Recent research led by Jindarat Pimsamarn from the Department of Chemical Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi has explored an innovative approach to enhancing energy production from agricultural waste, specifically durian peel. Published in “Results in Engineering,” the study focuses on a process called torrefaction, which involves heating biomass in a controlled environment to improve its energy density and facilitate its use as a biofuel.
The researchers conducted experiments using two different carrier gases—air and nitrogen—at temperatures ranging from 200 to 320 degrees Celsius and for varying residence times of up to 30 minutes. The findings revealed that torrefaction in air significantly improved the thermal decomposition of durian peel. As the temperature increased, the mass yield of the biomass dropped dramatically from 94.65% to 30.63%. This reduction indicates that a considerable portion of the biomass is converted into energy-rich compounds, making the remaining material more suitable for energy applications.
One of the most noteworthy outcomes of the study is the increase in the higher heating value (HHV) of the torrefied durian peel. At 300 degrees Celsius, the HHV rose from 19.02 MJ/kg to an impressive 35.26 MJ/kg when using air, compared to a maximum of 32.49 MJ/kg achieved with nitrogen. Pimsamarn emphasized that “air torrefaction positively affected HHV while reducing mass yield compared to nitrogen,” highlighting the efficiency of using air as a carrier gas in the torrefaction process.
These findings have significant commercial implications for the energy sector. By optimizing the torrefaction process, agricultural waste like durian peel can be transformed into a valuable bioenergy resource. This not only offers a sustainable solution for waste management but also provides an alternative energy source that can help meet growing energy demands. The study suggests that low-temperature air torrefaction can further enhance energy yield, presenting opportunities for energy companies to explore cost-effective methods for biomass conversion.
As the world increasingly seeks sustainable energy solutions, research like this underscores the potential of agricultural by-products in contributing to a greener energy landscape. The insights gained from this study pave the way for the development of innovative technologies that can harness the energy potential of waste materials, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
