Biomass used in energy conversion processes is typically characterized by high variability, makin... more Biomass used in energy conversion processes is typically characterized by high variability, making its utilization challenging. Therefore, there is a need for a fast and non-destructive method to determine feedstock/product properties and directly monitor process reactors. The near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique together with advanced data analysis methods offers a possible solution. This review focuses on the introduction of the NIRS method and its recent applications to physical, thermochemical, biochemical and physiochemical biomass conversion processes represented mainly by pelleting, combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, as well as biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel production. NIRS has been proven to be a reliable and inexpensive method with a great potential for use in process optimization, advanced control, or product quality assurance.
Nowadays, the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has become a top priority for... more Nowadays, the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has become a top priority for society and economy. In the past decades, some of the environmental advantages of the gas turbine (such as inherently low CO and unburned HC) have led some car manufacturers to evaluate the potential of this type of engine as prime mover. This paper suggests a strategy to assess the fuel consumption of gas turbines applied in road vehicles. Based on a quasistatic approach, a model was created that can simulate road vehicles powered by gas turbines, and thereafter a comparison was established with reciprocating engines. Within this study, material and turbomachinery technology developments that have taken place in micro gas turbines since the 1960’s have been considered. A 30% efficiency improvement target has been identified with respect to making the gas turbine fuel competitive to a diesel engine powering an SUV. It is the authors’ view that several technologies that could mature suff...
Biomass used in energy conversion processes is typically characterized by high variability, makin... more Biomass used in energy conversion processes is typically characterized by high variability, making its utilization challenging. Therefore, there is a need for a fast and non-destructive method to determine feedstock/product properties and directly monitor process reactors. The near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique together with advanced data analysis methods offers a possible solution. This review focuses on the introduction of the NIRS method and its recent applications to physical, thermochemical, biochemical and physiochemical biomass conversion processes represented mainly by pelleting, combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, as well as biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel production. NIRS has been proven to be a reliable and inexpensive method with a great potential for use in process optimization, advanced control, or product quality assurance.
Nowadays, the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has become a top priority for... more Nowadays, the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has become a top priority for society and economy. In the past decades, some of the environmental advantages of the gas turbine (such as inherently low CO and unburned HC) have led some car manufacturers to evaluate the potential of this type of engine as prime mover. This paper suggests a strategy to assess the fuel consumption of gas turbines applied in road vehicles. Based on a quasistatic approach, a model was created that can simulate road vehicles powered by gas turbines, and thereafter a comparison was established with reciprocating engines. Within this study, material and turbomachinery technology developments that have taken place in micro gas turbines since the 1960’s have been considered. A 30% efficiency improvement target has been identified with respect to making the gas turbine fuel competitive to a diesel engine powering an SUV. It is the authors’ view that several technologies that could mature suff...
Uploads
Papers by Konstantinos Kyprianidis