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Thermochemical and Hydrogen Conversion

Thermochemical Conversion of Fuels and Waste

Research into combustion, gasification and pyrolysis, with a focus on process optimisation, conversion efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Waste-to-Energy and Alternative Fuels

Development and validation of methods for the efficient use of waste materials and alternative fuels as energy sources in industrial applications.

Hydrogen Technologies

Research across the entire hydrogen value chain, from hydrogen production and separation to storage and its use in energy systems.

Reforming and Conversion of Energy Carriers

Research into methane reforming and other advanced processes for the production of hydrogen, syngas and other useful energy products.

Low-Carbon and Sustainable Energy Systems

Integration and optimisation of energy conversion technologies to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and support the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Research Group Description

The research group focuses on research and development in the thermochemical conversion of biomass, alternative feedstocks and waste, with the aim of producing higher-value products and sustainable energy. We investigate and apply advanced technologies such as plasma gasification while further developing expertise in key thermochemical processes, particularly pyrolysis, gasification and combustion.

A defining feature of our work is a comprehensive approach that combines detailed characterisation of feedstocks and products with the optimisation of process conditions and the analysis of interactions between individual process parameters. Another key area of our research is the potential for hydrogen production through these processes and its subsequent utilisation in the energy and chemical industries.

Keywords

# thermochemical conversion
# plasma technologies
# hydrogen
# pyrolysis
# catalysis

Objectives and Focus

In the long term, the research group aims to systematically develop leading expertise in thermochemical processes and related technologies. At the same time, we seek to deepen cooperation with industrial partners and international research institutions while maintaining and further enhancing the quality of our publications, projects and research activities. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening our international position and building long-term, sustainable partnerships.

In the short term, we focus primarily on completing the optimisation of existing technologies and processes for converting waste and alternative fuels into usable energy products. A key objective is to achieve stable, reproducible and high-quality results that are fully comparable with those of leading international research institutions. At the same time, we aim to ensure their rapid practical application and further development in cooperation with industrial partners.

doc. Ing. Jan Najser, Ph.D.

doc. Ing. Jan Najser, Ph.D.

Research Group Leader


E-mail: jan.najser@vsb.cz
Phone: +420 596 997 416

Research Activities and Projects

CEET – Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies

  • TK Project – Programme for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation THÉTA (2018–2025)
  • Funding provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2020–2024
  • Principal Investigator: prof. Ing. Stanislav Mišák, Ph.D.
  • The main objective of the project is to develop a modular, mobile, robust and scalable technological solution for the efficient conversion of alternative fuels, waste and by-products used as alternative feedstocks into valuable chemicals and useful forms of energy, including their storage and efficient utilisation. The solution incorporates state-of-the-art methods, BIM and digital twin technologies in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Cryogenic processes in the energy sector

  • TS Project – THÉTA 2 Programme for the Support of Applied Research and Innovation (2024–2031)
  • Funding provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2024–2028
  • Principal Investigator: Ing. Jaroslav Frantík, Ph.D.
  • The objective of the project is to investigate multi-stage processes for hydrogen separation from waste gases or producer gases. The processes under investigation will include catalytic units for oxygen removal and multi-stage cryogenic purification using a gas condensation unit.

Development of a plasma torch for thermochemical conversion of input materials into a gas with a high hydrogen concentration

  • TK Project – THÉTA Programme for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation (2018–2025)
  • Funding provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2023–2025
  • Principal Investigator: doc. Ing. Jan Najser, Ph.D.
  • The objective of the project is to develop a plasma torch for converting a range of materials into a gas with a high H₂ content. Several units will be developed for this purpose, differing in power input (at least 50 kW and 100 kW), the quantity and chemical composition of the generated plasma, outlet temperature, carrier-gas mixtures and other operating parameters.

Research Excellence For REgion Sustainability and High-tech Industries (REFRESH)

  • Project No. CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048
  • Funding provider: Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2022–2027
  • Principal Investigator: prof. Ing. Igor Ivan, Ph.D.
  • The project focuses on strengthening research excellence and building state-of-the-art infrastructure for the development of technologies in the fields of sustainable energy, advanced materials, digitalisation and environmental technologies, with the aim of supporting the transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

Methodology

The research group makes extensive use of advanced thermochemical conversion technologies, particularly pyrolysis reactors, combustion boilers and gasifiers. These systems allow us to precisely control process conditions such as pressure, heating rate, operating temperature, residence time and gas flow rates, ensuring that experimental results meet both project objectives and the specific requirements of industrial partners. By adjusting the parameters of thermochemical conversion processes, we can selectively influence the types and quantities of products generated, as well as their emission characteristics.

We use a range of analytical instruments to monitor and analyse processes, enabling both online and offline analysis of generated gases and products. Within VSB-TUO, we have access to comprehensive laboratory facilities for analysing both feedstocks and products of thermochemical conversion. Stable experimental conditions are essential for reliable process monitoring and are supported by extensive know-how gained through numerous experiments, measurements and research projects.

The data obtained from experiments are professionally evaluated and used for process optimisation. Optimisation is carried out not only by adjusting operating parameters or modifying feedstock properties, but also by improving the design of individual process units. Based on experimental findings, we are able to design customised components that enhance process efficiency and operational reliability.

The combination of in-depth theoretical expertise, experimental methods, cooperation with industrial partners and advanced analytical facilities ensures that the group’s research is both scientifically rigorous and directly applicable in practice.

Services

  • Performing engineering calculations and determining technical equipment parameters to meet requirements for performance, functionality and emission limits.
  • Testing boiler prototypes and verifying their compliance with applicable standards.
  • Optimisation of thermochemical conversion technologies.
  • Online and offline measurement of process gas composition.
  • Experiments with hydrogen separation technologies, particularly pressure swing adsorption (PSA).
  • Innovation and further development of existing technologies:
    • Combustion technologies: integration of Peltier elements into test rigs and investigation of the effects of additives on emissions.
    • Pyrolysis technologies: development of new batch and continuous pyrolysis units, including optimisation of cooling systems and technological components.
    • Plasma gasification: development of arc plasma torches and experiments with different carrier gases.
  • Experiments with catalysts for the conversion of gaseous substances into more readily usable products.
  • Experimental measurements and testing of compressor stations.
  • Experiments involving the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).

Results and Applications

The research group has a long-standing focus on applied research directly addressing the needs of industry. Our projects are therefore typically developed in cooperation with industrial partners and respond to current technological challenges faced by companies in practice. This approach enables us to transfer research results effectively into real-world applications and accelerate the implementation of innovations. A key contribution of our activities lies in the optimisation of technological processes, particularly in the field of thermochemical conversion. This helps reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, and transform waste and alternative materials into usable energy products. In this way, we actively support the principles of the circular economy and contribute to sustainable development. Our solutions also improve the operational efficiency of industrial partners by helping to reduce costs, save time and material inputs, and enhance overall competitiveness. The resulting technological innovations are protected through outputs such as functional prototypes, utility models and patents. Alongside application-oriented outputs, we also place strong emphasis on knowledge sharing within the academic community. We regularly publish in respected international scientific journals, contributing to the advancement of the field and the dissemination of specialist know-how. By linking research, industry and education, we ensure that our work does not remain confined to the laboratory, but delivers solutions with tangible benefits for society.

Selected Publications

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery

The addition of dolomite to the combustion of biomass fuel forms: the study of ashes agglomeration and fusibility

NAJSER, Jan, Marcel MIKESKA, Václav PEER, Jaroslav FRANTÍK a Jan KIELAR

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery

2019-05-21, 10(2), 471-481

Materials Today Chemistry

On mechanism of the synthesis of boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride

CVEJN, Daniel, G. N. STARUKH, Martin KOŠTEJN, Pavlína PEIKERTOVÁ a Petr PRAUS

Materials Today Chemistry

2024-06-15, 39, 102157-102157

Heliyon

Straw pyrolysis for use in electricity storage installations

CHOJNACKI, J., Jan KIELAR, Jan NAJSER, Jaroslav FRANTÍK, Tomáš NAJSER, Marcel MIKESKA, Błażej GAZE a Bernard KNUTEL

Heliyon

2024-04-25, 10(9), e30058-e30058

Renewable Energy

Biomass pellets with organic binders - before and after torrefaction. Renewable Energy

SÝKOROVÁ, Veronika, Lucie JEZERSKÁ, Veronika SASSMANOVÁ, Stanislav HONUS, Pavlína PEIKERTOVÁ, Jan KIELAR a Martin ŽÍDEK

Renewable Energy

2023-12-07, 221, 119771-119771

Journal of Energy Storage

A new high-capacity floating modular pump storage hydroelectric system: Concept development and laboratory validation

LUKEŠ, Roman, Stanislav HONUS, Mário BALCO, Jaromír GADULA, Marek JADLOVEC a Otakar ČERNÝ.

