Evaluation of Mulberry Species (Morus Spp.) as a Potential Source of Bioenergy Through Thermochemical Characterization and Gasification

Abstract

This study investigated the thermochemical properties and gasification potential of three mulberry species (Morus laevigata, Morus nigra and Morus australis) as potential sources of renewable energy. The analysis revealed that all three species possessed favourable characteristics for fuelwood, including low moisture content (8.43% -8.65%), moderate ash content (1.26% -2.00%) and high volatile matter content (81.67% -82.10%). The calorific value and higher heating value ranged from 18.04 MJ Kg -1 to 19.87 MJ Kg -1 and 18.73 MJ Kg -1 to 20.64 MJ Kg -1 , respectively, indicating their suitability for energy generation. Gasification analysis showed that the syn-gas composition primarily consisted of CO (24.3% -27.9%), H 2 (12.0% -12.7%), CH 4 (2.1% -2.3%), CO 2 (10.2% -10.9%), and N 2 (47.2% -50.7%). The syn-gas calorific value ranged from 5.51 MJ m -3 to 5.97 MJ m -3 , and the thermal conversion efficiency varied between 59.18% and 62.18%. These findings suggest that mulberry species hold promise as a sustainable and efficient source of bioenergy.