Subtopic New technologies for utilising renewable sources of energy
In the relatively new field of utilisation of renewables, technical innovations are frequent. Their importance is estimated and evaluated on the basis of life cycle analysis, the total cost over the service life, learning curves and possible successor technologies. The work is concentrated on technologies
- which are suitable to solve existing problems,
- which are relevant within the Helmholtz research community and
- for which there are gaps in our knowledge.
The technologies studied include solar thermal power stations and new biomass technologies.
Solar thermal power stations and desalination facilities
The potential for exporting electricity from solar thermal power stations from the MENA region (Middle East & North Africa) to Europe is very large. The same applies to the provision of desalinated water, which is urgently needed in that region. Feasibility and design studies are intended to spell out in more detail the possibilities of combined generating and desalinating plants, and the obstacles to long-distance transmission of electricity from the MENA region to Europe.
Further information:
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- Trough collectors for concentrating solar radiation
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- Interconnected power grid for renewables in North Africa, Near and Middle East and Europe
New biomass technologies
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- Building of the bioliq® plant, pyrolysis plant, KIT
Synthetic fuels and chemicals
Gasification followed by synthesis offers numerous possibilities of utilising the energy or material from a wide range of types of biomass without coming into direct competition with their use for food or fodder.
The objective of the studies is to analyse and evaluate each entire process path for provision of synthetic fuels or chemicals from biomass – similarly to the Bioliq® concept being implemented at the KIT Campus North – according to technical, economic and environmental criteria. Competing exploitation paths for biomass for providing electricity and heat, but especially the comparison with biomethane production as SNG (substitute natural gas) are included. Fossil-fuel reference technologies are also taken into account.
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- Biomethane plant, DBFZ
Biomethane
Biomethane can be employed in the energy system in many ways as a substitute for natural gas, providing substantial support for the process of replacing fossil fuels. It can be obtained by means of biochemical and thermochemical conversion processes, enabling a broad range of raw materials to be used. These technologies are in the demonstration or introductory phases. There is still much to be done in optimising the overall systems.
The objective of the work is therefore
- a holistic evaluation of the processes and concepts on the basis of available data and simulations
- development of a biomethane “road map” as an important component of a sustainable bio-energy strategy.
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- Photobio reactor, KIT
Microalgae
Microalgae are considered one of the future biomass producers, because they can be cultivated on marginal sites and harvested throughout the year and have considerably higher yields per unit area than traditional energy plants. They lend themselves to the production of foodstuffs, fodder and fuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, biomethane, biohydrogen). The nutrients needed for the algae to grow can be obtained in part from secondary sources (such as power plant flue gases as a source of CO2, or nitrogen-rich effluents). Another ecological advantage is that the biomass production occurs in closed reactors. The research is to analyse and evaluate the potentials and environmental, economic and social consequences of various forms of exploitation of microalgae for generating energy. This prospective impact assessment is intended to develop suggestions at an early stage for the design and development of sustainable process chains and products based on microalgae.
