Evaluation of Urban Tree Leaf Biomass-Potential, Physico-Mechanical and Chemical Parameters of Raw Material and Solid Biofuel

Marcin Jewiarz,Marcin Niemiec,Arkadiusz Dyjakon,Marek Wróbel,Krzysztof Mudryk

doi:10.3390/en14040818

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research aimed at evaluating the possibility of using selected tree leaf species to produce solid biofuels. The possibility of production of qualitative solid biofuels from urban tree leaves meets the expectations of the municipal sector. Collection of tree leaves in urban areas is very often necessary for road safety reasons, the need to collect biomass rich in dust and pollution as well as biomass infested with pests. The production of solid biofuels from tree leaves allows for effective management of this raw material with energy recovery. The performed research indicates such a possibility, and the obtained ash is used as a soil improver. The conducted research showed that the biomass of leaves of five tree species used in the experiment can be a source of raw materials for production of qualitative biofuels. The obtained pellets were characterized by properties comparable to those of classical wood pellets. The lower heating value of the obtained pellets ranged from 14.5 to 15.5 MJ∙kg−1. Physical properties of the obtained pellets described by bulk density (BD 600–660 kg∙m−3), mechanical durability (DU 90–96%), moisture (Mar 10–12.5%) indicate that these products can be used in existing combustion equipment. Preliminary analysis of the obtained ashes (determination of ash melting point, bulk density) indicates that they should not cause difficulties in ash removal systems from the combustion chamber.

Highlights

The share of trees in urban greenery is very important for its qualitative evaluation.large trees in cities are extremely valuable
There is a lack of information on the variability of key properties of raw materials and solid biofuels produced from leaves of different tree species
Due to the increasing popularity of urban woodland, there is a growing need to remove tree leaves from green areas. This necessity is dictated by safety as well as is a part of the fight against air pollution

Summary

Introduction

The share of trees in urban greenery is very important for its qualitative evaluation.large trees in cities are extremely valuable. Tree crowns play a very important role in regulating the microclimate of urban zones [1,2]. They perform "physical" functions as barriers against solar radiation and wind for the surface of building elements, such as roads and buildings. Parks and playgrounds increase the active area of solar radiation absorption above urban traffic. Thanks to the low conductivity of individual parts of the tree, the heat is not transferred to the roots. Such a climatic effect is not achieved with the use of low greenery (e.g., shrubs)

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