Title:
Valorizing Banana Biomass Residues: an Assessment of Biochar Production through Torrefaction
Author(s):
Mendonça, I., Dutra, R.C., Vale, G.S., Lamas, G.C., Silveira, E.A., Ghesti, G.F.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
In the context of global concerns about climate change, air pollution, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and the high cost of fossil fuels, an increasing emphasis on developing sustainable sources of clean and renewable energy emerges. This research focuses on harnessing the potential of residual banana biomass, particularly the peel and rachi, for biocoal production through thermochemical conversion routes, notably torrefaction. The approach is based on the abundance of banana production in Brazil, generating substantial amounts of residual biomass that can be utilized for energy generation, reducing waste, and benefiting small-scale farmers in remote areas. Torrefaction treatment was conducted under an inert atmosphere with temperatures ranging between 180–300 °C, employing a 5 °C min–1 heating rate and a 60-minute holding time. Analytical techniques evaluated the proximate (ASH, volatile matter (VM), and fixed carbon (FC)), ultimate (C, H, N, and O), and calorific (higher heating value (HHV)) properties. Results indicated solid yield ranging between 87.07–62.72% and 89.58–60.30% for the peel and rachi, respectively. The HHV improved up to 9% and 11%, ranging between 18.27–20.13 MJ kg–1 and 15.86–17.15 MJ kg–1 for the peel and rachi, respectively. Ash content demonstrated a technical limitation in applying torrefied banana residues as biofuel with high values of up to 16.12% and 15.86% for the peel and rachi, respectively. This study sheds light on the potential of banana biomass as a renewable energy source, although challenges such as high ash content need to be addressed for its practical application.
Keywords:
thermochemical conversion, waste valorization, banana biomass, sustainability energy
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Agroforestry residues and by-products
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BO.13.4
Pages:
47 - 51
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-1BO.13.4
Price:
FREE
