Determination of fuel properties of pellets obtained from the stalks of some sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars grown as a second crop under Şanlıurfa conditions

Abstract

Alternative energy plants, which are not grown in our country but are thought to adapt to the ecological conditions of our country, are also included in the production pattern. In addition to being a sugar plant, it is aimed to use the sweet sorghum plant, which has a wide usage area as food, feed, fiber, energy, and biofuel, in the production of solid biofuel, and the remaining pulp after taking bioethanol and sap from the sap with high sugar content. Methods and Results: Six sweet sorghum varieties (Dale, M81-E, PHS 12-10, Urja, Top 76-6, Theis) were used in this study, which was carried out as a second crop in Şanlıurfa ecological conditions in 2016 and 2017. Pellets were produced from the sap of these varieties and their quality characteristics (heat value (kcal kg -1 ), moisture content (%), ash content (%), pellet durability resistance (%), moisture absorption resistance (%), pellet hardness (N)), elemental analysis values (%) and pellet bulk density (kg m -3 ) were examined. Conclusions: Solid biofuel (pellet) was produced from dehydrated sweet sorghum pulp without the need for any adhesive. In the pellets obtained in the study, the highest upper calorific value was obtained from Theis (4412-4364 kcal kg -1 ) variety, and the lowest upper calorific value was obtained from PHS 12-10 (4226 kcal kg -1 ) and Urja (4287 kcal kg -1 ) varieties. Significance and Impact of the Study:As a result of the study, it was determined that the pellets obtained from the stems of these varieties examined were in compliance with the standards. It has been observed that these pellets obtained from sweet sorghum stalks can be used as an alternative fuel wherever coal is used. Agricultural residues, which are abundant in our country and cause problems because they do not have the opportunity to use and evaluate regularly, can be turned into modern fuel, pellets, and both can be brought to the country's economy and a solution to environmental pollution can be found.