Journal: Energy, vol. 340, pp. 1399295, 2025.
Title: Combustion behavior and energy performance of torrefied coconut shell-methanol bioslurry fuels
Authors: Kanit Manatura, Yuan-Hsuan Lee, Janusz Lasek, Yueh-Heng Li*, Yu-Ting Wu**
Rank: 3.8% (3/79), SCI, THERMODYNAMICS, 2024.
Impact Factor: 9.4
Abstract: Biomass slurries offer a promising pathway to integrate renewable solid fuels with alcohol-based liquid fuels, enhancing combustion efficiency while reducing emissions. This study investigated the combustion behavior and thermal performance of bioslurry fuels composed of torrefied coconut shell and methanol. Experiments were performed using a laboratory-scale, swirl-stabilized burner to evaluate blends containing up to 15 wt% biomass, in comparison with pure methanol.
The bioslurry samples exhibited prompt ignition and stable flame characteristics, even at higher biomass loadings. Despite a slight reduction in heating value with increased biomass content, heat release analysis showed efficient energy conversion and enhanced thermal output. The thermal efficiency improved significantly, from 13.8 % for pure methanol to 25.9 % for the 15 wt% bioslurry blend, due to improved radiative and convective heat transfer mechanisms.
Pollutant emissions were notably reduced. NOx emissions declined by over 20 % at moderate biomass loading and fell below detection limits at 15 wt%, likely due to lower flame temperatures and modified nitrogen conversion pathways. CO emissions also decreased with increased biochar content, indicating improved carbon conversion despite lower combustion intensity at the flame periphery.
These findings demonstrate that torrefied biomass–methanol slurries can achieve higher thermal efficiency and significantly lower emissions than pure methanol. The synergistic effects of soot-enhanced radiation and denser exhaust gases enhance heat transfer, making these bioslurries a promising candidate for clean and efficient energy production in industrial applications.
