Biomass Torrefaction: Improving the Fuel Properties of Biomass

Abstract

Biomass Torrefaction: Improving the Fuel Properties of Biomass Ethan Wyble and Philip Aucoin Global energy demand has been rising and will continue to rise at a rapid pace. According to the International Energy Agency (EIA), by 2035 global energy demand will increase by 53%. The EIA also mentions that Renewable Energy is projected to be the fastest growing source of energy over the next 25 years. Although fossil fuels will dominate the energy market, there is an urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, which offers several benefits such as energy independence and cleaner energy. Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, biomass, hydro, and geothermal. Advantages of alternative energies are that they are renewable, better for the environment, and energy independent. To encourage the use of alternative energy sources in the United States, many States have introduced policies such as renewable portfolio standards that require an increased production of energy from alternative renewable energy sources. Biomass is a promising alternative energy source that can potentially replace coal in power plants, but several properties of biomass such as high moisture content, low heating value, fibrous nature, biomass handling and storage make it difficult to be used. This is where torrefaction comes into picture as a substitute for coal. Torrefaction is an important step in using biomass as fuel source. The actual process of torrefaction involves heating biomass to temperatures of 230-300oC in the absence of an oxidizing agent and under atmospheric pressure. The advantages of torrefaction are in the product. The product is a dried biomass that has a higher mass energy density, is hydrophobic, and is more uniform, in composition, compared to unprocessed biomass. Also, the grindability (ie, resistance to crushing) characteristics of torrefied biomass greatly improve and are comparable with coal and coke. Tests have been conducted on lab scale to evaluate the effect of torrefaction on several biomass feedstock properties including pine, willow, arundo, and bamboo. The effect of torrefaction on heating value, grindability, and hydrophobicity of biomass have will be discussed. Presenter's Name: Ethan Wyble Presenter's Major: Mechanical Engineering Presenter's Phone/E-mail: (318)-491-2113/egw6829@louisiana.edu Name of Faculty Advisor: Prashanth R. Buchireddy M.S., John L. Guillory Ph. D., P.E. Presentation Type: Poster Title of Poster: Torrefaction Poster Abstract: (Next Page) A/V Needs: None