Profitability of corn cob utilization as a fuel in small residential heating appliances

The subject of this paper is utilization corn cobs as a fuel in small residential heating appliances Serbia. objective was to investigate the profitability three cob forms: whole, crushed, and pellets. Thereby, construction re-construction option system that uses were compared with woody fossil forms. Net present values generated costs first option, well net value savings, payback period, internal rate or return second, analyzed. Assessment conducted using BIOMASAPRO calculator integrated approach for energy facility investments. Only whole profitable, comparing wood logs, coal, natural gas. In construction, around 8700 ?, 7000 more than 4100 ? could be thus saved after appliance lifespan, respectively. savings 7800 5500 3600 reconstruction, period less two years logs 2.5 Sensitivity analysis showed profitable up times higher purchase price. With bank loan financing economically weaker biomass users, scenarios though remain profitable. Subsidy 40% crushed would allow investment comparison chips. Future investigation should comprise assessment including social environmental aspects, conclude if are sustainable