Increasing environmental concerns as well as diminishing fossil fuel reserves call for a new generation of energy conversion technologies. Fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly to electrical energy, have been identified as one of the leading alternative energy conversion technologies. Fuel cells are more efficient than conventional heat engines with minimal pollutant emissions and superior scalability. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) which produce electricity from hydrogen have been widely investigated for transportation and stationary applications. The focus of this study is on the Direct Propane Fuel Cell (DPFC), which belongs to the PEMFC family, but consumes propane instead of hydrogen as feedstock. A drawback associated with DPFCs is that the propane reaction rate is much slower than that of hydrogen. Two ideas were suggested to overcome this issue: (i) operating at high temperatures (150-230oC), and (ii) keeping the propane partial pressure at the maximum possible value. An electrolyte material composed of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was suggested because it is an acceptable proton conductor at high temperatures. In order to keep the propane partial pressure at the maximum value, interdigitated flow-fields were chosen to distribute propane through the anode catalyst layer. In order to evaluate the performance of a DPFC which operates at high temperature and uses interdigitated flow-fields, a computational approach was chosen. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to create two 2-D mathematical models for DPFCs based on differential conservation equations. Two different approaches were investigated to model species transport in the electrolyte phase of the anode and cathode catalyst layers and the membrane layer. In the first approach, the migration phenomenon was assumed to be the only mechanism of proton transport. However, both migration and diffusion phenomena were considered as mechanisms of species transport in the second approach. Therefore, Ohm's law was used in the first approach and concentrated solution theory (Generalized Stefan-Maxwell equations) was used for the second one. Both models are isothermal. The models were solved numerically by implementing the partial differential equations and the boundary conditions in FreeFEM++ software which is based on Finite Element Methods. Programming in the C++ language was performed and the existing library of C++ classes and tools in FreeFEM++ were used. The final model contained 60 pages of original code, written specifically for this thesis. The models were used to predict the performance of a DPFC with different operating conditions and equipment design parameters. The results showed that using a specific combination of interdigitated flow-fields, ZrP-PTFE electrolyte having a proton conductivity of 0.05 S/cm, and operating at 230oC and 1 atm produced a performance (polarization curve) that was (a) far superior to anything in the DPFC published literature, and (b) competitive with the performance of direct methanol fuel cells. In addition, it was equivalent to that of hydrogen fuel cells at low current densities (30 mA/cm2).

Ice rinks are highly energy-intensive commercial buildings with an average annual energy consumption of 1,000 MWh, most of it being used to cover the simultaneous heating and cooling demands. The aim of this thesis is to find the most energy efficient energy system for ice rinks by evaluating different system modifications and refrigerants. A comparative analysis of ammonia, CO2 and propane energy systems based on a representative ice rink for northern climates has been conducted. A traditional integrated ammonia ice rink consumes about 340 MWh per year to cover the thermal demands. The most promising energy efficiency measures for ammonia are using aqua ammonia as the secondary fluid and using an auxiliary heat pump to aid with covering heating demands. Thanks to these measures, energy savings of 12.9% can be achieved. A state-of-the-art trans-critical CO2 system using parallel compression consumes approximately 42.6% less energy than a conventional ammonia system, making it the most energy efficient solution for ice rinks with an SPF of 7.5. The good performance is largely linked to the possibility of operating CO2systems as direct systems, eliminating the need for indirect heat transfer and minimizing auxiliary equipment energy consumption. Propane, which has not been investigated as a refrigerant in ice rinks yet, was evaluated and compared against ammonia and CO2. A modern integrated propane system using parallel compression and an auxiliary heat pump is more energy efficient than a traditional ammonia system but requires more energy than modern ammonia or CO2 systems. Propane proved to be feasible and represents a potential alternative solution in ice rinks. Waste heat recovery is beneficial in every system and should be a key feature in ice rink energy systems. All systems use environmentally friendly refrigerants and their environmental impact is almost exclusively indirect and caused by electricity consumption. / Las pistas de hielo son edificios comerciales que consumen mucha energía, con un consumo medio anual de 1,000 MWh, la mayor parte de la cual se utiliza para cubrir las demandas simultáneas de calefacción y refrigeración. El objetivo de esta tesis es encontrar el sistema energético más eficiente para las pistas de hielo evaluando diferentes modificaciones del sistema y refrigerantes. Se ha realizado un análisis comparativo de los sistemas energéticos de amoníaco, CO2 y propano basado en una pista de hielo representativa de los climas nórdicos. Una pista de hielo de amoníaco integrada tradicional consume unos 340 MWh al año para cubrir las demandas térmicas. Las medidas de eficiencia energética más prometedoras para el amoníaco son el uso de aqua amoníaco como fluido secundario y la utilización de una bomba de calor auxiliar para ayudar a cubrir las demandas de calefacción. Gracias a estas medidas, se puede conseguir un ahorro energético del 12.9%. Un sistema de CO2 transcrítico de última generación que utiliza compresión paralela consume aproximadamente un 42.6% menos de energía que un sistema de amoníaco convencional, lo que lo convierte en la solución más eficiente desde el punto de vista energético para pistas de hielo con un SPF de 7.5. El buen rendimiento está ligado en gran medida a la posibilidad de operar los sistemas de CO2 como sistemas directos, eliminando la necesidad de transferencia indirecta de calor y minimizando el consumo de energía de los equipos auxiliares. El propano, que aún no se ha investigado como refrigerante en pistas de hielo, se evaluó y comparó con el amoníaco y el CO2. Un sistema moderno integrado de propano que utiliza compresión paralela y una bomba de calor auxiliar es más eficiente energéticamente que un sistema tradicional de amoníaco, pero requiere más energía que los sistemas modernos de amoníaco o CO2. El propano demostró ser viable y representa una posible solución alternativa en las pistas de hielo. La recuperación del calor residual es beneficiosa en todos los sistemas y debería ser una característica clave en los sistemas energéticos de las pistas de hielo. Todos los sistemas utilizan refrigerantes respetuosos con el medio ambiente y su impacto ambiental es casi exclusivamente indirecto y causado por el consumo de electricidad.

