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A Review of Thermal Co-Conversion of Coal and Biomass/Waste

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  • Aime Hilaire Tchapda

    (John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Energy Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA)

  • Sarma V. Pisupati

    (John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Energy Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
    National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy (DOE), 3610 Collins Ferry Rd, Morgantown, WV 26507, USA)

Abstract

Biomass is relatively cleaner than coal and is the only renewable carbon resource that can be directly converted into fuel. Biomass can significantly contribute to the world’s energy needs if harnessed sustainably. However, there are also problems associated with the thermal conversion of biomass. This paper investigates and discusses issues associated with the thermal conversion of coal and biomass as a blend. Most notable topics reviewed are slagging and fouling caused by the relatively reactive alkali and alkaline earth compounds (K 2 O, Na 2 O and CaO) found in biomass ash. The alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEM) present and dispersed in biomass fuels induce catalytic activity during co-conversion with coal. The catalytic activity is most noticeable when blended with high rank coals. The synergy during co-conversion is still controversial although it has been theorized that biomass acts like a hydrogen donor in liquefaction. Published literature also shows that coal and biomass exhibit different mechanisms, depending on the operating conditions, for the formation of nitrogen (N) and sulfur species. Utilization aspects of fly ash from blending coal and biomass are discussed. Recommendations are made on pretreatment options to increase the energy density of biomass fuels through pelletization, torrefaction and flash pyrolysis to reduce transportation costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Aime Hilaire Tchapda & Sarma V. Pisupati, 2014. "A Review of Thermal Co-Conversion of Coal and Biomass/Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-51, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:7:y:2014:i:3:p:1098-1148:d:33361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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