Wood Fuel Research Articles

Assessment of Fuel Wood Consumption and Its Effect on Forest Depletion in Dry Deciduous Forest of Haliyal Taluk, Uttar Kannada District, India

Forest plays a significant role in extending wood and non-wood resources around the world, Forests provide ecosystem services, such as timber, food, fuel, fodder, non-wood products and shelter, which are essential for human well-being. However the increasing demand and pressure on forest resources majorly like fuel wood lead to degradation of forests. Hence it is important to assess the fuel wood consumption pattern and its impact on the forest for sustainable management of resources. In the present study, Haliyal taluk was selected, the area which is under rapid urbanization, surrounded by dry deciduous forest and the people living in that area depend on forest for fuel wood consumption. The study examined fuel wood collection among different farmer categories: large, medium, small, and landless. Results from the semi structured questioner survey revealed that medium farmers collected the most fuel wood. The total fuel wood consumption in Haliyal taluk was 5232.2 tonnes, with an average household consumption of 2.60 quintals of fuel wood per year. Major preferred tree species for fuel wood were Xylia xylocarpa, Terminalia tomentosa and Lagerstroemia lanceolata, which are valued for their high energy content, favourable burning characteristics and availability. For estimation of forest degradation Randomized Block Design was used and the study classified the forest vegetation into four crown density classes: Very Dense Forest (T1), Moderately Dense Forest (T2), Open Forest (T3), and Scrub (T4). Data was collected from 20 plots (20 x 20 m each) across these classes to measure forest depletion. The results showed that statistically significant differences in degradation levels, with the highest depletion (31.56 m³/ha) in very dense forests followed by moderate depletion (6.75 m³/ha) in moderately dense forests and the lowest (2.4 m³/ha) in scrub forests. This pattern reflects greater anthropogenic pressures and higher fuel wood availability in more dense forest types.

The effects of microwave and microwave + infrared drying treatments of Pinus brutia and Picea orientalis on water absorption and physical properties

The goal of this study was to find a way to shorten wood drying time by using microwave and combined infrared + microwave drying methods and to analyze color and gloss changes. Wood samples prepared in three groups with dimensions of 20×20×30 mm were used in moisture tests and 75×5×150 mm were used in color change and gloss measurements, obtained from Red pine (Pinus brutia) and Eastern spruce (Picea orientalis) woods. The samples were oven dried, dried by microwave, or dried by infrared + microwave drying method. The wood samples all reached the target moisture. Their weight and volume were calculated in accordance with the principles of TS ISO 13061-1. Color change values were determined before and after drying with a portable color reader (Konica Minolta CR-10) device, and gloss measurements were taken with the Gardner brand gloss meter. By microwave drying for 15 min, 4% moisture content was reached in the wood samples, so both time and energy were saved. The moisture content values decreased compared to the whole drying methods. Most color change was observed in the drying methods using infrared for both red pine and eastern spruce.

Evaluation of the design of an economic solar cooker applying FMEA to reduce risks and improve its reliability

Abstract This research seeks to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases caused by burning wood and fossil fuels with stoves. The use of solar cookers is minimal, one of the causes being their low efficiency. The objective was to reduce the risk of low efficiency of the solar cooker in the design stage, applying the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify the actions to be taken during the design seeking to reduce the Risk Priority Number during the optimization stage. The essential element of the solar cooker is the reflector, its improvement consisted of configuring it as a truncated cone with a parabola inscribed, whose focus coincides with the centroid of the absorber (pot), managing to reduce its risk priority number from 280 to 20.

Comparing Wettability and Surface Free Energy of False Heartwood, Ripe Wood and Sapwood in Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Comparing Wettability and Surface Free Energy of False Heartwood, Ripe Wood and Sapwood in Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

A Review on Fuel Wood Consumption and Implications on the Environment

A Review on Fuel Wood Consumption and Implications on the Environment

Automated LPG Monitoring and Rebooking System using IoT- A Review

LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) has become an essential requirement in daily life, as many people rely on it for cooking, fueling vehicles, and more LPG offers a portable, clean, and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels, making it especially valuable for rural and urban areas in India. By replacing wood, coal, and other traditional fuels, LPG enhances health, air quality, and overall comfort. To simplify the LPG rebooking process for domestic and commercial use, various applications have been developed. This study presents a brief overview of existing research on LPG monitoring systems and proposes a method for automatic rebooking by monitoring LPG consumption in real-time and triggering an automatic refill request when the gas level reaches a predefined threshold. The system also provides users with notifications and updates about the status of the LPG, further enhancing convenience and reliability.

