The Role of Energy Valuation of Agroforestry Biomass on the Circular Economy

Yarima Torreiro, Leticia Pérez, Gonzalo Piñeiro, Francisco Pedras and Angela Rodríguez-Abalde
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Yarima Torreiro: EnergyLab, Edificio CITEXVI, Fonte das Abelleiras, s/n, Campus Universitario de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Leticia Pérez: EnergyLab, Edificio CITEXVI, Fonte das Abelleiras, s/n, Campus Universitario de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Gonzalo Piñeiro: Axencia Galega da Industria Forestal (XERA). Avda. De Galicia nº5, Parque Tecnolóxico de Galicia (Tecnópole), San Cibrao das Viñas, 32901 Ourense, Spain
Francisco Pedras: Axencia Galega da Industria Forestal (XERA). Avda. De Galicia nº5, Parque Tecnolóxico de Galicia (Tecnópole), San Cibrao das Viñas, 32901 Ourense, Spain
Angela Rodríguez-Abalde: EnergyLab, Edificio CITEXVI, Fonte das Abelleiras, s/n, Campus Universitario de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: The use of biomass has increased significantly in recent years. In this context, the use of not valued high-potential biomass (NVHPB) is emerging as a suitable alternative. This is the case of pruning vine, pruning kiwi, scrub (heather, gorse, broom) and forest pruning. The objective of this research was to study the potential of six selected agroforestry biomasses as biofuels in thermochemical processes. For that purpose, biomass was collected by specific machinery. Proximate and ultimate analyses were carried out as well as the inorganic compounds’ determination. Then, natural and forced drying were conducted. Low heating values (LHV) between 17 and 20 MJ/kg (dry basis) were achieved in all analyzed cases. Granulometric reduction, biomass classification and densification took place. Finally, energy recovery tests through microcogeneration were carried out. Values close to 97% in cogeneration efficiency were reached (9% net electric yield and 88% thermal yield), offering an alternative to obtain clean energy.

Keywords: residual biomass; biomass collection; biomass pretreatment; thermochemical characterization; microcogeneration (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 (8)

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