Effects of Thermo-chemical Pre-treatment on Bamboo for Biogas Production

Advanced temperature control in ethanol fermentation using a PSO-PID controller with split-range control strategy

Global energy demand is experiencing a notable surge due to growing energy security. Renewable energy sources, like ethanol, are becoming more viable. In the present study, the application of a PSO-PID (Particle Swarm Optimization - Proportional Integral Derivative) controller with a split-range control strategy was suggested for the regulation of temperature within the fermentation system. To optimize performance, a POS-PID controller with a split-range arrangement utilizing two control valves for hot and cold utilities was constructed. The study began by examining the open-loop dynamic response of the system to inlet temperature and concentration disturbances during ethanol production fermentation. Subsequently, a transfer function model was developed through linearization at the steady-state operating point. The split-range controller structure, implemented by optimizing the PSO-PID controller parameters using PSO, effectively demonstrated temperature control in simulations of a nonlinear model. In this investigation, the ethanol fermentation system was modeled as a CSTR using a modified Monod equation for microbial growth kinetics. Various dynamic behavioral disturbances were explored and verified in the model with plant data in this study. The simulation model results were validated through plant data. The proposed method showed superior closed-loop performance with respect to errors, with the actuators proving to be effective than other reported methods for temperature control.

Pyrolytic conversion of human hair to fuel: performance evaluation and kinetic modelling

There are several environmental and human health impacts if human hair waste is not adequately disposed of. In this study, pyrolysis of discarded human hair was carried out. This research focused on the pyrolysis of discarded human hair under controlled environmental conditions. The effects of the mass of discarded human hair and temperature on bio-oil yield were studied. The proximate and ultimate analyses and calorific values of disposed of human hair, bio-oil, and biochar were determined. Further, chemical compounds of bio-oil were analyzed using a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. Finally, the kinetic modeling and behavior of the pyrolysis process were characterized through FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Based on the optimized mass of disposed of human hair, 250 g had a better bio-oil yield of 97% in the temperature range of 210-300 °C. The different parameters of bio-oil were: pH (2.87), specific gravity (1.17), moisture content (19%), heating value (19.34 MJ/kg), and viscosity (50 CP). C (56.4%), H (6.1%), N (0.16%), S (0.01%), O (38.4%), and Ash (0.1%) were discovered to be the elemental chemical composition of bio-oil (on a dry basis). During breakdown, the release of different compounds like hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, acids, and alcohols takes place. According to the GC-MS results, several amino acids were discovered in the bio-oil, 12 abundant in the discarded human hair. The FTIR and thermal analysis found different concluding temperatures and wave numbers for functional groups. Two main stages are partially separated at about 305 °C, with maximum degradation rates at about 293 oC and 400-4140 °C, respectively. The mass loss was 30% at 293 0C and 82% at temperatures above 293 0C. When the temperature reached 4100C, the entire bio-oil from discarded human hair was distilled or thermally decomposed.