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Author Verbruggen, S.W.
Title TiO2 photocatalysis for the degradation of pollutants in gas phase : from morphological design to plasmonic enhancement Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal of photochemistry and photobiology: C: photochemistry reviews Abbreviated Journal J Photoch Photobio C
Volume 24 Issue Pages 64-82
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract TiO2-based photocatalysis has become a viable technology in various application fields such as (waste)water purification, photovoltaics/artificial photosynthesis, environmentally friendly organic synthesis and remediation of air pollution. Because of the increasing impact of bad air quality worldwide, this review focuses on the use and optimization of TiO2-based photocatalysts for gas phase applications. Over the past years various specific aspects of TiO2 photocatalysis have been reviewed individually. The intent of this review is to offer a broad tutorial on (recent) trends in TiO2 photocatalyst modification for the intensification of photocatalytic air treatment. After briefly introducing the fundamentals of photocatalysis, TiO2 photocatalyst modification is discussed both on a morphological and an electronic level from the perspective of gas phase applications. The main focus is laid on recent developments, but also possible opportunities to the field. This review is intended as a solid introduction for researchers new to the field, as well as a summarizing update for established investigators. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000360420600004 Publication Date 2015-07-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1389-5567 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 12.317 Times cited 121 Open Access
Notes ; The author wishes to thank the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for the financial support and postdoctoral fellowship. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.317; 2015 IF: 16.091
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127801 Serial 5997
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Author Benito, P.; Nuyts, G.; Monti, M.; de Nolf, W.; Fornasari, G.; Janssens, K.; Scavetta, E.; Vaccari, A.
Title Stable Rh particles in hydrotalcite-derived catalysts coated on FeCrAlloy foams by electrosynthesis Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Applied catalysis : B : environmental Abbreviated Journal Appl Catal B-Environ
Volume 179 Issue Pages 321-332
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Abstract Rh-based structured catalysts for the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH4 to syngas were prepared by electrosynthesis of Rh/Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type compounds on FeCrAlloy foams and calcination. The effects of Rh content, total metal concentration, and partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ in the electrolytic solution on coating thickness, Rh speciation, metallic particle size, and catalytic activity were investigated by SEM/EDS, mu-XRF/XANES and tests under diluted and concentrated reaction conditions. The amount of Rh species, present as Mg (RhxAl1-x)(2)O-4, depended on the thickness of the electrosynthesised layer as well as the Rh particle size and dispersion. Smaller and more dispersed particles were obtained by decreasing the Rh concentration in the electrolytic solution from Rh/Mg/Al=11/70/19 to 5/70/25 and 2/70/28 atomic ratio% (a.r.%) and in thinner rather than thicker layers. Despite the improvement in metallic particles features, the CH4 conversion was negatively affected by the low amount of active sites in the coating, the high metal support interaction and possibly the oxidation of metallic particles and carbon formation. A larger amount of solid containing well dispersed Rh particles was deposited by increasing the total metal concentration from 0.03 M to 0.06 M with the Rh/Mg/Al=5/70/25 a.r.%, and the catalytic performances were enhanced. The partial replacement of Mg2+ by Ni2+ gave rise to a very active bimetallic Rh/Ni catalyst, CH4 conversion and selectivity to syngas were above 90%, however, it slightly deactivated with time-on-stream. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000359873800036 Publication Date 2015-05-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0926-3373 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 9.446 Times cited 14 Open Access
Notes ; The Authors acknowledge M. Salome for helping during the mu XRF/XANES experiments at ID21 Beamline of the ESRF, the Department of Structural Characterisation of CNR-IMM of Bologna for the access to the FEG-SEM facility and Dr F. Ospitali for the scientific support. Thanks are due to Farrel Lytle database for providing the necessary Rh metal spectrum (rhfoil.a99 in http:// ixs.iit.edu/data/FarrelLytledata/). The financial support from the Ministero per l'Istruzione, l'Universita e la Ricerca (MIUR, Roma, Italy) and the University of Bologna (FARB program) is gratefully acknowledged. ; Approved Most recent IF: 9.446; 2015 IF: 7.435
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127777 Serial 5846
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Author Saha, S.; Badhe, N.; Seuntjens, D.; Vlaeminck, S.E.; Biswas, R.; Nandy, T.
Title Effective carbon and nutrient treatment solutions for mixed domestic-industrial wastewater in India Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Water science and technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 72 Issue 4 Pages 651-657
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The present study evaluates effectiveness of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by two post-anaerobic treatment options, namely free-surface, up-flow constructed wetland (FUP-CW) and oxygen-limited anaerobic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) processes in treating sewage from the peri-urban areas in India receiving illegal industrial infiltrations. The UASB studies yielded robust results towards fluctuating strength of sewage and consistently removed 87-98% chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a hydraulic retention time of 1.5-2 d. The FUP-CW removed 68.5 +/- 13% COD, 68 +/- 3% NH4+-N, 38 +/- 5% PO43--P, 97.6 +/- 5% suspended particles and 97 +/- 13% fecal coliforms. Nutrient removal was found to be limiting in FUP-CW, especially in winter. Nitrogen removal in the OLAND process were 100 times higher than the FUP-CW process. Results show that UASB followed by FUP-CW can be an excellent, decentralized sewage treatment option, except during winter when nutrient removal is limited in FUP-CW. Hence, the study proposes bio-augmentation of FUP-CW with OLAND biomass for overall improvement in the performance of UASB followed by FUP-CW process.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000359387200019 Publication Date 2015-08-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0273-1223; 1996-9732 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127775 Serial 7840
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Author Sóti, V.; Jacquet, N.; Apers, S.; Richel, A.; Lenaerts, S.; Cornet, I.
