Investigation of Eichornia Natans, Pistia Stratiotes and Nymphaea Lotus in Relation to Their Calorific Values and Elemental Composition for Efficient Biofuel Utilization

Jimoh Afeez Oyeshola

doi:10.11648/j.abb.20170505.12

Abstract

The relationship between the high heating values (HHVs) and the elemental contents of some freshwater biomass were studied. The results obtained from the ultimate analysis show that the HHVs of the freshwater biomass is a function of total carbon and hydrogen contents but, a weak function of oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Analyses of the experimental results shows that, the HHVs of the biomass tested are not linearly related to their total hydrogen contents but, directly related to their total Carbon contents. HHV’s calculated from theoretical correlations using the elemental contents of C, H, N, S and O compared well with that of the American Standard of Testing Materials (ASTM) results and also in good agreement with the widely reported values in the acceptable range of 17-21 MJ/kg.

Highlights

The gradual diminishing of fossil fuel reserves and long lead times in creation of conventional fuels have increased the fear of energy crisis in the near future
Increased concern about the environment has led to a debate on the use of alternative fuels based on renewable sources [1]
The co-efficient R2, which represent the correlation between high heating values (HHVs) and total hydrogen and carbon contents were calculated as 0.2359 and 0.7385 respectively

Summary

Introduction

The gradual diminishing of fossil fuel reserves and long lead times in creation of conventional fuels have increased the fear of energy crisis in the near future. Increased concern about the environment has led to a debate on the use of alternative fuels based on renewable sources [1]. Environmental and ecological problems are the major issues of concern associated with exploitation of these fuels. Another major challenge with these fuels is their unsustainability and projected depletion over the years. Renewable alternative fuels like biomass, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter and promotes energy independence, whereas NOx emissions of biomass are comparable with conventional solid fuels. Biomass fuels are considered to maintain overall CO2 balance in the atmosphere [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion