Energy from waste biomass: an LCA study on a biofuel cell at early design stage.

Autor: Rossi E; Industrial Chemistry Deparment 'Toso Montanari', Alma Mater - Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti, 85, 40136, Bologna, BO, Italy.; Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Renewable Sources, Environment, Sea and Energy, University of Bologna, Via Angherà 22, 47922, Rimini, RN, Italy., Cespi D; Industrial Chemistry Deparment 'Toso Montanari', Alma Mater - Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti, 85, 40136, Bologna, BO, Italy. daniele.cespi2@unibo.it.; Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Renewable Sources, Environment, Sea and Energy, University of Bologna, Via Angherà 22, 47922, Rimini, RN, Italy. daniele.cespi2@unibo.it., Maggiore I; Industrial Chemistry Deparment 'Toso Montanari', Alma Mater - Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti, 85, 40136, Bologna, BO, Italy., Setti L; Industrial Chemistry Deparment 'Toso Montanari', Alma Mater - Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti, 85, 40136, Bologna, BO, Italy.; Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Renewable Sources, Environment, Sea and Energy, University of Bologna, Via Angherà 22, 47922, Rimini, RN, Italy., Passarini F; Industrial Chemistry Deparment 'Toso Montanari', Alma Mater - Università di Bologna, Via Piero Gobetti, 85, 40136, Bologna, BO, Italy.; Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research Renewable Sources, Environment, Sea and Energy, University of Bologna, Via Angherà 22, 47922, Rimini, RN, Italy.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Environmental science and pollution research international [Environ Sci Pollut Res Int] 2024 Jun 26. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 26.
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34068-1
Abstrakt: Diversifying energy sources and managing waste biomass are two pressing contemporary issues. The new technology proposed in this study aims to address both by converting waste biomass into energy and fertilizer through the use of a biofuel cell (BFC). The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental impacts associated with this innovative technology through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). To achieve the goal, the production and use of the cell were modelled, considering both laboratory-scale operations and industrial-scale approximations. The study explored alternative scenarios, such as sensitivity analyses involving different acids and bases, renewable energy sources, and heat recovery. Comparisons with conventional biomass waste treatments (anaerobic digestion and composting) demonstrated that the BFC technology remains competitive. To further improve the BFC's environmental footprint, efforts should focus on reducing energy requirements and enhancing nutrient recovery during scale-up. These insights are crucial for advancing sustainable waste treatment technologies and maximizing the potential of discarded biomass in an environmentally friendly manner.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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