Title Monitoring the laccase reaction of vanillin and poplar hydrolysate Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology Abbreviated Journal J Chem Technol Biot
Volume 91 Issue 6 Pages 1914-1922
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE)
Abstract BACKGROUND Laccase is an intensively researched enzyme for industrial use. Except for decolorisation measurements, HPLC analysis is the conventional method for monitoring the phenolic removal during laccase enzyme reaction. This paper reports an investigation of the continuous UV absorbance follow-up of the laccase reaction with steam pretreated poplar hydrolysate. RESULTS Vanillin was used as a model substrate and lignocellulose xylose rich fraction (XRF) as a biologically complex substrate for laccase detoxification. The reaction was followed by HPLC-UV as well as by UV spectrometric measurements. Results suggest that the reaction can be successfully monitored by measuring the change of UV absorbance at 280 nm, without previous compound separation. In case of XRF experiments the spectrophotometric follow-up is especially useful, as HPLC analysis takes a long time and provides less information than in case of single substrates. The method seems to be suitable for optimization and process control. CONCLUSION The obtained results can help to construct a fast, easy and straightforward monitoring system for laccase-phenolic substrate reactions.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000375768300040 Publication Date 2015-07-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0268-2575; 1097-4660 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.135 Times cited 3 Open Access
Notes ; This research is financed by the University of Antwerp (project number 15 FA100 002). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.135
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127694 Serial 5972
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Author Lybaert, J.; Maes, B.U.W.; Tehrani, K.A.; De Wael, K.
Title The electrochemistry of tetrapropylammonium perruthenate, its role in the oxidation of primary alcohols and its potential for electrochemical recycling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Electrochimica acta Abbreviated Journal Electrochim Acta
Volume 182 Issue Pages 693-698
Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY)
Abstract The search for strategies aiming at more sustainable (oxidation) reactions has led to the application of electrochemistry for recycling the spent catalyst. In this work, an electrochemical study of the tetrapropylammonium perruthenate catalyst (TPAP) and its activity towards a primary alcohol, n-butanol, has been carried out as well as a control study with tert-butanol. The redox chemistry of TPAP and the transition between the perruthenate anion and ruthenium tetroxide in a non-aqueous solvent have been, for the first time, investigated in depth. The oxidation reaction of n-butanol in the presence of TPAP has been electrochemically elucidated by performing potentiostatic experiments and registration of the corresponding oxidation current. Furthermore, it was shown that, by applying a specific potential, the reoxidized TPAP is able to oxidize/convert the primary alcohol, paving the way for practical applications using TPAP in electrochemical synthesis. The conversion of n-butanol into n-butanal was proven by the use of GC-MS.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000365075800084 Publication Date 2015-09-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0013-4686 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.798 Times cited 2 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.798; 2015 IF: 4.504
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127676 Serial 5599
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Author Compernolle, T.; Witters, N.; Van Passel, S.; Thewys, T.
Title Analyzing a self-managed CHP system for greenhouse cultivation as a profitable way to reduce CO2-emissions Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Energy Abbreviated Journal Energy
Volume 36 Issue 4 Pages 1940-1947
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract To counter global warming, a transition to a low-carbon economy is needed. The greenhouse sector can contribute by installing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, known for their excellent energy efficiency. Due to the recent European liberalization of the energy market, glass horticulturists have the opportunity to sell excess electricity to the market and by tailored policy and support measures, regional governments can fill the lack of technical and economic knowledge, causing initial resistance. This research investigates the economic and environmental opportunities using two detailed cases applying a self managed cogeneration system. The Net Present Value is calculated to investigate the economic feasibility. The Primary Energy Saving, the CO2 Emission Reduction indicator and an Emission Balance are applied to quantify the environmental impact. The results demonstrate that a self-managed CHP system is economic viable and that CO2 emissions are reduced. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000289605900014 Publication Date 2010-04-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0360-5442 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.52 Times cited 19 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.52; 2011 IF: 3.487
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127561 Serial 6152
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Author Ang, F.; Van Passel, S.; Mathijs, E.
Title An aggregate resource efficiency perspective on sustainability : a sustainable value application to the EU-15 countries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Ecological Economics Abbreviated Journal Ecol Econ
Volume 71 Issue Pages 99-110
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics
Abstract The Sustainable Value approach integrates the efficiency with regard to environmental, social and economic resources into a monetary indicator. It gained significant popularity as evidenced by diverse applications at the corporate level. However, its introduction as a measure adhering to the strong sustainability paradigm sparked an ardent debate. This study explores its validity as a macroeconomic strong sustainability measure by applying the Sustainable Value approach to the EU-15 countries. Concretely, we assessed environmental, social and economic resources in combination with the GDP for all EU-15 countries from 1995 to 2006 for three benchmark alternatives. The results show that several countries manage to adequately delink resource use from GDP growth. Furthermore, the remarkable difference in outcome between the national and EU-15 benchmark indicates a possible inefficiency of the current allocation of national resource ceilings imposed by the European institutions. Additionally, by using an effects model we argue that the service degree of the economy and governmental expenditures on social protection and research and development are important determinants of overall resource efficiency. Finally, we sketch out three necessary conditions to link the Sustainable Value approach to the strong sustainability paradigm. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000297396700011 Publication Date 2011-09-28
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0921-8009; 1873-6106 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.965 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.965; 2011 IF: 2.713
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127560 Serial 6151
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Author Ang, F.; Van Passel, S.
Title Beyond the environmentalist's paradox and the debate on weak versus strong sustainability Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Bioscience Abbreviated Journal Bioscience
Volume 62 Issue 3 Pages 251-259
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Environmentalists generally argue that ecological damage will (eventually) lead to declines in human well-being. From this perspective, the recent introduction of the “environmentalist's paradox” in BioScience by Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) is particularly significant. In essence, Raudsepp-Hearne and colleagues (2010) claimed that although ecosystem services have been degraded, human well-being-paradoxically-has increased. In this article, we show that this debate is in fact rooted in a broader discussion on weak sustainability versus strong sustainability (the substitutability of human-made capital for natural capital). We warn against the reductive nature of focusing only on a stock flow framework in which a natural-capital stock produces ecosystem services. Concretely, we recommend a holistic approach in which the complexity, irreversibility, uncertainty, and ethical predicaments intrinsic to the natural environment and its connections to humanity are also considered.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000301561900008 Publication Date 2012-03-07
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0006-3568 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.378 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; We thank three anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments. This aiticle has benefited considerably from interesting discussions (especially with Liesbet Vranken) at the 13th Belgian PhD Symposium of Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Brussels, on 27 April 2011. We are grateful for the financial support of the European Fund for Regional Development project 475, Closing the Circle. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.378; 2012 IF: 4.739
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127559 Serial 6160
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Author Maes, D.; Van Passel, S.
