The Evaluation of Torrefaction Efficiency for Lignocellulosic Materials Combined with Mixed Solid Wastes

Maja Ivanovski, Darko Goričanec () and Danijela Urbancl
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Maja Ivanovski: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Darko Goričanec: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Danijela Urbancl: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: The paper presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the possibility of using selected biomass wastes to produce solid biofuels. In this work, the thermochemical properties of two lignocellulosic biomasses, namely, miscantshus ( Miscanthus × Giganteus ) and hops (Humulus lupulus ), and non-lignocellulosic biomass, namely, municipal solid waste, and their mixtures (micanthus + municipal solid waste and hops + municipal solid waste) were studied using the torrefaction process as the main method for investigation. The effects of various torrefaction temperatures (250, 300, and 350 °C) and times (30 and 60 min) were evaluated. Proximate and ultimate analyses were performed on the torrefied samples. The following can be stated: as the torrefaction temperature and time increased, mass and energy yields decreased while the higher heating values (HHVs) and fuel ratios (FRs) increased, together with carbon contents (C). In addition, energy on return investment (EROI) was studied; the maximum EROI of 28 was achieved for MSW biochar at 250 °C for 30 min. The results of studying greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) showed a reduction of around 88% when using torrefied biochar as a substitute for coal. In sum, this study shows that torrefaction pre-treatment can improve the physicochemical properties of raw biomasses to a level comparable with coal, and could be helpful in better understanding the conversion of those biomasses into a valuable, solid biofuel.

Keywords: torrefaction; waste biomass; renewable energy; fuel ratio; greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) (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: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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