Characteristics of Utilization of Palm Fronds, Oil Palm Stems and Empty Fruit Bunches as Biomass Co-Firing Fuels on Coal-Fired Power plant

Parts of the oil palm tree can potentially contain energy that can be used as fuel. Only palm kernel shells (PKS) and empty fruit bunches (EFB) have been used in the power plant co-firing test, but it has a higher price than coal. This study examines the alternative biomass energy that can be used for co-firing, including palm fronds (OPF), oil palm stem (OPS), and EFB. Data analysis was carried out by comparing the characteristic values of the three biomasses and then analyzing the fuel properties, which differ significantly from the existing coal properties. The results showed that OPF, OPS, and EFB have much higher volatile matter than coal and tend to burn more quickly in the furnace. The biomass's gross calorific value tends to be lower, ranging from 16.18% to 31.75% of average coal. The OPF and OPS were potentially corrosive due to high chlorine content. The biomass alkali content (MgO, K2O, and Na2O) is higher than coal's, so paying attention to the potential for slagging and fouling is necessary. The initial deformation temperature of OPS is much lower than coal, so it is not recommended to be used as fuel in PC and CFB boiler types. Based on the findings of this study, additional research into the combustion of EFB without treatment, OPF, and OPS using the limit co-firing ratio is required. Before implementing co-firing tests in the field, conducting a co-firing simulation using the three biomasses using software and a laboratory-scale combustion test is necessary.