Production of bioplastics from hydrolysates of paper industry by Haloferax mediterranei

The biorefinery concept has attracted much attention over the last decade due to increasing concerns about the use of fossil resources. In this context emerged the use of bioplastics, namely polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA are biocompatible and biodegradable plastics that can be obtained from renewable raw materials and can constitute an alternative solution to conventional plastics. In this work, hydrolysed cellulose pulp, coming from Eucalyptus globulus wood cooking, was used as substrate to the PHA-storing bacteria Haloferax mediterranei. The hydrolysed pulp is rich in simple sugars, mainly glucose (81.96 g.L-1) and xylose (20.90 g.L-1). Tests were made in defined medium with glucose and xylose and in hydrolysate supplemented with salts and yeast extract. Different concentrations of glucose were tested, namely 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 g.L-1. The best accumulation results (27.1 % of PHA) were obtained in hydrolysate medium with 10 g.L-1. Using this concentration, assays were performed in fed-batch and sequencing batch reactor conditions in order to determine the best feeding strategy. The strategy that led to the best results was fed-batch assay with 24.7 % of PHA. An assay without sterile conditions was performed, in which was obtained the same growth than in sterilization test. Finally it was performed an assay in a bioreactor and a fast growth (0.14 h-1) with high glucose and xylose consumption rates (0.368 g.L-1.h-1 and 0.0947 g.L-1.h-1, respectively) were obtained. However 1.50 g.L-1 of PHA, corresponding to 16.1 % (92.52 % of 3HB and 3HV of 7.48 %) of % PHA were observed. The polymer was further characterized by DSC with a glass transition temperature of -6.07 °C, a melting temperature of 156.3 °C and a melting enthalpy of 63.07 J.g-1, values that are in accordance with the literature. This work recognizes for the first time the suitability of the pulp paper hydrolysate as a substrate for PHA production by H. mediterranei.

Gasificação de biomassa num reator de leito fluidizado à escala piloto

A gasificação de biomassa permite a produção de um gás combustível com capacidade para reduzir o consumo de combustíveis fósseis. Contudo, para promover a utilização deste processo a nível industrial é necessário ultrapassar diversas limitações e elaborar tecnologias de gasificação que sejam mais rentáveis e eficientes. No presente trabalho efetuou-se a gasificação direta com ar, num reator auto-térmico com um leito fluidizado borbulhante, de diferentes tipos de biomassa provenientes da floresta portuguesa, nomeadamente pellets de madeira e diferentes tipos de biomassa florestal residual derivada de eucalipto. A investigação foi realizada numa instalação à escala piloto localizada no Departamento de Ambiente e Ordenamento da Universidade de Aveiro. A infraestrutura foi desenvolvida de modo a permitir o estudo do processo de gasificação de biomassa. O reator utilizado apresenta 3 metros de altura, consistindo a câmara de gasificação em 2.25 metros, 0.25 metros de diâmetro interno e uma potência entre 40 e 70 kWth. O leito é composto por areia (partículas com granulometria entre os 355 e 1000 µm) e tem uma altura de 0.23 m. A infraestrutura experimental oferece condições para efetuar a gasificação de biomassa, determinar a composição do gás produzido em termos de CO, CO2, H2, N2, CH4 e C2H4 e efetuar a sua combustão num queimador localizado a jusante do reator. O leito fluidizado operou com temperaturas médias entre os 700 e 850ºC. Para as razões de equivalência estabelecidas, entre 0.17 e 0.36, o gás seco apresentou uma composição que, em termos volumétricos e em função das condições operatórias, variou entre 14.0 a 21.4% CO, 14.2 a 17.5% CO2, 3.6 a 5.8% CH4, 1.3 a 2.4% C2H4, 2.0 a 10.2% H2 e 48.9 a 61.1% N2. A maior concentração de CO, CH4 e C2H4 foi observada durante a gasificação de biomassa residual florestal derivada de eucalipto com razão de equivalência de 0.17, contudo, a maior concentração de H2 foi obtida na gasificação de pellets de madeira com razão de equivalência de 0.25. Tendo em conta a composição gasosa, o poder calorífico inferior do gás seco encontrou-se entre 4.4 e 6.9 MJ/Nm3 e os valores mais elevados foram observados durante os processos de gasificação efetuados com menor razão de equivalência. A produção específica de gás variou entre 1.2 e 2.2 Nm3/kg biomassa bs, a eficiência do gás arrefecido entre 41.1 e 62.6% e a eficiência de conversão de carbono entre 60.0 e 87.5%, encontrando-se na gama dos valores reportados na literatura. A melhor condição, em termos da eficiência de gás arrefecido, consistiu na gasificação de biomassa residual florestal derivada de eucalipto com razão de equivalência de 0.25, e em termos da produção específica de gás seco e eficiência de conversão de carbono, na gasificação de biomassa residual florestal derivada de eucalipto com razão de equivalência de 0.35. Contudo, o gás com maior poder calorífico inferior foi obtido durante a gasificação de biomassa residual florestal derivada de eucalipto com razão de equivalência de 0.17. O reator demonstrou adequabilidade na gasificação de diferentes tipos de biomassa e foram observadas condições estáveis de operação, tanto em termos de temperatura como da composição do gás produzido. Geralmente, o gás apresentou propriedades combustíveis apropriadas para ser comburido de forma contínua e estável pelo queimador de gás, sem ser necessária uma fonte de ignição permanente ou a utilização de um combustível auxiliar.

