Alexey Sepman

Dr Alexey Sepman is Senior Scientist at RISE Energy Technology in Piteå. He holds a bachelor in Physics, a master in Physics and a PhD in Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on development and application of the laser-based and optical techniques for diagnostics of energy conversion processes. His field of expertise includes energy conversion processes, non-intrusive diagnostic techniques, fuel quality and its effects on combustion, molecular spectroscopy 

Current projects

Online optimization of biomass high-temperature energy conversion processes (EM 01.2025-12.2027)

Variations of operational parameters are one of the most critical uncertainties in practical thermochemical conversion processes. Diagnostics and feedback control of these variations can not only improve the performance of existing processes but also pave the way for novel biomass conversion methods and increase the use of challenging biomass fuels. We aim to develop and apply new software that integrates diagnostic sensors based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, direct imaging techniques, and machine learning. The software will provide online real-time data on conversion efficiency, biomass moisture content, fuel feeding variation, and emissions in Swedish bio-based pilot and full-scale plants. The data will be used to perform feedback control and propose optimized operating practices for these plants. The expected outcome is the improvement of process efficiency and flexibility, reduction of pollutant emissions, along with increased digitalization in industry.

https://bioplusportalen.se/en/project/online-optimization-of-biomass-hi…

Oxy-fuel combustion of solid biomass for negative CO2 emissions (EM 09.2022-12.2026)

In Sweden, combustion of solid biomass together with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) has the potential to generate >10 million tonnes of negative CO2 emissions per year until 2045. The most promising way to achieve this is to implement oxy-fuel biomass combustion and CCS in existing plants for heat and power generation and waste incineration. Oxy-fuel combustion produces a flue gas that consists of highly concentrated CO2, which can be directly compressed at low cost for permanent storage. However, systematic experimental studies of solid biomass oxy-fuel combustion, and studies on larger scale are scarce. The objective of this project is to acquire essential knowledge necessary to implement the technology in the Swedish energy system. Pilotscale experiments will be conducted using advanced diagnostics and different types of biomass to address key issues, such as process stability and control, and gas- and solid phase combustion chemistry in a CO2-rich atmosphere.

New generation plasma burners for a green industry (EM 11.2023- 11.2027) 

Sweden has set the goal of zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045. This can be

achieved if the industry's combustion processes are electrified, where plasma technology replaces today's burners powered by fossil fuels. In a free-burning plasma torch, a very hot flame is generated by electricity and a carrier gas. The introduction of plasma technology means that today's plasma burners need to be scaled up almost ten times in terms of power. We have identified the need for a basic understanding of specifically the formation of nitrogen oxides, which is directly linked to the dynamics of plasma generation and instabilities observed for the plasma jet. Part of this is the education of staff with advanced knowledge in plasma technology that enables implementation in the industry. Given that the current project is completely independent of the technical application of the plasma technology, the project is therefore suitably carried out as a basic research project.