Energy performance of a rotary burner using pellets prepared from various alternative biomass residues

Abstract

Alternative biomass makes up a considerable portion of the waste from biomass processing in forestry and agriculture. The aim of this work was to create pellets from several sources of alternative biomass, e.g., lawn clippings, corn husks, linden leaves, and pine needles, which were compared to pure wood pellets. Analysis of the fuel properties focused on their chemical composition, thermogravimetric analysis, calorific values, and ash melting temperatures. The power and emission parameters of the fuels were determined via an automatic pellet boiler. The primary issues in the combustion of the alternative biomass types were low calorific values, increased emissions, high ash contents, and low ash melting temperatures. The two primary options for solving these problems are the production of fuel mixtures with wood or the use of new combustion technologies. This work also dealt with the combustion of alternative biomass via a rotary burner. The results showed an increase in the ash content of the alternative biomass, which also led to the burner occasionally going out due to clogging with the accumulation of ash and sintering. Based on the results, only pellets from pine needles and corn husks can be recommended for further use.