Classificação de veículos híbridos - evolução crescente do grau de electrificação

Em resposta aos impactos ambientais e limitações dos combustíveis fósseis, assistiu-se nas últimas décadas a um acentuado desenvolvimento dos veículos híbridos elétricos convencionais. A sua proliferação encontra-se hoje bem disseminada, em praticamente todas as gamas, refletindo a confiança dos consumidores. Com vista a atenuar ainda mais o uso dos combustíveis fósseis, a tendência é de aumentar o nível de eletrificação nas versões híbridas mais recentes, bem como da oferta de versões puramente elétricas. No entanto, a evolução dos últimos anos, quer ao nível da aposta por parte dos fabricantes, quer ao nível do volume de vendas, parece indiciar uma nova fase de proliferação destes veículos, a qual se encontra ainda a dar os primeiros passos. Este artigo apresenta uma classificação dos veículos híbridos, em função do nível de eletrificação do sistema de propulsão. Após uma breve referência aos veículos puramente elétricos, fazem-se algumas considerações acerca do impacto mundial dos veículos híbridos Plug-in e puramente elétricos, nos últimos 5 anos.

Determination of biodiesel quality parameters for optimization of production process conditions

According to many scientists third industrial revolution has already began and this primarily means the transition to renewable energy sources. Energy requirements are increasing rapidly due to fast industrialization and the increased number of vehicles on the roads. Massive consumption of fossil fuels leads to environmental pollution, therefore, biofuels are offered as an alternative. For example, the application of biodiesel in diesel engines instead of diesel results in the proven reduction of harmful exhaust emissions. One of the most important technologies, which has been already explored at the commercial level, is the production of a liquid biofuel applicable in compression-ignition engines (or diesel engines), from biomass rich in fats and oils. This biofuel is generically referred as biodiesel, and consists essentially of a mixture of FAME's (fatty acid methyl esters). This current work describes modern approaches of biodiesel production from vegetable oil and subsequent analysis of produced biodiesel main characteristics such as density, acidity, iodine value and FAME content.

Production of biodiesel through esterification catalysed by Ionic liquids

Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel that is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. Currently, most biodiesel is made from oils, methanol, and an alkaline catalyst. Conventional catalysts is commonly used for catalyzing esterification of fatty acid to produce biodiesel. However, a better and greener method was found. An ionic liquid (IL) is a molten salt consisting of a cation and an anion, with low melting temperature. It offers a better solution than sulfuric acid, because it can be recycled and reused in subsequent runs after recovery steps. In this study, a Brønsted acidic IL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIM][HSO4]) was used as a catalyst in the esterification of oleic acid with methanol into biodiesel. The effect of different operation parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio, amount of catalyst, reaction temperature, and reaction time were tested. The optimum conditions for esterification of oleic acid were identified as oleic acid/methanol molar ratio of 1/10, amount of catalyst 10 wt%, reaction time of 4 h, and reaction temperature of 90oC. FAME content of produced biodiesel was analyzed and confirmed using GC chromatography.

Teoria de carteiras e a alocação de parques eólicos offshore

The consumption of energy on the planet is currently based on fossil fuels. They are responsible for adverse effects on the environment. Renewables propose solutions for this scenario, but must face issues related to the capacity of the power supply. Wind energy offshore emerging as a promising alternative. The speed and stability are greater winds over oceans, but the variability of these may cause inconvenience to the generation of electric power fluctuations. To reduce this, a combination of wind farms geographically distributed was proposed. The greater the distance between them, the lower the correlation between the wind velocity, increasing the likelihood that together achieve more stable power system with less fluctuations in power generation. The efficient use of production capacity of the wind park however, depends on their distribution in marine environments. The objective of this research was to analyze the optimal allocation of wind farms offshore on the east coast of the U.S. by Modern Portfolio Theory. The Modern Portfolio Theory was used so that the process of building portfolios of wind energy offshore contemplate the particularity of intermittency of wind, through calculations of return and risk of the production of wind farms. The research was conducted with 25.934 observations of energy produced by wind farms 11 hypothetical offshore, from the installation of 01 simulated ocean turbine with a capacity of 5 MW. The data show hourly time resolution and covers the period between January 1, 1998 until December 31, 2002. Through the Matlab R software, six were calculated minimum variance portfolios, each for a period of time distinct. Given the inequality of the variability of wind over time, set up four strategies rebalancing to evaluate the performance of the related portfolios, which enabled us to identify the most beneficial to the stability of the wind energy production offshore. The results showed that the production of wind energy for 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 should be considered by the portfolio weights calculated for the same periods, respectively. Energy data for 2002 should use the weights derived from the portfolio calculated in the previous time period. Finally, the production of wind energy in the period 1998-2002 should also be weighted by 1/11. It follows therefore that the portfolios found failed to show reduced levels of variability when compared to the individual production of wind farms hypothetical offshore

Florestas energéticas: parâmetros técnicos para elaboração de projetos no mercado de carbono.

As florestas têm papel importante na captura e estocagem de carbono da atmosfera através do processo fotossintético. Partindo desta premissa, são vislumbradas muitas oportunidades de participação das florestas no mercado de créditos de carbono, seja através de projetos de conservação das formações florestais remanescentes, seja através de projetos de substituição de combustíveis fósseis por fontes renováveis a partir de reflorestamentos comerciais. Projetos de conservação têm encontrado maior receptividade nos mercados voluntário de crédito de carbono e mais recentemente através de mecanismos tais como REDD (Redução de Emissões por Desmatamento e Degradação) e de Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais. Já os projetos que visam a substituição de combustíveis fósseis por produtos e resíduos de cadeias produtivas florestais têm encontrado mais oportunidades de comercialização de créditos de carbono através do MDL (Mecanismo de Desenvolvimento Limpo). Uma das atividades do projeto nacional em rede Florestas Energéticas, desenvolvidas na Embrapa Meio Ambiente (Jaguariúna-SP) é avaliar e sugerir oportunidades no mercado de carbono para as espécies florestais: Eucalyptus urophila S T Blake; Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth; Acacia mangium Willd e Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel. Através de consulta à literatura e aos especialistas sobre cada uma das espécies, foi elaborado um estudo técnico sobre a viabilidade de inserção dessas espécies florestais no mercado de carbono considerando-se os parâmetros técnicos necessários à elaboração de projetos florestais para o mercado de carbono. Como referência serão considerados os parâmetros requeridos pelas metodologias mais recentemente aprovadas pelo Conselho Executivo do MDL, relativas a projetos florestais. O objetivo primordial desse estudo é apontar as necessidades estratégicas de pesquisa e desenvolvimento visando a plena utilização dessas espécies como fontes de carvão vegetal com sustentabilidade econômica, social e ambiental.

Termodinâmica e o uso eficiente de recursos : análise exergética de uma biorrefinaria de cana-de-açúcar

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, 2015.

Como a mudança climática poderá afetar as doenças das hortaliças?

As atividades antrópicas estão alterando as concentrações de gases de efeito estufa na atmosfera, causando mudanças no clima do planeta (IPCC, 2007). O efeito estufa é um processo natural que permite a manutenção da temperatura necessária para o estabelecimento e sustento da vida na Terra. O vapor de água, o dióxido de carbono (CO2), o metano (CH4), o óxido nitroso (N2O), o ozônio (O3) e outros gases presentes na atmosfera, denominados gases de efeito estufa, retêm parcialmente a radiação térmica que é emitida quando a radiação solar atinge a superfície do planeta. As atividades antrópicas, intensificadas após a Revolução Industrial, no final do século XVIII, caracterizam-se pela emissão de gases na atmosfera devido ao uso dos recursos naturais, como a queima de combustíveis fósseis e o desmatamento. Como conseqüência, há uma maior retenção de radiação que resulta na intensificação do efeito estufa, elevando a temperatura média da superfície do planeta, além de outros efeitos. Durante o século XX, houve um aumento na temperatura média da superfície do planeta, de aproximadamente 7,4ºC. Porém, esse aumento não foi homogêneo, isto é, algumas regiões do planeta apresentaram maiores incrementos de temperatura que outras. Recentemente, o fenômeno tem se acelerado, pois as maiores temperaturas médias anuais foram registradas nos últimos anos (IPCC, 2007).

