Loading...
Unlocking power: impact of physical and mechanical properties of biomass wood pellets on energy release and carbon emissions in power sector
Scott, Charlene Desamsetty, Tejaswi M.
Scott, Charlene
Desamsetty, Tejaswi M.
Publication Date
2024-08
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
© The Author(s) 2024. This article is distributed under a Creative Commons CC-BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2024-07-17
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
Abstract
This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of 12 biomass wood pellet samples utilised in a power generation, focusing on their implications for energy release and carbon emissions during combustion. Through comprehensive analysis involving bulk density measurements, compression tests, moisture analysis, calorimetry and controlled burning experiments, significant correlations among key properties are identified. Pellets with densities above 1100 kg/m3 demonstrate superior mechanical durability and strength, achieving maximum strengths of 0.6 to 0.8 kN with durability exceeding 99.4%. Optimal moisture content, typically between 6 and 7% is crucial for maximising density, bulk density, mechanical durability and fracture resistance, ensuring robust pellet structure and performance. The research underscores the impact of pellet dimensions, highlighting those longer lengths, > 12 mm enhance durability, while larger diameters > 8 mm exhibit reduced durability. Elemental analysis focusing on calcium, silicon and potassium plays a critical role in predicting and managing combustion system fouling, potentially reducing operational costs. Moreover, the study emphasises the significant influence of oxygen levels during combustion on CO2 emissions, achieving optimal results with moisture content in the 7–8% range for maximum higher heating value (HHV). The moisture content in the 14–15% range represents the lowest CO2 emission. The findings underscore the intricacy of the system and the interplay of parameters with one another. In accordance with the priority of each application, the selection of parameters warrants careful consideration.
Version
Published version
Citation
Scott C, Desamsetty TM and Rahmanian N (2024) Unlocking power: impact of physical and mechanical properties of biomass wood pellets on energy release and carbon emissions in power sector. Waste and Biomass Valorization.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article