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At least 91 records · Page 5

BETO 2021 Peer Review - FCIC Task 6: High Temperature Conversion

The impacts of feedstock variability on pyrolysis processes are significant but poorly defined. Current engineering designs are based on empirical guidelines, useful only over a narrow range of feedstock properties. The objectives of this project are to (1) Develop science-based knowledge of how feedstock attributes and operational parameters impact pyrolysis process reliability and product quality; and (2) Build an experimental and computational toolset that predicts these outcomes, enabling processes to optimize reliability and product quality. Biomass is a complex feedstock. Controlling for and testing the effects of individual attributes is very challenging. This project couples multiscale experimentation and modeling to accurately capture the fundamental physics and chemistry of biomass flow and conversion behavior in feeding and pyrolysis reactor operations. Our focus is on pine residue attributes – anatomical fraction (bark, needles, wood), particle morphology (size/shape distribution, density, porosity), and chemical composition (extractives, biopolymers, alkali metals) – that impact product quality for downstream catalytic upgrading. Because detailed pyrolysis product characterization is limited, cutting-edge analytical techniques are being developed to reveal impactful product attributes. The tools and knowledge developed here will enable integrated pyrolysis-based processes that are more robust, flexible, and market-responsive with respect to feedstock variability.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

A unifying equation for fermentation sustainability across the titer-rate-yield landscape

Industrial fermentation is central to the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals, yet commercial viability of emerging technologies hinges on improving fermentation titer, rate, and yield (TRY). How these metrics shape system cost remains difficult to generalize due to complex interactions among feedstocks, fermentation, separations, catalytic upgrading, waste management, and facility design. Here, we systematically map theoretical fermentation performance spaces (formed by all potential TRY combinations) for 32 representative biomanufacturing facilities—spanning distinct choices for feedstocks, fermentation regimes and products, separations, and catalytic upgrading—by simulating and evaluating them (via techno-economic analysis, TEA) under uncertainty (600,000 Monte Carlo simulations) and across TRY combinations (7500 TRY combinations for each of 32 configurations). Across this wide design and thermodynamic simulation space, we find the relationship between fermentation TRY and system cost is captured by a simple, generalizable mathematical equation (R 2 of 0.992 − 1.000 across our simulations; 0.954 − 1.000 when validated against prior studies that used different tools). We use this equation to elucidate key drivers that shape cost sensitivity to fermentation performance, generating widely applicable insights. By demonstrating a unifying relationship governs the impact of fermentation on biomanufacturing economics, this work establishes a foundation for agile, holistically predictive, resource-efficient strategies to prioritize fermentation research and development needs and accelerate commercialization of emerging biomanufacturing technologies.

applied mathematics↗

Organic matter concentration and composition of experimentally burned open air and muffle furnace vegetation chars across differing burn severity and feedstock types from Pacific Northwest, USA (v4).

This dataset represents results from an experimental study designed to compare how the chemical composition of organic matter changes across different burn conditions and feedstock materials. The dataset provides both solid and dissolved phase bulk concentration and organic matter characterization data from experimentally generated chars. Chars were created in a closed muffle furnace or on an open burn table from four different feedstock species representing vegetation commonly impacted by fire regimes across the Pacific Northwest, USA. This data can be used to compare how different burn conditions may influence resultant organic matter chemistry and help further our understanding of potential biogeochemical impacts on river corridors post-fire. This dataset is comprised of one data package readme, one data dictionary (dd), one file level metadata (flmd), fourteen burn table videos, burn table video metadata and three folders containing (A) data; (B) metadata and protocols; and (C) photos. The folder names and the file name of the data package readme include a version number which will be updated with future iterations of this data package. The data folder includes (1) solid carbon and solid nitrogen; (2) dissolved organic carbon (DOC, measured as non-purgeable organic carbon, NPOC) and total dissolved nitrogen (TN); (3) pH; (4) thermocouple time series temperature; (5) methods codes; (6) installation methods; (7) excitation emissions matrix (EEM) methods information; (8) a folder of excitation emissions matrix (EEM) fluorescence and absorbance spectra in dissolved organic matter and EEMs processing instructions; (9) solid state carbon-13 and solution state phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (13-C NMR and 31-P NMR) data and methods; (10) benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) concentration and stable isotope data; (11) FTICR-MS methods; (12) Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) data for total calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and sulfur along with sodium hydroxide-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (sodium hydroxide-EDTA) extractable calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur; (13) a folder of phosphorus, carbon, and nitrogen X-ray absorption near edge structure (P-XANES, N-XANES, C-XANES) data for samples and standards; (14) P-XANES, N-XANES, C-XANES methods; (15) molybdate reactive phosphorus; and (16) folder of high resolution characterization of organic matter via 21 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) generated through the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL; https://www.pnnl.gov/environmental-molecular-sciences-laboratory). The FTICR folder contains .txt data files and a subfolder containing instruments for using Formularity (https://omics.pnl.gov/software/formularity) and an R script to process the data based on the user's specific needs. The metadata and protocols folder includes (1) international geo-sample number (IGSN) mapping file (2) burn and laboratory metadata; (3) burn protocol; (4) laboratory protocol; (5) vegetation collection metadata; and (6) vegetation collection protocol. The folder contains photos of the solid chars. All files are .csv, .txt, .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .R, .ref, or .mp4. The data package was originally published October 2022 (v1). It was updated April 2023 (v2; new data files), September 2023 (v3; new and corrected data files), and September 2024 (v4; new and added/updated files). Metadata files were also updated to reflect these changes. See the change history section in the readme for more details.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Integrated Landscape Management to Reduce Biomass Feedstock Access Costs

