Combustion and thermal decomposition characteristics of brown coal and biomass

Abstract

Among the fossil fuels, the brown coal is a great deal of resources. However, it is hardly used due to the high moisture content and low calorific value. It has both the week points such as spontaneous combustion and high volatile content and the strong points such as the low-sulfur and low ash content. If we overcome these week points, the using amount of brown coal would be increased. Also, it is well known that biomass is one of the important primary renewable energy sources because of carbon neutral energy. Furthermore, the utilization of biomass has been more and more concerned with the depletion of fossil fuel sources as well as the global warming issues. Combustion and thermal decomposition of biomass is one of the more promising techniques among all alternatives proposed for the production of energy from biomass. In this study, combustion of brown coals and mushroom waste was done. Mass change of samples and emission of hydrocarbon components were measured. As the results, we obtained combustion rate constant. Also activation energy was calculated in char combustion step. Hydrocarbon components were more generated in low oxygen concentration than high. Emission amount of hydrocarbon components in mushroom waste was significantly increased comparing to brown coal.