The Integrated Laboratory of Sustainable Energy Use includes the components of a) Fuel Characterization b) Integral use of biomasses c) Energetic efficiency in the biomass conversion d) Integration of bioenergy to the electric grid. e) Storage of energy. This laboratory will be physically set up in the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. Furthermore, an extra equipment of integral usage of biomasses will also be installed in Culiacán.
The design and startup of the Integrated Laboratory of Sustainable Energy Use (LIAES) will be part of the efforts to achieve the stipulated objective of supporting the strengthening of the infrastructure for the development of technological and applied science research activities for the formation of the required competences for the human talent developed.
The proposed infrastructure for the LIAES will be supported by integrating five specific lines of work:
Fuel Characterization
Laboratory for the characterization of materials to quantify their potential energetic use. It includes the determination of calorific power, close analysis, and lastly thermic properties, chromatography for components identification in liquid fuels.
Integral use of Biomass
This includes making biofuels under the concept of bio-refinery. A fundamental concept in the integration of matter and energy (thermic and electric) which is a requirement for energetic efficiency. Gasification banks, pyrolysis, bio-digesters, and gas-to-liquid conversion equipment are contemplated.
Energy efficiency in biomass conversion
Infrastructure for the use of thermic renewable sources for the generation of sustainable energy from biomass. Thermic transporters design based on nano fluids, efficient heat exchange systems coupled to the biomass converters, equipment to measure heat transference coefficients, chemical synthesis of nano particles, and characterization of nano particles.
Integration of bioenergy to the electric grid.
Generation (generation systems based on liquid or gas bioenergetics), integration of systems, smart synchronization.
Energy storage.
Energy storage is a fundamental topic for the integration of renewables to the electric grid. In this laboratory we explore the different trends in energy storage associated to the right usage of biomass: electrochemical cell (batteries), thermic, or chemical storage.
The projects that will use this infrastructure, firstly will be those involved with biogas research (Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico-Culiacan and Tecnologico de Monterrey) and gasification of residual materials (Tecnologico de Monterrey). Specifically, the first of them contemplates the characterization, optimization of the kinetic and design parameters, as well as the startup of an Anaerobic Filter of Ascendant Flux, which allows the usage of organic waste from cattle. The second of them centers on the gasification of oil coke, municipal organic waste and residual biomass (pecan nutshells). From the point of view of the usage of renewable energy as an integral part of the biomass processing, we contemplate a first project about optimal design of nano fluids for energetic efficiency where the main source of heat is thermic solar. Generally, thermal energy of low temperature has a great potential to be used, however, it is discarded due to practical and economic reasons. This project proposes to undertake systematic experimental studies to understand the effects of relevant variables and so reach to theory - empirical models that may become tools of the optimization of the formulation of nano fluids. Finally, regarding interconnection, the first project will be a design of high efficiency current converters.
For further information regarding this project, please contact Alberto Mendoza Ph.D. at: mendoza.alberto@itesm.mx