Characteristics of Some Forestry Non-woody Biomass Species and Estimation of Their Power Generation Potentials

Abstract

This article presents the results of proximate analyses, energy values, and ash fusion temperatures of different components of Sida Rhombifolia, Vinca Rosea, and Cyperus non-woody biomass species and their impact on decentralized power generation structure. Among all of the studied biomass species, the components of Sida Rhombifolia were found to have the highest energy values and fixed carbon contents. The results indicated highest energy values and fixed carbon contents for their stumps, followed by bark, branch, and leaf. Sida Rhombifolia and Vinca Rosea biomass ashes were tested for their fusion temperatures and the results obtained exhibited higher values (ST: 1,196–1,335°C and HT: 1,305–1,434°C), indicating safe combustion operation up to about 1,050°C with these biomass materials. The calculation results have shown that approximately 44, 52, and 82 hectares of land are required for energy plantations with Sida Rhombifolia, Vinca Rosea, and Cyperus biomass species in order to ensure a perpetual supply of electricity for a group of 10–15 villages. Altogether, it appears that Sida and Vinca Rosea biomass species may be exploited for energy plantations in wastelands and power generation either individually or in co-firing with locally available low-grade coals.