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Slide 1 of 5 Publicación Acceso Abierto
Energy and exergy analysis of SNG production from syngas derived from agricultural residues in Bolívar, Colombia
(Gases, 2026-03-03) Buelvas, Ana Margarita; Barreto Ponton, Deibys; Ramírez León, Hermes Javier; Fajardo Cuadro, Juan Gabriel; Grupo de Investigación Energías Alternativas y Fluidos (EOLITO)
Synthetic natural gas (SNG) production from biomass residues represents a promising strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security in regions with abundant agricultural waste. This study evaluates the thermodynamic performance of SNG synthesis from rice husk (RH) and empty fruit bunches (EFB) bio-oils, major residues in the department of Bolívar, Colombia. The process was simulated in Aspen Plus®, integrating syngas data and methanation under equilibrium conditions at 320 °C and 30 bar, complemented by hydrogen injection via alkaline electrolysis to maintain an H2/CO ratio above 3. Energy and exergy analyses were performed to quantify efficiencies and irreversibilities. Results indicate carbon conversion rates of 48.3% for EFB and 47.4% for RH, producing SNG with 96% CH4 suitable for grid injection. Energy efficiencies reached 71.9% and 71.0%, while exergy efficiencies were 87.2% and 82.9%, respectively, aligning with or surpassing literature benchmarks. The main irreversibilities occurred in methanation and CO2 removal, highlighting thermal integration and gas recycling as key improvement strategies. These findings demonstrate the potential of leveraging local biomass for clean energy production and support the development of Power-to-Gas systems in Colombia.
Slide 2 of 5 Publicación Acceso Abierto
Modeling the performance of glass-cover-free parabolic trough collector prototypes for solar water disinfection in rural off-grid communities
(2026-02-02) Aricapa, Fernando; Gallego, Jorge L.; silva cortés, alejandro; Díaz Mendoza, Claudia Patricia; Pasqualino, Jorgelina Cecilia; Grupo de Investigación Sistemas Ambientales e Hidráulicos (GISAH)
In regions with abundant solar energy, solar water disinfection (SODIS) offers a sustainable strategy to improve drinking water access, especially in rural, off-grid communities. This study presents a numerical modeling approach to assess the thermal and microbial disinfection performance of glass-free parabolic trough collectors (PTCs). The model integrates geometric sizing, one-dimensional thermal energy balance, and first-order microbial inactivation kinetics, supported by optical simulations in SolTRACE 3.0. Simulations applied to a representative case in the Colombian Caribbean (Gambote, Bolívar) highlight the influence of rim angle, focal length, and optical properties on system efficiency. Results show that compact PTCs can achieve fluid temperatures above 70 °C and effective pathogen inactivation within short exposure times. Sensitivity analysis identifies key geometric and environmental factors that optimize performance under variable conditions. The model provides a practical tool for guiding the design and local adaptation of SODIS systems, supporting decentralized, low-cost water treatment solutions aligned with sustainable development goals. Furthermore, it offers a framework for future assessments of PTC implementations in different climatic scenarios.
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