COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FUEL PROPERTIES AND ENERGY POTENTIAL OF PELLETS PRODUCED FROM DIVERSE AGRICULTURAL BIOMASS WASTES IN TROPICAL REGIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOENERGY PRODUCTION

Authors

  • Wisdom Chukwuemeke Ulakpa Southern Delta University, Ozoro
  • Emmanuel Erokare
  • Sinebe
  • Bereprebofa
  • Enyi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5460

Keywords:

Biomass Pellets, Calorific Value, Proximate Analysis, Agricultural Waste, Palm Kernel Shell, Coconut Shell, Renewable Energy, Bioenergy

Abstract

This study presents a comparative evaluation of the calorific value and proximate composition of pellets produced from eight different agricultural biomass wastes: palm kernel fruit bunch (PKFB), coconut fruit bunch (CFB), rice husk (RH), groundnut shell (GNS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), palm kernel shell (PKS), coconut shell (CS), and sawdust (SD). The biomass samples were collected, processed, and pelletized under identical conditions before characterization. Experimental results showed significant variations in fuel properties. Palm kernel shell and coconut shell pellets exhibited the highest calorific values (20.1 MJ/kg and 19.6 MJ/kg, respectively), the lowest ash contents (2.4% and 1.9%), and the highest fixed carbon (18.2% and 20.8%). In contrast, rice husk pellets recorded the lowest calorific value (15.3 MJ/kg) due to exceptionally high ash content (18.5%). All samples maintained acceptable moisture levels (less than 12%), while volatile matter contents were generally high (over 69%), indicating good ignition properties. The findings demonstrate that palm kernel shell and coconut shell are the most promising feedstocks for high-quality biomass pellets, offering superior energy density and combustion characteristics. The study highlights the potential of locally available agro-industrial residues for sustainable bioenergy production and underscores the importance of selecting feedstocks and conducting comprehensive fuel characterization in biomass pellet development.

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Calorific Value Results of Biomass

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Published

22-06-2026

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 10 (2026): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 10 No. 10

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Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Wisdom Chukwuemeke Ulakpa, Emmanuel Erokare, Sinebe, Bereprebofa, Enyi

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How to Cite

Chukwuemeke Ulakpa, W., Erokare, E., Sinebe, Bereprebofa, & Enyi. (2026). COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FUEL PROPERTIES AND ENERGY POTENTIAL OF PELLETS PRODUCED FROM DIVERSE AGRICULTURAL BIOMASS WASTES IN TROPICAL REGIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOENERGY PRODUCTION. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 10(10), 244-250. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5460