Title Interference of regional support policies on the economic and environmental performance of a hybrid cogeneration-solar panel energy system Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Energy Policy Abbreviated Journal Energ Policy
Volume 42 Issue Pages 670-680
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper assesses unintentional interference between different public policies promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The paper develops a methodology to study the interference by analysing the economic and technical behaviour of a hybrid energy system. The hybrid energy system in this case consists of an existing cogeneration unit extended with a new installation of thermal solar panels. This puts two complementary heating technologies in juxtaposition. The two technologies are supported with distinct regional support instruments in each region. The design and operation of the energy system is optimised from the point of view of the investor according to the different support instruments. The optimal configuration is analysed as well as its effect on reduced CO2-emissions during the lifetime of the project. The methodology is applied to a case-study for two neighbouring regions, the Netherlands and Flanders. The policies in the Netherlands show a beneficial synergy. In Flanders, the hybrid energy system is not interesting, indicating unbalanced high support for cogeneration in this case. From the point of view of the authorities, a more balanced regional policy as in the Netherlands provides a larger CO2-emission reduction for a smaller cost. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000301616000066 Publication Date 2012-01-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4215; 1873-6777 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.14 Times cited 4 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would especially like to thank Davy Duelen for the excellent case-study and data collection that enabled the present paper. The help and information provided by Pierre Gijsen also made the detailed assessment possible. We are also indebted to two anonymous reviewers, whose remarks strongly improved the paper. This project has been financed by the Impulse-project of the tUL (transnational University Limburg). ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.14; 2012 IF: 2.743
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127558 Serial 6220
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Author Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G.
Title Higher sustainability performance of intensive grazing versus zero-grazing dairy systems Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Agronomy For Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Agron Sustain Dev
Volume 32 Issue 3 Pages 629-638
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Although grazing of dairy cows is an integral part of dairy farming in many European countries, farmers today more often choose for zero-grazing systems, where cows are housed throughout the year. Some studies already compared grazing and zero-grazing systems for specific issues such as labor efficiency, environmental impact, or animal welfare. In our study, we perform a more integrated evaluation, considering relevant ecological, economic, and social aspects. This allows for a balanced and more complete comparison of the sustainability performance of the two production methods. We evaluated ten intensive grazing and ten zero-grazing specialized Flemish dairy farms on the use of nutrients and energy, productivity and profitability, labor input, and animal welfare. In addition, we put special effort in formulating useful management advice for farmers. Therefore, we combined a detailed analysis of the sustainability indicators with an intensive interaction and discussion with farmers and farm advisors. Results show that, on average, the zero-grazing farms performed significantly worse from an ecological and economic point of view. This fact is explained mainly due to a less efficient use of concentrates and byproducts. Social sustainability performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. As a result, the integrated sustainability performance was significantly lower for the zero-grazing group. This finding shows that a further shift from intensive grazing to zero-grazing can move dairy farming in Flanders further away from sustainability. An important advice to improve the ecological and economic performance of zero-grazing farms is to optimize cows' rations to include more forages and optimize forage production and use. More detailed site- and case-specific management advice for farmers of both groups was provided during a discussion meeting. We consider this an essential additional step to any sustainability evaluation, since progress can only be made when monitoring results are translated into practical measures.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306061800003 Publication Date 2012-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1774-0746 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.101 Times cited 26 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.101; 2012 IF: 3.573
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127557 Serial 6209
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Vranken, L.
Title The future of organic photovoltaic solar cells as a direct power source for consumer electronics Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells Abbreviated Journal Sol Energ Mat Sol C
Volume 103 Issue Pages 1-10
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract As the search for marketable photovoltaic solar cells continues, organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells have been identified as a technology with many attractive features for commercialization. Most photovoltaic technologies on the market today were improved in the consumer electronics market segment. A similar evolution has been envisioned for OPV. Hence this paper investigates consumer preferences for solar cells directly powering consumer electronics. Choice experiments were designed and responses were collected using a random sample of 300 individuals from the Flemish region (northern part of Belgium). Results allow for computation of attribute importance, willingness to pay (WTP), and simulation of theoretical market share. These measures point towards OPV being able to reach considerable market share in the long run, bearing in mind that efforts are first needed in elevating OPV's efficiency and lifetime as they most determine consumers' preferences. Price is found to be the least important product characteristic for OPV solar cells to be incorporated in consumer electronics devices. We therefore warn against generalizing attributes' importance across the boundaries of market segments. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000306044300001 Publication Date 2012-05-03
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0927-0248 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.784 Times cited 25 Open Access
Notes ; The authors would kindly want to express their gratitude towards every survey respondent and participant for their preliminary work. Also the authors are much obliged to INTERREG and the ORGANEXT project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. Last but not least, we would like to thank the reviewers for their insightful comments which allowed for fine tuning our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.784; 2012 IF: 4.630
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127556 Serial 6267
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Author De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.; Manca, J.; Thewys, T.
Title Combining photovoltaics and sound barriers : a feasibility study Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 46 Issue Pages 297-303
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the light of global warming, renewables such as solar photovoltaics (PV) are important to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. An important issue regarding implementation of solar panels on large scale, is the limited available area. Therefore, it can be interesting to combine PV with alternative applications, as a ways of not requiring “additional” space. One example is a photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB), where a noise barrier located along a highway or railway is used as substructure for PV modules. Even though a PVNB is not a novel concept, the absence of economic assessments in literature can be a barrier to their wider implementation. In this paper, a feasibility study of a PVNB in Belgium is conducted, using a cost benefit analysis including a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis. Besides purely economic aspects, also ecological benefits are monetized. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the ecological benefit of noise reduction, which is valuated using a noise sensitivity depreciation index applied to real estate prices, is of major importance in determining the net present value of the case study. On the contrary, the impact of reducing CO2 emissions seems to be negligible when expressed in monetary terms. The results suggest that the PVNB as a whole and also its separate components -.e. the PV array and the noise barrier can be profitable projects, when ecological benefits are included. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000305169400036 Publication Date 2012-04-06
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357; 2012 IF: 2.989
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127555 Serial 6170
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Author Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Pelkmans, L.; Guisson, R.; Swinnen, G.; Schreurs, E.
