Determination of the energy, mass flow and temperature parameters in combustion systems of agricultural biomass residues

Abstract

Aim : This study was carried out to determine the energy, mass flow and temperature computations of agricultural biomass. Methodology : The feasibility of the technique which enable to formulate a balanced chemical equation using the parameters of biomass moisture content and excess air utilized in combustion was determined for agricultural biomass residues (corn cob and hazelnut shell). The chimney gas composition was calculated assuming that carbon dioxide and water were completely consumed. The combustion temperature was obtained with an energy balance. Results : Because of the error value of corn cob was negative, accepted combustion heat of this fuel was determined high (1400 degrees K) and concluded. It should have been reduced down to feasible value of this temperature. On the other hand, because of the error value for hazelnut shell was positive, raising the combustion heat is recommended. Feasible combustion heats for corn cob and hazelnut shell were 1389 degrees K and 1437 degrees K, respectively. While heat of combustion of corn cob in dry basis was 1436 degrees K for excess air parameter 1.0, the heat of combustion in 0.5 moisture level was 1132 degrees K with 27% reduction. The hazelnut shell combustion heat was also determined as 1205 degrees K with about 23% reduction. The net heats of combustion of corn cob and hazelnut shells in wet basis were determined as 13,109 and 15,775 kJ kg(-1), respectively. Interpretation : The biomass moisture, excess air and heat losses from system were in accordance with each other.