Experimental Assessment of Energy Potentials from Tea Wastes as a Source of Energy: A Case of Itona Tea Factory in Tanzania

Tea processing is an energy-intensive process. However, high agricultural productivity and subsequently the growth of the green revolution have been made possible only by a large amount of energy inputs, especially those from fossil fuels, wood fuels, and electricity. With recent price rise and scarcity of these fuels there has been a trend towards use of alternative energy sources such as waste (agricultural waste) to energy that could solve both energy and environment issues. Moreover, these energy resources have not been able to provide an economically viable solution for agricultural applications so long as they seem to contain amount of energy which can be source of energy to be used in various factories in rural areas through gasification process. A gasifier is normally fuel specific system and it is tailored around a fuel rather than the other way round. Hence, this paper presents an experimental assessment of energy potentials from tea wastes available at Itonaa Tea Factory for tea drying processes as important data for agricultural wastes. The experimental measurement of energy potential from tea wastes was done using bomb calorimeter, muffle furnace and energy balances to determine calorific value moisture content and energy potentials of tea waste respectively. The findings indicate that the combined energy potential of factory and garden tea waste was found to be 2.78x10<sup>8</sup>kWh, and corresponding electrical energy was estimated to be 2.78x10<sup>7</sup>kWh which is enough for tea drying process in tea manufacturing plant. The total energy used in the production of tea was discovered to be equal 3.5 - 7.5 kWh/kg of made tea. Thus, total energy consumption (4.5 kWh/kg of made tea) for processing of 9.6 x 10<sup>6</sup> kg of tea from 4.5 x 10<sup>3</sup> hectares of tea plantation in Mufindi for the period of 2021-2022 was 4.32x10<sup>7</sup> kWh. Thus, with the proper utilization of energy conversion technology of tea waste, part of the energy requirement in processing of tea could be met reducing environmental challenges associated with both wood fuel burning and tea waste disposal.

Thermal Characteristics of Malaysian Khaya Senegalensis Wood Fuel Pellets: Densification-Induced Changes at Different Feedstock Moisture Levels

This study investigates the thermal behaviour of Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood energy pellets, examining the effects of densification at different feedstock moisture levels. Densified wood pellets are promising renewable energy sources, but the impact of densification on thermal characteristics, considering various moisture contents, is underexplored. The main objective is to quantify the thermal characteristics, which involved proximate analysis such as energy pellets’ ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value. In this research, Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood was converted into pellets through a densification process, spanning from of 4-20% feedstock moisture levels. The manufactured pellets were then subjected to various tests to characterize the thermal properties. Results reveal compelling insights on the relationships between densification, moisture content, and thermal properties. Densification significantly influenced thermal attributes, with effects tied to initial moisture content. Varying moisture levels led to distinct thermal responses, reflecting interactions between densification-induced changes in moisture and thermal responses. In this study, the best moisture content for ash content was found to be 16%, with 3.24% ash content, 16% moisture content with volatile matter of 85.24%, fixed carbon of 12% from 20% moisture content, and 16% moisture content with calorific value of 19.65 MJ/kg. These findings aid Khaya senegalensis wood pellet densification optimization for improved thermal performance. Understanding densification's impact on thermal behaviour under varying moisture conditions enhances pellet efficiency as sustainable energy sources. This research contributes to biomass pellet knowledge for renewable energy applications, advancing efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Household Fuelwood Consumption and Its Implication for Carbon Dioxide Emission

