Comsol Case Studies Making Biofuel A Costeffective, Renewable Source of Energy

	Making Biofuel A Costeffective, Renewable Source of Energy Comsol

Making Biofuel A Costeffective, Renewable Source of Energy

Comsol

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
Applicable Industries	Renewable Energy Transportation
Applicable Functions	Process Manufacturing Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Digital Twin Predictive Quality Analytics Process Control & Optimization
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	The production process of biofuels from plant-based materials poses significant economic barriers to widespread use. Despite the benefits of biofuels being renewable, clean-burning, and carbon-neutral, their availability is limited, particularly for vehicle use. As of 2014, only 2% of retail fueling stations in the U.S. offered ethanol-based fuel E85. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) aims to overcome these barriers by gaining a better understanding of the physical processes behind biofuel conversion. Supported by the Computational Pyrolysis Consortium, NREL is developing computational models that accurately represent biomass particle geometry to improve reactor design and operation for mass production of biofuel. Read More
About Customer	The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leading research institution focused on advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL conducts cutting-edge research in various fields, including biofuels, solar energy, wind energy, and energy systems integration. The laboratory collaborates with industry, government, and academia to develop innovative solutions that address the world's energy challenges. NREL's research in biofuels aims to make renewable energy sources more cost-effective and competitive with traditional fossil fuels, contributing to a sustainable energy future. Read More
Solution	NREL researchers are using multiphysics simulation to optimize the biofuel conversion process, specifically focusing on fast pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that breaks down biomass particles at high temperatures. By developing a model in COMSOL Multiphysics® that takes into account the internal microstructure of biomass particles, the team aims to improve heat and mass transfer during pyrolysis. This involves characterizing the external morphology and internal microstructure of biomass using imaging methods and generating 3D models for simulation. The simulations, run on a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, evaluate heat transfer and mass transport in biomass particles, providing insights into optimizing biofuel production processes. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics

Applicable Industries

Renewable Energy

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Process Manufacturing

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Digital Twin

Predictive Quality Analytics

Process Control & Optimization

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

The production process of biofuels from plant-based materials poses significant economic barriers to widespread use. Despite the benefits of biofuels being renewable, clean-burning, and carbon-neutral, their availability is limited, particularly for vehicle use. As of 2014, only 2% of retail fueling stations in the U.S. offered ethanol-based fuel E85. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) aims to overcome these barriers by gaining a better understanding of the physical processes behind biofuel conversion. Supported by the Computational Pyrolysis Consortium, NREL is developing computational models that accurately represent biomass particle geometry to improve reactor design and operation for mass production of biofuel.

About Customer

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leading research institution focused on advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL conducts cutting-edge research in various fields, including biofuels, solar energy, wind energy, and energy systems integration. The laboratory collaborates with industry, government, and academia to develop innovative solutions that address the world's energy challenges. NREL's research in biofuels aims to make renewable energy sources more cost-effective and competitive with traditional fossil fuels, contributing to a sustainable energy future.

Solution

NREL researchers are using multiphysics simulation to optimize the biofuel conversion process, specifically focusing on fast pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that breaks down biomass particles at high temperatures. By developing a model in COMSOL Multiphysics® that takes into account the internal microstructure of biomass particles, the team aims to improve heat and mass transfer during pyrolysis. This involves characterizing the external morphology and internal microstructure of biomass using imaging methods and generating 3D models for simulation. The simulations, run on a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, evaluate heat transfer and mass transport in biomass particles, providing insights into optimizing biofuel production processes.

Impact #1	The use of multiphysics simulation allows for a more accurate representation of biomass particle geometry, leading to better insights into heat and mass transfer during pyrolysis.
Impact #2	The research helps minimize char formation and accelerates favorable reactions by optimizing the penetration of conversion catalysts and the escape of desired products.
Impact #3	The development of a microstructured model justifies its use over simplified models, providing more accurate evaluations and optimizations of biofuel conversion processes.

Impact #1

The use of multiphysics simulation allows for a more accurate representation of biomass particle geometry, leading to better insights into heat and mass transfer during pyrolysis.

Impact #2

The research helps minimize char formation and accelerates favorable reactions by optimizing the penetration of conversion catalysts and the escape of desired products.

Impact #3

The development of a microstructured model justifies its use over simplified models, providing more accurate evaluations and optimizations of biofuel conversion processes.

Benefit #1	As of 2014, only 2% of retail fueling stations in the U.S. offered ethanol-based fuel E85.

Benefit #1

As of 2014, only 2% of retail fueling stations in the U.S. offered ethanol-based fuel E85.

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Overview

Making Biofuel A Costeffective, Renewable Source of Energy

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit