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Torrefaction of Willow in Batch Reactor and Co-Firing of Torrefied Willow with Coal

Author

Listed:
  • Hilal Unyay

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Piotr Piersa

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Magdalena Zabochnicka

    (Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, Dabrowskiego 69, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland)

  • Zdzisława Romanowska-Duda

    (Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha Str. 12/16, 92-237 Lodz, Poland)

  • Piotr Kuryło

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, 65-516 Zielona Gora, Poland)

  • Ksawery Kuligowski

    (Physical Aspects of Ecoenergy Department, The Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14 Str., 80-231 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Paweł Kazimierski

    (The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14, 80-231 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Taras Hutsol

    (Department of Mechanics and Agroecosystems Engineering, Polissia National University, Staryi Blvd 7, 10008 Zhytomyr, Ukraine)

  • Arkadiusz Dyjakon

    (Department of Applied Bioeconomy, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chelmonskiego 37a, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Edyta Wrzesińska-Jędrusiak

    (Department of Technologies, Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute, Hrabska Avenue 3, Falenty, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland)

  • Andrzej Obraniak

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Szymon Szufa

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

The torrefaction process represents a thermal conversion technique conducted at relatively low temperatures ranging between 200 to 300 °C. Its objective is to produce fuel with a higher energy density by decomposing the reactive portion of hemicellulose. In this study, the kinetics of mass loss during torrefaction were investigated for willow. The experiments were carried out under isothermal conditions using thermogravimetric analysis. Batch torrefaction reactor designs were conducted and explained in detail. Co-combustion of willow with hard coal (origin: Katowice mine) in different mass ratios (25% biomass + 75% coal, 50% biomass + 50% coal, and 75% biomass + 25% coal) was conducted in addition to raw biomass torrefaction. TG/MS analysis (a combination of thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometry analysis) was performed in the research. The optimal torrefaction conditions for willow were identified as an average temperature of 245 °C and a residence time of 14 min, resulting in the lowest mass loss (30.15%). However, it was noted that the composition of torgas, a by-product of torrefaction, presents challenges in providing a combustible gas with sufficient heat flux to meet the energy needs of the process. Prolonged residence times over 15 min and higher average temperatures above 250 °C lead to excessive energy losses from volatile torrefaction products, making them suboptimal for willow. On the other hand, the co-combustion of torrefied biomass with hard coal offers advantages in reduced sulfur emissions but can lead to increased NOx emissions when biomass with a higher nitrogen content is co-combusted in proportions exceeding 50% biomass. This paper summarizes findings related to optimizing torrefaction conditions, challenges in torgas composition, and the emissions implications of co-combustion.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilal Unyay & Piotr Piersa & Magdalena Zabochnicka & Zdzisława Romanowska-Duda & Piotr Kuryło & Ksawery Kuligowski & Paweł Kazimierski & Taras Hutsol & Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Edyta Wrzesińska-Jędrusiak &, 2023. "Torrefaction of Willow in Batch Reactor and Co-Firing of Torrefied Willow with Coal," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:8083-:d:1301117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Radoslaw Slezak & Hilal Unyay & Szymon Szufa & Stanislaw Ledakowicz, 2023. "An Extensive Review and Comparison of Modern Biomass Reactors Torrefaction vs. Biomass Pyrolizers—Part 2," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-25, February.
    2. Prins, Mark J. & Ptasinski, Krzysztof J. & Janssen, Frans J.J.G., 2006. "More efficient biomass gasification via torrefaction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(15), pages 3458-3470.
    3. Başar, İ.A. & Kökdemir Ünşar, E. & Ünyay, H. & Perendeci, N.A., 2020. "Ethanol, methane, or both? Enzyme dose impact on ethanol and methane production from untreated energy crop switchgrass varieties," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 287-297.
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    Cited by:

    1. Szufa, Szymon & Unyay, Hilal & Pakowski, Zdzislaw & Piersa, Piotr & Siczek, Krzysztof & Kabaciński, Mirosław & Sobek, Szymon & Moj, Kevin & Likozar, Blaž & Kostyniuk, Andrii & Junga, Robert, 2025. "Batch rolling-bed dryer applicability for drying biomass prior to torrefaction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).

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