Comparative study of different waste biomass for energy application

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Sources
• Biomass Fuel Characterization
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Biomass, including agricultural and forestry residues, is a widely available fuel source in rural areas.
• Combustion of biomass contributes significantly to indoor, regional, and global air pollution.
• Gasification presents an economically and environmentally attractive alternative to biomass combustion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the proximate composition and calorific value of various local biomass wastes in Maharashtra, India.
• To assess the potential of these biomass resources as viable fuel alternatives.
• To evaluate suitability for use in domestic gasifier cook-stoves and improved cook-stoves.

Main Methods:

• Proximate analysis of biomass samples to determine moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content.
• Calorific value determination using bomb calorimetry.
• Comparison of biomass properties with Indian Coal.

Main Results:

• The analyzed biomass species (cotton waste, leaf, soybean waste, wheat straw, rice straw, coconut coir, forest residues) exhibit low ash content.
• Volatile matter content in the studied biomass is significantly higher compared to Indian Coal.
• These properties suggest suitability for briquetting and use as domestic fuel.

Conclusions:

• Local biomass wastes in Maharashtra possess favorable characteristics for use as solid fuel.
• Utilization in biomass-based gasifier cook-stoves can contribute to rural energy security and environmental improvement.
• This offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels, especially where cleaner options like LPG are unavailable.