Analysis of Artemisia dubia Wall. growth, preparation for biofuel and thermal conversion properties

• Published in: Renewable energy 2018-04, Vol.118, p.468-476
• Main Authors: Černiauskienė, Živilė, Raila, Algirdas Jonas, Zvicevičius, Egidijus, Kadžiulienė, Žydrė, Tilvikienė, Vita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artemisia dubia Wall; Biofuel; Energy efficiency; Perennial energy crops
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.11.024

In Lithuania about 201 PJ of energy is consumed annually and heat energy amounts to two-thirds of the total energy used. Biofuel combustion plants built in the country in 2000–2015 produce more than 1500 MW of power. The increasing demand for raw material compels a search for alternative sources. The promising crops for enhancement of biomass resources are high-yielding perennial herbaceous energy plants. Yield and yield variations of A.dubia Wall. with and without the application of nitrogen fertilizer were determined. The highest biomass productivity of 26.99 ± 6.88 t ha−1 was achieved at the second growing year. The average moisture content was 59.2 ± 0.83% in A. dubia harvested in October, but only 10.98 ± 0.60% in A.dubia harvested in March. Also, the influence of ventilation intensity on the drying processes and on variation of physical and thermal properties of A. dubia was determined in this study. On the basis of the research carried out, by simulation of A. dubia growth and the biofuel production technologies, energy efficiency indices of thermal conversion were determined. For pellet production and thermal conversion of pellets, the energy efficiency index varied in the range of (7–10):1; for A.dubia biomass combustion, it varied in the range of (15–20):1. •This study assesses the potential and properties of A. dubia Wall. as biofuel.•Analysis of A. dubia Wall. growth and preparation were carried out.•The total energy consumption for biofuel production were identified.•The energy efficiency of A. dubia Wall. were assessed.