Title Determining potential locations for biomass valorization using a macro screening approach Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Biomass & Bioenergy Abbreviated Journal Biomass Bioenerg
Volume 45 Issue Pages 175-186
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract European policy states that by 2020 at least 20% of final energy consumption should come from renewable energy sources. Biomass as a renewable energy source cannot be disregarded in order to attain this target. In this study a macro screening approach is developed to determine potential locations for biomass valorization in a specified region. The approach consists of five steps: (1) criteria determination, (2) data gathering, (3) weight assignment, (4) final score, (5) spatial representation. The resulting outcome provides a first well balanced scan of the possibilities for energy production using regional biomass. This way policy makers and investors can be supported and motivated to study the possibilities of building energy production plants at specific locations in more detail, which can be described as a 'micro-screening'. In our case study the approach is applied to determine the potentially interesting locations to establish a biomass project. The region has been limited to the forty-four communities in the province of Limburg (Belgium). The macro screening approach has shown to be very effective since the amount of interesting locations has been reduced drastically. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000308384500019 Publication Date 2012-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0961-9534 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.219 Times cited 23 Open Access
Notes ; The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from INTERREG and the province of Limburg. Special thanks to our colleague Thomas Voets for his effort in making the GIS maps. Moreover, the authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.219; 2012 IF: 2.975
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127554 Serial 6178
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Author Van Passel, S.
Title Food miles to assess sustainability : a revision Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal Sustain Dev
Volume 21 Issue 1 Pages 1-17
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Sustainability assessment is an essential process in our aim to reach a more sustainable production and consumption pattern. This research revises the food miles concept as a guiding tool to assess sustainability. Food miles measure the distance that food travels from where it is grown or raised to where it is consumed. Three different concepts to assess sustainability are described: (i) food miles, (ii) enhanced food miles, (iii) food chain sustainability. An illustrative case study shows that there is a strong danger of oversimplification when using food miles as an assessment tool. Second, the food miles concept can be enhanced with all relevant transport externalities taking into account different transport modes and transport (in)efficiency. Third, all relevant economic, social, and ecological aspects should be taken into account. Besides transport externalities, also externalities caused by food production, food packaging, food marketing, and food consumption should be incorporated. Moreover, the trade-off with development goals cannot be neglected. As a consequence, there is a strong danger of incommensurability as the result of different sustainability model assumptions and unclear system boundaries. Nevertheless, sustainability assessment can enrich policy making and support tailored policy measures to improve food chain sustainability. Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000314187900001 Publication Date 2010-07-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0968-0802 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.167 Times cited 17 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.167; 2013 IF: 1.692
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127553 Serial 6204
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Author Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; Pelkmans, L.; Guisson, R.; Reumermann, P.; Luzardo, N.M.; Witters, N.; Broeze, J.
Title A techno-economic evaluation of a biomass energy conversion park Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Applied Energy Abbreviated Journal Appl Energ
Volume 104 Issue Pages 611-622
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Biomass as a renewable energy source has many advantages and is therefore recognized as one of the main renewable energy sources to be deployed in order to attain the target of 20% renewable energy use of final energy consumption by 2020 in Europe. In this paper the concept of a biomass Energy Conversion Park (ECP) is introduced. A biomass ECP can be defined as a synergetic, multi-dimensional biomass conversion site with a highly integrated set of conversion technologies in which a multitude of regionally available biomass (residue) sources are converted into energy and materials. A techno-economic assessment is performed on a case study in the Netherlands to illustrate the concept and to comparatively assess the highly integrated system with two mono-dimensional models. The three evaluated models consist of (1) digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, (2) co-digestion of manure and co-substrates, and (3) integration. From a socio-economic point of view it can be concluded that it is economically and energetically more interesting to invest in the integrated model than in two separate models. The integration is economically feasible and environmental benefits can be realized. For example, the integrated model allows the implementation of a co-digester. Unmanaged manure would otherwise represent a constant pollution risk. However, from an investor's standpoint one should firstly invest in the municipal solid waste digester since the net present value (NPV) of this mono-dimensional model is higher than that of the multi-dimensional model. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influencing parameters. Our results are of interest for companies involved in the conversion of biomass. The conclusions are useful for policy makers when deciding on policy instruments concerning manure processing or biogas production. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000316152700062 Publication Date 2012-12-25
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0306-2619 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 7.182 Times cited 45 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. Furthermore, the authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from INTERREG and the province of Limburg (Belgium). Also, we would like to thank all remaining partners of the ECP project (Eloi Schreurs, Dries Maes, Kristian Coppoolse, Han ten Berge, Bert Annevelink, Nathalie Devriendt, Erwin Cornelissen, Hannes Pieper, Pieter Vollaard, Jan Venselaar, and Hessel Abbink Spaink) for their support and contributions. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude towards the organization of the eighth International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries in Toulouse (France) for giving us the opportunity to present and thereby fine-tune our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 7.182; 2013 IF: 5.261
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127552 Serial 6145
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Author Lizin, S.; Leroy, J.; Delvenne, C.; Dijk, M.; De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.
Title A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells : identifying the technology's development phase Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Renewable Energy Abbreviated Journal Renew Energ
Volume 57 Issue Pages 5-11
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Organic photovoltaics (OPV) have developed into a vast research area. Progress in various directions has made it difficult to monitor the technology's precise development state. We offer a patent landscape analysis over all OPV devices, their substrates and encapsulation materials to provide an overview of patenting activity from a historical, organizational, geographical and technological point of view. Such an exercise is instrumental for private companies and research institutes aiming at both internal or external technology creation. We discuss our findings in the context of the Industrial Life Cycle model and find OPV still residing in the fluid technology development phase. Technology development is still following an exponential growth path, with the majority of patents coming from the Asian continent and in general private companies. For devices, the main technological focus can be traced back to the “H01L-031” international patent classification (IPC) main group. For the queried substrates, the most attention has gone to glass, but paper and textile have drawn significant interest too. Finally, encapsulation is found to be a less mature research field given the smaller number of patent families. The latter shows that the technology has not matured to the level where processing is carried out on a commercial scale. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000319025000002 Publication Date 2013-02-13
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0960-1481 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.357 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; The authors are much obliged to INTERREG for their financial support of the ORGANEXT project (www.organext.org), without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.357; 2013 IF: 3.361
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127551 Serial 6143
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Author Van Passel, S.; Dubois, M.; Eyckmans, J.; de Gheldere, S.; Ang, F.; Jones, P.T.; Van Acker, K.
