Optimization of fuel briquette made from bi-composite biomass for domestic heating applications
K.O. Oladosu, Simeon A. Babalola, M.W. Kareem, H. A. Ajimotokan, Maruf Yinka Kolawole, Wasiu Ayinde Issa, Ayodeji Sulaiman Olawore, E.A. Ponle
Abstract
This study aimed at optimizing the fuel briquettes produced from flamboyant pod (FBP), and corn cob (CC) mixed with cassava starch (SB) as a binder using custom design methodology (CDM). The compressive strength, ash yield, and emission analysis of the briquettes produced were determined. The combustion efficiency parameters as well as CO, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 of the emissions were compared to optimal fuel briquettes and charcoal fuel. The optimal combination of compressive strength and ash yield was obtained for the briquette fuel blend formulated from 30 wt.% flamboyant pod, 51 wt.% corn cob and 17 wt.% starch. While the water boiling time of the fuel increased by about 35–48% compared to charcoal fuel, the ignition time and the specific fuel consumption rate decreased by ∼34% and 16 %, respectively. Furthermore, the major air pollutants were reduced from 222–196 ppm for CO, 3.63–2.34 ppm for NO2, and 0.21–0.09 ppm for PM 2.5. These properties of the briquette align with charcoal, thus supporting the use of flamboyant-corcob-starch (FBCS) briquettes as a supplementary source of energy to charcoal.