Physicochemical Property and Heating Value Analyses of Charcoal Briquettes From Agricultural Wastes: An Alternative Renewable Energy Source

Biomass material is a potential source of renewable energy. Charcoal briquette from agricultural wastes has a great impact on energy crisis solution, waste management and clean environment. Physicochemical properties of the charcoals produced from rice straw, sugarcane leaves, sawdust and coconut shell were analyzed. All tests were done with standard methods. Proximate analysis showed that moisture content was 5.67-9.23%, volatile matter existed 9.75-72.57%, ash content ranged 2.58-11.27% and fixed carbon varied 8.92%-78.04%. Heating value determines the selectivity of fuel. Heating value was in the range of 15.37-31.13 MJ/Kg and coconut shell showed the highest value. Ultimate analysis was done and range of Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S) were respectively 34.71-89.03%, 6.18-39.71%, 0.65-5.71%, 0.32-1.37% and 0.01-0.03%. Heating value is related to the composition of charcoal. Strong linear Relationship of heating value with carbon (R
²
=0.99876) and oxygen carbon ratio (R
²
=0.999) were found. Comparison of produced charcoals with local coal sample was also studied. Low Nitrogen and Sulfur content of experimented charcoals relative to local coal sample indicated that, the charcoals would be eco-friendly. The charcoal samples showed the prospective applications in energy related operations and possible smart solution of agricultural wastes converting into energy resources.