The Impact of Additives on the Energetic Parameters and Physicochemical Properties of Environmentally Friendly Biomass PelletsIf you are interested in products related to the research phase in this field, please contact for further inquiries.
Biomass pellets are a critical component in the transition to sustainable and renewable energy systems. These compacted organic fuels, primarily derived from agricultural residues, wood, and other plant materials, serve as viable alternatives to fossil fuels like coal. Biomass pellets are used in heating systems, power plants, and as biofuels for industrial processes. The increasing reliance on these renewable energy sources is largely driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. However, to maximize the potential of biomass pellets, their energy efficiency must be enhanced, and this is where the role of additives comes into play.
Fig 1. Biomass grape pomace (GP) and corn cob (CC) before and after grinding. (Gheorghe D., et al., 2024) In the context of biomass pellet production, the raw materials selected are of utmost importance. Grape pomace, a by-product of the wine industry, and corn cobs, a residue from corn farming, are excellent candidates for biofuel production. Grape pomace contains seeds, skins, and stems, rich in sugars and organic material, making it an ideal biomass feedstock. Corn cobs, on the other hand, are primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which provide good energy potential when processed into pellets.
Both these materials, while abundant, require processing to create fuel-efficient pellets. The process involves reducing the raw material to a uniform size, removing excess moisture, and ensuring proper binding to form solid, durable pellets that can burn efficiently.
The addition of specific substances, or additives, during the pelletization process plays a significant role in enhancing the combustion characteristics and overall quality of biomass pellets. Three key additives explored in this study—sawdust, starch, and waste rapeseed oil—have been found to improve various aspects of pellet performance, such as calorific value, moisture content, and ash production.
Sawdust is commonly used in biomass pellet production due to its availability, low cost, and ability to improve pellet quality. As a natural binder, sawdust increases the bulk density of the pellets, which is essential for efficient storage and transport. Higher density pellets are also more durable, reducing the risk of degradation during handling. Moreover, sawdust helps to reduce the moisture content of pellets, making them more suitable for combustion, as high moisture can significantly hinder ignition and combustion efficiency.
Starch, a natural adhesive, is another popular additive used in biomass pellet production. When mixed with raw biomass, starch improves the mechanical strength of the pellets, ensuring that they remain intact during transport and storage. This adhesive property also helps reduce moisture content, further enhancing the combustion efficiency. However, the addition of starch should be carefully controlled, as excessive starch can reduce the calorific value of the pellets.
Waste rapeseed oil has emerged as a highly effective additive in biomass pellet production, primarily due to its high calorific content. When added to grape pomace and corn cob pellets, waste rapeseed oil significantly increases the energy density of the pellets. This enhancement is particularly valuable in applications where high-energy output is needed. In addition to improving the calorific value, waste rapeseed oil helps reduce the moisture content of the pellets and lowers ash generation during combustion, making it a highly beneficial additive for sustainable biofuel production.
The combustion efficiency of biomass pellets is influenced by several factors, including moisture content, ash content, and the volatile matter present. Each of these factors plays a critical role in the performance of the pellets during combustion and in their environmental impact.
The calorific value of biomass pellets is a critical factor in determining their suitability as a biofuel. Pellets with higher calorific values release more energy when burned, making them more efficient for heating and power generation. In this study, the addition of waste rapeseed oil led to a marked increase in the calorific value of both grape pomace and corn cob pellets. Grape pomace pellets with 10% waste rapeseed oil achieved a calorific value of 22.14 MJ/kg, while corn cob pellets increased from 17.29 MJ/kg to 19.76 MJ/kg. These values demonstrate the positive impact of waste rapeseed oil on pellet energy content.
Energy density, which is a product of bulk density and calorific value, is another important factor in determining the efficiency of biomass pellets. Pellets with higher energy density are more efficient to transport and store, as they provide more energy per unit volume. In this study, waste rapeseed oil was found to significantly enhance the energy density of both grape pomace and corn cob pellets, making them more suitable for large-scale applications in energy production. Pellets made with 10% waste rapeseed oil exhibited the highest energy density, indicating their superior quality as biofuels.
The environmental impact of biomass combustion is a crucial consideration when evaluating the overall sustainability of biomass pellets. Biomass is often considered a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, as it produces lower levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The use of waste oils, such as waste rapeseed oil, not only improves pellet performance but also contributes to reducing environmental pollution. By recycling waste oils, this method reduces the burden on landfills and helps divert potential pollutants from entering the environment.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) are major air pollutants that contribute to smog and acid rain. The combustion of biomass pellets typically results in lower levels of these pollutants compared to fossil fuels. The addition of waste rapeseed oil further reduces the nitrogen and sulfur content in the pellets, leading to a decrease in the formation of NOx and SOx during combustion. Grape pomace pellets with 10% waste rapeseed oil, for example, exhibited nitrogen levels as low as 0.172%, making them a cleaner option for energy production.
The production of biomass pellets from agricultural residues, such as grape pomace and corn cob, holds significant potential for sustainable energy generation. The addition of carefully selected additives, including sawdust, starch, and waste rapeseed oil, enhances the calorific value, combustion efficiency, and overall quality of the pellets. Among these, waste rapeseed oil proved to be the most effective additive, improving the energy density, reducing moisture and ash content, and contributing to cleaner combustion.
As global demand for renewable energy grows, optimizing biomass pellet production processes will play a critical role in meeting sustainability targets. The use of agricultural waste and waste oils as feedstocks for biomass pellets not only offers an eco-friendly solution to waste management but also enhances the energy efficiency of biomass as a renewable resource. Moving forward, the continued development of additives and pelletization technologies will be essential to further improve the performance of biomass pellets and increase their adoption in both residential and industrial energy applications.
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This article is for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
