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Analysis of the Combustion of Pellet Mixtures with Barley Straw in a Biomass Boiler

Author

Listed:
  • François Delcourt

    (CNRS UMR 8201—LAMIH, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, 59313 Valenciennes, France)

  • Lucas Maret

    (CNRS UMR 8201—LAMIH, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, 59313 Valenciennes, France)

  • Damien Méresse

    (CNRS UMR 8201—LAMIH, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, 59313 Valenciennes, France)

  • Céline Morin

    (CNRS UMR 8201—LAMIH, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, 59313 Valenciennes, France)

Abstract

Biomass is a key energy resource in the current context of climate and energy crises, due to its lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels. However, wood-based energy presents several drawbacks: public health concerns related to pollutant emissions from combustion, and questions about the sustainability of the resource given the increasing demand for cleaner fuels. This study investigates the combustion of mixtures of wood pellets (WPs) and barley straw pellets (BSPs) in a domestic biomass boiler, with the aim of evaluating how such blends affect pollutant emissions and energy production under standard boiler operation, without modifications. Pellets were characterized using a bomb calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while gaseous and particulate emissions were measured at the chimney using gas analyzers and an Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS), respectively. The results show that high BSP proportions (>50%) are not compatible with domestic biomass boilers, as they led to a significant increase in gaseous pollutant emission. However, blends with moderate BSP shares (10 and 25%) can be successfully used, offering benefits in terms of reduced pollutant emissions and improved sustainability. Additionally, infrared and high-speed cameras were installed above the boiler furnace, equipped with an optical window, to provide new insights into the combustion process.

Suggested Citation

  • François Delcourt & Lucas Maret & Damien Méresse & Céline Morin, 2025. "Analysis of the Combustion of Pellet Mixtures with Barley Straw in a Biomass Boiler," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:19:p:5184-:d:1761265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. García-Maraver, A. & Popov, V. & Zamorano, M., 2011. "A review of European standards for pellet quality," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 3537-3540.
    2. François Delcourt & Abdelkader Izerroukyene & Damien Méresse & David Uystepruyst & François Beaubert & Céline Morin, 2024. "Experimental Study of Pollutant Emissions from Biomass Combustion and Modeling of PM Transportation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Marta Jach-Nocoń & Grzegorz Pełka & Wojciech Luboń & Tomasz Mirowski & Adam Nocoń & Przemysław Pachytel, 2021. "An Assessment of the Efficiency and Emissions of a Pellet Boiler Combusting Multiple Pellet Types," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-15, July.
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