Background/Objectives

The urgent need to address climate change has brought forth a critical examination of strategies to achieve carbon neutrality in residential homes and small commercial buildings. A diverse spectrum of energy solutions stands poised to supplant fossil fuels, leveraging wood in both its solid and converted forms for the production of biodiesel or renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, and e-fuels. Additionally, ambitious electrification goals advocate for the adoption of heat pumps or the generation of hydrogen through renewable resources. Within the context of the 24th International Conference on Renewable Energy (ICR24), this research harmoniously aligns with the conference theme, "Solutions for Scaling Change." The focal point is on delving into strategies that not only possess scalability but also exhibit profound applicability across diverse settings.

Approach/Activities

The research approach entails a thorough evaluation of diverse biofuels, conducting field or laboratory experiments to assess their feasibility and potential applicability in residential and small commercial buildings. Biodiesel, biogas, and renewable diesel or gas undergo meticulous scrutiny as potential replacements for traditional fossil fuels. Simultaneously, wood is examined in both its conventional solid form and through advanced conversion processes. The presentation also delves into the integration of heat pumps for electrification and explores the realm of hydrogen fuel blends.

This comprehensive presentation will encapsulate summaries of multiple studies, delving into real-life performance metrics such as emission and efficiency, providing profound insights into the effectiveness of each solution. The assessment of liquid fuel alternatives involves a meticulous examination of combustion characteristics, performance in stationary applications, and compatibility with existing equipment. Thermochemical conversion processes, encompassing pyrolysis and gasification, shed light on the transformative potential of upgrading bio-oils. The impact of control strategies, fuel sources, and catalysts on biomass-fired appliances is dissected through both field and lab studies, offering a nuanced understanding of their performance in actual operating conditions. The electrification pathway through heat pumps unfolds with empirical data, showcasing scalability and efficiency gains in residential homes, particularly in cold climates. Furthermore, the exploration of hydrogen fuel blends, featuring carriers like ammonia and blends with gas or renewable gas, unveils not merely theoretical promise but concrete performance data, signaling a paradigm shift in the landscape of sustainable energy solutions.

Results/Lessons Learned

Drawing upon recently published data by the authors, this presentation provides a comprehensive overview to offer profound insights into the challenges and opportunities entwined with the pursuit of carbon neutrality in residential and small commercial settings. The assessment meticulously evaluates the effectiveness of diverse biofuels and e-fuels, wood-based energy solutions, and heat pumps, providing not only practical guidance for stakeholders but also enriching the broader discourse on scalable and pragmatic approaches to carbon neutrality. This synthesis seamlessly aligns with the overarching theme of "Solutions for Scaling Change" at ICR24, offering a dynamic contribution to the collective pursuit of sustainable solutions.