This review paper aims to gather informative data on the impact of climate extremes on the physical environment, public health, and the livelihoods of people in Ethiopia. The primary sources of data for this review were peer-reviewed journal articles obtained from electronic databases such as PubMed, Central, Scopus, and Web of Science. Globally, the vast majority of households in developing countries depend on wood energy for their daily energy needs. Such consumption trends are expected to remain a common feature of traditional wood energy production and consumption, at least in the short- to medium-terms. This situation increases the demand for firewood and charcoal from the forest. The process of harvesting standing trees for charcoal and fire wood leads to forest degradation. Although woody biomass has the function of energy consumption, and as a source of income for rural villagers and urban poor dwellers practicing agriculture, wood energy generally has low priority in national policies of developing countries. However, unsustainable management and negative environmental consequences in humid and dry forests is derived from the use of fuel wood energy. Still now there is an unsystematic assessment of the economic contribution and environmental consequences of wood energy use, so its significance and consequences have been minimized. This deforestation and forest degradation contributes 1–2.4 Gt CO2e of greenhouse gases, which is 2–7% of global anthropogenic emissions, with global greenhouse gas emissions mostly CO2.

Assessment and selection of a micro-hybrid renewable energy system for sustainable energy generation in rural areas of Zambia

This research focuses on the implementation of micro-hybrid renewable energy systems (MHRES) in rural Zambia, where a large part of the population lacks adequate electrical infrastructure. Using a multi-criterion decision-making approach (MCDM), specifically the Technique for Preference Order by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with an entropy-weighted method, this research aims to identify an optimal MHRES solution to replace dependence on wood and fossil fuels. Analysis is carried out in 14 scenarios, taking into account technical, economic, social, and environmental criteria. The results show that a biogas-solar photovoltaic integrated with Energy System Power Safe Storage Battery Systems 190 (SBS 190) is the most visible option, demonstrating a relative proximity of 0.98556. In contrast, a diesel generator-solar PV system is the least favorable, with a relative proximity of 0.02576. Validation of the results through a convergent distance assessment (CODAS), an evaluation based on the distance from the average solution (EDAS), and the weighted aggregate sum of the product assessment (WASPAS) confirm its robustness. The proposed MHRES solution is designed to meet the energy needs of rural communities using local biomass and solar resources, free of obstacles by high buildings and structures. This research highlights the potential of MHRES to meet energy needs and promote sustainable development in developing countries, providing valuable insights for policymakers and energy stakeholders.

Fibre morphological characteristics, chemical composition and fuel properties of paulownia COTEVISA-2 wood

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the elemental composition and the fibre morphological characteristics, chemical and fuel properties of wood from paulownia COTEVISA-2 clone growing on a plantation near Granada, Spain. The research was carried out on five boards representing five 5-year-old trees, taken from a height of approximately 2–3 m. Morphologically, COTEVISA-2 wood has fibres with mean length 0.923 mm, diameter 0.029 mm, lumen width 0.026 mm, and cell wall thickness 0.0015 mm. The slenderness ratio ranged between 19.27 and 64.31, the Runkel ratio between 0.060 and 0.4259, the rigidity index between 2.83 and 19.94, Mühsteph’s index between 0.1099 and 0.5082, and the flexibility coefficient between 0.701 and 0.943. Significant differences between trees were found for the values of morphological characteristics of fibres and the derived indices, apart from the solids index. Mean values of chemical properties obtained from two parallel determinations for each sample showed that the wood contains on average 48.15% cellulose, 27.48% lignin, 7.38% pentosans and substances soluble in cold water (2.38%), hot water (3.87%), ethanol (5.51%) and 1% NaOH (19.64%). The elemental composition of paulownia COTEVISA-2 wood is as follows: C – 49.06%, H – 6.19%, N – 0.43%, S – 0.021%, Cl – 0.05%. The wood contained 0.4% ash. The heat of combustion of paulownia COTEVISA-2 wood is 18.58 MJ/kg, and the calorific value is 17.18 MJ/kg. The results suggest that paulownia COTEVISA-2 is a promising wood for energy and paper production.

