IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v10y2018i7p2323-d156304.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Future Perspectives of Biomass Torrefaction: Review of the Current State-Of-The-Art and Research Development

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge Miguel Carneiro Ribeiro

    (DEGEIT—Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Radu Godina

    (C-MAST—Centre for Aerospace Science and Technologies—Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • João Carlos de Oliveira Matias

    (DEGEIT—Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    GOVCOPP—Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Leonel Jorge Ribeiro Nunes

    (DEGEIT—Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    GOVCOPP—Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

The growing search for alternative energy sources is not only due to the present shortage of non-renewable energy sources, but also due to their negative environmental impacts. Therefore, a lot of attention is drawn to the use of biomass as a renewable energy source. However, using biomass in its natural state has not proven to be an efficient technique, giving rise to a wide range of processing treatments that enhance the properties of biomass as an energy source. Torrefaction is a thermal process that enhances the properties of biomass through its thermal decomposition at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. The torrefaction process is defined by several parameters, which also have impacts on the final quality of the torrefied biomass. The final quality is measured by considering parameters, such as humidity, heating value (HV), and grindability. Studies have focused on maximizing the torrefied biomass’ quality using the best possible combination for the different parameters. The main objective of this article is to present new information regarding the conventional torrefaction process, as well as study the innovative techniques that have been in development for the improvement of the torrefied biomass qualities. With this study, conclusions were made regarding the importance of torrefaction in the energy field, after considering the economic status of this renewable resource. The importance of the torrefaction parameters on the final properties of torrefied biomass was also highly considered, as well as the importance of the reactor scales for the definition of ideal protocols.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Miguel Carneiro Ribeiro & Radu Godina & João Carlos de Oliveira Matias & Leonel Jorge Ribeiro Nunes, 2018. "Future Perspectives of Biomass Torrefaction: Review of the Current State-Of-The-Art and Research Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2323-:d:156304
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2323/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2323/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Peng, Jianghong & Bi, Xiaotao T., 2015. "A state-of-the-art review of biomass torrefaction, densification and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 847-866.
    2. Stamatios Ntanos & Grigorios Kyriakopoulos & Miltiadis Chalikias & Garyfallos Arabatzis & Michalis Skordoulis, 2018. "Public Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Renewable Energy: A Case Study from Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Saidur, R. & Abdelaziz, E.A. & Demirbas, A. & Hossain, M.S. & Mekhilef, S., 2011. "A review on biomass as a fuel for boilers," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(5), pages 2262-2289, June.
    4. Mola-Yudego, Blas & Dimitriou, Ioannis & Gonzalez-Garcia, Sara & Gritten, David & Aronsson, Pär, 2014. "A conceptual framework for the introduction of energy crops," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 29-38.
    5. Álvarez, Ana & Nogueiro, Dositeo & Pizarro, Consuelo & Matos, María & Bueno, Julio L., 2018. "Non-oxidative torrefaction of biomass to enhance its fuel properties," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 1-8.
    6. Wang, M.J. & Huang, Y.F. & Chiueh, P.T. & Kuan, W.H. & Lo, S.L., 2012. "Microwave-induced torrefaction of rice husk and sugarcane residues," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 177-184.
    7. Flavio Andreoli Bonazzi & Sirio R.S. Cividino & Ilaria Zambon & Enrico Maria Mosconi & Stefano Poponi, 2018. "Building Energy Opportunity with a Supply Chain Based on the Local Fuel-Producing Capacity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, June.
    8. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Kuo, Po-Chih, 2011. "Torrefaction and co-torrefaction characterization of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin as well as torrefaction of some basic constituents in biomass," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 803-811.
