TY - JOUR
T1 - Torrefaction of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus
T2 - A combined experimental and modeling approach to process synthesis
AU - Arteaga-Pérez, Luis E.
AU - Segura, Cristina
AU - Espinoza, Daniela
AU - Radovic, Ljubisa R.
AU - Jiménez, Romel
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 International Energy Initiative.
PY - 2015/12/1
Y1 - 2015/12/1
N2 - The use of wood as feedstock for the production of energy and chemicals is a strategy used by both developing and developed countries because it increases the sustainability of their energy infrastructure. Torrefaction of forest resources for co-firing and densification of biomass energy is among the most prominent alternatives. This study is focused on technical aspects of torrefaction technology by analyzing both energy and exergy changes through a comprehensive physico-chemical model (Aspen One v8.6 software) of a plant operating in mild (250. °C) and severe (280. °C) regimes. The main wood species in Chilean plantations, Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus radiata, were processed in a lab-scale apparatus to obtain the data for model calibration. We found that xylan composition in hemicelluloses has a considerable effect on global thermal efficiency, volatiles energy content, energy density, and exergy yield of torrefied product. The highest efficiency (96%) is obtained for Eucalyptus at 250. °C when moisture in the feedstock is ≤. 20%. Combustion of volatile products (torgas) for drying does not result in substantial technical benefits for the overall process; however, their post-combustion does lead to lower exergy losses.
AB - The use of wood as feedstock for the production of energy and chemicals is a strategy used by both developing and developed countries because it increases the sustainability of their energy infrastructure. Torrefaction of forest resources for co-firing and densification of biomass energy is among the most prominent alternatives. This study is focused on technical aspects of torrefaction technology by analyzing both energy and exergy changes through a comprehensive physico-chemical model (Aspen One v8.6 software) of a plant operating in mild (250. °C) and severe (280. °C) regimes. The main wood species in Chilean plantations, Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus radiata, were processed in a lab-scale apparatus to obtain the data for model calibration. We found that xylan composition in hemicelluloses has a considerable effect on global thermal efficiency, volatiles energy content, energy density, and exergy yield of torrefied product. The highest efficiency (96%) is obtained for Eucalyptus at 250. °C when moisture in the feedstock is ≤. 20%. Combustion of volatile products (torgas) for drying does not result in substantial technical benefits for the overall process; however, their post-combustion does lead to lower exergy losses.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84941960043&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84941960043&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.esd.2015.08.004
DO - 10.1016/j.esd.2015.08.004
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84941960043
SN - 0973-0826
VL - 29
SP - 13
EP - 23
JO - Energy for Sustainable Development
JF - Energy for Sustainable Development
ER -
