Projects per year
Abstract
Waste biomass is generated during the conservation management of semi-natural habitats, and represents an unused resource and potential bioenergy feedstock that does not compete with food production. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to characterise a representative range of biomass generated during conservation management in Wales. Of the biomass types assessed, those dominated by rush (Juncus effuses) and bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) exhibited the highest and lowest volatile compositions respectively and were selected for bench scale conversion via fast pyrolysis. Each biomass type was ensiled and a sub-sample of silage was washed and pressed. Demineralization of conservation biomass through washing and pressing was associated with higher oil yields following fast pyrolysis. The oil yields were within the published range established for the dedicated energy crops miscanthus and willow. In order to examine the potential a multiple output energy system was developed gross power production estimates following valorisation of the press fluid, char and oil. If used in multi fuel industrial burners the char and oil alone would displace 3.9 x 105 tonnes per year of No. 2 light oil using Welsh biomass from conservation management. Bioenergy and product development using these feedstocks could simultaneously support biodiversity management and substitute for fossil fuels, thereby reducing GHG emissions. Gross power generation predictions show good potential.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 852-862 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Applied Energy |
Volume | 177 |
Early online date | 14 Jun 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01 Sept 2016 |
Keywords
- fast pyrolysis
- low input high density
- conservation biomass
- integrated processing
- rush
- bracken
- bio oil
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Mariecia Fraser
- Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) - Professor in Upland Agroecosystems
Person: Teaching And Research
Projects
- 2 Finished
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Optimising energy output and biorefining
Donnison, I., Gallagher, J., Shah, I. & Winters, A.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
01 Apr 2012 → 31 Mar 2017
Project: Externally funded research
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SUPERGEN II: Biomass biofuels and energy crops
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
01 Jun 2007 → 31 May 2011
Project: Externally funded research