    9. Corradini, Massimiliano & Costantini, Valeria & Markandya, Anil & Paglialunga, Elena & Sforna, Giorgia, 2018. "A dynamic assessment of instrument interaction and timing alternatives in the EU low-carbon policy mix design," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 73-84.
    10. Batidzirai, B. & Mignot, A.P.R. & Schakel, W.B. & Junginger, H.M. & Faaij, A.P.C., 2013. "Biomass torrefaction technology: Techno-economic status and future prospects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 196-214.
    11. Leonardo Meeus & Isabel Azevedo & Claudio Marcantonini & Jean-Michel Glachant & Manfred Hafner, 2011. "EU 2050 low-carbon energy future: visions and strategies," RSCAS Working Papers 2011/11, European University Institute.
    12. Luigi Schirone & Filippo Pellitteri, 2017. "Energy Policies and Sustainable Management of Energy Sources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-13, December.
    13. Fragkos, Panagiotis & Tasios, Nikos & Paroussos, Leonidas & Capros, Pantelis & Tsani, Stella, 2017. "Energy system impacts and policy implications of the European Intended Nationally Determined Contribution and low-carbon pathway to 2050," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 216-226.
    14. Pentananunt, Ranu & Rahman, A.N.M.Mizanur & Bhattacharya, S.C., 1990. "Upgrading of biomass by means of torrefaction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 15(12), pages 1175-1179.
    15. Chew, J.J. & Doshi, V., 2011. "Recent advances in biomass pretreatment – Torrefaction fundamentals and technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(8), pages 4212-4222.
    16. Proskurina, Svetlana & Heinimö, Jussi & Schipfer, Fabian & Vakkilainen, Esa, 2017. "Biomass for industrial applications: The role of torrefaction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 265-274.
    17. Milbrandt, Anelia R. & Heimiller, Donna M. & Perry, Andrew D. & Field, Christopher B., 2014. "Renewable energy potential on marginal lands in the United States," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 473-481.
    18. Xin, Shanzhi & Mi, Tie & Liu, Xiaoye & Huang, Fang, 2018. "Effect of torrefaction on the pyrolysis characteristics of high moisture herbaceous residues," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 586-593.
    19. Nunes, L.J.R. & Matias, J.C.O. & Catalão, J.P.S., 2014. "A review on torrefied biomass pellets as a sustainable alternative to coal in power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 153-160.
    20. da Silva, Carlos Miguel Simões & Carneiro, Angélica de Cássia Oliveira & Vital, Benedito Rocha & Figueiró, Clarissa Gusmão & Fialho, Lucas de Freitas & de Magalhães, Mateus Alves & Carvalho, Amélia Gu, 2018. "Biomass torrefaction for energy purposes – Definitions and an overview of challenges and opportunities in Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2426-2432.
    21. Uslu, Ayla & Faaij, André P.C. & Bergman, P.C.A., 2008. "Pre-treatment technologies, and their effect on international bioenergy supply chain logistics. Techno-economic evaluation of torrefaction, fast pyrolysis and pelletisation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(8), pages 1206-1223.
    22. Tran, Khanh-Quang & Luo, Xun & Seisenbaeva, Gulaim & Jirjis, Raida, 2013. "Stump torrefaction for bioenergy application," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 539-546.
    23. Bongsuk Sung & Sang-Do Park, 2018. "Who Drives the Transition to a Renewable-Energy Economy? Multi-Actor Perspective on Social Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-32, February.
    24. Carlo Andrea Bollino & Francesco Asdrubali & Paolo Polinori & Simona Bigerna & Silvia Micheli & Claudia Guattari & Antonella Rotili, 2017. "A Note on Medium- and Long-Term Global Energy Prospects and Scenarios," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-25, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Abdulyekeen, Kabir Abogunde & Umar, Ahmad Abulfathi & Patah, Muhamad Fazly Abdul & Daud, Wan Mohd Ashri Wan, 2021. "Torrefaction of biomass: Production of enhanced solid biofuel from municipal solid waste and other types of biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    2. Dimitrios K. Sidiras & Antonios G. Nazos & Georgios E. Giakoumakis & Dorothea V. Politi, 2020. "Simulating the Effect of Torrefaction on the Heating Value of Barley Straw," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Bai, Xiaopeng & Wang, Guanghui & Zhu, Zheng & Cai, Chen & Wang, Zhiqin & Wang, Decheng, 2020. "Investigation of improving the yields and qualities of pyrolysis products with combination rod-milled and torrefaction pretreatment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 446-453.
