DecarbTech - Issue 7

The editor's picks

Recent trends highlight the rapid advancements in digitalization and energy efficiency that are set to revolutionize various industries from food production to water supply and beyond.

These advancements are not just theoretical; they are being practically applied to drive significant changes.

In this edition of our newsletter, we invite you behind the scenes in sustainable bioenergy, produced with energy-efficient and low-emission technologies, and data-driven efficiency of industrial electric powertrains.

Mari Pohjanpalo , R&D Project Manager at ABB, introduces us to the transformative world of industrial electric powertrains. These systems are revolutionizing industries by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and ABB’s Connectivity Edge Gateway EGW-02 is at the forefront of this transformation.

luca rizzo , Global Industry Manager at ABB Motion, takes us on a journey through the bioenergy landscape. Bioenergy is not just an alternative; it’s a powerful force in the renewable energy sector. From converting waste into energy to reducing emissions, bioenergy’s versatility and scalability make it essential for achieving net-zero goals.

Together, they highlight the interconnection of sustainable technologies. Industrial electric powertrains and bioenergy both play pivotal roles in reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.

Enjoy the read, stay inspired and spread the word!

By Irina Andreea Cardos , Head of Global Communications ABB Motion, Large Motors and Generators

Bioenergy: powering a sustainable future?

By luca rizzo , Global Industry Manager, ABB Motion

Bioenergy is emerging as a pivotal force in the global transition to renewable energy, offering scalability, versatility, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Luca Rizzo, Global Industry Manager at ABB Motion, explores how bioenergy, with its ability to reduce carbon emissions and repurpose waste, is essential for achieving net-zero goals.?

Biomass to bioenergy?

Bioenergy is derived from various organic materials, including dedicated energy crops, agricultural residues, forestry scraps, municipal solid waste, and even animal manure. These materials are processed through three primary pathways: thermochemical (direct burning for heat or conversion to syngas for electricity generation); biochemical (breakdown by microorganisms to produce biogas, a methane-rich fuel); and chemical (processing into liquid biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel). Promisingly for those pushing for wide-scale adoption, bioenergy isn’t limited to large-scale plants. The technology can be adapted for smaller applications too, like biogas digesters used on farms or within communities.?

A different kind of renewable?

While often overshadowed by solar and wind energy, bioenergy holds a unique position as the world’s leading renewable energy source. Despite higher production costs, bioenergy offers critical advantages that complement variable renewables like wind and solar, thereby enhancing grid reliability. It transforms waste from various industries and municipal solid waste (MSW) sources into usable energy.?

Bioenergy also offers remarkable flexibility. Solid biofuel enables emission reduction while utilizing existing coal-fired power plants. Co-firing, a process that mixes biofuel with coal, is gaining traction. Liquid biofuel powers transportation: biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative to diesel fuel, and ethanol blended with gasoline to reduce emissions are prime examples. The production of biogas from organic matter further diversifies bioenergy’s applications, from cooking and heating to electricity generation and transportation.?

The bioenergy value chain: optimizing for efficiency?

Efficient operation of bioenergy facilities depends on a complex interplay of equipment, including induction, synchronous, and permanent magnet motors. These technologies power crucial components like pumps, fans, and compressors while offering the highest efficiency. Additionally, bioenergy plants utilize high- and low-voltage generators for engine and turbine plants. ABB, a leading provider of these critical components, collaborates with bioenergy producers to design and deliver solutions that optimize efficiency throughout the entire conversion process.?

For example, Swiss manufacturer Burckhardt Compression uses ABB’s AMI-engineered modular induction motors in its process gas compressors, which are vital for producing renewable diesel from feedstocks like rapeseed oil.?

Similarly, in Sweden, a WTE cogeneration plant uses an ABB AMS synchronous generator to convert steam turbine power into electricity while also capturing residual heat for district heating. This plant provides warmth to over 21,200 homes annually, demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of bioenergy.?

A Sustainable Future with Bioenergy?

Bioenergy’s versatility, significant emission reduction capabilities, and diverse applications make it a cornerstone of a sustainable future. Efficient and reliable equipment is crucial for maximizing output and minimizing costs. With its experience, domain expertise, and proven product portfolio, ABB is well-positioned to support the bioenergy sector as it journeys towards a greener tomorrow.?

You can read the full article here.

Reducing emissions and saving energy through digitalization

By Mari Pohjanpalo , R&D project manager, ABB

There are millions of electric powertrains in operation around the world that are supporting efforts across industries for increased energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Electric powertrains can be found in areas such food production, water supply, heating and cooling, ventilation, transport and other industrial applications. These powertrains use electricity as the energy source rather than diesel fuel or natural gas and most of them will include a drive, motor and an application such as a pump or fan. Additionally, they are likely to be connected to a network for provision of digital services and data transfer.

However, generic edge devices that control the data flow between networks do not support the needs of electric powertrains because they lack essential features, set-up is a hassle, and the customer experience is generally poor. This means that the electric powertrain may not be optimized for performance or efficiency. That is why ABB developed a tailored edge gateway device - named the ABB Connectivity Edge Gateway EGW-02 - that is specifically for electric powertrains.

Connectivity Edge Gateway EGW-02 is an Internet of Things (IoT) device that gathers data from connected drives and makes the data available for local or cloud backends. It is also able to process the data on the edge for producing additional value for customers.

The new product, recognized this year by Red Dot Awards in the categories of Communication Technology and Smart Products, was designed to be functional for end-users to save energy, reduce emissions, lower operational and maintenance cost, and increase reliability.

To find out more, visit ABB Motion/Drives

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