2.2 Characterisation of fuels

The two different categories of biomass used in the study are:

	- (i) Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam)
	- (ii) Coconut shells (Thotti/Cherattai/Kottanguchi)
	- (iii) Tamarind seed pellet (Puliyan kottai)

The three types of biomass with different densities and ash content considered for this work are depicted in Figure 3, including two types of solid biomass wood with different properties and an agro residue seed pellet. All the solid biomass and pellets used are first dried in sunlight for 24 hours to ensure uniform moisture

Characteristics Prosopis juliflora Coconut shells Tamarind seed pellet Standard

Energy and Exergy Analysis of an Advanced Cookstove-Based Annular Thermoelectric…

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84237

) 5 2 0.5 5 3 0.25 5 1 –

HHV (MJ/kg) 17.7 17.37 16.2 ASTM E711-87 Moisture content (%) 5.4 10 10.07 ASTM E871-82 Volatile matter (%) 77.9 72.05 63.02 ASTM E872-82 Ash content (%) 1.0 0.59 9.07 ASTM D1102-84 Fixed carbon (%) 15.7 17.34 18.04 By difference Carbon (%) 45.5 45.84 50.15 ASTM E777-08 Hydrogen (%) 6.4 5.51 6.02 ASTM E777-08 Nitrogen (%) 0.6 0.35 0.42 ASTM E778-08 Oxygen (%) 47.2 47.58 41.41 By difference Sulphur (%) 0.3 – 0.28 –

) 56020 61020 120010 –

Table 1 summarises the properties of all the types of biomass used. Pictures of

all the biomass types used in the experiments are illustrated in Figure 3.

content (5–10%).

Table 1.

181

Figure 3.

Size (cm<sup>3</sup>

Bulk density (kg m<sup>3</sup>

Photograph of the biomass fuels considered for the experimental study.

Proximate and ultimate analysis of the three different fuels [11–15]

#### Figure 2.

(a) Advanced micro-gasifier annular thermoelectric generator system and (b) cross-sectional view.

Energy and Exergy Analysis of an Advanced Cookstove-Based Annular Thermoelectric… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84237

Figure 3. Photograph of the biomass fuels considered for the experimental study.


#### Table 1.

and Portland cement of 5% altogether by weight is moulded into a mixture for the preparation of the thermal protection lining material inside the concentric cylindrical CC. The air gap between two concentric cylindrical rings of the CC is filled with the same refractory composite paste. The thermal conductivity (k) of the prepared composite blend slab is calculated to be about 0.047 W/m°C by performing steadystate thermal conductivity test, as suggested by BIS-IS 9489 [17]. Due care is taken to ensure the total absence of any bypass channels due to the faulty lining of the thermal composite insulation material in the gasification and combustion air paths. A blower of the capacity 12 V DC is fitted below the combustion chamber of the cookstove. It tends to force the ambient air upwards along the way through the side of the CC; gasification and combustion ducts of diameter 4 and 3 mm provide the

In the advanced micro-gasifier cookstove-based ATEG system, the exterior surface of the CC is in connection with the hot side junction of the GATEG. Hence, the waste heat ejected or lost is effectively used by the ATEG for the generation of electric power. The remaining heat energy available at the cold side junction of ATEG is exploited for preheating the secondary combustion air. The primary heat generated by the advanced micro-gasifier system is used for cooking food on the stove. This combined cogeneration cookstove system can deliver both electric power to drive fan/blower (also lighting, micro-charger applications) and cooking applications in rural areas from biomass energy. The graphical illustration of the combined biomass advanced micro-gasifier cookstove with ATEG system is shown

The two different categories of biomass used in the study are:

(a) Advanced micro-gasifier annular thermoelectric generator system and (b) cross-sectional view.

(i) Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam)

(iii) Tamarind seed pellet (Puliyan kottai)

(ii) Coconut shells (Thotti/Cherattai/Kottanguchi)

needed gasification and combustion air.

Biomass for Bioenergy - Recent Trends and Future Challenges

in Figure 2(a and b).

a. Solid biomass

Figure 2.

180

2.2 Characterisation of fuels

b.Pellet (densified biowaste)

Proximate and ultimate analysis of the three different fuels [11–15]

The three types of biomass with different densities and ash content considered for this work are depicted in Figure 3, including two types of solid biomass wood with different properties and an agro residue seed pellet. All the solid biomass and pellets used are first dried in sunlight for 24 hours to ensure uniform moisture content (5–10%).

Table 1 summarises the properties of all the types of biomass used. Pictures of all the biomass types used in the experiments are illustrated in Figure 3.
