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Biomass torrefaction: properties, applications, challenges, and economy

Author

Listed:
  • Niu, Yanqing
  • Lv, Yuan
  • Lei, Yu
  • Liu, Siqi
  • Liang, Yang
  • Wang, Denghui
  • Hui, Shi'en

Abstract

Biomass accounts for the largest renewable energy in the world, whereas its inherent drawbacks, such as low energy and mass density, hydrophilicity, poor grindability and severe ash-related issues, inhibit its extensive utilization. Torrefaction, conducted at 200–300 °C in an inert atmosphere, successfully overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks and improves the biomass applications. Thus, a critical review is performed for the new insight into further study, involving the properties improvement of torrefied biomass, applications on combustion and gasification, as well as the intractable challenges of ash-related issues during thermal conversion and economy viability.

Suggested Citation

  • Niu, Yanqing & Lv, Yuan & Lei, Yu & Liu, Siqi & Liang, Yang & Wang, Denghui & Hui, Shi'en, 2019. "Biomass torrefaction: properties, applications, challenges, and economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:115:y:2019:i:c:s1364032119306033
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109395
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    References listed on IDEAS

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