A estratégia da EDP aquando da construção da barragem do Sabor e a perceção da população da aldeia Foz do Sabor

Mestrado em Marketing

Análise do potencial energético das ondas no arquipélago dos Açores

Dissertação de Mestrado, Energias Renováveis e Gestão de Energia, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015

Physiology and biochemistry of the effect of abiotic stress on the autochthonous CTP4 strain, a candidate microalga for biofuel production in Algarve

Dissertação de Mestrado, Biologia Marinha, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2014

Tafonomia e paleoicnologia do neogénico superior do sector Cacela-Huelva (SE da Ibéria)

Tese de doutoramento em Paleontologia. Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Univ. do Algarve, 2005

Estudo térmico dos resíduos gerados da destilação atmosférica das misturas diesel/biodiesel de dendê

The growing world demand for energy supplied by fossil fuels, a major contributor to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere and causing environmental problems, has been encouraging governments and international organizations to reflect and encourage the use of alternative renewable sources. Among these new possibilities deserves attention biodiesel, fuel cleaner and easy to reproduce. The study of new technologies involving that source is necessary. From this context, the paper aims at analyzing the thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis, of the waste generated from atmospheric distillation of mixtures with ratios of 5, 10, 15 and 20% palm biodiesel in diesel with and without addition of BHT antioxidant. It was synthesized biodiesel through palm oil, via homogeneous catalysis in the presence of KOH, with and without the use of BHT and subsequently added to the diesel common indoor type (S1800) from a gas station BR. The diesel was already added with 5% biodiesel, and thus the proportions used for these blends were subtracted from the existing ratio in diesel fuel, resulting in the following proportions palm oil biodiesel: 0% (B5), 5% (B10), 10 % (B15) and 15% (B20). From atmospheric distillation analysis, performed in mixtures with and without BHT were collected residue generated by each sample and performed a thermal study from the thermogravimetric analysis at a heating rate of 10 °C.min-1, nitrogen atmosphere and heating to 600 ° C. According to the specifications of Resolution No. 7/2008 for biodiesel, it was found that the material was synthesized in accordance with the specifications. For mixtures, it was noted that the samples were in accordance with the ANP Resolution No. 42/2009. Given the TG / DTG curves of the samples of waste mixtures with and without BHT antioxidant was able to observe that they showed a single stage of thermal decomposition attributed to decomposition of heavy hydrocarbons and esters and other heavier constituents of the waste sample weighed. The thermal behavior of residues from atmospheric distillation of mixtures of diesel / biodiesel is very important to understand how this affects the proper functioning of the engine. A large amount of waste can generate a high content of particulate material, coke formation and carbonaceous deposits in engine valves, compromising their performance

Uma metodologia para a análise do desempenho sustentável dos postos de revenda de combustível na cidade de Natal/RN, com o uso de data envelopment analysis-DEA

The increasing use of fossil fuels in line with cities demographic explosion carries out to huge environmental impact in society. For mitigate these social impacts, regulatory requirements have positively influenced the environmental consciousness of society, as well as, the strategic behavior of businesses. Along with this environmental awareness, the regulatory organs have conquered and formulated new laws to control potentially polluting activities, mostly in the gas stations sector. Seeking for increasing market competitiveness, this sector needs to quickly respond to internal and external pressures, adapting to the new standards required in a strategic way to get the Green Badge . Gas stations have incorporated new strategies to attract and retain new customers whom present increasingly social demand. In the social dimension, these projects help the local economy by generating jobs and income distribution. In this survey, the present research aims to align the social, economic and environmental dimensions to set the sustainable performance indicators at Gas Stations sector in the city of Natal/RN. The Sustainable Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) framework was create with a set of indicators for mapping the production process of gas stations. This mapping aimed at identifying operational inefficiencies through multidimensional indicators. To carry out this research, was developed a system for evaluating the sustainability performance with application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) through a quantitative method approach to detect system s efficiency level. In order to understand the systemic complexity, sub organizational processes were analyzed by the technique Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) figuring their micro activities to identify and diagnose the real causes of overall inefficiency. The sample size comprised 33 Gas stations and the conceptual model included 15 indicators distributed in the three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. These three dimensions were measured by means of classical models DEA-CCR input oriented. To unify performance score of individual dimensions, was designed a unique grouping index based upon two means: arithmetic and weighted. After this, another analysis was performed to measure the four perspectives of SBSC: learning and growth, internal processes, customers, and financial, unifying, by averaging the performance scores. NDEA results showed that no company was assessed with excellence in sustainability performance. Some NDEA higher efficiency Gas Stations proved to be inefficient under certain perspectives of SBSC. In the sequence, a comparative sustainable performance and assessment analyzes among the gas station was done, enabling entrepreneurs evaluate their performance in the market competitors. Diagnoses were also obtained to support the decision making of entrepreneurs in improving the management of organizational resources and promote guidelines the regulators. Finally, the average index of sustainable performance was 69.42%, representing the efforts of the environmental suitability of the Gas station. This results point out a significant awareness of this segment, but it still needs further action to enhance sustainability in the long term