Characterization and Evaluation of Energy Properties of Pellets produced from Coir pith, Saw dust and Ipomoea carnea and their blends

ABSTRACT

In the present study, pelletization of coir pith, deodar wood saw dust, Ipomoea Carnea, and their blends was performed. The effects of binary and tertiary blends on fuel properties and quality of pellets were investigated. The physicochemical properties, higher heating value, pellet density, water resistance capacity, durability, thermal performance, and emission factor of all pellets were determined. All the properties were compared with the European EN ISO 17,225–2 standard. Calorific values of all pellets were found more than 17 MJ/kg. Pellet density of pellets was above 600 kg/m³. The durability of pellets was in the range of 92.056– 97.761%. The present study showed that the pellets produced from binary blends were superior in terms of ash content, volatile matter, durability, and thermal efficiency. This study showed that these pellets with high energy density and low CO and CO₂ emission can be novel contribution to bioenergy options.

KEYWORDS:

• Pellets
• blend
• properties
• emission factor
• performance

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the management of Assam Science and Technology University, Guwahati, Assam for providing the laboratory facility that was used in this project.

Highlights

• Coir pith, deodar wood sawdust and Ipomoea carnea and their blends can be used to produce good quality pellets.

• Calorific value of pellets was higher than 17MJ/kg.

• Pellets produced from binary blends were found superior in case of ash content, volatile matter, durability, and thermal efficiency.

• Low CO and CO₂ emission factors with higher energy density make pellets suitable solid fuel for energy production.

Nomenclature

HHV: Higher heating valueNCV: Net calorific valueFVI: Fuel value index

SFC: Specific fuel consumption VM: Volatile matter

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Assam Science and Technology University under TEQIP-III scheme (Project code-ASTUCRS06).

Notes on contributors

Nabajit Dev Choudhury

Nabajit Dev Choudhury is working as Assistant Professor at Assam Science and Technology University, Assam, India. He published different research papers in reputed journals. His research interests are biofuels, solar energy and Tribology.

Niharendu Saha

Niharendu Saha is presently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati. He received his M. Tech and Ph. D degree from IIT, kharagpur. His research interests are renewable energy, tribology, composite material and welding technology. He has published more than 10 international and national papers.

Biswa Ranjan Phukan

Biswa Ranjan Phukan, PhD (Agriculture), presently Head of the Department- Energy Engineering, School of Engineering, Assam Science and Technology University, Guwahati. His present research interests are renewable energy and technology for sustainable development for agriculture, optimization techniques and policy analysis. He is author of 4 books, over 30 publications in journals and conference proceedings.

Rupam Kataki

Rupam Katakiis Professor in the Department of Energy, Tezpur University. He has research interests in the areas, viz. thermochemical conversion of biomass to biofuel and biochar, utilization of agricultural and industrial waste for recovery of fuels and chemicals, C-sequestration and soil amendment through biochar application, biodiesel production from indigenous tree-borne oil yielding species of NE India, Water remediation through use of biochar application and Ecological and economical aspects of charcoal production in traditional kilns in NE India. He published different research papers in reputed journals.