Characteristics of Some Forestry Non-woody Biomass Species and Estimation of Their Power Generation Potentials

Abstract

This article presents the results of proximate analyses, energy values, and ash fusion temperatures of different components of Sida Rhombifolia, Vinca Rosea, and Cyperus non-woody biomass species and their impact on decentralized power generation structure. Among all of the studied biomass species, the components of Sida Rhombifolia were found to have the highest energy values and fixed carbon contents. The results indicated highest energy values and fixed carbon contents for their stumps, followed by bark, branch, and leaf. Sida Rhombifolia and Vinca Rosea biomass ashes were tested for their fusion temperatures and the results obtained exhibited higher values (ST: 1,196–1,335°C and HT: 1,305–1,434°C), indicating safe combustion operation up to about 1,050°C with these biomass materials. The calculation results have shown that approximately 44, 52, and 82 hectares of land are required for energy plantations with Sida Rhombifolia, Vinca Rosea, and Cyperus biomass species in order to ensure a perpetual supply of electricity for a group of 10–15 villages. Altogether, it appears that Sida and Vinca Rosea biomass species may be exploited for energy plantations in wastelands and power generation either individually or in co-firing with locally available low-grade coals.

Keywords:

• analysis
• ash fusion temperatures
• energy value
• non-woody biomass
• power generation

Notes

^a Data from field studies.

Assumptions used in the calculations for this study are as follows:

Conversion efficiency of biomass fueled thermal power plants = 30%

Overall efficiency of power plants = 85%

Total energy from 1 hectare of land at 30% efficiency of power plant:

For Sida Rhombifolia = 565,874.6 × 10³ × 0.30 kcal = 169,762.4 × 10³ kcal = 196.92 × 10³ kWh

For Vinca Rosea = 473,188.2 × 10³ × 0.30 kcal = 141,956.5 × 10³ kcal = 164.67 × 10³ kWh

For Cyperus = 302,689.8 × 10³ × 0.30 kcal = 90,806.9 × 10³ kcal = 105.34 × 10³ kWh

Power generation at 85% overall efficiency:

From Sida Rhombifolia = 196.92 × 10³ × 0.85 = 167.38 × 10³ kWh/ha

From Vinca Rosea = 164.67 × 10³ × 0.85 = 139.97 × 10³ kWh/ha

From Cyperus = 105.34 × 10³ × 0.85 = 89.54 × 10³ kWh/ha

Land required to supply electricity for the whole year:

For Sida Rhombifolia = = 43.61 ≈ 44 ha

For Vinca Rosea = = 52.15 ≈ 52 ha

For Cyperus = = 81.53 ≈ 82 ha