    4. Niu, Yanqing & Lv, Yuan & Lei, Yu & Liu, Siqi & Liang, Yang & Wang, Denghui & Hui, Shi'en, 2019. "Biomass torrefaction: properties, applications, challenges, and economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    5. Dai, Leilei & Wang, Yunpu & Liu, Yuhuan & Ruan, Roger & He, Chao & Yu, Zhenting & Jiang, Lin & Zeng, Zihong & Tian, Xiaojie, 2019. "Integrated process of lignocellulosic biomass torrefaction and pyrolysis for upgrading bio-oil production: A state-of-the-art review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 20-36.
    6. Batidzirai, B. & Mignot, A.P.R. & Schakel, W.B. & Junginger, H.M. & Faaij, A.P.C., 2013. "Biomass torrefaction technology: Techno-economic status and future prospects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 196-214.
    7. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Peng, Jianghong & Bi, Xiaotao T., 2015. "A state-of-the-art review of biomass torrefaction, densification and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 847-866.
    8. Singh, Rishikesh Kumar & Chakraborty, Jyoti Prasad & Sarkar, Arnab, 2020. "Optimizing the torrefaction of pigeon pea stalk (cajanus cajan) using response surface methodology (RSM) and characterization of solid, liquid and gaseous products," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 677-690.
    9. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Liu, Shih-Hsien & Juang, Tarng-Tzuen & Tsai, Chi-Ming & Zhuang, Yi-Qing, 2015. "Characterization of solid and liquid products from bamboo torrefaction," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 829-835.
    10. Wilk, Małgorzata & Magdziarz, Aneta & Kalemba, Izabela, 2015. "Characterisation of renewable fuels' torrefaction process with different instrumental techniques," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 259-269.
    11. Jian Cheng & Min Xie & Li Xu & Lei Zhang & Xiaohan Ren, 2021. "Chlorine Release from Co-Pyrolysis of Corn Straw and Lignite in Nitrogen and Oxidative Pyrolysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-15, December.
    12. Wilk, Małgorzata & Magdziarz, Aneta & Kalemba, Izabela & Gara, Paweł, 2016. "Carbonisation of wood residue into charcoal during low temperature process," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 507-513.
    13. Granados, D.A. & Ruiz, R.A. & Vega, L.Y. & Chejne, F., 2017. "Study of reactivity reduction in sugarcane bagasse as consequence of a torrefaction process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 818-827.
    14. Paredes, B.M. & Paredes, J.P. & García, R., 2023. "Integration of biocoal in distributed energy systems: A potential case study in the Spanish coal-mining regions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PC).
    15. Gan, Yong Yang & Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Ling, Tau Chuan & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Chong, Cheng Tung, 2019. "Torrefaction of de-oiled Jatropha seed kernel biomass for solid fuel production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 367-374.
    16. Ignacio, Luís Henrique da Silva & Santos, Pedro Eduardo de Almeida & Duarte, Carlos Antonio Ribeiro, 2019. "An experimental assessment of Eucalyptus urosemente energy potential for biomass production in Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 361-369.
    17. Reyes, Y.A. & Pérez, M. & Barrera, E.L. & Martínez, Y. & Cheng, K.K., 2022. "Thermochemical conversion processes of Dichrostachys cinerea as a biofuel: A review of the Cuban case," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    18. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Kuo, Po-Chih & Liu, Shih-Hsien & Wu, Wei, 2014. "Thermal characterization of oil palm fiber and eucalyptus in torrefaction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 40-48.
    19. Yek, Peter Nai Yuh & Cheng, Yoke Wang & Liew, Rock Keey & Wan Mahari, Wan Adibah & Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Chen, Wei-Hsin & Peng, Wanxi & Park, Young-Kwon & Sonne, Christian & Kong, Sieng Huat & Tabatabaei, 2021. "Progress in the torrefaction technology for upgrading oil palm wastes to energy-dense biochar: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    20. Leonel J. R. Nunes & João C. O. Matias, 2020. "Biomass Torrefaction as a Key Driver for the Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of Energy Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-9, January.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2323-:d:156304. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.