Title The economics of enhanced landfill mining : private and societal performance drivers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 55 Issue Pages 92-102
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper addresses the economics of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM) both from a private point of view as well as from a society perspective. The private potential is assessed using a case study for which an investment model is developed to identify the impact of a broad range of parameters on the profitability of ELFM. We found that especially variations in Waste-to-Energy (WtE efficiency, electricity price, CO2-price, WtE investment and operational costs) and ELFM support explain the variation in economic profitability measured by the Internal Rate of Return. To overcome site-specific parameters we also evaluated the regional ELFM potential for the densely populated and industrial region of Flanders (north of Belgium). The total number of potential ELFM sites was estimated using a 5-step procedure and a simulation tool was developed to trade-off private costs and benefits. The analysis shows that there is a substantial economic potential for ELFM projects on the wider regional level. Furthermore, this paper also reviews the costs and benefits from a broader perspective. The carbon footprint of the case study was mapped in order to assess the project's net impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Also the impacts of nature restoration, soil remediation, resource scarcity and reduced import dependence were valued so that they can be used in future social cost-benefit analysis. Given the complex trade-off between economic, social and environmental issues of ELFM projects, we conclude that further refinement of the methodological framework and the development of the integrated decision tools supporting private and public actors, are necessary. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000322802300010 Publication Date 2012-04-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 65 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2013 IF: 3.590
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127550 Serial 6266
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Author Jones, P.T.; Geysen, D.; Tielemans, Y.; Van Passel, S.; Pontikes, Y.; Blanpain, B.; Quaghebeur, M.; Hoekstra, N.
Title Enhanced landfill mining in view of multiple resource recovery : a critical review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 55 Issue Pages 45-55
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In a circular economy material loops are closed by recycling of pre-consumer manufacturing scrap/residues, urban mining of End-of-Life products and landfill mining of historic (and future) urban waste streams. However, in the past landfill mining was not performed with a focus on resource recovery. This paper addresses this gap by introducing the concept of Enhanced Landfill Mining, defined as the safe conditioning, excavation and integrated valorization of landfilled waste streams as both materials and energy, using innovative transformation technologies and respecting the most stringent social and ecological criteria. The feasibility of ELFM is studied by synthesizing the research on the Closing the Circle project, the first ELFM project targeting the 18 million metric ton landfill in Houthalen-Helchteren in the East of Belgium. It is argued that Environmental Impact Assessments of ELFM projects should be wide in scope and time. Embedded in a broad resource management perspective, the worldwide potential of ELFM is highlighted, in terms of climate gains, materials and energy utilization, job creation and land reclamation. The potential is quantified for the EU-27 with its 150,000-500,000 landfills. However, for ELFM to reach its full potential, strategic policy decisions and tailored support systems, including combined incentives for material recycling, energy utilization and nature restoration, are required. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000322802300005 Publication Date 2012-05-26
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 144 Open Access
Notes ; The authors acknowledge the European and Flemish authorities for the funding of, respectively, the EFRO project 'Closing the Circle, a demonstration of Enhanced Landfill Mining (ELFM)' and the IWT O&O Project 100517. The authors acknowledge the ELFM Consortium Members, including Karel Van Acker, Tom Van Gerven, Marc Craps, Alain De Vocht, Johan Eyckmans, Maarten Dubois, Koen Sips, Luk Umans, Maurice Ballard, Lieve Helsen and Anouk Bosmans. The authors acknowledge the members of the EU ELMIRE Consortium, in particular Hans Groot, Raffaello Cossu, William Hogland and Rainer Stegmann. Finally, the authors thank the reviewers for their critical comments and suggested improvements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2013 IF: 3.590
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127549 Serial 6195
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Author Lizin, S.; Van Passel, S.; De Schepper, E.; Maes, W.; Lutsen, L.; Manca, J.; Vanderzande, D.
Title Life cycle analyses of organic photovoltaics : a review Type A1 Journal article
Year 2013 Publication Energy & Environmental Science Abbreviated Journal Energ Environ Sci
Volume 6 Issue 11 Pages 3136-3149
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract This paper reviews the available life cycle analysis (LCA) literature on organic photovoltaics (OPVs). This branch of OPV research has focused on the environmental impact of single-junction bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells using a P3HT/PC60BM active layer blend processed on semi-industrial pilot lines in ambient surroundings. The environmental impact was found to be strongly decreasing through continuous innovation of the manufacturing procedures. The current top performing cell regarding environmental performance has a cumulative energy demand of 37.58 MJp m(-2) and an energy payback time in the order of months for cells having 2% efficiency, thereby rendering OPV cells one of the best performing PV technologies from an environmental point of view. Nevertheless, we find that LCA literature is lagging behind on the main body of OPV literature due to the lack of readily available input data. Still, LCA research has led us to believe that in the quest for higher efficiencies, environmental sustainability is being disregarded on the materials' side. Hence, we advise the scientific community to take the progress made on environmental sustainability aspects of OPV preparations into account not only because standard procedures put a bigger strain on the environment, but also because these methods may not be transferrable to an industrial process. Consequently, we recommend policy makers to subsidize research that bridges the gaps between fundamental materials research, stability, and scalability given that these constraints have to be fulfilled simultaneously if OPVs are ever to be successful on the market. Additionally, environmental sustainability will have to keep on being monitored to steer future developments in the right direction.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000325946400002 Publication Date 2013-10-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1754-5692; 1754-5706 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 29.518 Times cited 124 Open Access
Notes ; The authors are much obliged to both the INTERREG ORGAN-EXT project and FP7 MOLESOL project for their financial support, without which it would have been impossible to conduct this research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 29.518; 2013 IF: 15.490
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127548 Serial 6223
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Vanreppelen, K.; Carleer, R.; Yperman, J.; Schreurs, S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of pyrolysis char production and application : a review Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2014 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 67-72
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract Many organic residue streams such as pig manure are not or inefficiently used, although they can be converted into valuable materials, as well as energy, using pyrolysis. The yield of the pyrolysis products (i.e. oil, gas and char) is dependent on the process conditions and the feedstock used. Char as a soil amendment or activated carbon are interesting options for valorization of biomass residues. Here, a review is presented of the techno-economic potential of both valorization options based on literature and own experiments with wood from phytoremediation, particle board and waste from beer production. The term “biochar” is specifically used to designate pyrolysis char that is intentionally applied to soil in order to enhance its structure and fertility. Biochar applications are often also motivated by the objective of climate change mitigation. Two main disadvantages for the economic feasibility of biochar applications have been discerned. Firstly, carbon sequestration in agricultural crops and soils is not yet eligible under the Clean Development Mechanism. Secondly, the impact of biochar on crop productivity is unclear. Activated carbon (AC) seems to have interesting adsorption characteristics resulting in potentially high sales prices. A preliminary techno-economic assessment showed that AC production is preferred above oil production for wood from phytoremediation as long as the market price of 2 kEUR.t(-1) for commercially available ACs can be attained. Whenever a feedstock with high nitrogen content is available (e.g. particle board with melamine urea formaldehyde resin), even higher market prices might be attained. This study shows that valorization of the pyrolysis char might be an answer to the slow adoption of pyrolysis in commercial applications. Focus in research and development, for instance in future research with regard to pig manure valorization, should therefore be on sustainable products with high economic value and direct utilization potential.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000346540000012 Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title International Conference on BioMass (iconBM 2014), 4-7 May 2014, Florence, Italy / Ranzi, Eliseo [edit.]; et al.
