ENEA-Trisaia: Ter-EneBio Division - Enea - Italy

ENEA Trisaia, located in the South of Italy, is one of the thirteen research centres of ENEA (Italian Agency operating in the fields of energy, environment and new technologies) actively engaged in the research activities related to renewable sources, predominantly, in the field of biomass exploitation for energy purposes. Research and development activities on power and biofuels production are investigated by a strong group of nearly 40 persons at Ter-EneBio. Several projects (thermo-chemical conversion process of biomass via gasification) in co-operation with both national and international institutions have either already been completed or in progress. A number of experimental plants based upon different technologies (fixed bed, BFB, FICFB gasifiers) and of different sizes (10kWth, 100kWth, 500kWth, 1MWth), are available at Trisaia. The plants have been investigated experimentally to test the most promising field of application (production of fuel gas for power production purpose) following different possible ways such as via internal combustion engine, gas turbines and high temperature fuel cell (MCFC). The use of biomass gasification for syngas production to biofuels conversion has also been considered.
Beside the above-mentioned activities on gasification, Centre is also operating the BioCar laboratory. The laboratory assists the activities at the plants with respect to the chemical features. It is equipped with analytical instruments (GC-TCD, GCMS, HPIC, ICP-OES, TGA, FTIR, CHNS/O analyser, Calorimeter system) for the full characterization of biomass raw materials and process streams (gaseous, liquid, solid). A full characterisation of products (CO, H2, CO2, CH4, N2, light hydrocarbons, etc) and contaminants (tars, H2S, NH3, Ash, char, particles, etc) is possible via on-line or off-line analysis and on qualitative and quantitative base. Thanks to the previous and current efforts, the Ter-EneBio group has gathered large experience in the field of gasification process and the related issues (biomass pre-treatment and storage, gas cleaning and conditioning, safety operating procedures).
Some of the most relevant projects in which the group has been/is involved are listed:

• Cina (Biomass gasification for electricity production in Yingkou (China): Agreement MAE/DGCS-ENEA



• Joule (Clean energy from biomass) contract Number: ENK5-CT-2000-00314



• Hydrosyn (Production of a fuel gas for gas turbine; Contract Number: 989, financed by MIUR)



• Production of H2 and Biofuels; Contract Number: 13569, financed by MIUR)

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