Use of mixed biofuel for pellet production

Abstract

One of the most important types of renewable energy in the Baltic region is biofuel (plant-derived fossil fuel) which has been valued because of the availability, stable prices and reliability of biomass – plantderived material from which biofuel is made. In general, combustion of biofuels is more efficient and less harmful to the environment than traditional fuels, such as wood shavings or coal. Wood is one of the most popular types of biomass; and the Baltic countries have a big potential to exploit this source of biofuel since the region has an abundant resource of forests. This article discusses one of the newest types of biofuel – pellets. Pellets are small cylindrical shaped pieces made of wood, wood waste, sunflower husks, straw or similar. They are mostly homogeneous - made from one-material. As part of the research at the Aleksandras Stulginskis University, using combinations of biomass for fuel can be even more efficient than homogenous biofuel. Tests were made with sawdust and peat pellets, sawdust, sawdust and straw, peat, and wood dust pellets. Physicalmechanical and chemical properties of these pellets were tested, the results are intended to provide a background for the planning and production of new technology for new lines, composition of pellets and thus open a window to a new era of wider and much more efficient use of different materials for biofuel.