Improving Energy Efficiency of Wastewater Residue Biomass Utilisation by Co-Combustion with Coal

Andrey Zhuikov (), Tatyana Pyanykh, Mikhail Kolosov, Irina Grishina, Yana Zhuikova, Petr Kuznetsov and Stanislav Chicherin
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Andrey Zhuikov: Polytechnic School, Siberian Federal University, 79, Svobodny Avenue, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
Tatyana Pyanykh: Polytechnic School, Siberian Federal University, 79, Svobodny Avenue, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
Mikhail Kolosov: Polytechnic School, Siberian Federal University, 79, Svobodny Avenue, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
Irina Grishina: Polytechnic School, Siberian Federal University, 79, Svobodny Avenue, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
Yana Zhuikova: Research School of High-Energy Physics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30, Lenin Avenue, Tomsk 634050, Russia
Petr Kuznetsov: Polytechnic School, Siberian Federal University, 79, Svobodny Avenue, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
Stanislav Chicherin: Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW), Faculty of Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: The accelerated urbanisation that is occurring in many regions of the world is resulting in a corresponding increase in the volume of sewage sludge. This sludge is then stored in specialised landfills, the area of which is increasing annually. One of the methods of utilising this sludge is through its combustion in power plants, where it serves to generate heat. However, due to the low calorific value of sewage sludge, it is recommended to combust it in conjunction with high-calorific fuel. To improve energy efficiency of sewage residue biomass utilisation by co-combustion with coal, it is necessary to determine the main combustion parameters and mass fraction in the mixture. The objective of this study is to estimate the primary parameters of combustion of sewage sludge and coal by employing the synchronous thermal analysis method, in addition to determining the concentrations of gaseous substances formed during the combustion process. A comprehensive technical and elemental analysis of the fuels was conducted, and their thermal properties were thoroughly determined. The inorganic residue from sewage sludge combustion was analysed by scanning electron microscopy for the content of trace elements and basic oxides. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of fuels was conducted in an oxidising medium, utilising a 6 mg suspension with a heating rate of 20 °C/min. The profiles of TG, DTG, and DSC curves were then utilised to determine the ignition and burnout temperatures, maximum mass loss rate, combustion index, and synergistic effects. The mixture of coal with 25% sewage sludge was found to have the most energy-efficient performance compared to other mixtures, with a 3% reduction in ignition temperature compared to coal. Concentrations of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides were also determined.

Keywords: co-combustion; wastewater residue; brown coal; biomass; TGA; synergy; emissions (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: 2025
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