Assessment of guava (Psidium guajava L.) wood biomass for energy purposes

B.Sc. Amilkar Hernando Mendoza Hernandez

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Owing to the utilization of fossil fuels in excess, climate change, environmental impact and declining natural resources scientific research is being driven to original technical solutions. Timber and other wood products have, for ages, remained one of the major materials used for heating worldwide due to their renewable nature and availability in various types.Biomass from guava (Psidium guajava L.), a common and well-dispersed tree, native to Latin America, had been analysed in order to determine the quality and opportunities for energy purposes.Briquettes from guava biomass were produced and determinations of physical, chemical and mechanical parameters were made according to international standards. As a result, it is worth stressing that virtually imperceptible traces of heavy metals were found, with concentration of copper 2.65 mg/kg as the highest, a moisture content at 9.8% that comfortably fulfil the minimum standard, and a net calorific value 17.11 MJ/kg which meets the average of hardwood. However, nitrogen content exceeded the stated value for A1 and A2 fuel classes as well as sulphur content (0.063%) and ash content (3.74%) slightly exceeded the maximum allowed values of international standards.Is concluded that guava briquettes did not fully fulfil the quality requirements stated by the standard EN 17225-3:2014 for graded wood biomass, nevertheless solid biofuels based on guava biomass are suitable for energy purposes, especially for industrial use. However, further studies are recommended with binder or with addition of other materials in order to improve the biomass characteristics and properties of final compacted fuel.

Keywords

biomass, bioenergy, briquetting, calorific value, guava (Psidium guajava L.) wood, combustion, moisture content, solid biofuel, elemental compositions

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 22. 4. 2016

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: Ing. Tatiana Ivanova, Ph.D.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Tropické zemědělství / Sustainable Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics