Experimental investigation on energy potentials and chemical composition of palm kernel briquettes as bio-fuel sources in developing countries

This study experimentally investigates the energy potentials and chemical composition of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) briquettes as possible bio-fuel sources. The Five different samples briquette produced with varying proportion of PKS powder and cassava starch as binder followed by six days sun drying. The heating value of the PKS briquette samples and raw powder was determined using Bomb Calorimeter. Proximate analysis shows that the moisture contents for both the raw sample and PKS briquettes are within the standard moisture content of biomass fuel. Results of the study show that the higher heating value of the PKS briquette samples varies from 20.62MJ/kg to 22.40MJ/kg while that of pure palm kernel powder is 16.55MJ/kg. The ultimate analysis shows that the Carbon content varies from 60.75% - 66.56%; Hydrogen content 5.55% - 5.98%; Nitrogen content 1.12% - 1.55%; Oxygen content 10.50% - 12.88% and Sulphur content 0.01% – 0.8%. The Energy Dispersive X-ray, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis of the briquette samples show the presence of high percentage of carbon content, fractured, porous matrix, and existence of crystalline structure of cellulose which is adequately good for briquette applications in domestic and industrial area due to enhanced binding and combustion characteristics.