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Currently extensive research on alternative fuels is being conducted due to their increasing demand to reduce greenhouse emissions. One renewable fuel studied in this work is dimethyl ether (DME) blended with propane(C3H8) as a potential mixture for heavy-duty engines used in semi-trucks. The blend has the potential to drastically reduce particulate and greenhouse gas emissions compared to a conventional diesel engine operating under similar conditions. To develop the use of mixture, one must conduct detailed conceptual and simulation studies before progressing to detail studies in CFD, engine modifications, and live testing. For simulations, accurate high-fidelity chemical kinetic models are necessary. However, the validity of the chemical kinetic mechanism for operating conditions of a heavy-duty mixing-controlled compression (MCCI) engine was widely unknown until recent work presented here and published. In this work, we studied the ignition of DME and propane blends in a shock tube under MCCI engine conditions. Ignition delay time (IDT) gathered behind the reflected shock for DME-propane mixtures for heavy-duty compression ignition (CI) engine parameters. Testing was conducted for undiluted varieties spanning from temperatures of 700 to 1100 K at pressures ranging from 55 to 84 bar for various blends (100% CH3OCH3, 100% C3H8, 60% CH3OCH3/ 40% C3H8) of DME and propane were combusted in synthetic air (21% O2/ 79% N2). Several experiments were conducted at higher pressures (90-120 bar) to improve the model performance and accuracy. The ignition delay times (IDTs) were compared to recent mechanisms, including Aramco3.0, NUIG, and Dames et al. A common trend among the mechanisms was overpredicted experimental IDTs. Further studies were conducted by a sensitivity analysis using the Dames et al. model, and critical reactions sensitive to IDTs of DME-propane mixture near 60 bar are outlined. Chemical analysis was conducted on the NTC region to explain chemical kinetics which is critical for developing MCCI heavy duty engines.

O uso do óxido de nióbio como promotor e como suporte tem sido investigado em numerosas aplicações catalíticas, tais como, na oxidação seletiva, conversão de hidrocarbonetos, polimerização, eliminação de poluentes (NOx), desidrogenação, etc. Sabe-se que a adição de nióbio na γ-Al2O3 melhora a acidez, a seletividade e a estabilidade térmica e, conseqüentemente, a atividade catalítica desses materiais. A atividade catalítica dos sistemas contendo nióbia suportada é decorrente das diferentes espécies redox do óxido de nióbio presentes nas superfícies do sólido. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência do teor de nióbio e vanádio no sistema catalítico V2O5/Nb2O5-Al2O3 na reação de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano. A fim de alcançar o objetivo deste trabalho, as seguintes técnicas de caracterização foram utilizadas: volumetria de N2 (área específica e volume de poros), redução a temperatura programada, difratometria de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia Raman. As propriedades ácidas e/ou básicas dos suportes e catalisadores foram avaliadas através da reação de decomposição do isopropanol. / The use of niobium oxide as a promoter and as a support has been investigated in various catalyst applications, such as selective oxidation, hydrocarbonate conversion, polymerization, elimination of (NOx) pollutants, dehydrogenation, etc. It is known that adding niobium to γ-Al2O3 improves acidity, selectivity and thermal stability and consequently the catalyst activity of these materials. The catalyst activity of systems containing supported niobium is due to the different redox species of niobium oxide present on the solid surface. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the niobium and vanadium content in the V2O5/Nb2O5-Al2O3 catalyst system in the propane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction. Aiming the target of this study, the following characterization techniques were used: N2 volumetry (specific area and pore volume), temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray diffractometry (DRX), and Raman spectroscopy. The acid-base properties of the supports and catalysts were studied through isopropanol decomposition reaction.

