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A preliminary study of pelletized ecuadorian rice husk for its use as a source of renewable energy

Abstract:

In Ecuador, the constant need to reduce global warming caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases and the pursuit of energy independence have created a new industry focused on energy generation by harnessing renewable sources. Biomass is established as the third leading source for producing electricity and as the main source for the generation of thermal energy. However, the problems related to the low density of the different types of biomass and the difficulty in carrying and storing the material have caused the need to generate solids with higher density and hardness known as pellets and briquettes. This paper develops an analysis of the possibilities of pelletizing the Ecuadorian rice husk and its use as biofuel. Several pellet configurations were proposed based on the diameter and length. An experimental setup was established to crush and screen the rice husk in order to obtain less than 3.0 mm particle size. Then the pellets were made using a small-scale pellet machine and finally burned in a combustion chamber for the evaluation of the energy potential by means of the high heat value and ash content. Finally, the selection of the most energy efficient pellet configuration is made taking into consideration international pellet quality standards as well. This largescale project would represent a cost savings in the Ecuadorian industrial sector leading further to lowering smog emissions into the environment from burning fossil fuels and also to take advantage of waste generated on a large scale in the production of rice that will be used as an alternative source of energy for the benefit of the economy of the country.