Effects of Moisture and Hydrogen Content on the Heating Value of Fuels

Abstract

In this work, effects of moisture and hydrogen contents on lower heating value (LHV) of fuels were investigated. The LHV at constant pressure measures the enthalpy change of combustion with and without water condensed, respectively. Moisture in biomass generally decreases its heating value. Moisture in biomass is stored in spaces within the dead cells and within the cell walls. Higher heating value (HHV) of a fuel decreases with increasing of its moisture content. The LHV of a fuel increases with increasing of its hydrogen content. The LHV of a fuel depends on its oxygen content and the LHV of a fuel decreases with increasing of its oxygen content. The LHV of a fuel increases with increasing the hydrogen content due to cause combustion water. Moisture in a fuel generally decreases its HHV. The LHV of a fuel increases with increasing the sulfur content due to cause SO_x gases absorbed by water.

Keywords:

• biomass
• coal
• hydrogen
• lower heating value
• moisture
• reaction water