Using geospatial, machine learning, and optimization techniques, a field scoring and design framework known as the bioenergy Landscape Environmental Assessment and Design System (bioLEADS) was developed and used to show through modelling that it is possible to reduce biomass feedstock access costs, improve field revenue, and shift intensive row crop production away from subfield areas susceptible to erosion and low in soil organic carbon. The purpose of bioLEADS is to automate agricultural field selection and subfield allocation to perennial energy crop production while incorporating reduced biomass feedstock access costs to support attaining the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) cost targets.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Computational Analysis of Dynamic SPK(S8)-JP8 Fueled Combustor-Sector Performance

Civil and military flight tests using blends of synthetic and biomass fueling with jet fuel up to 50:50 are currently considered as "drop-in" fuels. They are fully compatible with aircraft performance, emissions and fueling systems, yet the design and operations of such fueling systems and combustors must be capable of running fuels from a range of feedstock sources. This paper provides Smart Combustor or Fuel Flexible Combustor designers with computational tools, preliminary performance, emissions and particulates combustor sector data. The baseline fuel is kerosene-JP-8+100 (military) or Jet A (civil). Results for synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) fuel blends show little change with respect to baseline performance, yet do show lower emissions. The evolution of a validated combustor design procedure is fundamental to the development of dynamic fueling of combustor systems for gas turbine engines that comply with multiple feedstock sources satisfying both new and legacy systems.

Ryder, R.↗

Enabling Sustainable Landscape Design for Continual Improvement of Operating Bioenergy Supply Systems

This unique and highly effective project catalyzed collaboration among government, university, and private sector partners through a multi-state research and technology transfer project designed to support continuous improvement of bioenergy feedstock supply systems. Conceived and built upon the foundation created by prior DOE investments in the Billion Ton Study, Sun Grant Regional Project, and many other feedstock production, harvest, storage and transportation studies, this project addressed seven tasks with more than 29 subtasks. All goals were met with key accomplishments being: (1) on-farm establishment of potential perennial plant mixtures that could not only become sustainable feedstock sources but also enhance soil health, (2) a reduction in potential wind and water erosion by improving corn stover harvest techniques and incorporating cover crops into current row-crop production systems, (3) reduced potential for surface and groundwater contamination while also increasing potential biodiversity and sustainability of Midwestern USA landscapes, and (4) development of site-specific land management, data visualization, and sustainability assessment tools. Twenty-two Case Studies highlighting accomplishments and lessons learned through this public-private partnership investment are incorporated into this final report. On-farm and replicated field plot studies were used to provide the real-world data needed to verify baseline assumptions for extensive feedstock logistic modeling and greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments needed to develop sustainable bioenergy and bio-product industries at national and international scales.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Next Generation Feedstocks for the Emerging Bioeconomy

The Next Generation Feedstocks for the Emerging Bioeconomy project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was designed to accelerate the development of sustainable, cost-competitive biomass feedstocks that can be grown on marginal lands, which are not suitable for row crop production. By focusing on advanced bioenergy-type switchgrass cultivars and related perennial grasses, the project directly supported the U.S. “Billion-Ton Vision,” which aims to expand biomass production to displace fossil fuels while providing environmental and economic benefits. The project improved understanding of perennial bioenergy crop performance at a large scale in marginal environments.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Development of a microwave-assisted downdraft moving-bed gasifier for continuous processing of lignite and biomass chars