Series Volume 37 Series Issue Edition
ISSN 978-88-95608-28-0 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited 8 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127547 Serial 6265
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Maggen, J.; Vanreppelen, K.; Yperman, J.; Carleer, R.; Elen, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of different conversion pathways for pyrolysis char from pig manure Type P1 Proceeding
Year 2014 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 901-911
Keywords P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology
Abstract The amount of animal manure that can be brought back to agricultural land is limited by legislation. Because pig manure is available in too large quantities in some areas, we investigate the techno-economic feasibility of converting it into valuable products. First, slurry is separated in water, a thick fraction and a fertilizer concentrate poor in phosphate. Then, the thick fraction is dried and pyrolyzed. Our goal is to identify the optimal pyrolysis and activation conditions for the production of biochar or activated carbon. The latter has interesting adsorption characteristics due to the presence of nitrogen. It can also be used as a soil amendment as it improves biomass quantity and quality. On top, it immobilizes toxic elements and stores carbon in the soil. Char thus has many interesting characteristics and can be valued in different ways. The economic feasibility has been explored by a first techno-economic modelling iteration. The critical factors influencing the feasibility are identified by Monte Carlo simulations for further improvement of the process design.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos Publication Date
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title 22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition : Setting the Course for a Biobased Economy, 23-26 June 2014, Hamburg, Germany : conference proceedings
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127546 Serial 6263
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Author Maes, D.; Van Passel, S.
Title Advantages and limitations of exergy indicators to assess sustainability of bioenergy and biobased materials Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Environmental Impact Assessment Review Abbreviated Journal Environ Impact Asses
Volume 45 Issue Pages 19-29
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Innovative bioenergy projects show a growing diversity in biomass pathways, transformation technologies and end-products, leading to complex new processes. Existing energy-based indicators are not designed to include multiple impacts and are too constrained to assess the sustainability of these processes. Alternatively, indicators based on exergy, a measure of “qualitative energy”, could allow a more holistic view. Exergy is increasingly applied in analyses of both technical and biological processes. But sustainability assessments including exergy calculations, are not very common and are not generally applicable to all types of impact. Hence it is important to frame the use of exergy for inclusion in a sustainability assessment. This paper reviews the potentials and the limitations of exergy calculations, and presents solutions for coherent aggregation with other metrics. The resulting approach is illustrated in a case study. Within the context of sustainability assessment of bioenergy, exergy is a suitable metric for the impacts that require an ecocentric interpretation, and it allows aggregation on a physical basis. The use of exergy is limited to a measurement of material and energy exchanges with the sun, biosphere and lithosphere. Exchanges involving services or human choices are to be measured in different metrics. This combination provides a more inclusive and objective sustainability assessment, especially compared to standard energy- or carbon-based indicators. Future applications of this approach in different situations are required to clarify the potential of exergy-based indicators in a sustainability context. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000331924600003 Publication Date 2013-12-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0195-9255 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.094 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.094; 2014 IF: 2.400
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127545 Serial 6147
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Author Vanschoenwinkel, J.; Lizin, S.; Swinnen, G.; Azadi, H.; Van Passel, S.
Title Solar cooking in Senegalese villages : an application of best-worst scaling Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Energy Policy Abbreviated Journal Energ Policy
Volume 67 Issue Pages 447-458
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sociology; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Dissemination programs of nontraditional cookstoves often fail. Nontraditional cookstoves aim to solve problems associated with biomass fuel usage in developing countries. Recent studies do not explain what drives user's cookstove choice. This study therefore builds a holistic framework that centralizes product-specific preferences or needs. The case study identifies product-specific factors that influence rural Senegalese inhabitants to switch to solar cooking, using best worst scaling. Looking at the preferences, the case study classified 126 respondents, in three distinct market segments with different solar cooking expectations. The paper identifies socio-demographic characteristics that explain these differences in the respondents' preferences. Finally, the respondent sample is divided in two groups: solar cooker owners and non-owners. When studied with regard to the same issue, solar cooker owners appear to value benefits of the solar cooker lower than non-owners. This is due to program factors (such as formations, after-sales network) and miscommunication (such as a wrong image of the solar cooker) that highly influenced the respondents' cookstove choice. As a conclusion, solar cookers and solar cooking programs are not always adapted to the needs and requirements of the end-users. Needs-oriented and end-user adopted strategies are necessary in order to successfully implement nontraditional cookstoves programs. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000332815300043 Publication Date 2014-01-08
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4215; 1873-6777 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 4.14 Times cited 10 Open Access
Notes ; The authors thank the VLIR-UOS for their financial support and the Sol Suffit Program for their co-operation during the research. ; Approved Most recent IF: 4.14; 2014 IF: 2.575
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127544 Serial 6251
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Author De Schepper, E.; Van Passel, S.; Lizin, S.; Achten, W.M.J.; Van Acker, K.