Catalisadores baseados em óxidos metálicos têm sido muito utilizados nos últimos anos para a desidrogenação oxidativa de alcanos leves. Dentre os principais catalisadores, estão os sistemas contendo V2O5, Nb2O5 e Al2O3. O processo de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano (DOP) representa uma via alternativa importante para a produção de propileno sob menores temperaturas, porém sua prática vem sendo limitada pela diminuição dos valores de seletividade ao propeno com o aumento da conversão do reagente. Metais alcalinos, dentre eles o potássio, são frequentemente utilizados como promotores em reações de oxidação seletiva com o objetivo de proporcionar melhores seletividades catalíticas aos mecanismos de reação, devido à redução da acidez e ao aumento da basicidade na superfície dos catalisadores. O projeto proposto tem como objetivo principal criar uma metodologia de síntese de novos suportes Nb2O5-Al2O3 e catalisadores V2O5-Nb2O5-Al2O3 dopados com potássio a serem utilizados em processos petroquímicos para a produção de olefinas leves. Para tanto, as seguintes técnicas de caracterização foram utilizadas: espectrometria de absorção atômica, espectroscopia de emissão atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES), volumetria de N2, difratometria de raios X (DRX) e redução à temperatura programada (RTP). As características ácidas e/ou básicas e a atividade catalítica dos suportes e catalisadores foram medidas pelas reações de decomposição do isopropanol e de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano, respectivamente. / Catalysts based on metal oxides have been extensively used in recent years for the oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes. Among the main catalysts, there are the systems containing V2O5, Nb2O5 e Al2O3. The oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODH) provides a potential low-temperature route for the synthesis of propylene, but its practice has been limited by a marked decrease in propene selectivity with increasing conversion of reactant. Alkali metals, such as potassium, are frequently used as promoters in selective oxidation reactions with the objective of providing higher selectivity in catalytic reaction mechanisms, due to the reduced acidity and increasing basicity of the catalysts surface. The considered project has as major objective create a new synthesis methodology of Nb2O5-Al2O3 supports and V2O5-Nb2O5-Al2O3 potassium-doped catalysts to be used in petrochemical processes for the production of light olefins. For in such a way, the following characterization techniques were used: atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), N2 volumetry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The properties acid and/or basic and the catalytic activity of supports and catalysts were evaluated by the isopropanol decomposition and oxidative dehydrogenation of propane reactions, respectively.

