Effect of temperature on electrical efficiency palm kernel shell
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Effect of Temperature on Electrical Efficiency of Palm Kernel Shell
Introduction to Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) as Biomass Fuel
Palm kernel shell (PKS) is a byproduct of the palm oil industry and is widely recognized for its potential as a biomass fuel. Its abundant availability and favorable physical properties make it an attractive option for energy generation. However, the efficiency of PKS as a fuel is significantly influenced by the temperature at which it is processed.
Torrefaction and Its Impact on PKS Properties
Temperature Range and Process Conditions
Torrefaction is a thermochemical process that enhances the fuel properties of biomass by heating it in an inert environment. For PKS, torrefaction is typically conducted at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 300°C, with residence times between 20 to 60 minutes. This process results in increased carbon content and calorific value, making the biomass a more efficient fuel.
Changes in Calorific Value and Energy Yield
Studies have shown that increasing the torrefaction temperature leads to a higher calorific value of PKS. For instance, torrefaction at 275°C for 20 minutes was found to be optimal, balancing the increase in calorific value with the energy yield. However, at higher temperatures, such as 300°C, the energy yield may decrease due to significant mass loss.
Thermal Pretreatment and Electrical Efficiency
Mass and Energy Yield
Thermal pretreatment of PKS, including torrefaction, improves its properties by reducing the oxygen content and O/C ratio. This results in a more energy-dense fuel. For example, torrefied PKS at 270°C demonstrated an activation energy of 100.34 kJ/mol, indicating its suitability for thermal conversion processes like co-gasification.
Functional Group Analysis
The reduction of oxygenated peaks in the functional group analysis of torrefied PKS suggests that higher temperatures effectively cleave oxygen and hydrogen bonds, enhancing the fuel's quality. This improvement in fuel quality directly correlates with better electrical efficiency when used in power generation.
Co-Gasification and Temperature Effects
Gas Composition and High Heating Value (HHV)
Co-gasification of PKS with other materials, such as polystyrene (PS) plastics, has been explored to address feedstock supply consistency. The performance of co-gasification improves with increasing temperature. For instance, at temperatures between 700°C and 900°C, the volume percentages of CO and H2 in the producer gas increase, while CO2 and CH4 decrease. This results in a higher HHV and greater gas production, enhancing the overall efficiency of the gasification process.
Equivalence Ratio (ER) and Gas Production
Adjusting the equivalence ratio (ER) also impacts the efficiency. A higher ER reduces the HHV but increases the total amount of gas produced. The optimal blend of PKS and PS at higher temperatures, such as 900°C, further boosts the gas production, making the process more efficient.
Conclusion
The temperature at which PKS is processed significantly affects its electrical efficiency as a biomass fuel. Higher torrefaction temperatures improve the calorific value and energy density of PKS, although there is a trade-off with energy yield at very high temperatures. Thermal pretreatment enhances the fuel properties by reducing oxygen content and improving activation energy. Co-gasification with materials like PS plastics at elevated temperatures further optimizes gas production and efficiency. Therefore, careful control of processing temperatures is crucial for maximizing the electrical efficiency of PKS in energy generation applications.
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