Energy Evaluation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Reed Plant Pelletizing and Utilization as Solid Biofuel

Algirdas Jasinskas, Dionizas Streikus, Egidijus Šarauskis, Mečys Palšauskas and Kęstutis Venslauskas
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Algirdas Jasinskas: Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Studentų 15 B, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania
Dionizas Streikus: Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Studentų 15 B, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania
Egidijus Šarauskis: Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Studentų 15 B, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania
Mečys Palšauskas: Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Studentų 15 B, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania
Kęstutis Venslauskas: Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety, Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Studentų 15 B, Akademija, LT-53362 Kaunas, Lithuania

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: This paper presents the results of research on the preparation and use for energy purposes of three reed herbaceous energy plants: reed ( Phragmites australis ) and bulrush ( Typha ); both grown in local vicinities on lakes and riverbanks and reed canary grass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.). The physical-mechanical characteristics (density, moisture, and ash content) of chopped and milled reeds were investigated. The investigation of mill fractional compositions determined the largest amount of mill—reed mill, collected on the sieves of 0.63 mm (40.0%). The pellet moisture ranged from 10.79% to 6.32%, while the density was 1178.9 kg m −3 for dry matter (DM) of reed. The ash content of reed, bulrush and reed canary grass pellets was 3.17%, 5.88%, and 7.99%, respectively. The ash melting temperature ranged from 865 to 1411 °C; these temperatures were high enough for ash melting. The determined pellet calorific value varied from 17.4 to 17.9 MJ kg −1 DM. The disintegration force, indicating pellet strength, ranged from 324.25 N for reed canary grass to 549.24 N for reed. The determined emissions of harmful pollutants—CO 2 , CO, NO x , and unburnt hydrocarbons (C x H y )—did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. The assessment of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from technology showed that the CO 2 equivalents ranged from 7.3 to 10.1 kg CO 2 -eq. GJ −1 for reed and reed canary grass, respectively.

Keywords: solid biofuel; pellet and ash properties; emissions; energy evaluation; greenhouse gas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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