utilizing pyrolysis byproducts, including char and non-condensable gases, as an energy source to promote autothermal pyrolysis. A total of six pyrolysis experiments were conducted at three distinct cracking temperatures, namely, 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C. The experiments utilized two types of biomasses, i.e., 100% pine chips and 75% pine chips mixed with 25% refuse-derived fuels (RDF). The findings from the experiments were subsequently incorporated into a process simulation conducted on Aspen Plus for an energy balance and a techno-economic analysis. The results of the experiments revealed that the energy produced by the byproducts utilizing only pine chips is 1.453 kW/kg, which is enough to fulfill the energy demand of the pyrolysis reactor (1.298 kW/kg). However, when 25% of RDF is added, the energy demand of the reactor decreases to 1.220 kW/kg, and the produced energy increases to 1.750 kW/kg. Furthermore, adding RDF increases bio-oil’s lower heating value (LHV). The techno-economic study proposed three scenarios: optimistic, conservative, and tragic. The optimistic has a payback period (PBP) of 7.5 years and a positive net present value (NPV). However, the other two scenarios were unfavorable, resulting in unfeasibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Chavando & Valter Bruno Silva & Luís A. C. Tarelho & João Sousa Cardoso & Daniela Eusebio, 2024. "Simulation of a Continuous Pyrolysis Reactor for a Heat Self-Sufficient Process and Liquid Fuel Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:14:p:3526-:d:1437793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ramos, Ana & Monteiro, Eliseu & Silva, Valter & Rouboa, Abel, 2018. "Co-gasification and recent developments on waste-to-energy conversion: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 380-398.
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