Evaluation and Characterization of Timber Residues of Pinus spp. as an Energy Resource for the Production of Solid Biofuels in an Indigenous Community in Mexico

Mario Morales-Máximo,Carlos A García,Luis Fernando Pintor-Ibarra,Borja Velázquez-Martí,José Guadalupe Rutiaga-Quiñones,José Juan Alvarado-Flores

doi:10.3390/f12080977

Abstract

This study shows the energy potential of pine wood waste for the production of solid biofuels, and was carried out in an indigenous community in the state of Michoacán. One of the main economic activities of this community is the production of handcrafted furniture, which generates a large amount of wood waste. The most relevant results obtained in this research show that the community generates approximately 2268 kg of sawdust and 5418 kg of shavings per week, and the estimated energy potential per year for both sawdust is 1.94 PJ and for shaving is 4.65 PJ. Based on the particle size observed, the wood residue can be used to generate pellets or briquettes. Other average results in sawdust and (shavings) are the following: initial moisture content 15.3% (16.8%), apparent density 169.23 kg/m3 (49.25 kg/m3), ash 0.43% (0.42%), volatile material 84.9% (83.60%), fixed carbon 14.65% (15.96%), hemicelluloses 12.89% (10.68%), cellulose 52.68% (52.82%), lignin 26.73% (25.98%), extractives 7.69% (10.51%), calorific value 17.6 MJ/kg (17.9 MJ/kg). The major chemical elements in the ash were Al, K. Fe, Ca, P, Na, and Mg. Finally, the results obtained indicate that this biomass can be used to generate pellets or briquettes in this indigenous community.

Highlights

The use of renewable energy resources is essential
The focus is on the catalytic conversion of wood biomass, with the aim of mitigating global warming, and reducing the emission of CO2, through a potential catalyst, together with a sustainable concept for biorefineries based on lignocellulosic materials [1]
Mexico is an underdeveloped country that has a low share of renewable energy sources in its energy matrix [4,5], since its energy system is based on fossil fuels; crude oil represents 59.8% of primary energy production, followed by natural gas with 24.10%, and coal with 3.64%, while renewable energies contribute 10.46%

Summary

Introduction

Various biomasses that can provide energy with less environmental impact have been discussed. The carbon cycle and the energy transduced into it serve to feed the planet’s living processes at an economical level of energy transfer using formed and neutral bonds between carbon molecules. These processes form the basis for the transfer of energy in the profitable production of fuel liquids from plant biomass; of particular importance are those aspects related to plant cell walls and their bioconversion [2] in different products, such as bioethanol [3]. Mexico is an underdeveloped country that has a low share of renewable energy sources in its energy matrix [4,5], since its energy system is based on fossil fuels; crude oil represents 59.8% of primary energy production, followed by natural gas with 24.10%, and coal with 3.64%, while renewable energies contribute 10.46% (solar 0.64%, wind 0.95% and biomass 5.70%)

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion