Paula Mcnamee

Project Title: Torrefied biomass for large-scale electricity generation

Background

I graduated from University of Aberdeen in 2010 with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry. During my degree I worked as an undergraduate development chemist for a service company to the oil and gas sector, testing and developing hydrate inhibitor chemicals for subsea application. Following this, I moved to the University of Leeds to complete my MSc in Geochemistry where my thesis work investigated the effectiveness of a pump and treat remediation system on groundwater in a phenols contaminated aquifer. In 2011, I joined the third intake of DTC students in Low Carbon Technologies.

Research Interests

Since beginning my PhD, I have been introduced to a wide range technology and policy based subjects surrounding climate change and sustainable energy processes. During my first year in the doctoral training centre I completed a mini research project studying the feasibility of installing of a low power vertical-axis wind turbine in the urban environment. I was involved in the techno-economic analysis to estimate whether such an installation would be cost-effective from potential energy generation. My second mini-project looked into using waste engine lubricant oil as a feedstock for hydrogen production via steam reforming.

My PhD research is within the field of bioenergy where I look at the pre-treatment of biomass, specifically torrefaction, which is a process that enhances the chemical and physical properties relative to raw biomass. I study the process parameters and the effect this pre-treatment step has on the resultant fuel. My research also concentrates specifically on the combustion properties of torrefied biomass and I undertake this using a wide range of analytical equipment and specialised rigs. In addition to laboratory work, I also look at the techno-economic drivers for using torrefied biomass with a focus on the greenhouse gases emissions associated with this process.