Catalisadores baseados em óxidos metálicos têm sido muito utilizados nos últimos anos para a desidrogenação oxidativa de alcanos leves. Dentre os principais catalisadores, estão os sistemas contendo V2O5, Nb2O5 e Al2O3. O processo de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano (DOP) representa uma via alternativa importante para a produção de propileno sob menores temperaturas, porém sua prática vem sendo limitada pela diminuição dos valores de seletividade ao propeno com o aumento da conversão do reagente. Metais alcalinos, dentre eles o potássio, são frequentemente utilizados como promotores em reações de oxidação seletiva com o objetivo de proporcionar melhores seletividades catalíticas aos mecanismos de reação, devido à redução da acidez e ao aumento da basicidade na superfície dos catalisadores. O projeto proposto tem como objetivo principal criar uma metodologia de síntese de novos suportes Nb2O5-Al2O3 e catalisadores V2O5-Nb2O5-Al2O3 dopados com potássio a serem utilizados em processos petroquímicos para a produção de olefinas leves. Para tanto, as seguintes técnicas de caracterização foram utilizadas: espectrometria de absorção atômica, espectroscopia de emissão atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES), volumetria de N2, difratometria de raios X (DRX) e redução à temperatura programada (RTP). As características ácidas e/ou básicas e a atividade catalítica dos suportes e catalisadores foram medidas pelas reações de decomposição do isopropanol e de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano, respectivamente. / Catalysts based on metal oxides have been extensively used in recent years for the oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes. Among the main catalysts, there are the systems containing V2O5, Nb2O5 e Al2O3. The oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODH) provides a potential low-temperature route for the synthesis of propylene, but its practice has been limited by a marked decrease in propene selectivity with increasing conversion of reactant. Alkali metals, such as potassium, are frequently used as promoters in selective oxidation reactions with the objective of providing higher selectivity in catalytic reaction mechanisms, due to the reduced acidity and increasing basicity of the catalysts surface. The considered project has as major objective create a new synthesis methodology of Nb2O5-Al2O3 supports and V2O5-Nb2O5-Al2O3 potassium-doped catalysts to be used in petrochemical processes for the production of light olefins. For in such a way, the following characterization techniques were used: atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), N2 volumetry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The properties acid and/or basic and the catalytic activity of supports and catalysts were evaluated by the isopropanol decomposition and oxidative dehydrogenation of propane reactions, respectively.

O uso do óxido de nióbio como promotor e como suporte tem sido investigado em numerosas aplicações catalíticas, tais como, na oxidação seletiva, conversão de hidrocarbonetos, polimerização, eliminação de poluentes (NOx), desidrogenação, etc. Sabe-se que a adição de nióbio na γ-Al2O3 melhora a acidez, a seletividade e a estabilidade térmica e, conseqüentemente, a atividade catalítica desses materiais. A atividade catalítica dos sistemas contendo nióbia suportada é decorrente das diferentes espécies redox do óxido de nióbio presentes nas superfícies do sólido. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência do teor de nióbio e vanádio no sistema catalítico V2O5/Nb2O5-Al2O3 na reação de desidrogenação oxidativa do propano. A fim de alcançar o objetivo deste trabalho, as seguintes técnicas de caracterização foram utilizadas: volumetria de N2 (área específica e volume de poros), redução a temperatura programada, difratometria de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia Raman. As propriedades ácidas e/ou básicas dos suportes e catalisadores foram avaliadas através da reação de decomposição do isopropanol. / The use of niobium oxide as a promoter and as a support has been investigated in various catalyst applications, such as selective oxidation, hydrocarbonate conversion, polymerization, elimination of (NOx) pollutants, dehydrogenation, etc. It is known that adding niobium to γ-Al2O3 improves acidity, selectivity and thermal stability and consequently the catalyst activity of these materials. The catalyst activity of systems containing supported niobium is due to the different redox species of niobium oxide present on the solid surface. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the niobium and vanadium content in the V2O5/Nb2O5-Al2O3 catalyst system in the propane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction. Aiming the target of this study, the following characterization techniques were used: N2 volumetry (specific area and pore volume), temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray diffractometry (DRX), and Raman spectroscopy. The acid-base properties of the supports and catalysts were studied through isopropanol decomposition reaction.

Dans les gisements, en cours de production ou dans les conduites de transport, les gaz naturels se trouvent fréquemment au contact d'une phase aqueuse. Les conditions sont telles que les pressions peuvent atteindre de très haute valeur dans une large gamme de températures. La connaissance du comportement des systèmes "eau-hydrocarbures" est donc essentielle à la profession profession pétrolière ainsi que celles des systèmes "eau-hydrocarbures-inhibiteur thermodynamique " pour lesquelles les données sont rares. Des mesures de teneur en eau ont été réalisées dans les phases vapeurs de différents systèmes d'hydrocarbures: méthane et éthane, et dans un mélange d'hydrocarbures gazeux (méthane 94%, éthane 4%, n-butane 2%) dans des conditions proches de la formation d'hydrates (de 258.15 à 313.15 K et jusqu'à 34.5 MPa) en présence ou non d'inhibiteurs tels que le méthanol ou l'éthylène glycol. Des mesures de solubilités de gaz des principaux constituants du gaz naturel ont été effectuées dans une large gamme de pressions et de températures. Ces mesures ont été effectuées avec deux techniques expérimentales, une technique statique-analytique avec échantillonnage de phases et une technique synthétique avec cellule à volume variable. Pour réaliser le traitement des données un logiciel a été développé, ce logiciel a permis l'ajustement et le traitement des résultats expérimentaux.