Prediction of Cotton Shell from Sodecoton Behavior in Thermal Conversion and Theoretical Energy Potential

This work focuses on the evaluation of the energy potential of cotton shells from SODECOTON and to predict suitable thermal conversion conditions. To achieve this goal, structural and proximate analyses were performed, while ultimate analysis, flue gas and higher heating value were calculated from models. This study reveals that cotton shells highly contain cellulose, volatile matter, lignin and carbon, which make it suitable for bioethanol, bio-oil/syngas and biochar production via biochemical and thermochemical technologies as well as fuel briquette. Heating value from cotton shell ranging from 17 MJ/kg to 19 MJ/kg, is set in the interval to be used as fuel. From the results, the value of flue gas is within acceptable limits and the pollutant emissions are less than the values of regulated threshold set. The energy potential released is around 1.30 GJ per year, 1.58 × 107 Nm3/year, 1.62 × 104 m3/year, 15.21 × E6 L and 26 × E6 L for annual combustion energy, syngas, methane, bioethanol and bio oil, respectively. Amongst them combustion via fuel briquette is suitable for less developing country such as Cameroon thus, it could supply 40% of cooking energy consumption in Garoua center town and can improve environmental sustainability in company.