https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/594 2026-09-29T18:26:08Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8675 Title: Potencial de aproveitamento energético de resíduos de MDF do polo moveleiro de Toledo (PR) para produção de briquetes: uma avaliação técnico-científica Autor: Rodrigues, Elisley Antonio Primeiro orientador: Baumgartner, Tatiana Rodrigues da Silva Abstract: The growing generation of waste from the furniture industry constitutes an environmental challenge, especially when these materials are sent to landfills or receive inadequate forms of disposal. Among these waste materials, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels stand out. Widely used in furniture manufacturing, they require specific care regarding their disposal and energy recovery due to synthetic formaldehyde-based resins in their composition. In this context, this dissertation aimed to develop a technical-conceptual proposal for the energy recovery of MDF waste generated in the furniture hub of Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, through briquette production, considering torrefaction as a pre-treatment step capable of contributing to the reduction of undesirable compounds and improving the material's characteristics as a solid fuel. The research is qualitative and exploratory, developed based on a literature review, a survey of information on waste generation and disposal in the Toledo furniture hub, and a comparative analysis of the thermochemical characteristics of raw and torrefied MDF. The results indicated an estimated generation of approximately 35 tons of MDF waste per month in the studied furniture hub, consisting mainly of offcuts, trimmings, and sanding dust. The diagnosis also highlighted limitations related to the disposal of this waste, including the lack of structured reverse logistics, fragmented management initiatives, and inappropriate disposal and burning practices. The literature review showed that MDF has significant energy potential, with a higher heating value of approximately 4,427.8 kcal kg⁻¹ and a low ash content. For the material subjected to torrefaction between 260 °C and 280 °C for 60 minutes, major improvements in energy properties were identified, such as a reduction of up to 65% in residual formaldehyde, an increase of up to 20% in heating value, reduced moisture content, higher hydrophobicity, and improved grindability. These results reinforce the role of torrefaction as a pre-treatment alternative to make the waste more suitable for densification and energy recovery, provided that appropriate emission control measures are adopted. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação 2026-08-28T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8579 Title: Estudo teórico e dimensionamento de um sistema solar fotovoltaico de uma unidade consumidora do grupo A de energia elétrica no estado do Paraná Autor: Almeida, Isadora Primeiro orientador: Rodrigues, Maria Luiza Fernandes Abstract: The pursuit of a higher quality of life has become increasingly prominent in the modern world, which has consequently led to a continuous rise in electricity demand. In this context, photovoltaic solar energy stands out as a sustainable alternative widely adopted in several countries. This study aims to conduct a theoretical analysis and the sizing of a photovoltaic system for a consumer unit classified under Group A. The evaluation was carried out considering the future installation of the system in the city of Paranavaí, located in the northwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. To develop the study, essential aspects were examined, such as the contracted demand and the tariff modality suitable for the typical energy consumption profile of Group A consumers. Subsequently, the photovoltaic generation system was sized to supply the required power for the unit, followed by an economic-financial feasibility analysis. The results indicate that no adjustment to the contracted demand is necessary and that the green time-of-use tariff modality remains the most appropriate option. It was also determined that the required generation capacity to meet the consumer’s needs is approximately 168.9 kWp. The financial return analysis showed an estimated payback period of 5.3 years, demonstrating the attractiveness of the system. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação 2026-06-22T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/8484 Title: Avaliação do aproveitamento da vinhaça na produção de H2 via processo de eletrólise Autor: Carmo, Luiz Henrique Sousa do Primeiro orientador: Hasan, Salah Din Mahmud Abstract: Vinasse is an agro-industrial effluent composed of approximately 90% water, with a solid fraction rich in mineral and organic substances of high fertilizing value, but with a polluting power about one hundred times greater than domestic sewage due to its low pH, high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels, and corrosiveness. Its composition varies mainly depending on the composition of the mash, which may result from the distillation of the fermentation liquor from sugarcane ethanol production, molasses mash, or a combination of both. Typically, for every liter of ethanol produced, between 10 and 15 liters of this effluent are generated, which is primarily destined for fertigation. A very common process for hydrogen production is