Evaluation of the Effects of Using the Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × Giganteus) Biomass in Various Energy Conversion Processes

Abstract

The giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is one of the most essential energy plants. It also finds various alternative uses, including installing belts to prevent soil erosion. Biomass from such belts should be removed and rationally managed every year. The parameters of miscanthus biomass were investigated in terms of its suitability for combustion and anaerobic fermentation. Under the conditions of the experiment, miscanthus achieved a stable yield already in the second year of vegetation, mainly due to the high planting density. Energy parameters turned out to be typical for straw biomass (calorific value 18.06 MJ/kg). Relatively low ash melting temperatures (<1400 °C) and their chemical composition meant a high risk of contamination depositing on heating devices, which is often indicated as a shortcoming of biomass compared to hard coal. Miscanthus silage can be a valuable substrate for anaerobic digestion, but it requires a sufficiently early harvest, which affects the yield of biomass. The yield of energy in biomass obtained after drying plants was 163,623.6 MJ/ha. In contrast, the yield of energy from biomass collected in summer and processed into biomethane was much lower and amounted to 72,978.2 MJ/ha.

Development of technology for accelerated propagation of miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus)

“…Today, there is a deepening crisis of various spheres of human life and activity [1]. One of the areas that is especially feeling the crisis these days is energetics.…”

Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Miscanthus × giganteus Raised in Different Climate Regions in Russia

“…Baxter et al [ 16 ] noted that even the combustion of Miscanthus biomass releases harmful agents no more than those absorbed during the growth, making the closed carbon cycle feasible. Kowalczyk-Juśko et al [ 17 ] reported the broadest variability of biochemical conversion of Miscanthus into a range of valuable products.…”