Characterization of rice husk as a potential renewable energy source

Four different varieties of rice husk from Bangladesh were the studied biomass as the potential renewable energy resource in biomass gasification integrated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based combined heat and power generation (CHP). The heating value, moisture content, pellet density, bulk density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were carried out. The heat of combustion determined by using bomb calorimeter showed that the high heating values (HHVs) of rice husk are in the range 12–19 MJ/kg. Moisture content analysis revealed in the range 5–8 wt. %. The bulk densities of rice husk were proved to be suitable for storage and transportation. SEM showed the microstructure images of rice husk and rice husk ash. EDX detected remarkable levels of O and C in the examined rice husks and the extra peak of Si in rice husk ash. The use of rice husk ash as by product was presented.