electrolysis, which, through an electric current, separates the water molecule (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The objective of this work is to evaluate the application of electrolysis to untreated sugarcane vinasse, focusing on hydrogen production, considering the use of different types of electrodes (aluminum, copper, stainless steel 304) and process conditions. An initial experimental design with 15 trials was conducted to evaluate the effects of the following variables: vinasse dilution (in distilled water), type of electrode (material), and scan rate (of the electric current) on the electrolysis process of vinasse for H2 generation. Next, using the best result from the previous trials, and following a mixture design with 10 experiments, the effects of adding supporting electrolytes — formic acid and NaOH — to the vinasse were also evaluated. For electrochemical analysis, cyclic voltammetry was used to obtain information about the redox behavior (reduction and oxidation) of the solution, electron transfer mechanisms, and electrochemical kinetics associated with adsorption processes. Chronoamperometry was also employed to measure the current generated over a fixed period (600 s), and with the aid of Faraday’s laws, to calculate the amount of hydrogen gas released between the electrode’s contact surface (area in cm²) and the analyzed solution. The best result was obtained for a solution containing 50% vinasse (diluted to 15%), 25% formic acid, and 25% sodium hydroxide, totaling 100 mL of solution, using a stainless steel electrode with a contact area of 0.15 cm² and a scan rate of 10 mV, resulting in 19,6.10-2 mol cm-2 de H2 generated for a current density of 75.6 mA. Samples of raw vinasse, the solution with electrolytes obtained at the best point of the mixture design at the initial time (before electrolysis), and the same sample after electrolysis were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and multi-elemental composition by total X-ray fluorescence. This allowed the verification of the potential and sustainable use of vinasse for hydrogen production under controlled process conditions, resulting in environmental, social, and financial benefits in line with the modern concept of a circular economy. The production cost of hydrogen via vinasse electrolysis was evaluated considering the average national electricity price of R$ 0.74/kWh (excluding taxes). The value of the electricity consumed in the system was obtained as a function of the theoretical efficiency of the electrolyzer cell (Faradaic efficiency). The estimated cost was 55,40 (R$ cm-2 mol-1 H2). Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação 2025-06-27T00:00:00Z https://tede.unioeste.br/handle/tede/7522 Title: Estudo dos parâmetros cinéticos da pirólise do sabugo de milho, palha de soja e caroço de açaí Autor: Menoncin, Thiago Henrique Primeiro orientador: Silva, Edson Antonio da Abstract: Environmental concerns related to the use of fossil fuels have driven countries to seek renewable energy alternatives to sustainably meet energy demands. In this context, waste from agricultural and industrial sectors, which typically have no economic value, can be transformed into significant energy sources. One way to utilize this waste is through pyrolysis, a process that thermochemically converts materials. This conversion results in gases, liquids, and/or solids that can be used as energy sources or as raw materials for agriculture. To increase the efficiency of pyrolysis reactors, it is necessary to understand the physicochemical characteristics, thermal behavior, and kinetic parameters of the reactions involved. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction model) of the pyrolysis process of açaí seed, corn cob, and soybean straw, as well as to analyze the physicochemical and thermal properties of these biomasses. The physicochemical characterization was performed through proximate analysis, elemental analysis, calorific value calculation, and analysis of individual components. Thermogravimetry was conducted in an inert nitrogen atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 900 °C, using four heating rates: 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C.min-1 for the different biomasses. The determination of kinetic parameters was performed using non-isothermal isoconversional methods: Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Friedman, modified Coats-Redfern (CRM), and Kissinger. In thermal analysis, the pyrolysis of the biomasses occurred rapidly. The main mass loss of açaí seed occurred between 240 and 484 °C, corn cob between 260 and 437 °C, and soybean straw between 231 and 473 °C. The results obtained for the average activation energy (Ea) of the pyrolysis of açaí seed, corn cob, and soybean straw were, respectively, for the FWO model: 216.76, 173.68, and 215 kJ.mol-1; for the Friedman model: 229.74, 179.65, and 227.27 kJ.mol-1; for the CRM model: 218.05, 172.77, and 216.15 kJ.mol-1; and for the Kissinger model: 173.42, 161.29, and 161.16 kJ.mol-1. In mathematical simulations, the FWO method provided the best overall fit for the three biomasses. The results demonstrate how the decomposition behavior and its kinetic parameters are influenced by the biomass type and the heating rate of the process. Publisher: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná Tipo do documento: Dissertação 2024-06-21T00:00:00Z