The Experimental Analysis of Biochar Combustion in a Traveling Grate Furnace

Abstract

The current energy policy targets reducing energy dependence and minimizing pollutant emissions. Therefore, with the growing interest in using biomass as an alternative energy source, conducting scientific studies on its behavior and optimizing the respective conversion systems has become imperative. The present study focuses on investigating the combustion of biochar pellets in a laboratory-scale traveling grate furnace at three different bed temperatures: 700, 750, and 800 °C. The biochars were obtained via the carbonization process of Pinus pinaster, Acacia dealbata, and Cytisus scoparius pellets. The biochar combustion was studied using a moving-bed carbon particle burning model, supported by kinetic information which was obtained via the combustion of the same biochars in a bubbling fluidized bed. The diffusive parameter which was representative of this traveling grate combustion technology was determined, particularly the bed bypass factor. The combustion tests were carried out with the incomplete combustion of the char pellets. In general, the increase in biochar size led to a decrease in the bypass factor. However, the furnace temperature did not influence this parameter.