This research illustrates a microwave-assisted downdraft moving-bed gasifier for the first time. Such design enables continuous solid gasification process. An adjustable auger was applied to control the solid removal rate and the gas-solid interaction time. Both lignite and biomass chars were investigated to determine the capability of the current system for low-tar feedstocks with different densities. Here, the presented reactor design was able to operate continuously for 3 hours and 20 minutes under 700 ℃ and atmospheric pressure, with air as the gasifying agent. For yellow pine char, the processing rate could reach 34.1 grams per hour with decent syngas production. The downdraft moving-bed design shows better cold gas and syngas production efficiencies compared to the common fixed-bed design, due to controllable residence time and more homogeneous microwave heating. The limitations of the current design and the direction of novel microwave-assisted chemical reactor design were discussed. This novel reactor design provides a way to improve the efficiency of microwave-assisted gasification process and shows its potential to be incorporated into other established chemical reaction processes as a modular add-on.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Design and synthesis of biobased superhydrophobic biochar catalyst derived from Citrus sinensis for biodiesel production using inedible oil feedstocks

In an one-pot in situ trans/esterification of low-grade feedstocks, the simultaneous presence of triglycerides (TAGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) presents a dual catalytic challenge. While TAGs undergo transesterification to form biodiesel and glycerol, FFAs present in the feedstocks are esterified simultaneously, producing water as a by-product. This water can deactivate acid catalysts by interacting with their active sites, reducing catalytic efficiency and reusability. To overcome this, we developed a hydrophobic sulfonic acid-functionalized biochar catalyst derived from Citrus sinensis (orange peel) via sulfonation with H 2 SO 4 and subsequent silylation using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). The optimized catalyst exhibited a high surface area (355.09 m 2 g −1 ), sulfur content (5.33 wt%), and strong hydrophobicity (water contact angle: 154°). Compared to non-hydrophobic analogs, it showed enhanced activity and reusability (up to 10 cycles). Using response surface methodology with central composite design, a biodiesel yield of 99.1 ± 0.4% was achieved under optimal conditions. Life cycle assessment was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of biodiesel production utilising the synthesized catalyst, considering 1000 kg of biodiesel produced as 1 functional unit. In conclusion, the recorded results showed the cumulative abiotic depletion of fossil resources over the entire biodiesel production process as 87 243.423 MJ and global warming potential as 4103.494 kg CO 2 equivalent.

Biochar↗

Optimization under uncertainty of a hybrid waste tire and natural gas feedstock flexible polygeneration system using a decomposition algorithm

Market uncertainties motivate the development of flexible polygeneration systems that are able to adjust operating conditions to favor production of the most profitable product portfolio. However, this operational flexibility comes at the cost of higher capital expenditure. A scenario-based two-stage stochastic nonconvex Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) approach lends itself naturally to optimizing these trade-offs. This work studies the optimal design and operation under uncertainty of a hybrid feedstock flexible polygeneration system producing electricity, methanol, dimethyl ether, olefins or liquefied (synthetic) natural gas. A recently developed C++ based software framework (named GOSSIP) is used for modeling the optimization problem as well as its efficient solution using the Nonconvex Generalized Benders Decomposition (NGBD) algorithm. Two different cases are studied: The first uses estimates of the means and variances of the uncertain parameters from historical data, whereas the second assesses the impact of increased uncertain parameter volatility. The value of implementing flexible designs characterized by the value of the stochastic solution (VSS) is in the range of 260–405 M$ for a scale of approximately 893 MW of thermal input. Increased price volatility around the same mean results in higher expected net present value and VSS as operational flexibility allows for asymmetric exploitation of price peaks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of char conversion in Sandia’s pressurized entrained flow reactor

Design and analysis of practical reactors utilizing solid feedstocks rely on reaction rate parameters that are typically generated in lab-scale reactors. Evaluation of the reaction rate information often relies on assumptions of uniform temperature, velocity, and species distributions in the reactor, in lieu of detailed measurements that provide local information. This assumption might be a source of substantial error, since reactor designs can impose significant inhomogeneities, leading to data misinterpretation. Spatially resolved reactor simulations help understand the key processes within the reactor and support the identification of severe variations of temperature, velocity, and species distributions. In this work, Sandia’s pressurized entrained flow reactor is modeled to identify inhomogeneities in the reaction zone. Tracer particles are tracked through the reactor to estimate the residence times and burnout ratio of introduced coal char particles in gasifying environments. The results reveal a complex mixing environment for the cool gas and particles entering the reactor along the centerline and the main high-speed hot gas reactor flow. Furthermore, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results show that flow asymmetries are introduced through the use of a horizontal gas pre-heating section that connects to the vertical reactor tube. Computed particle temperatures and residence times in the reactor differ substantially from the idealized plug flow conditions typically evoked in interpreting experimental measurements. Furthermore, experimental measurements and CFD analysis of heat flow through porous refractory insulation suggest that for the investigated conditions (1350 °C, <20 atm), the thermal conductivity of the insulation does not increase substantially with increasing pressure.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Spatial and temporal characterization of municipal solid waste based on resource recovery pathways

