Torrefaction-Based Solid Fuel from Coconut Leaves as Alternative Source of Energy
0Torrefaction-Based Solid Fuel from Coconut Leaves as Alternative Source of Energy
Layman Abstract: As human life becomes more comfortable, the demand for energy grows, and with it, the use of non-renewable resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. However, these resources are limited, and their prices are rising. Researchers have been exploring alternative energy sources for the last 40 years to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. One promising source is biomass, particularly coconut farm waste like leaves. This research focuses on using dried coconut leaves to create solid fuel through a process called torrefaction, which involves heating the leaves in a low-oxygen environment. The results show that torrefying the leaves improves their energy content, making them more comparable to coal, and makes them more efficient as fuel for processes like drying coconut meat.
Original Abstract: The more comfortable human life is paid for by excessive energy increase in all its forms. The reserves of non-renewable energy sources (coal, crude oil, natural gas) are not limitless, they gradually get exhausted and their price continually increases. The reserves of non-renewable energy sources such as coal, crude oil and natural gas are not limitless, they gradually get exhausted and their price continually increases. In the last four decades, researchers have been focusing on alternate fuel resources to meet the ever-increasing energy demand and to avoid dependence on crude oil (Karunanithy et al. 2012). Amongst different sources of renewable energy, biomass residues hold special promise due to their inherent capability to store solar energy and amenability to subsequent conversion to convenient solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. At present, among the coconut farm wastes such as husks, shells, coir dust and coconut leaves, the latter is considered the most grossly under-utilized by in situ burning in the coconut farm as a means of disposal. In order to utilize dried coconut leaves and to improve their biomass properties, this research attempts to produce solid fuel by torrefaction using dried coconut leaves for use as an alternative source of energy that can be utilized in the indirect drying of coconut meat in the farm level to produce copra. Torrefaction is a thermal method for the conversion of biomass operating in the low-temperature range of 200oC-300oC under atmospheric conditions in the absence of oxygen. Dried coconut leaves were torrefied at different feedstock conditions. The key torrefaction products were collected and analyzed. Physical and combustion characteristics of both torrefied and untorrefied biomass were investigated. Torrefaction of dried coconut leaves significantly improved the heating value compared to that of the untreated biomass. Proximate compositions of the torrefied biomass also improved and were comparable to coal. The distribution of the products of torrefaction depends highly on the process conditions such as torrefaction temperature and residence time. Torrefaction of dried coconut leaves significantly improved the heating value compared to that of the untreated biomass. The physical and combustion characteristics of torrefied biomass were superior making it more suitable for fuel applications.
View Book:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/erpra/v3/3592
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