Energy characterization of agricultural and forestry biomasses in the state of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT

The search for sustainable and less polluting alternatives has intensified, such as the use of biomass residues for energy purposes, replacing fossil fuels and derivatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy potential of agricultural and forestry biomasses for energy generation, as well as to, determine their physical, chemical and energetic properties. To carry out this analysis five agricultural and forestry biomasses from productive processes in the state of Pernambuco were used, namely: sugarcane bagasse, eucalyptus bark, eucalyptus chips, wood sawdust and pruning of urban trees in the municipality of Recife. Sugarcane bagasse (18,405 KJ/Kg), followed by sawdust (18,115 KJ/Kg), and eucalyptus chips (18,024 KJ/Kg), had the highest calorific value. As for elemental chemistry, the hydrogen content was the only one that did not show a significant difference between the biomasses, and the sugarcane bagasse presented the best values of oxygen and sulfur, in addition to high carbon content. Regarding energy density and IVC, eucalyptus chips (6.16 GJ/m³ and 307, respectively), and sawdust (5.91 GJ/m³ and 32, 86, respectively), presented the highest values. All evaluated biomasses have energy potential, however, based on the variables, sugarcane bagasse, sawdust and eucalyptus chips, tend to have greater combustibility.

Keywords
Residues; Renewable source; Bioenergy; Organic matter; Energy sources