Analysis of Selected Physical Properties of Conifer Cones with Relevance to Energy Production Efficiency

Aniszewska, Monika; Gendek, Arkadiusz

doi:10.3390/f9070405

Cited by 15 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(28 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Scots pine, Norway spruce, and European larch are the most widespread conifers in Europe used for seed harvesting. Aniszewska et al [ 29 ] have reported that spent conifer cones (after seed extraction) have a high energy potential and that as much as 0.6–1.2 million tons of cones could be obtained annually in Poland. Harvesting such an amount might require high costs; however, tree cones as a by-product are also generated in seed extraction facilities, which in Poland, produce on average several tens of tons of dry processed cones annually.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in the Composition and Surface Properties of Torrefied Conifer Cones

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The paper investigated the torrefaction of cones from three tree species: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). The objective was to determine the effects of torrefaction temperature on the properties of cones with a view to their further use as a renewable energy source. Torrefaction was conducted at 200, 235, 275, and 320 °C for 60 min under an inert gas atmosphere. Elemental composition, ash content, and lower heating value (LHV) were measured for the original and torrefied samples. Torrefaction performance was evaluated using formulas for solid yield, higher heating value (HHV), HHV enhancement factor, as well as energy yield. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess elemental composition and structural changes at the surface of the torrefied material. For all the studied conifer species, the higher the torrefaction temperature, the greater the carbon and ash content and the higher the LHV (a maximum of 27.6 MJ·kg−1 was recorded for spruce and larch cones torrefied at 320 °C). SEM images showed that an increase in process temperature from 200 to 320 °C led to partial decomposition of the scale surface as a result of lignin degradation. Cone scales from all tree species revealed C, O, N, Mg, K, and Si at the surface (except for pine scales, which did not contain Si). Furthermore, the higher the temperature, the higher the enhancement factor and the lower the energy yield of the torrefied biomass. Under the experimental conditions, spruce cones were characterized by the lowest weight loss, the highest HHV, and the highest energy yield, and so they are deemed the best raw material for torrefaction among the studied species.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in the Composition and Surface Properties of Torrefied Conifer Cones

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the literature there are numerous reports concerning biomass of various origins that is produced for energy (i.e. "energy biomass") (Aniszewska et al 2018), its parameters, chemical composition, processing (Väisänen 2016), including processing into improved solid fuels (Gendek et al 2018b), and supply chain optimization (Dessbesell et al 2016). Miranda et al (2009) has determined the chemical composition and gross calorific value of pellets made of residues from Pyrenean oak.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forest residues as a renewable source of energy: Elemental composition and physical properties

Nurek

Gendek

Roman

2018

BioRes

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Forest residues are a potentially important source of renewable energy. They are generated as a byproduct of timber harvesting around the world. To optimize the utilization of such biomass, one must know its physical and chemical properties. This paper presents an analysis of comminuted forest residues from Pinus sylvestris L. They were classified into four size fractions for which three density parameters were established pursuant to relevant standards. The mean bulk density of the fractions amounted to 110 to 190 kg/m3, apparent density 725 to 908 kg/m3, and specific density 1111 to 1350 kg/m3. The findings were compared to the results of previous research on other forms of forest biomass. The measured apparent-to-specific density conversion coefficient was β = 0.64. The elementary composition of forest residues measured in this work differed from that of other biomass types described in literature. In terms of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and ash content, statistical analysis showed that the two compared types of biomass (forest residues and energy wood chips) formed two separate homogeneous groups, while both of these materials constituted one homogeneous group in the case of hydrogen content. The calorific value of the forest residues was 15.78 ± 0.39 MJ/kg.

show abstract

“…The highest values were accumulated in the bark of larch and in needles of spruce, fir, and pine. Published calorific values for spruce biomass fractions are as follows (MJ kg 19.525-19.763. The differences in the calorific values between different parts of the tree can be greater than the differences between species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Partial data can also be found for the calorific value of individual biomass fractions. Data have been published on the calorific values of the stem wood, branches, and roots of the bark of spruce and beech trees [18], the calorific value of wood and cones of four coniferous trees [19], as well as on the relationship of the calorific value of fir wood and the width of the annual rings [20]. A very detailed study of the heating values of seven tree species was conducted in Finland [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Stored in Above-Ground Biomass Fractions and Model Trees of the Main Coniferous Woody Plants

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The paper considers energy stored in above-ground biomass fractions and in model trees of the main coniferous woody plants (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., Abies alba Mill., Pinus sylvestris (L.), Larix decidua Mill.), sampled in 22 forest stands selected in different parts of Slovakia. A total of 43 trees were felled, of which there were 12 spruces, 11 firs, 10 pines, and 10 larches. Gross and net calorific values were determined in samples of wood, bark, small-wood, twigs, and needles. Our results show that these values significantly depend on the tree species, biomass fractions, and sampling point on the tree. The energy stored in the model trees calculated on the basis of volume production taken from yield tables increases as follows: spruce < fir < pine < larch. Combustion of tree biomass releases an aliquot amount of a greenhouse gas—CO2, as well as an important plant nutrient, nitrogen—into the atmosphere. The obtained data must be taken into account in the case of the economic utilization of energy stored in the fractions of above-ground tree biomass and in whole trees. The achieved data can be used to assess forest ecosystems in terms of the flow of solar energy, its accumulation in the various components of tree biomass, and the risk of biomass combustion in relation to the release of greenhouse gases.

show abstract

Analysis of Selected Physical Properties of Conifer Cones with Relevance to Energy Production Efficiency

Cited by 15 publications

References 26 publications

Changes in the Composition and Surface Properties of Torrefied Conifer Cones

Changes in the Composition and Surface Properties of Torrefied Conifer Cones

Forest residues as a renewable source of energy: Elemental composition and physical properties

Energy Stored in Above-Ground Biomass Fractions and Model Trees of the Main Coniferous Woody Plants

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About