Food offerings and firewood: Integrated archaeobotanical analyses of seed/fruit and wood charcoal remains from a Hellenistic-Roman Cemetery on Tinos Island, Cyclades

Archaeobotanical studies have already been widely and successfully used in Greece for the Neolithic to Iron Age periods, yet they were mostly omitted in Classical archaeology. This was justified by the existence of ancient texts, that provide information on plant use in Antiquity. However, not every aspect of life and plant use is described in ancient texts, and additionally, research of past vegetation relies solely on the studies of plant remains. A rescue excavation of a Hellenistic-Roman cemetery with pyres and graves on Tinos Island in the Cyclades provided not only charred seeds/fruits and leaves, but also large amounts of charcoal. The material enabled the study of food offerings / grave goods of plant origin, as well as the choice and availability of fuel wood for cremations. The olive (Olea europaea) seems to have been an important food crop on the island, as it was found in high quantities, accompanied by barley (Hordeum vulgare) and other cereals (Cerealia), as well as cereal products (ACO = amorphous charred objects), figs (Ficus carica) and grapes (Vitis vinifera). Fuel wood for the cremations was mainly based on evergreen oak (Quercus sect. Ilex) and olive wood (Olea europaea), the latter probably deriving from prunings produced in olive groves. Other macroremains, such as a leaf of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), myrtle charcoal (Myrtus communis) and heather leaves (Erica manipuliflora) point to fuel harvest in Phrygana shrubland, which is the main vegetation form found on the island today.

Eco-Efficiency of Pellet Production from Dedicated Poplar Plantations

Biomass, due to its neutrality in terms of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere during its life cycle, is considered an interesting renewable source for energy production as an alternative to the use of more polluting fossil fuels. Among the different wood fuels, pellets are convenient for use in dedicated stoves, and pellet heating systems have a high energy efficiency. The aim of this work was to estimate the economic and global warming potential (GWP100a) generated along the thermal energy supply chain of wood pellets, starting from the production of raw biomass from dedicated poplar cultivations and ending with the use of pellets in stoves by the end-user to produce thermal energy and ash. The Eco-Efficiency Indicator (EEI) was used to link the economic and environmental performance for eight proposed scenarios, obtained by combining different levels of mechanisation for poplar harvesting and wood biomass management before arrival at the pellet plant. For the thermal energy produced by the poplar wood pellet, the GWP100a ranged from 1.5 × 10−2 to 2.1 × 10−2 kg CO2−eq MJ−1 for three-year-old plantations and from 1.9 × 10−2 to 2.4 × 10−2 kg CO2−eq MJ−1, for six-year-old plantations. In terms of eco-efficiency of the baseline scenario (EEIb), the most favourable scenarios remain those linked to the use of biomass from three-year-old poplar plantations, with EEIb values ranging from 0.31 to 0.60 € kgCO2−eq−1, compared to from 0.29 to 0.36 € kgCO2−eq−1 for pellets obtained from biomass produced from six-year-old poplar plantations. In terms of the Global Eco-Efficiency Indicator (EEIg), which also takes into account the positive effect on the reduction of greenhouse gases due to the storage of carbon in the soil by the plantations and the reduction of emissions from avoided fossil fuels, the most favourable scenarios remain those linked to the use of biomass from three-year-old poplar plantations, with EEIg values that vary in the range of 0.60 ÷ 1.04 € kgCO2−eq−1, compared to 0.55 ÷ 0.62 € kg CO2−eq−1 for thermal energy obtained using biomass from six-year-old poplar plantations.

