Study of the efficiency of energy use of willow chips and torrefied hydrolytic lignin pellets

¹ Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Dept. of Power and Heat Engineering, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Severnaya Dvina emb., 17, Russia
² Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Dept. of Forestry and Forest Management, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Severnaya Dvina emb., 17, Russia

^* Corresponding author: a.n.popov@narfu.ru

Abstract

The lack of raw materials to provide power plants with biofuel requires the search for new energy sources. In the European North of Russia, it is recommended to grow plantings of the willow (Salix L.) in the form of trees or tree-like shrubs, while ensuring a short interval between fellings. The studies show that the artificial cultivation of willow plantations on postagrogenic lands is economically more expedient than the exploitation of natural willow forests. This study examines the energy efficiency of willow wood, which is necessary when planning its use for the production of biofuel (wood chips or fuel pellets) and pellets obtained from torrefied hydrolytic lignin. A comprehensive study of the energy efficiency of willow chips, willow chips with bark, hydrolytic lignin pellets during the operation of the “Firematic 60” hot water boiler was carried out. The elemental composition of the fuels and the resulting ash was studied using an EDX-8000 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and a Euro EA-3000 analyzer. The components of the heat balance and emission of harmful substances were determined. The emissions of particulate matter and the content of soot particles were studied.