Performance Evaluation of a Developed Miniature Steam Boiler Using Different Samples of Wood Waste as Fuel for Steam Generation

Abstract

The adoption of Waste-to-Energy Technology (WTE), which allows solid wastes to be burned in a locally fabricated prototype boiler to generate steam for energy utilization is a response to some of Nigeria's most pressing issues. This study focuses on the performance evaluation of a developed miniature steam boiler using various samples of wood waste as fuel for steam generation. The wood wastes; Cordia millenii, Terminalia ivorensis, and Lophira alata were characterized todetermine the proximate and ultimate analysis to ensure better combustion sustainability. The gross heat of combustion of each residue was measured by calculating the wood waste's calorific value. The test results have shown that the wood wastes had a volatile substance content of more than 72%. A low ash content of 3.91%, 2.67%, and 1.93% were obtained for Terminalia ivorensis, Cordia millenii, and Lophira alata. Similarly, for Cordia millenii, Terminalia ivorensis, and Lophira alata, the percentages of fixed carbon obtained were 17.98%, 8.95%, and 27.65%, respectively. Furthermore, the calorific values for Cordia millenii, Terminalia ivorensis, and Lophira alataare 20.01 MJ/kg, 21.22 MJ/kg, and 19.99 MJ/kg, respectively. Besides, the electrical energy produced by burning 2 kg of wood waste and the efficiency of the steam boiler were found to be 90.33% and 55 kW. Therefore, Terminalia ivorensis wood waste sample is the best fuel for the steam boiler as compared to Cordia millenii, andLophira alata.