Title Cost-efficient emission abatement of energy and transportation technologies : mitigation costs and policy impacts for Belgium Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy Abbreviated Journal Clean Technol Envir
Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 1107-1118
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In the light of global warming, this paper develops a framework to compare energy and transportation technologies in terms of cost-efficient GHG emission reduction. We conduct a simultaneous assessment of economic and environmental performances through life cycle costing and life cycle assessment. To calculate the GHG mitigation cost, we create reference systems within the base scenario. Further, we extend the concept of the mitigation cost, allowing (i) comparision of technologies given a limited investment resource, and (ii) evaluation of the direct impact of policy measures by means of the subsidized mitigation cost. The framework is illustrated with a case of solar photovoltaics (PV), grid powered battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and solar powered BEVs for a Belgian small and medium sized enterprise. The study's conclusions are that the mitigation cost of solar PV is high, even though this is a mature technology. The emerging mass produced BEVs on the other hand are found to have a large potential for cost-efficient GHG mitigation as indicated by their low cost of mitigation. Finally, based on the subsidized mitigation cost, we conclude that the current financial stimuli for all three investigated technologies are excessive when compared to the CO2 market value under the EU Emission Trading Scheme.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000339874900010 Publication Date 2014-02-12
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1618-954x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.331 Times cited 14 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.331; 2014 IF: 1.934
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127543 Serial 6175
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Author Hoogmartens, R.; Van Passel, S.; Van Acker, K.; Dubois, M.
Title Bridging the gap between LCA, LCC and CBA as sustainability assessment tools Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Environmental Impact Assessment Review Abbreviated Journal Environ Impact Asses
Volume 48 Issue Pages 27-33
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Increasing interest in sustainability has led to the development of sustainability assessment tools such as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). Due to methodological disparity of these three tools, conflicting assessment results generate confusion for many policy and business decisions. In order to interpret and integrate assessment results, the paper provides a framework that clarifies the connections and coherence between the included assessment methodologies. Building on this framework, the paper further focuses on key aspects to adapt any of the methodologies to full sustainability assessments. Aspects dealt with in the review are for example the reported metrics, the scope, data requirements, discounting, product- or project-related and approaches with respect to scarcity and labor requirements. In addition to these key aspects, the review shows that important connections exist: (i) the three tools can cope with social inequality, (ii) processes such as valuation techniques for LCC and CBA are common, (iii) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is used as input in both LCA and CBA and (iv) LCA can be used in parallel with LCC. Furthermore, the most integrated sustainability approach combines elements of LCA and LCC to achieve the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA). The key aspects and the connections referred to in the review are illustrated with a case study on the treatment of end-of-life automotive glass. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000340141900004 Publication Date 2014-05-23
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0195-9255 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.094 Times cited 93 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.094; 2014 IF: 2.400
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127542 Serial 6163
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Author Van Dael, M.; Marquez, N.; Reumerman, P.; Pelkmans, L.; Kuppens, T.; Van Passel, S.
Title Development and techno-economic evaluation of a biorefinery based on biomass (waste) streams : case study in the Netherlands Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefining-Biofpr Abbreviated Journal Biofuel Bioprod Bior
Volume 8 Issue 5 Pages 635-644
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In this paper, the technical and economic advantages of combining conversion technologies into a multi-dimensional plant primarily using regional biomass residues are investigated. The main objective is to show how locally available biomass can be used more efficiently as a source for renewable energy and bio-based products. Therefore, not only is the theoretical perspective considered, but also a reality check for the local situation is taken into account. Although industrial attitude toward biorefineries is positive, the efficient production of a portfolio of bio-based products has not yet been implemented. A biorefinery concept for Moerdijk (the Netherlands) was developed, focusing on grass refining, production of pyrolysis oil, biodiesel production, and bio-LNG production. Grass refining is the most experimental technique of all proposed conversion techniques. In terms of development, pyrolysis oil and bio-LNG production are in the demonstration phase. Anaerobic digestion and biodiesel production are proven techniques. It is shown that this concept allows for synergies with regard to the utilization of residue flows from internal processes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that by integrating different conversion technologies, an economically feasible concept can be developed in which technologies, currently residing in a demonstration phase, can also be brought to the market. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000342662200015 Publication Date 2013-11-20
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1932-104x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 3.694 Times cited 18 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. The Energy Conversion Parks (ECP) project is funded by the Interreg IVa – Flanders-Netherlands program from the European Fund for Regional Development that stimulates cross-border projects. Also the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Flemish Government, the Provinces of Noord-Brabant (NL), Zeeland (NL), Limburg (BE) and the partners (VITO, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Hasselt University, and Zeeland University of Applied Sciences) themselves are co-financing the project. We also would like to express our gratitude toward the organization of the 2nd Iberoamerican Congress on Biorefineries in Jaen (Spain) for giving us the opportunity to present and thereby fine-tune our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.694; 2014 IF: 4.214
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127541 Serial 6180
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Author Meul, M.; Van Middelaar, C.E.; de Boer, I.J.M.; Van Passel, S.; Fremaut, D.; Haesaert, G.
Title Potential of life cycle assessment to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal Agr Syst
Volume 131 Issue Pages 105-115
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract In this paper, we evaluate the potential of life cycle assessment (LCA) to support environmental decision making at commercial dairy farms. To achieve this, we follow a four-step method that allows converting environmental assessment results using LCA into case-specific advice for farmers. This is illustrated in a case-study involving 20 specialized Flemish dairy farms. Calculated LCA indicators are normalized into scores between 0 and 100, whereby a score of 100 is assumed optimal, to allow for a mutual comparison of indicators for different environmental impact categories. Next, major farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance are identified using multiple regression and correlation analyses. Finally, comparing specific farm and management characteristics with those of best performing farms identifies farm-specific optimization strategies. We conclude that this approach complies with most of the identified critical success factors for the successful implementation of LCA as a decision support system for farmers. Key aspects herein are (i) the flexibility and accessibility of the model, (ii) the use of readily available farm data, (iii) farm advisors being intended model users, (iv) the identification of key farm and management characteristics affecting environmental performance and (v) the organization of discussion sessions involving farmers and farm advisors. However, attention should be paid (i) to provide sufficient training and guidance for farm advisors on the use of the applied LCA model and the interpretation of results, (ii) to evaluate the correctness of the used data and (iii) to keep the model up-to-date according to new scientific insights and knowledge concerning LCA methodology. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000343955300011 Publication Date 2014-09-15
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.571 Times cited 25 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.571; 2014 IF: 2.906
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127540 Serial 6238
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Author Kuppens, T.; Van Dael, M.; Vanreppelen, K.; Thewys, T.; Yperman, J.; Carleer, R.; Schreurs, S.; Van Passel, S.
