An alternative fuel production from sawdust through batch-type pyrolysis reactor: Fuel properties and thermodynamic analysis

Abstract

This paper deals with the experimental investigations and thermodynamic studies carried out for five distinct temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 ℃ with a heating rate of 10 ℃/min. This work aims to study the influence of pyrolysis temperature on product (biochar, bio-oil, syngas) yield, its physicochemical properties and energy yield. The experiments were conducted in a batch-type vacuum pyrolysis reactor with sawdust as a feedstock. Findings show that biochar yield declined with temperature rise, whereas bio-oil and syngas yield increased. A higher yield of bio-oil (40.67%) was obtained at 450 ℃; after that it was declined. However, a higher biochar yield (60.67%) was attained at 300 ℃. Syngas generated at 500 ℃ had a higher product yield (24%) and energy output (147.05 kJ). Although, total energy output was found to be higher at 500 ℃ (634.71 kJ). This research also included thermodynamic studies such as mass, energy, exergy analysis, and sustainability analysis and found good agreement between input and output parameters. The study's main conclusion is that higher pyrolysis temperatures (450–500 ℃) offer better results in terms of higher product and energy yield for sawdust feedstock.