Analysis of design features of chipper drive for chopping energy wood raw materials

Analysis of design features of chipper drive for chopping energy wood raw materials

Characterization of hygrothermal, gas pressure and stress characteristics for poplar wood during unilateral surface densification

Unilateral surface compression in wood presents notable benefits, including reduced wood volume loss and energy consumption, rendering a highly promising and extensive utilization. However, shortcomings in compressed wood arise due to unclear gas pressure, temperature, and moisture content distribution within the wood during hot pressing. In this paper, the temperature and pressure distribution were analyzed utilizing an optical fiber temperature and pressure measurement system within the wood during hot pressing. Moreover, the moisture content, stress and strain in each layer at the end of hot pressing were discussed extensively. The results showed that the wood surface layer (SL) and subsurface layer (SSL) maximum temperature values were similar even with different layer thicknesses. Under sealing conditions, SL and SSL temperatures were generally 6 ℃ to 7 ℃ higher compared to unsealing conditions. The gas pressure maximum value exhibited an opposite order, gradually transferring to the core layer (CL) and declining as the processing time extended. During compression treatment, moisture migrated from the hot end to the cold within the wood. The moisture content displayed significant differences between the middle and end parts of the wood under unsealed conditions, with the disparity becoming more pronounced further away from the hot end. The transition region of the compressed wood served as a stress concentration area, experiencing the highest levels of stress. The dense region followed with the second highest stress levels, while the un-densified region exhibited the least amount of stress. Under the same process parameters, the thickness had little influence on the distribution of dense layers.

Postharvest evaluations of soil erosion, ground cover, and best management practice implementation on integrated biomass and conventional clearcut harvest sites

As demand for wood energy rises, it’s vital to understand the environmental impact of various harvest types, considering different best management practices (BMPs) and site conditions, for sustainable forest management. This study provides a comparative analysis of postharvest site characteristics between biomass and conventional harvest sites located in the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern US. A total of 30 recently harvest sites (15 each for biomass and conventional) were selected from the Coastal regions of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Erosion rates were estimated using the USLE-Forest method and ground cover was assessed as a percentage of the area covered by bare soil, litter, light slash, heavy slash, and piles. BMP implementation (%) was based on state-specific BMP surveys. The findings show that stream management zones (SMZs) and harvest areas were less prone to soil erosion, while forest roads, skid trails, and stream crossings were more prone to erosion, regardless of the harvest type. Conventional harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.35 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation of 92.70 %, while biomass harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.22 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation rate of 97.91 %. Average erosion rate (Mg/ha/year) from the harvest area (biomass=0.11, conventional=0.06) and SMZs (biomass=0.05, conventional=0.02) were not significantly different (p>0.05). Conversely, average erosion rate from roads (biomass=4.17, conventional=6.44), skid trails (biomass=2.15, conventional=3.73), decks (biomass=0.39, conventional=0.72), and stream crossings (biomass=1.53, conventional=5.31) were significantly higher in conventional harvest sites (p<0.05). BMP implementation rates for roads (biomass=98.09 %, conventional=93.71 %), stream crossings (biomass=95 %, conventional=71 %), and timber harvest (biomass=96.44 %, conventional=93.33 %) were significantly higher in biomass harvest sites, while waste management BMP (biomass=89.91 %, conventional=100 %) was significantly higher in conventional harvest sites. Regarding ground cover, conventional harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by light slash, heavy slash, and piles than biomass harvest sites, while biomass harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by green growth. Our research shows a significant negative correlation between overall BMP implementation and erosion rates (r=-0.67, p=0.0002), as well as site size (r=-0.38 p=0.0400), indicating that larger sites tend to have lower BMP implementation and increased erosion risk. In conclusion, biomass harvest sites in our study did not yield higher erosion rates in comparison to conventional harvest sites, provided that the current BMP recommendations were implemented properly and in adequate amounts. This study emphasizes the importance of site-specific management strategies to mitigate erosion in all harvest sites, irrespective of harvest type used.

