Wood Fuel Research Articles

A bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model to optimize thinning schedules in wildfire-prone Pinus canariensis forests.

A bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model to optimize thinning schedules in wildfire-prone Pinus canariensis forests.

How Best to Use Forest Wood for Energy: Perspectives from Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

This paper examines how best to use forest wood for energy application, considering that it is a limited natural resource. Eight systems are considered, including wood stoves, steam systems (boiler, power plant, and combined heat and power (CHP)), and gasification combined systems (gas turbine and combined cycle power plant, CHP, and Fischer–Tropsch). The methodology uses energy analysis and modelling and environmental/sustainability considerations to compare the energy systems. In terms of energy conversion efficiency, steam boilers and high-efficiency wood stoves for heating applications provide the highest efficiencies (~80 to 90%) and should be considered. Steam CHP systems provide lower overall energy conversion efficiencies (~75 to 80%) but do provide some electrical energy, and thus should be considered. The use of wood for the production of electricity on its own should not be considered due to low efficiencies (~20 to 30%). Particulate emissions hinder the application of high-efficiency stoves, especially in urban areas, whereas for industrial-scale steam boilers and CHP systems, particle separators can negate this problem. Gasification/Fischer–Tropsch systems have a lower energy efficiency (~30 to 50%); however, a sustainability argument could be made for liquid fuels that have few sustainable alternatives.

Experimental Characterization of Sustainable Cementitious Composites: Thermal Energy Storage with Recycled Wood Aggregates and Bio-based Phase Change Materials

This paper reports the results of an experimental program on sustainable cementitious composites made with recycled wood aggregates (RWAs) filled with bio-based phase change materials (PCMs). The experimental program focused on fabricating PCM–RWA-labeled energy wood aggregates (i.e., “NRG-WOOD”). Three mortar types of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Wood-Mortar, and NRG-WOOD Mortar were evaluated for their thermal performance which involved hydration tests to monitor early-stage temperature evolution, dynamic sphere calorimetry (DKK) tests for latent heat storage assessment, and calorimetry to determine specific heat capacities. Durability was assessed through capillary absorption tests, while the experimental campaign also included mechanical tests to investigate the impact of PCM within the recycled wood aggregates, on the resulting mortar strengths under both compression and bending. Promising results have been obtained for the NRG-WOOD mortars, showing a significantly reduced water absorption by approximately 63% lower than conventional OPC mortars and a high thermal energy storage capacity at an acceptable strength reduction of approximately 30% in compressive strength and a 24% reduction in flexural strength compared to OPC due to PCM addition. This study presents an innovative approach to PCM integration in RWAs, optimizing both thermal storage and durability. Compared to conventional mortars, the proposed NRG-WOOD mortar demonstrates a novel solution for sustainable and energy efficient construction by significantly enhancing moisture resistance while maintaining acceptable mechanical performance.

Burning Up the Carbon Sink: How the EU's Forest Biomass Policy Undermines Climate Mitigation

ABSTRACTWhile burning wood for heat and electricity constitutes the largest source of renewable energy in the EU, forest biomass harvesting is weakening the EU's forest carbon sink, and some Member States have lost their net forest sink completely, including heavily forested countries like Estonia and Finland. A European Commission 2016 impact assessment for bioenergy under the EU's Renewable Energy Directive predicted the forest sink would shrink as biomass use increased, even if sustainability criteria were required. Nonetheless, the EU adopted criteria that consider “sustainable” forest biomass to have zero carbon emissions, rendering EU and UK treatment of biomass inconsistent with IPCC's Guidance for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Renewable energy incentives have increased biomass use for electricity generation 1100% since 1990, but residential heating, which is ungoverned by any criteria, still represents the largest use of wood for energy in the EU. Incentives for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which is intended to deliver “negative emissions,” will likely increase pressure on forests. Although IPCC Guidance is clear that BECCS fueled with forest biomass does not remove net CO2 from the atmosphere just because carbon has been stored belowground, EU and UK climate policies rely on large‐scale deployment of BECCS to meet climate targets. Bioenergy use cuts across environmental, energy, and climate policy domains; thus, reversing the accelerating decline of the forest carbon sink will require significantly better integration of renewable energy policies with climate targets and ensuring that biomass policies are aligned with international emissions reporting. Policymakers can reduce pressure on forests by disqualifying forest biomass from counting toward renewable energy targets, reducing subsidies for wood‐burning, and adopting forest management policies that prioritize carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Reducing biomass harvesting and reallocating the billions currently spent on bioenergy subsidies to solar, wind, and geothermal energy is essential for restoring forests and achieving climate targets.

