Abstract
ABSTRACT Wood is the main source of energy in the energy matrix of underdeveloped countries, in addition to having a significant participation in developing countries, ranking fourth in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to determine a model for determining the energy density of forest species from the Cerrado. Samples of trunks and branches were collected from 34 forest species in an area of 10.15 ha located in the Cerrado region aiming for immediate analysis, i.e. the contents of ashes (ASH), volatile matter (VM), fixed carbon (FC), and higher calorific value (HCV). Data from dry and saturated mass were obtained in order to determine the basic density. The species presented values of VM ranging from 77 to 85.5%, ASH from 0 to 1%, FC from 14 to 23%, and HCV ranging from 18,282 to 20,121 GJ ton-1. A significant relationship was found between VM and FC (R2 = 0.9927) whereas no significant values were found between HCV and basic density. The average value of energy density considering the 34 species was 12,459 Mcal m-3. The estimated energy density of the area was 1,378,541 Mcal ha-1. The proposed model for calculating the energy density as a function of basic density favors energy surveys of areas to be explored since there is no need for calorific value analysis.
Highlights
Brazil stands out in terms of energy resources since it has all the primary energy sources, with a favorable scenario for its energy demands in long-term (VENTURA FILHO, 2009)
The Cerrado tree species assessed in this study presented values of volatile matter (VM) between 77.4 and 85.5%, ASH between 0 and 1%, and fixed carbon (FC) between 14 and 23% (Table 1)
The species presenting the highest values for VM were Byrsonima laxiflora Griseb (85.63%), Conarus perrotetti (85.62%), and Qualea parviflora (85.95%) whereas the lowest values were registered for Ferdinandusa elliptica (77.42%) and Tapirira guianensis (77.81%)
Summary
Brazil stands out in terms of energy resources since it has all the primary energy sources, with a favorable scenario for its energy demands in long-term (VENTURA FILHO, 2009) This is due to its large territorial area, almost all located in tropical and rainy regions, which offers excellent conditions for the production and energetic use of biomass in large-scale. Wood (firewood and wood products) is the oldest source of fuel used to produce energy and it is an essential component in meeting Brazil’s energy demand This energy source will probably continue to be predominant, with most of the consumption located in the production sectors of charcoal, household, industrial, and agricultural (NASCIMENTO; BIAGGIONI, 2010; BRITO, 2007). Considering the importance of these variables in the use of wood for energy purposes, the aim of this study was to determine a model for the energy density of Cerrado species
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