Irish wood energy: A chemical perspective Dr Eleanor Owens, Mr Tom Kent, Ms Sarah Cooley, Ms Maeve Kennealy Department of Chemical & Life Sciences Dr Peadar Lawlor, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy Email: eowens@wit.ie Abstract: The interest in a renewable sustainable and carbon neutral energy source has increased over the last number of years due to a finite fossil fuel resource, escalating fossil fuel prices and concerns for our environment. International agreements have put pressure on individual countries to reduce carbon emissions and to enhance its use of biomass. However, the development of a sustainable solid biofuel sector is dependent on a quality fuel supply chain for both supplier and purchaser. Efficiency of energy conversion is directly related to the energy content, density and moisture content of the biofuel. Regardless of the technology used, any combustion will lead to air emissions and some level of wood ash. The air emissions and ash content depends on the chemical composition of the biofuel used. Evidence suggests that the geographic source of the wood, as well as species, plays a role in determining the chemical make-up of the wood. In particular the degree of exposure to sea spray may determine the chlorine content of the wood and ultimately influences the emissions and ash composition as well as erosion potential in wood burners. Another driver in the biofuel sector is the recycling of waste products and adding value to them by converting them to use as biofuel. Until the setting up of the Wood Energy Research Group, within WIT, in 2007 no chemical and physical analysis had been published on Irish wood with respect to its use as a suitable and sustainable biofuel. The research presented will describe the chemical analysis of different species, assortments from different geographical locations of Irish Wood Energy with comparisons to European standards. The development of a novel solid biofuel using solid pig manure will also be described. 1) CEN/TS 14961:2005 solid biofuels – fuel specifications and classes. 2008. 2) I.Obernberger, T.Brunner, and G.BSrnthaler, Chemical properties of solid biofuels-significance and impact, Biomass and Bioenergy 30 (2006) 973-982 3) Burton, C.H. 1997. Manure management. Treatment strategies for sustainable agriculture. Keywords: Biomass, Sustainable Energy, Environmental Implications
WIT Research Day 2010 Book of Abstracts
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