Wood species diversity, regeneration status and anthropogenic threats in Gewecha natural forest, Northwestern Ethiopia

Natural forests play a considerable role in the conservation of various woody species. However, the current scientific information on species diversity, regeneration status, and anthropogenic effects on Gewecha natural forest is limited. Hence, this study assessed woody species diversity, regeneration status, and anthropogenic threats of the Gewecha natural forest. Vegetation data were collected from a total of 37 plots with a sample quadrat size of 20 X 20m main plot for all adult trees and 5 X 5m subplot for saplings and seedlings. A comprehensive household survey was conducted, during which 85 households were chosen and subsequently interviewed to gather relevant data. A total of 23 plant species belonging to 18 families were identified. The total density and basal area of the Gewecha natural forest were 931.8 individuals ha−1 and 202.2 m2 ha−1 respectively. Both the cumulative diameter and height class frequency distribution patterns of woody individuals had bell shapes, reflecting a fair regeneration profile. In contrast, the population structure of the important species selected for their high Important Value Index revealed that most of them had poor regeneration. Fuel wood collection, expansion of grazing land, and population growth were ranked as the key anthropogenic factors responsible for the changes in the cover of the Gewecha natural forest. Generally, the study showed the importance of the Gewecha natural forest reserve in northwestern Ethiopia for plant diversity. The expansion of grazing land into forest, population growth, and the local community's use of firewood and other wood products as a source of income are turning the forest into agricultural land. Therefore, we recommend improving community awareness, introducing enrichment planting and zero grazing methods, and alternative forest management that addresses community needs to sustainably maintain the forest and ecosystem services and to reverse the impact of anthropogenic activities on forests.

Effect of Gondorukem (Arpus) Adhesive Composition on Organic Waste-Based Briquettes using Biodrying Technology

Briquettes are an alternative to coal, wood, and fossil fuels. Briquettes can be made with simple, inexpensive materials. The adhesive is gondorukem (arpus), which is easy to find. Making briquettes involves preparing raw materials, mixing adhesives with organic waste, and testing the finished product. The adhesive variations used were 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%. Briquettes made with 5% gondorukem (arpus) adhesive had the lowest ash content. Briquettes with 25% gondorukem (arpus) had the highest ash content at 8.31%. Adhesives affect ash content. Moisture content analysis obtained with a value of 9.49% to 10.30%, the value is stable. The volatile content is 3.41-4.66%, which meets the SNI 01-6235 2000 standard. Calorimetry, all samples except 5% adhesive meet SNI 01-6235 2000 with minimum 5000 Cal/g (20934 J/g). Briquettes had density values of 0.0034176-0.004359 g/cm³, affecting energy content and combustion. Bound carbon analysis showed that all samples met the standard value of SNI 4931-2010. The burning rate of organic waste-based briquettes with different adhesives is 27 to 39 minutes, with a weight of 3.108 to 4.753 g/min. Briquettes take 66-111 seconds to ignite. SEM analysis shows rod-shaped substances, indicating organic waste and adhesives. The fibers visible are from the organic waste.

Study of the Potential of Forest Biomass for the Development of Wood Energy Sectors in Congo Brazzaville

This research explores the potential of residual forest biomass in Congo-Brazzaville to support sustainable energy transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the country’s heavy reliance on wood energy, which accounts for 85% of the energy mix, unsustainable practices threaten forest resources. Meanwhile, residues from logging and local wood processing, combined with the annual consumption of wood energy (firewood and charcoal), represent a significant amount of biomass which, if properly utilized, could generate greater social and environmental benefits than it currently does. A multidimensional approach was adopted to assess this potential. An interactive tool, the Biomass Cogeneration (CHP) Project Analysis System, was developed to model biomass flows, estimate energy production (thermal and electrical), and analyze environmental, economic, and logistical impacts. The results show that optimized utilization of forest residues could generate up to 591.7 MW of energy, representing 99% of the country’s installed energy capacity, while avoiding up to 240,005 tons of CO2 emissions annually. By promoting the use of biomass residues for cogeneration, this study supports national energy transition objectives and provides concrete solutions to integrate biomass as a strategic resource within Congo’s energy mix.

