Energy recovery from residual biomass

University Parthenope Naples

3 to 6 months

35h / week

English B1

Depending on its chemical-physical properties, biomass can be converted into useable forms of energy, such as thermal/electric energy or fuels for the transportation sector. The main technologies used for the conversion are based on thermochemical processes, biochemical/biological treatments, or mechanical extraction of oils. Obviously, the conversion process influences the eventual needed pre-treatments as well as the available final energy. In the European Union, energy from biomass (bioenergy) is the main source of renewable energy, with a share of almost 60% that is expected to further increase, especially in the sectors of electricity and transport biofuels. However, the increase in the biomass demand for energy generation causes concern for several problems, such as land-use competition, deforestation, crops for food vs. biofuels, use of food, and water systems. These issues can be addressed by using residual biomass for energy generation. For this reason, assessing the available energy potential from residual biomass and the best route for its recovery considering energy, environmental and economic analyses is becoming more and more attractive. Indeed, compared to other renewables, due to the quite mature technological level, low economic costs, high availability and easy accessibility residual biomass may be a sustainable and reliable energy source.

Tasks and duties entrusted to the student:
Depending on its chemical-physical properties, biomass can be converted into useable forms of energy, such as thermal/electric energy or fuels for the transportation sector. The main technologies used for the conversion are based on thermochemical processes, biochemical/biological treatments, or mechanical extraction of oils. Obviously, the conversion process influences the eventual needed pre-treatments as well as the available final energy. In the European Union, energy from biomass (bioenergy) is the main source of renewable energy, with a share of almost 60% that is expected to further increase, especially in the sectors of electricity and transport biofuels. However, the increase in the biomass demand for energy generation causes concern for several problems, such as land-use competition, deforestation, crops for food vs. biofuels, use of food, and water systems. These issues can be addressed by using residual biomass for energy generation. For this reason, assessing the available energy potential from residual biomass and the best route for its recovery considering energy, environmental and economic analyses is becoming more and more attractive. Indeed, compared to other renewables, due to the quite mature technological level, low economic costs, high availability and easy accessibility residual biomass may be a sustainable and reliable energy source.

Skills to be acquired or developed:
the internship experience aims to train and empower the students’ skills necessary to build a successful future working path. Through the activities carried out, students strengthen communication skills, develop operational orientation by objectives, promote cooperative synergies within working groups, and, through an active and proactive participation in the work group, develop an awareness of internal organizational and relational dynamics that characterize the working context. As specific skills, the internship will strengthen students’ abilities in the assessment of energy efficiency, environmental impact and economic feasibility

Compensation:

Erasmus + grant available depending on eligibility criteria of your home university

Simona Difraia, simona.difraia@uniparthenope.it