Investigation into the Co-combustion Behaviour and Heat Release Rate of Coal/biomass Blends Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Combustion behaviour of coal and biomass are different due to difference in their physical and chemical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis is a useful technique to determine combustion characteristics of coal/biomass blends. This study elaborates the lab scale findings of co-combustion experiments in Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) [in which Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) and Thermogravimetric (TG) measurements could be carried out simultaneously] of different binary blends of an Indian coal and three number of biomass (sawdust, rice husk and corn cob) samples. Conventional TGA parameters including DSC peak temperature, heat release rate, activation energy of different blends were estimated which provided detail information on their basic combustion features. Combustion studies showed that coal/biomass blends gave better performance with respect to coal. Lowering of activation energy and improvement of reactivity in major combustion zone were observed for the coal/biomass blends. Improvement of ignition performances of the coal-biomass blends was also observed with respect to coal. From heat release rate, utilization of such mixed fuel for possible use in power generation could be ascertained. Also from this co-combustion studies as well as study of boiler material and design characteristics, heat transfer scenario can be developed. At the same time old boilers in India can be retrofitted to tackle this new situation of co-combustion.