Production and characterization of coconut shell charcoal-based bio-briquettes as an alternative energy source for rural communities
Date
2024-08-01
Authors
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Publisher
Heliyon
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven interest in the utilization of
agricultural residues, such as coconut shells, for bio-briquette production. This study investigates
the impact of binder types (cassava and corn) and concentrations (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%) on the
properties of bio-briquettes made from dried coconut shells with two particle sizes (40 mesh and
60 mesh). The experimental evaluation focuses on several performance indicators, including
density, shatter index, percentage moisture content (PMC), percentage volatile matter (PVM),
percentage ash content (PAC), percentage fixed carbon (PFC), higher heating value (HHV),
ignition time, burning time, and boiling time. The results indicate that briquettes with 10 % fine
charcoal cassava binder achieved the highest density of 0.764 g/cm3 due to improved compaction.
Briquettes with 15 % coarse charcoal corn binder demonstrated the highest shatter resistance
at 96.99 %, reflecting their superior structural integrity. The highest PMC and PVM values
were observed in briquettes with 15 % coarse charcoal cassava binder, at 8.13 % and 31.25 %,
respectively. Conversely, the highest PAC was 16.34 % for 5 % coarse charcoal cassava binder.
Briquettes with 10 % fine charcoal corn binder exhibited the highest PFC of 70.79 % and HHV of
31.51 MJ/kg. Boiling times ranged from 15 min 53 s to 36 min 35 s, with the shortest boiling time
for briquettes with 10 % fine charcoal corn binder. The findings highlight the superior mechanical
properties and energy performance of bio-briquettes with specific binder concentrations and
particle sizes. This study demonstrates the potential of coconut shell bio-briquettes as a viable and
sustainable energy source, offering economic and environmental benefits through the effective
utilization of agricultural waste and reduction of carbon emissions.
Description
Keywords
Fixed carbon, Ash content, High heating value, Moisture content, Ignition time