This study presents a two-year, quarterly assessment of MSW across four source sectors (residential, schools, restaurants, and grocery stores) from sixteen sites across five U.S. states. MSW was manually sorted into 27 categories and aggregated into pathway fractions: high-moisture (HM) organics, low-moisture (LM) organics, recyclable (RC) materials, and residuals for disposal. Organics represented 89 % of the MSW stream. The largest fraction was HM organics consisting of food waste (31 %) and yard waste (3 %), with large coefficient of variations (CV), 79 and 278 %, respectively, reflecting high seasonal and site variability that varied significantly (p < 0.01) across sampling periods. The HM fraction showed properties favorable for anaerobic digestion, with moisture content ranging from 56 to 95 % and volatile solids ranges of 86-95 %. In contrast, the LM and RC fractions remained more stable (plastics CV = 41 %; paper CV = 53 %) with heating values up to 26.9 MJ/kg across sources, reflecting suitability for gasification. Microstructural analysis revealed less porosity in residential waste sampled at the landfill, which can influence preprocessing efficiency and microbial accessibility. Pathway informed allocations showed that 35 % of MSW is suitable for anaerobic digestion, 36 % for gasification, and 18 % for recycling, leaving 11 % requiring landfill disposal. These results provide quantitative evidence to determine feedstock allocation, waste-to-energy system design, and the development of data-driven sustainability and resource recovery strategies within a circular bioeconomy.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

A new bioenergy model that simulates the impacts of plant‐microbial interactions, soil carbon protection, and mechanistic tillage on soil carbon cycling

Abstract Advancing our predictive understanding of bioenergy systems is critical to design decision tools that can inform which feedstock to plant, where to plant it, and how to manage its production to provide both energy and ecosystem carbon (C) benefits. Here, we lay the foundation for that advancement by integrating recent developments in the science of belowground processes in shaping the C cycle into a new bioenergy model, FUN‐BioCROP (Fixation and Uptake of Nitrogen‐Bioenergy Carbon, Rhizosphere, Organisms, and Protection). We show that FUN‐BioCROP can approximate the historical trajectory of soil C dynamics as natural ecosystems were successively converted into intensive agriculture and bioenergy systems. This ability relies in part on a novel tillage representation that mechanistically models tillage as a process that increases microbial access to C. Importantly, the impacts of tillage and feedstock choice also influence FUN‐BioCROP simulations of warming responses with no‐till perennial feedstocks, miscanthus, and switchgrass, having more C that is unprotected and susceptible to warming than tilled annual feedstocks like corn–corn–soybean. However, this susceptibility to warming is balanced by a greater potential for increases in belowground C allocation to enhance soil C stocks in perennial systems. Collectively, our model results highlight the importance of belowground processes in evaluating the ecosystem C benefits of bioenergy production.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Overexpression of RuBisCO form I and II genes in Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 augments polyhydroxyalkanoate production heterotrophically and autotrophically

ABSTRACT With the rising demand for sustainable renewable resources, microorganisms capable of producing bioproducts such as bioplastics are attractive. While many bioproduction systems are well-studied in model organisms, investigating non-model organisms is essential to expand the field and utilize metabolically versatile strains. This investigation centers on Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1, a purple non-sulfur bacterium capable of producing bioplastics. To increase bioplastic production, genes encoding the putative regulatory protein PhaR and the depolymerase PhaZ of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis pathway were deleted. Genes associated with pathways that might compete with PHA production, specifically those linked to glycogen production and nitrogen fixation, were deleted. Additionally, RuBisCO form I and II genes were integrated into TIE-1’s genome by a phage integration system, developed in this study. Our results show that deletion of phaR increases PHA production when TIE-1 is grown photoheterotrophically with butyrate and ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl). Mutants unable to produce glycogen or fix nitrogen show increased PHA production under photoautotrophic growth with hydrogen and NH 4 Cl. The most significant increase in PHA production was observed when RuBisCO form I and form I & II genes were overexpressed, five times under photoheterotrophy with butyrate, two times with hydrogen and NH 4 Cl, and two times under photoelectrotrophic growth with N 2 . In summary, inserting copies of RuBisCO genes into the TIE-1 genome is a more effective strategy than deleting competing pathways to increase PHA production in TIE-1. The successful use of the phage integration system opens numerous opportunities for synthetic biology in TIE-1. IMPORTANCE Our planet has been burdened by pollution resulting from the extensive use of petroleum-derived plastics for the last few decades. Since the discovery of biodegradable plastic alternatives, concerted efforts have been made to enhance their bioproduction. The versatile microorganism Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 (TIE-1) stands out as a promising candidate for bioplastic synthesis, owing to its ability to use multiple electron sources, fix the greenhouse gas CO 2 , and use light as an energy source. Two categories of strains were meticulously designed from the TIE-1 wild-type to augment the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), one such bioplastic produced. The first group includes mutants carrying a deletion of the phaR or phaZ genes in the PHA pathway, and those lacking potential competitive carbon and energy sinks to the PHA pathway (namely, glycogen biosynthesis and nitrogen fixation). The second group comprises TIE-1 strains that overexpress RuBisCO form I or form I & II genes inserted via a phage integration system. By studying numerous metabolic mutants and overexpression strains, we conclude that genetic modifications in the environmental microbe TIE-1 can improve PHA production. When combined with other approaches (such as reactor design, use of microbial consortia, and different feedstocks), genetic and metabolic manipulations of purple nonsulfur bacteria like TIE-1 are essential for replacing petroleum-derived plastics with biodegradable plastics like PHA.

