David Patiño

Heterogenic Solid Biofuel Sampling Methodology and Uncertainty Associated with Prompt Analysis

Accurate determination of the properties of biomass is of particular interest in studies on biomass combustion or cofiring. The aim of this paper is to develop a methodology for prompt analysis of heterogeneous solid fuels with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Special care must be taken with the sampling procedure to achieve an acceptable degree of error and low statistical uncertainty. A sampling and error determination methodology for prompt analysis is presented and validated. Two approaches for the propagation of errors are also given and some comparisons are made in order to determine which may be better in this context. Results show in general low, acceptable levels of uncertainty, demonstrating that the samples obtained in the process are representative of the overall fuel composition.

Experimental analysis of several biomass fuels: The effect of the devolatilization rate on packed bed combustion

An experimental analysis of the ignition front propagation of eight biomass fuels in a one-dimensional fixed-bed combustor (batch reactor) is carried out and these biomass materials are also researched by thermogravimetry to study their thermal behaviour during devolatilization. The analysis of the thermogravimetric data has been centered on the results obtained for 50 °C · min−1 (maximun heating rate of the thermogravimetric (TG) equipment), taking into consideration that it is the nearest heating rate value to the one at which the heating process is carried out in the batch reactor. The influence of the TG-determined devolatilization rate in the burning behaviour of biomass in situations of packed bed combustion is analyzed. This study reveals that the biomass fuels with higher devolatilization rates during pyrolysis are the ones with a higher velocity of propagation of the ignition front during combustion processes in the fixed-bed combustor. The thermal decomposition characteristics during devolatiliz...

A practice for engineering students based on the control and monitoring an experimental biomass combustor using labview

The methods delineated herein enable students to acquire new knowledge and competences at a high academic level in an independent manner and to demonstrate competence in the current concepts and theories governing energy flows, heat transfer, and energy conversions. These methods have been used in the Energy Thermal Master class that is offered in the Engineering School at the University of Vigo. The study presents an innovative learning method in which two new pedagogical concepts are combined, “learning by doing” and “blended learning,” implying a modernization of the classical learning methods. Using the methodology described below, students are able to operate a biomass experimental as well as use numerous measuring devices to obtain the combustion parameters, which are the latest commercial technology. Furthermore, by using LabVIEW programming, students are able to realize the importance of automation in the facilities and to create a code that is responsible for the control, supervision and monitoring of the system. In addition to the purely experimental aspect, students must analyze the data acquired by LabVIEW, apply their theoretical knowledge and exchange data with other groups, improving their teamwork skills.