Journal of Energy Storage

2026-03-07, 154, 121367-121367

Examples from Practice

  • Compressor testing
  • Research and development of technology for the separation of reclaimed asphalt material
  • Development of a combustion unit for sewage sludge treatment with phosphorus recovery
  • Development of an alternative fuel from waste generated during end-of-life vehicle recycling
  • Recovery of aluminium from packaging materials

Utility Models, Patents, Prototypes

  • Malý trubkový výměník jako součást transformátoru(Užitný vzor, Honus Stanislav; Kadlec Zdeněk; Balco Mário; Pešek Martin; Svoboda Roman; Hejčík Jiří; Vávra Petr, 2025)
  • Plazmový hořák pro vytvoření plazmového výronu s přívodem páry do plazmového výronu a řídicí systém pro řízení plazmového hořáku – alias – Technologie pro napájení, zásobovaní a řízení plazmového hořáku. (Užitný vzor, Němček Ondřej; Marek Martin; Frantík Jaroslav; Najser Jan, 2025)
  • Zařízení dopravující POP do reaktoru (Funkční vzorek, Najser Jan; Frantík Jaroslav; Mikeska Marcel; Najser Tomáš, 2025)
  • Přečerpávací elektrárna s horní a dolní nádrží v plovoucí nádrži (Patent, Černý Otakar; Honus Stanislav, 2024)
  • Kontrolní, řídicí a měřicí program akumulační elektrárny (Software, Honus Stanislav; Balco Mário; Lukeš Roman; Gadula Jaromír; Pešek Martin, 2024)
  • Prototyp trafostanice vn/nn s integrovanou nabíjecí stanicí pro elektromobily (Prototyp, Honus Stanislav; Balco Mário; Ficbauer Michal; Morávek David; Pešek Martin, 2024)
  • Method of Enrichment of a Gas Produced by Torrefaction and Pyrolysis of Biomass with Methane and Apparatus for Implementing the Method. (Patent, Němček Ondřej; Mikeska Marcel; Kielar Jan; Najser Tomáš, 2024)
  • Model přečerpávací elektrárny (Průmyslový vzor, Černý Otakar; Honus Stanislav; Balco Mário; Gadula Jaromír; Lukeš Roman; Křivý Vít; Mikolášek David, 2023)
  • Ověřená technologie postupu výroby tuhého alternativního paliva.(Technologie, Najser Jan; Frantík Jaroslav; Filip Roman; Brokl Pavel, 2023)
  • Poloprovozní modulová jednotka pro kultivaci řas pro bioplynovou stanici (Poloprovoz, Najser Jan; Jelínek Miloš; Jelínek Jiří; Novák Petr; Mikeska Marcel, 2022)
  • Výparník pro ORC energetická zařízení (Užitný vzor, Peer Václav; Kielar Jan; Najser Jan; Frantík Jaroslav, 2022)

Contact Information

Ing. Adamec Tomáš

Main-time employee (9371)

tomas.adamec@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 409

Ing. Beňová Kateřina

Main-time employee (9371)

katerina.benova@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 408

Ing. Mgr. Cvejn Daniel, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9371)

daniel.cvejn@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 350

Ing. Frantík Jaroslav, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9371)

jaroslav.frantik@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 417

prof. Ing. Honus Stanislav, Ph.D.

Head of Department (361)
Academic Staff Member (361)
Main-time employee (9371)

stanislav.honus@vsb.cz
+420 596 993 270
A609, 17. listopadu 2172/15 (map)
708 00 Ostrava - Poruba

Kaniok Radek

Main-time employee (9371)

radek.kaniok@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 402

Ing. Kielar Jan, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9371)

jan.kielar@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 415

Ing. Liška Julie

Employee (9371)

julie.liska@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 350

Ing. Mikeska Marcel, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9371)

marcel.mikeska@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 413

Ing. Mück Jáchym, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9371)

jachym.muck@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 414

doc. Ing. Najser Jan, Ph.D.

Head of Department (9371)
Main-time employee (9371)

jan.najser@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 416

Ing. Najser Tomáš

Internal Doctoral Student (361)
Main-time employee (9371)

tomas.najser@vsb.cz
+420 596 997 412

Ing. Němček Ondřej, Ph.D.

Academic Staff Member (361)
Main-time employee (9371)

ondrej.nemcek@vsb.cz
+420 596 994 238
+420 596 997 410

prof. Ing. Sivek Martin, CSc.

Academic Staff Member (541)
Main-time employee (9371)

martin.sivek@vsb.cz
+420 596 993 528