Energy Potential of Animal Waste in the State of Paraná (Brazil)

Abstract Animal biomass is a source of energy commonly discarded without or with low utilization, but its availability draws attention to its reuse [1]. The utilization can be carried out in different ways, varying in terms of generation time and efficiency. The use of biodigestion requires a relatively small area compared to landfills or natural composting, and it provides other materials besides biogas, that can be recycled as fertilizer and has a short residence time of residues [2]. The energy supplied as biogas can be harnessed as heat or electricity in case of conversion. Considering the energy needs of animal husbandry and the ease of reinsertion of energy in the production cycle, the possibility of distributed generation of biogas was studied as a way to complement the rural energy consumption matrix. Poultry farms require heat for chicks [3], dairy production centers require sterilization of used equipment [4] and pig farms require good heating systems to ensure animal weight gain [5]. In this way, the production can take advantage of the heat of the gas without the conversion into electricity, minimizing losses. Creation centers themselves can also generate electricity, eliminating the need for large transmission lines.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Wind Power Generation: Application of the Methodology and the Generator to Power System

ABSTRACT Sustainability and economics are current issues in the generation of electricity. The energy matrix is diversified and some forms have stood out, such as wind. Some tools have been developed to improve project efficiency, one of which is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This presents solidity when assisting projects financially and environmentally, evaluating materials and processes. The present study aimed to analyze the application of LCA in a wind power plant. After searching the main databases and using filters, the analysis was developed from the information of an article that described the application of the LCA to a wind power plant using computational simulation, providing an overview of the production and potential environmental impacts for the process manufacturing, parts maintenance, disposal and recycling at end of lifespan. The phases, steps and the threshold diagram of the LCA system were observed. The results showed a high rate of reuse/recycling of some materials and significant reductions in emissions, financial costs and abatement of environmental payback if the materials were recycled at the end of lifespan. Recycling has shown positive environmental aspects and a significant cost reduction, allowing the expansion of markets and optimization of wind projects.

Case-Based Reasoning for the Design of Start-Stop Logic of Hydroelectric Power Stations

ABSTRACT The present article focuses on the construction of an Intelligent System for the Project Start-Stop Logic of Hydropower Plants, work carried out as master dissertation, allowing the retention of knowledge of previous cases which set a valuable intellectual capital, organizing knowledge generated by specialists and consultants of the area. The tool aims at saving time as well as standardizing solutions, allowing future developments for the construction of other necessary logic (such as those related to asset management and tools to aid the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants). The MyCBR, software that proved to be of easy programming, but with some limitations, is used for such an attempt of a shell of current use. The recovery of the cases based on calculations of global and local similarity allows the selection of solutions already used in hydroelectric plants with analogous technological solutions. The results were satisfactory in view of the periodicity of the use of the tool and the possibility of increasing the case base as the logics are implemented in other projects, besides allowing the inclusion of other logics and documentation pertinent to the Hydropower Plants.