Suitable Software for the Study of Combustion Processes in Boilers

Diversification of energy resources is a current objective that several countries want to achieve, including in northern Europe. Demand for wood fuels is increasing in Latvia, reflected in consumer expenditure. Using low-quality biomass (LQB) to produce fuel pellets for stabilisation and diversification is possible. LQB pellets can theoretically and practically be used in low-capacity solid fuel boilers to provide different types of individual heating systems with an alternative energy source. Before starting mass production of LQB fuel pellets, it is necessary to clarify the properties of the raw materials. Any fuel study shall be divided into two phases: determination of the parameters of the fuel or raw material (calorific values, moisture content, and ash content) and analysis of the combustion process. The combustion process can be studied in two ways: experimentally and by mathematical modelling. Knowing the parameters that would need to be clarified during the study of the LQB fuel pellets combustion process (thermodynamics, gaseous emissions, PM emissions, bottom ash, and slag), the authors have set the goal of clarifying the software applied to mathematical modelling of these parameters. A bibliometric analysis method was chosen to identify the software. The bibliometric analysis was carried out in the Scopus database. As a result, two software were identified: ANSYS Fluent software is suitable for modelling thermodynamic processes and gaseous emission streams. At the same time, XDEM software is ideal for modelling particle streams and ash/slag generation. This software will be used in future studies.

Australia’s gas markets: similar problems…similar solutions?

Declining supply and entrenched demand in all three of Australia’s domestic gas markets – the East Coast, Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory (NT) – is creating similar issues. We tend to think of these as essentially separate, disconnected and divided by vast swathes of land. But the reality is that scarce local supply has been sanctioned in all three markets – despite around 16 tcf being sanctioned for export as liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and domestic demand remains resilient, as per both Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Wood Mackenzie forecasts. Starting with the largest, the increasingly tight East Coast market continues to hit headlines as it deals with supply crises, government interventions and new regulations. Undersupplied, underinvested and underexplored, it is also divided by activism and state and federal politics. Traditionally more sedate, the WA market has slowly drifted in a similar direction. New forecasts highlighting potential gas shortages have sparked more state intervention in the market, including banning LNG exports by certain suppliers. The NT market might be the smallest, but it’s ahead of the curve, already experiencing emergency upstream shortages that sparked increased domestic supply from LNG exporters. While there is a less diverse range of supply sources in the NT, the answer to current shortages matches the options currently being looked at by regulators on both coasts.

Contribution of Fuel Wood Income from Natural Forests to Household Economy in Delanta District, Northeastern Ethiopia

For Ethiopia’s rural homes, particularly those in the Delanta district, fuelwood is the primary energy source. This suggests that the impact of fuel wood from the forest to family energy use or income is significant. The goal of the current study was to estimate how much annual fuel wood harvested from forests contributes to household consumption and monetary income. 96% of the forest’s income comes from fuelwood. In the study area, it contributes 2,013,539 Birr, or 33%, of all family income. 703,014 ETB, or 23.8% of the total subsistence income, and 1,310,525 ETB, or 40.65% of the total cash income of the tested households, are both covered by fuelwood from the forest. Both socioeconomic and physical characteristics close to the users influenced how dependent a household was on fuelwood income from the forest. The data obtained from randomly selected households by survey method have been subjected to multiple regression analysis and obtained that households’ reliance on fuelwood income from the forest was significantly influenced by factors such as age, educational level, number of trees owned, distance to forest, distance to market, and nonforest income, all of which had a negative and significant impact. The only significant factor that significantly and positively influences reliance on fuelwood income from the forest is the number of family members. Therefore, preserving a natural forest through the use of alternative energy sources, such as electricity, or encouraging a plantation on one’s own property is a potential discipline for mandating climate change prevention.

Energy Gain and Carbon Footprint in the Production of Bioelectricity and Wood Pellets in Croatia

The paper presents the process of electricity and thermal energy production in a cogeneration plant and the process of wood pellet production. The aim of this study was to analyze the energy gain—EROI for energy products that are created as a product contained in electrical and thermal energy and the energy contained in wood pellets. According to the obtained results, the production of only electrical energy from wood biomass in a cogeneration plant was not sustainable from an energy point of view, since the obtained electrical energy was only 1.46 times greater than the input wood energy (EROIel = 1.46), while the obtained energy of the produced wood pellets was 4.82 (EROIpel = 4.82). According to the results of equivalent carbon emission, positive net value was achieved only with cogeneration plant and pellet plant working in synergy. Wood is a renewable source of energy, and its economic use can create a significant energy gain. However, due to the trend of using renewable energy sources and the increasing need for electricity, such a process of obtaining electricity is financially profitable, although it is not justified from the energy profitability and environmental sustainability point of view.