Analysis of Brazilian Biomass Focusing on Thermochemical Conversion for Energy Production

Abstract

Concerns about climate change and other issues mostly related to the reduction of fossil fuel usage have increased the demand for renewable energy sources. The possibility of using lignocellulosic biomass for energy generation is gaining interest in many countries worldwide. The current paper presents the analysis of physicochemical characteristics of nine lignocellulosic biomasses: five types of eucalyptus wood chips, sugar cane bagasse, elephant grass, bamboo, and coconut husk. Selection of a thermal conversion technology depends on the knowledge of important biomass characteristics in relation to thermal conversion: density and productivity, proximate and ultimate analysis, heating value, ash and polysaccharides composition, and thermogravimetric analysis. With regard to the annual energy potential and density, it was suggested that Eucalyptus urophylla (Flores IP) × E. urophylla (Timor) and bamboo have the greatest potential for energy application, which reduces transport and storage costs. Moreover, the eucalyptus has desirable characteristics in thermal conversion processes: low ash content that results in lesser damage to the equipment and low content of sulfur and nitrogen that leads to better environmental performance and product quality. The obtained information could be used as a basis for a more comprehensive database of biomass properties that will help to evaluate various biomasses with respect to the renewable energy potential.

Nb2O5/SBA-15 catalyzed propanoic acid esterification

“…Humanity faces unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges in the 21 st century due to population growth, with an associated per capita increase in the consumption of natural resources and a continued reliance on fossil fuels for both energy and chemicals production [1]. The search for alternative renewable energy sources has attracted attention in large part due to anthropogenic climate change, with biomass emerging as a frontrunner for provision of liquid transportation fuels [1][2][3][4][5]. Biodiesel is the best established and commercially most widely available biomass derived fuel that has been introduced in the energy matrix of various countries (notably Brazil), with the goal of reducing air pollution and increasing both energy security and economic benefits [6,7].…”

Potential of Wood Ash as a Fertilizer in BRS Piatã Grass Cultivation in the Brazilian Cerrado Soil

“…One of the ways could be their application to pastures used for grazing, and for the recovery of degraded areas. However, scientific proof is necessary for the correct application of the wood ash [10].…”

Green energy technology from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) for Brazilian agro-extractive communities

“…The Buriti endocarp presented a HHV of 18.3 MJ kg −1 , the other biomass (AcS, PB and CS) used for comparison ranged from 18 to 20 MJ kg −1 . According to Rocha et al (2017) [28], HHV is directly related to the fixed carbon content (where carbon content in higher temperatures will directly participate in syngas formation) and is also associated with the volatile matter (favorable in pyrolysis zone) and ash content, regardless of the biomass used [17,20]. According to Nogueira and Lora (2003) [29] lignocellulosic biomass with high levels of volatile matter tend to burn faster requiring operational adjustments in the reactor since it will take less residence time, that way besides some of those variations in immediate analysis values the process can be modified.…”