Influence of physical and chemical compositions on the properties and energy use of lignocellulosic biomass pellets in Brazil

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 147; pp. 1870 - 1879
• Main Authors: da Silva, Sandra Bezerra, Arantes, Marina Donária Chaves, de Andrade, Jaily Kerller Batista, Andrade, Carlos Rogério, Carneiro, Angélica de Cássia Oliveira, Protásio, Thiago de Paula
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2020
• Subjects: Bioenergy; Densification; ISO standard; Renewable sources; Residual biomass; Renewable sources; Bioenergy; Densification; Residual biomass; ISO standard
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.09.131

Lignocellulosic residues are potential sources of renewable energy, but these materials have low energy density and undesirable properties for energy use. For this reason, pelleting is a viable alternative for the biomass energy valorization because it produces high-energy-density solid biofuels. The aim of this research is to evaluate the physical, chemical, and energetic characteristics of pellets produced with lignocellulosic biomass blends (elephant grass [EG], eucalyptus wood [EW], and sugarcane bagasse [SB]) for bioenergy generation. For biomass and pellets, bulk and energy densities, chemical compositions, and heating values, were determined. For pellets, the mechanical durability, fines content, diametrical compression, diameter, length, and unit density were measured. Pellets presented increased heating value, bulk and energetic density, and reduced moisture content. The highest absolute ash contents were found in the compositions and pellets produced with high amounts of EG (2.89%–6.48%). The reduction of EG in the blends has improved the energy properties of pellets. A 55% reduction of ash content was observed in the pellets produced with 50% EG and 50% EW compared with the pellets produced with 100% EG. The pellets produced with biomass blends obtained better energy and mechanical performances when compared with those produced with only one biomass.
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•The Brazilian biomasses can be used to produce good-quality biofuel pellets.•Pellets produced with the blends of Brazilian biomasses provide better energy results.•The heating value of pellets depends on the composition of lignocellulosic materials.•The best pellet was produced with 50% wt elephant grass (EG) and 50 wt% eucalyptus wood.•The reduction of EG in pellets results in a decrease of ash content.