Title Techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis for the valorization of short rotation coppice cultivated for phytoextraction Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 88 Issue Pages 336-344
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract The main barrier in the commercialization of phytoextraction as a sustainable alternative for remediating metal contaminated soils is its long time period, which can be countered by biomass valorization. From an environmental point of view, fast pyrolysis of the biomass is promising because its lower process temperature prevents metal volatilization. The remaining question is whether fast pyrolysis is also preferred from an economic point of view. Therefore, a techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis has been performed for a case study in the Campine region in Belgium. For this region, willow trees cultivated in short rotation have the right characteristics to serve as a phytoextracting crop. A techno-economic assessment requires by definition a multidisciplinary approach. The problem statement urges for a focus on the economic profitability from the viewpoint of an investor, including economic risk analysis. Fast pyrolysis seems more profitable than gasification. The profit is dependent on the scale of operation, the policy support (subsidies) and the oil yield. The economic risk can be reduced by increasing the scale of operation by means of complementing feedstocks, and by valorization of the char byproduct by subsequent processing to activated carbon. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000347771100036 Publication Date 2014-07-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 36 Open Access
Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2015 IF: 3.844
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127539 Serial 6264
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Author Maes, D.; Van Dael, M.; Vanheusden, B.; Goovaerts, L.; Reumerman, P.; Luzardo, N.M.; Van Passel, S.
Title Assessment of the sustainability guidelines of EU Renewable Energy Directive : the case of biorefineries Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Journal Of Cleaner Production Abbreviated Journal J Clean Prod
Volume 88 Issue Pages 61-70
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract Sustainability guidelines can help to safeguard the sustainable use of biological materials. When these guidelines are legally prescribed, their influence on the economic viability of bioenergy, biofuel and bioliquid projects is increased substantially, through their impact on national subsidy regimes and international trade. One of the key examples is the European directive 2009/28/EC, or the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), and the related COM/2010/11 that integrate guidelines for calculating greenhouse gas impact for various bioenergy pathways. This paper looks further into the sustainability results when influenced by principal decisions that are legally open for debate. Therefore, a concise review is conducted of the legal state-of-the-art on whether a product is waste or not. The review pinpoints uncertainty, leading to four potential legal scenarios. The sustainability of a complex biorefinery is analysed for each scenario. The results show (i) a high sensitivity to the principal decisions on the nature of waste materials in the scenarios, and (ii) to the definition of boundaries between the processes. More detailed rules for the application of the RED guidelines are needed, and should be complemented with methods specifically targeting all relevant sustainability aspects, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of the sustainability of the process. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000347771100007 Publication Date 2014-04-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0959-6526 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 5.715 Times cited 25 Open Access
Notes ; We would like to thank the editor and the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions and insightful comments that have significantly improved the paper. The 'Energy Conversion Parks' (ECP) project is funded as Project nr IVA-VLANED-2.39 by the Interreg IVa-Flanders-Netherlands program from the European Fund for Regional Development that stimulates cross border projects. Also the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Flemish Government, the Provinces of Noord-Brabant (NL), Zeeland (NL), Limburg (BE) and the partners (VITO, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Hasselt University, and Zeeland University of Applied Sciences) themselves are co-financing the project. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude towards the organization of the eighth Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment systems in Dubrovnik (Croatia) for giving us the opportunity to present and thereby fine-tune our work. ; Approved Most recent IF: 5.715; 2015 IF: 3.844
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127538 Serial 6157
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Author Pacini, G.C.; Merante, P.; Lazzerini, G.; Van Passel, S.
Title Increasing the cost-effectiveness of EU agri-environment policy measures through evaluation of farm and field-level environmental and economic performance Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal Agr Syst
Volume 136 Issue Pages 70-78
Keywords A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM)
Abstract A lot of attention in the debate on the 2014-2020 programming period of the EU CAP and rural development policy revolves around the policy's contribution to enhancing resource use efficiency, decreasing environmental impact, restoring ecosystems and how to ensure more efficient and effective agrienvironmental measures (AEMs). Nevertheless, studies that simultaneously address multiple measures with multiple environmental objectives and targets are underrepresented in the scientific literature. The objectives of the present article are (i) to present an integrated tool-kit for AEM design resulting from the combination of farm modelling with the Sustainable Value Approach (SVA), and (ii) to evaluate the potential of the tool-kit to support AEM design through an application to estimate cost-effective organic agriculture payments for the dairy sector in Mugello, northern Tuscany. Sustainability assessment of organic and conventional farming systems (OFS and CFS, respectively.) under the 2007-2013 EU CAP support schemes and a no EU support scenario show better OFS performances regarding nitrogen leaching (-52% and -47% under the current CAP and the no EU support scenarios, respectively), soil erosion (-24% and -34%), potential pesticide risks (-100%), biodiversity (+13% and +30%). Income foregone for the production of environmental benefits from organic agriculture under a no EU support scenario is equal to 210 Euro/ha. Sustainable value calculations combined with modelling results indicate soil erosion and nitrogen leaching as the environmental processes to be addressed with specific policy measures to further increase the efficiency of organic farming. A new organic agriculture support scheme designed based on such indications further increases the OFS SV and almost closes the GAP with a benchmark farm of the area, featured with ideal performances in terms of environmental and economic indicators. The payment scheme we designed with the support of the integrated tool-kit shows to be more cost-effective and efficient of current AEMs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000354503000007 Publication Date 2015-03-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 2.571 Times cited 12 Open Access
Notes ; We wish to thank all participants to the SVAPPAS project for their inspiring contributions and challenging debates. We are furthermore grateful to the financial support from the 6th Framework Programme of the EU (project code: SSPECT – 2006 – DG AGRI). The authors are most grateful to technicians Giovanna Casella and Roberto Vivoli (University of Florence) for their technical contribution. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.571; 2015 IF: 2.906
Call Number (down) UA @ admin @ c:irua:127537 Serial 6216
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