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°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°K and 1437°K, respectively. While heat of combustion of corn cob in dry basis was 1436°K for excess air parameter 1.0, the heat of combustion in 0.5 moisture level was 1132°K with 27% reduction. The h a z e l n u t s h e l l combustion heat w a s a l s o determined as 1205°K with about 23% reduction. The n e t h e a t s o f combustion of corn cob and hazelnut shells in wet basis were determined as 13,109 and 15,775 kJ kg-1, respectively. Interpretation: T h e b i o m a s s moisture, excess air and heat losses from system were in accordance with each other.