Black Carbon: Its Sources, Environment and Health Impacts & Mitigation Solutions for Sustainable Development

Black carbon (BC), in spite of being a short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP), with life time of only few days, is found to be a powerful climate forcer that has hundreds to thousand times more potential of warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. It severely affects climate, cryosphere, human health, ecosystems and agricultural productivity. BC is a formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood and other fuels. Household cooking methods are the major contributor of the global carbon emissions, followed by transport, industrial and agriculture sectors. Wild fires also contribute to BC emission. BC absorbs the incoming solar radiation which heats the atmosphere, affecting the cloud formation and rainfall in the region. which is critical for agriculture, affecting human livelihoods in addition to ecosystem. This, in turn, affects the economy. Its deposition on ice/snow, reduces its surface albedo that increases the absorption of sunlight, in turn, faster melting of ice/glaciers and rise in sea level. The Arctic and glaciated regions of Himalayas are under high risk. Being small enough in size, black carbon can be inhaled, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases leading to lung cancer and even to birth defects. Coordinated efforts would be required for attaining zero carbon emission for sustainable development, a goal set by UNEP. This paper presents a review on the various sources of black carbon, its effects on environment, health and economy. The steps to be taken to reduce the black carbon level for sustainable development are also reviewed.

The Adoption of Farmer-managed Natural Regeneration in Dogonkiria, Niger

We examined the diffusion of agricultural innovations that improve smallholder well-being in sub-Saharan Africa. Innovations are slowly being accepted in the region, but villagers of Dogonkiria in Niger are an exception in adopting a technology known as farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR). We employed an exploratory qualitative methodology based on Everette Rogers’ diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory to investigate the microlevel dynamics behind the success of FMNR. Our findings demonstrate that the top-down technology transfer model required robust local-level participation, with local knowledge being a substantial element in the diffusion process. In effect, the area is experiencing improved crop yield and availability of wood for construction and energy. The results enhance understanding the relationship between external agents (state and non-state actors) and local beneficiaries in the context of new technology dissemination.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental tobacco smoke and wood stoves dominate in settled house dust from Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities

ABSTRACT Rates of respiratory tract infections for children living in remote First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout Zone in Northwestern Ontario are elevated and associated with poor indoor environmental quality including high exposures to endotoxin and serious dampness and mould damage. The studies also revealed a high prevalence of cigarette smoking and most houses have wood stoves, of variable quality. Depending on structure, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogens, immunotoxins and/or inflammatory mediators that are byproducts of the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Indoor sources of PAHs include tobacco smoke, cooking, and burning wood and/or fossil fuels for house heating. Twelve PAHs were measured in the <300 µm fraction of settled house dust by GC-MS in 59 houses. Nine PAHs were detected in all 59 houses, and median concentrations of individual PAHs measured ranged from 66 to 804 ng/g. PAHs associated with environmental tobacco smoke and with wood smoke dominated the PAH profile. Limiting tobacco smoking indoors and upgrading to low emission airtight wood stoves would improve indoor air quality and the respiratory health of children in this remote region of Ontario.

Effect of wood chips and wood board-ends of Gmelina arborea on yields and process of slow pyrolysis using a semi-industrial reactor prototype

Pyrolysis of biomass residues can generate savings in the value chains of forest products due to the potential uses of its products in the forestry sector. The aim of this study was to determine the performance during slow pyrolysis process and the yields of different products of two types of residues, wood chips and solid wood board-ends from Gmelina arborea. Results showed no significant differences in yields of charcoal (26 to 28%), wood vinegar (28 to 30%) and non-condensable gases (37%), but bio-oil yield was higher for the solid wood board-ends residues (7.7%). The evaluation of energy charcoal characteristics and wood vinegar was similar for two types of residues. So, results suggest that two types of residues provided similar charcoal, condensable and non-condensable gases yields, but solid board-ends are recommended to obtain higher yield of bio-oil and complete the process in less time. Charcoal and vinegar characteristic were affected by type of residues.

Clinico-spirometrical correlation of newly detected COPD patients with known tobacco smoking exposure or biomass smoke exposure presenting to a teaching institution in Vadodara, Gujarat

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, coughing, sputum production) associated with abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that result in persistent, frequently progressive airflow obstruction are the hallmarks of COPD, a diverse lung illness. The current investigation aimed to establish a clinical profile of patients with recently diagnosed COPD who present to a healthcare facility in Vadodara. Materials and Methods: The Department of Respiratory Medicine conducted an observational cross-section study on individuals with recently discovered COPD. The study comprised records of 50 participants, from September 2022 to January 2024. Along with the spirometry results, pertinent clinical data were gathered. Results: The study’s patient population presented with an average age of 61.52 years. The fact that every patient in the research was over 40 years old suggests that COPD is becoming more common in people over 40. There was a male majority among the 50 patients, with 40 (80%) male and 10 (20%) female. Most common age group was smokers accounted for 80% of the total cases, suggesting that their incidence of COPD is greater. Average FEV1 at presentation was 41 L/min for 50 patients. Among 50 patients, 6% falls under mild, 28% under moderate, 42% under severe, and 24% under very severe according to GOLD grading and severity of airflow obstruction. Conclusion: Despite the fact that tobacco smoke is thought to be the main cause of COPD. Indoor and outdoor air pollution are major issues in many nations, including India. One of the main risk factors for COPD is smoke from activities such as burning wood or biomass fuels in addition to work exposure. The ageing of the global population and ongoing exposure to COPD risk factors are expected to contribute to a rise in the prevalence and burden of COPD in the ensuing decades. The fact that most newly diagnosed patients in this research were older and more symptomatic and that most identified individuals had moderate to severe COPD, indicates the importance of spirometry programs in primary care for the early detection of COPD. Our findings suggest that a new campaign requiring patients to undergo spirometry and routine follow-up may be able to identify a sizable proportion of patients with undiagnosed COPD and perhaps improve their quality of life.

Evaluating the effect of a modified air purifier on air quality in an apartment in Nis, Serbia

Nis, Serbia residents constantly face the severe and pressing issue of air pollution, particularly from suspended particulate matter fractions PM10 and PM2.5. Conditions worsen significantly during the heating season, as the predominant combustion of wood, pellets, and solid fossil fuels in residential dwellings causes particulate matter concentrations to rise abruptly, exceeding levels more than twice as high as those during the non-heating season. Outdoor pollution easily infiltrates indoors and, together with indoor pollution, drastically degrades the quality of indoor air. Deteriorated indoor air quality poses a significant health risk, as individuals spend a lot of time indoors. This study evaluates the impact of a commercially available air purifier on reducing concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in an apartment in Nis throughout 2024. The analysis reveals that the air purifier?s operation significantly reduces the concentration of suspended particles indoors during both the heating and non-heating seasons for PM10 and PM2.5. Furthermore, a comparison of indoor and outdoor particulate concentration ratios between the heating and non-heating seasons shows that these ratios are lower during the heating season for both particle fractions.

Estimation of global solar radiation (gsr) over Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that can be accessed in any geographical place where electricity and other renewable energy sources are inaccessible. In our country, more than half of people still depend on wood, coal, and petroleum for energy, which causes health issues and destroys the environment. Analytical and accurate data related to global solar radiation is essential for harvesting solar energy, which can play an important role in reducing the use of other nonrenewable energy sources. In this study, we calculated Global Solar Radiation (GSR) using the Angstrom-Prescott model, compared it with the measured value using a CMP6 pyranometer, and showed the relation of GSR with some meteorological parameters. The maximum value of GSR was observed on , and the minimum value was on . We have seen a positive correlation of GSR with sunshine duration and air temperature but a negative correlation with relative humidity, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure. Maximum GSR is found in spring and minimum in winter due to fog, minimum sunshine duration, and high maximum relative humidity. Empirical constants and were obtained using Tiwari and Sangeeta models. The accuracy and performance of the applied Angstrom-Prescot model are tested using statistical tools like , , , , , and .

Role of Micro Credit in Fuel Wood Conservation and Living Standard

This study analyzed the role of micro credit on fuel wood conservation and improving household living standard in the surrounding communities of Chitral Gol National Park in Pakistan. For this purpose a sampled survey was conducted in 13 villages in which 286 respondents were interviewed, among them 143 were taken from recipients of micro credit house-holds and 143 from non-recipient households through random sampling. For analyzing the data various statistical tools were used including independent sample test, least square and multi nominal logistic model were used for analysis. The empirical analysis of the study indicates that micro credit has a positive impact on fuel wood con-servation and living standard. And those who are Loan recipient households were com-paratively better standard of education, housing type and health. The consumption pat-tern of loan recipient households is also better than the non-recipient households The chosen methodology may lack generasibility and further testing through impact evalua-tion is recommended. This paper has empirically studied the effect of micro credit pro-gram on fuel wood conservation and living standard using primary data.

Competitiveness and Sustainable Development Analysis of Alternative Energy Exploitation Using MOORA Method

Alternative energy exploitation, also known as renewable energy, refers to energy sources that can be replenished and renewed naturally, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources that release harmful emissions when burned, alternative energy sources are cleaner, more sustainable, and have a lower impact on the environment. Alternative energy exploitation involves harnessing these renewable energy sources to generate electricity, heat, and fuel. This process typically involves using technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower systems, geothermal heat pumps, and biomass generators. There are several reasons why alternative energy exploitation is becoming increasingly important. First, as the world's population grows, so does the demand for energy. The use of fossil fuels for heating and cooking has increased due to the rise in population, standard of living, urbanization over time, and the higher cost of other energy sources like kerosene, gas, and electricity. Fuel wood harvesters earn income from harvesting trees, but this practice needs careful evaluation. Estimating fuel wood exploitation requires considering factors such as age, the number of harvested bundles, price, and the educational level of respondents.

Evaluation of the Relative Efficacy of Alley Species with Respect to Hedge- row Persistence, Herbage Yield and Fuel Wood Production in Central Part of U.P., India

Field experiments were conducted at Malgawan Research Farm, Janta Mahavidyalaya Ajitmal Auraiya during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the relative efficacy of Alley species with respect to hedge-row persistence, herbage yield and fuel wood production. Out of the two alley species tested viz. Leucaena leucocephalla and Sesbania sesban under Agro-forestry system, L. Leucocephalla for herbage production is good and it gives more herbage yield(119.59q/ha) than S.sesbane yielded 105.01q/ha, that fulfils fodder requirement and becomes best alternate of fodder during shortage of fodder. S.sesban for fuel wood production are recommended and yielded 42.55q/ha. It is higher than, L. Leucocephalla. Both the alley species be pruned prior to crop sowing in both the consecutive seasons and pruned material be added to the soil, increases soil fertility as well as organic carbon content in soil. Under P0 (No Pruning), the establishment and persistency were better than both the pruning management and P0 significantly increased the tree height 4.35meter than P1 &amp; P2 1.91 &amp;1.96 meter height respectively. The number of branches was significantly higher in S.sesban with no pruning (33.69) over both the pruning management P1 &amp; P2 system in both seasons. The Relative growth rate kg/ha/day, fresh yield of pruning q/ha, dry matter yield of pruning q/ha, fuel wood production q/ha, leaf fodder production q/ha and N, P &amp; K uptake q/ha were found more with L. Leucocephalla under treatment P2(pruning during crop growth and foliage used as forage) than P1 (pruning during crop growth and foliage added to soil) with N2 level of fertilizer than N0 &amp; N1 fertilizers level respectively in both years mean basis.

Timber and Fuel Wood Consumption and Replenishment in Ile-Ife: Implications for Conservation and Sustainability

Timber and Fuel Wood Consumption and Replenishment in Ile-Ife: Implications for Conservation and Sustainability

Study of thermal transition in brick kilns: modeling wood consumption and energy efficiency

The production of fired bricks in traditional wood-fired kilns is a common practice, particularly in developing countries, where it holds cultural and economic significance. However, this method raises environmental and health concerns because of its often low energy efficiency and high fuel consumption. This study aims to model the thermal transition in these traditional kilns to optimize the firing process, reduce wood consumption, and improve energy efficiency. The brick firing process, which includes a critical transitional phase of temperature rise, is frequently poorly managed, leading to significant thermal losses and incomplete combustion. A systematic approach is needed to analyze and improve thermal management, considering factors such as brick stacking, kiln geometry, and combustion parameters. We develop a thermodynamic model that simulates heat transfer, incorporating equations of conduction, convection, and radiation. This model relies on simplifying assumptions that facilitate resolution while maintaining sufficient accuracy. The results revealed a rapid temperature increase followed by stabilization, revealing a dynamic balance between energy input and thermal loss. Our simulations indicate that wood consumption initially increases to reach a plateau when the temperature stabilizes. However, energy efficiency gradually declines, highlighting the importance of optimizing heating and combustion conditions to minimize losses. This research is crucial for small producers, as it could yield significant economic and environmental benefits by enhancing the energy efficiency of brick production. The findings of this study underscore the complex interactions among temperature increase, wood consumption, thermal loss, and energy efficiency. Optimizing thermal parameters, such as heating duration and heat distribution, is essential to reduce reliance on forest resources and improve the sustainability of traditional production methods. These findings pave the way for innovations in brick kiln technology, promoting more environmentally friendly construction practices.

Selected aspects of the impact of energy wood harvesting on the forest environment

Abstract Global demand for energy, including renewable energy, continues to rise. As a result, the proportion of woody biomass used for energy purposes is also increasing. The article focuses on a literature review of selected natural consequences of forest biomass utilisation for the forest environment. The impacts of harvesting forest biomass for energy purposes consider three harvesting systems: conventional harvesting (CH), whole-tree harvesting (WTH) and whole-tree harvesting with stump removal (WTH + S). The results of the literature review show that harvesting for energy affects the forest environment, including soil productivity, forest water and biodiversity. The impacts are mostly negative and largely depend on the harvesting system. This literature review shows that the more intensive the timber harvesting system (WTH, WTH + S) is, the greater the impact on the natural environment. Of all systems, conventional timber harvesting (CH) has the best impact on the natural environment.