Ranaivoarisoa, Tahina Onina↗

Biomass Feedstock National User Facility--Improving Bale Deconstruction and Material Flow

The project aims to reduce feedstock variability using a quality-by-design approach beginning when the biomass is introduced to the process and will continue through the size reduction process, which will yield the results of fine generation reduction, contaminant removal, control of the physical and chemical critical material attributes in the process, and management of the flowability.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

BETO 2021 Peer Review - Biomethanation to Upgrade Biogas to Pipeline Grade Methane WBS 5.1.3.102

We are developing, innovating and de-risking a biomethanation process capable of megawatt-scale deployment that upgrades biogas waste streams to produce pipeline quality renewable natural gas (RNG). Biomethanation is a two-step process using a methanogenic microorganism to convert renewable hydrogen (H2) and waste carbon dioxide (CO2) to renewable methane (CH4) - the primary component in natural gas. Using biogenic CO2 from biogas sources like dairies, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills allows production of this drop-in direct replacement fuel to participate in the growing number of carbon markets; like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard. The end-of-project goal is to demonstrate pipeline quality RNG production (> 95% CH4, < 4% H2, <1% CO2, < 0.2% O2 and < 4 parts per million hydrogen sulfide) using real biogas feedstocks. We will accomplish this goal by designing and building a pressurized (18 bar) mobile lab-scale (20L) bioreactor research platform, including integrated electrolyzer system, based on lessons learned from operating the 700L pilot system from Southern California Gas Company. In collaboration with Electrochaea, natural gas utilities and Argonne National lab, will provide the data to establish a preliminary range of carbon intensity to help accelerate the deployment of utility-scale H2 production and qualify the biomethanation pathway process for RNG production.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Rare Earth Extraction and Concentration at Pilot-Scale from North Dakota Coal-Related Feedstocks (Final Technical Report)

The objectives of this project were to design, construct, commission, and operate a pilot-scale system utilizing UND's REE extraction technology from lignite, and complete saleability and economic evaluations of products. The process includes a dilute-acid extraction process from low-rank-coals, followed by selective precipitations and further processing to produce mixed rare earth oxide materials. The pilot was successfully constructed to a 1,000 lb/hr nameplate capacity and tested with over 100 tons of >300-ppm lignite-based feedstocks and produced saleable-quality products during operation. The team successfully attained a TRL status of 6 with the completion and testing of the pilot system, and the technology is poised for demonstration at a commercial scale.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Bioinspired design toward nanocellulose-based materials

Nature provides lots of inspiration for material and structural design for various applications. Deriving design principles from the investigation of nature can provide a rich source of inspiration for the development of multifunctional materials. The bioinspired design templates mainly include mussels, nacre, and various plant species. As a sustainable and renewable feedstock, nanocellulose can be used to fabricate advanced materials with multifunctional properties through bioinspired designs. However, challenges and opportunities remain for realizing the full potential in the design of novel materials. Here, this article reviewed recent development in the bioinspired nanocellulose based materials and their application. This article summarizes the functions (e.g., surface wetting) and applications (e.g., composite) of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials. The bioinspired design templates are discussed along with strategies, advantages, and challenges to the development of synthetic mimics. Additionally, mechanisms and processes (e.g., chemical modification, self-assembly) leading to biomimetic design are discussed. Finally, future research directions and opportunities of bioinspired nanocellulose-based materials are highlighted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