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Characterization of Beech Wood Pellets as Low-Emission Solid Biofuel for Residential Heating in Serbia

Author

Listed:
  • Vasilije Matijašević

    (Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Zdeněk Beňo

    (Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Viktor Tekáč

    (Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Van Minh Duong

    (Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic)

Abstract

This study evaluated the suitability of two types of beech wood pellets as renewable, low-emission biofuel sources in order to combat the energy mix and poor air quality in Serbia. Key solid biofuel characteristics, including the heating values (18.5–18.7 MJ/kg), moisture content (5.54–7.16%), and volatile matter (82.4–84.4%) were assessed according to established standards. The elemental composition (mass fractions of 48.26–48.53% carbon, 6% hydrogen, 0.12–0.2% nitrogen, 0.02% sulfur, non-detected chlorine) and ash content (0.46–1.2%) demonstrated that the analyzed beech pellets met the criteria for high-quality classification, aligning with the ENplus A1 and ENplus A2 standards. The emissions of O 2 , CO 2 , CO, NO x , SO 2 , and TOC were quantified in the flue gas of an automatic residential pellet stove and compared with the existing literature. While combustion of the beech pellets yielded low emissions of SO 2 (6 mg/m 3 ) and NO x (188 mg/m 3 ), the fluctuating CO (1456–2064 mg/m 3 ) and TOC (26.75–61.46 mg/m 3 ) levels were influenced by the appliance performance. These findings underscore the potential of beech wood pellets as a premium solid biofuel option for Serbian households, offering implications for both end-users and policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasilije Matijašević & Zdeněk Beňo & Viktor Tekáč & Van Minh Duong, 2024. "Characterization of Beech Wood Pellets as Low-Emission Solid Biofuel for Residential Heating in Serbia," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2024:i:8:p:104-:d:1442238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Nunes, João & Freitas, Helena, 2016. "An indicator to assess the pellet production per forest area. A case-study from Portugal," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 99-105.
    3. Li, Jun & Brzdekiewicz, Artur & Yang, Weihong & Blasiak, Wlodzimierz, 2012. "Co-firing based on biomass torrefaction in a pulverized coal boiler with aim of 100% fuel switching," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 344-354.
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