Abstract
ABSTRACT Biomass quality is important to strengthen the use of species as reliable energy sources. This study aimed to characterize the energy quality attributes of bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa tuldoides, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Guadua angustifolia) biomass, when compared to other raw materials of residual origin with a high potential for use in thermal energy generation processes (rice husk, eucalyptus chips, coconut husk and fiber). The basic density, higher calorific value and fiber, lignin and ash contents were evaluated. All the evaluated bamboo species present energy quality characteristics equivalent to those of biomasses traditionally used in thermal energy generation, such as high energy density (2,415-2,967 Mcal m-3), high calorific power (4,359-4,568 kcal kg-1), high basic density (0.537-0.653 g cm-3) and low ash content (1.41-2.41 %). The bamboo biomasses of the four evaluated species present adequate characteristics as fuel for thermal energy generation processes, with potential for use in several industrial sectors.
Highlights
The soils and climate of Brazil make it an ideal location for the expansion of the agricultural and forest biomass industry
The energy potentials of the biomass derived from four bamboo species (B. vulgaris, B. tuldoides, D. giganteus and G. angustifolia) and four other raw materials of residual origin [rice husk, coconut husk, coconut fiber and eucalyptus chips] were assessed
The use of bamboo biomass as a raw material is advantageous, if compared to other biomass sources, as, in addition to the high productivity of the plants themselves, their material is of high density (0.5-0.7 g cm-3) (Lima et al 2017)
Summary
The soils and climate of Brazil make it an ideal location for the expansion of the agricultural and forest biomass industry. Wood and sugar cane are the primary sources of biomass-derived energy in Brazil. There is a wide range of degraded areas in the country that are not suitable for the cultivation of normal crops, but are suited to the large-scale planting and cultivation of several bamboo varieties of high commercial value commonly used for biomass production (Santos et al 2016). The main biomass source used in energy generation is residual waste of primarily vegetal origin (Marafon et al 2016). Some commonly cultivated bamboo species have a high energy potential owing to their high capacity for renewal and rapid growth, and could be applied to increase the available sources of biomass used in energy generation, potentially resulting in a high annual increase in biomass production (Balduino Júnior et al 2016). Woody bamboos have high growth rates and rapidly produce biomass, and so their cultivation may
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