engleski

Arundo donax L. as solid biofuel - biomass and biochar valorization

Biomass from the agricultural sector is heterogeneous in its chemical and physical properties. Its properties influence the choice of energy conversion technology and the final form of useful energy. Biomass can be converted to various forms of energy using various conversion technologies. By using it as an energy source, energy dependence on fossil fuels and production of greenhouse gases are reduced. Biomass and its products belong to renewable energy sources, and since they are sufficiently similar to fossil fuels, direct replacement is possible. The use of conventional field crops in the production of first biofuels generation has led to negative reactions in the public, therefore, over the last fifteen years, increasing attention has been focused on lignocellulose biomass. Due to heterogeneity, it is necessary to monitor the energy properties of biomass (structural, ultimate, proximate analysis, heating values). Namely, the characterization of these components, both qualitative and quantitative, is essential for defining the further processing of biomass into biofuels. Biomass conversion is possible through biochemical and thermochemical processes. The thermochemical process such as pyrolysis is available for converting the biomass to a more useful energy. Pyrolysis of biomass can be described as the direct thermal decomposition of the organic matrix in the absence of oxygen to obtain an array of solid, liquid and gas products. Pyrolysis constitutes an attractive process for the conversion of carbonaceous materials, often poorly suited as fuels, in high yields of a carbon-rich solid product (biochar) with better fuel properties. Char properties depend strongly on the raw material employed as feedstock and on pyrolysis conditions. Accordingly, characterization of chars is important to assess their potential use as fuel. The aim of this paper is to investigate the energy properties of the Arundo Donax L. energy crop and the possibility of its conversion to solid fuel (biochar) by pyrolysis. Investigations included structural, ultimate and proximate analysis, and the content of macro elements, as well as the share of biochar after the pyrolysis process, its energy properties, and the content of micro and macro elements. Based on the research conducted on direct combustion and pyrolysis of Arundo donax L. biomass, it can be concluded that this energy crop has great potential as raw materials for direct combustion. In addition, this culture is also characterized by significant potential in the process of pyrolysis, ie the production of bio-oil as an energy source and biochar as an added value product. Comparing the results obtained with biomass composition and biochar composition as a pyrolysis product, Arundo donax L. biomass is a quality raw material for the production of solid biofuels.

Arundo donax L., pyrolysis, energy crop, biochar, combustion

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