Microwave pre-processing of biomass pellets for cleaner heat energy production

Microwave (mw) pre-processing of different types of biomass pellets (spruce, rape and wheat straw) was carried out with the aim to activate thermal decomposition of biomass samples and combustion of volatiles (CO, H₂) for cleaner heat energy production, thus validating an innovative approach for controlling biomass gasification/combustion characteristics. The effect of mw pre-processing on biomass gasification/combustion characteristics was studied using a pilot setup, which is composed of a batch-size gasifier and a combustor. The experimental study includes a complex kinetic study of the biomass weight loss rate, flame temperature, composition of products and produced heat energy along with estimation of the effect of mw pre-processing on the gasification/combustion characteristics of biomass samples. Results of the experimental study confirm that the mw pre-processing of biomass pellets provides an enhanced weight loss rate of biomass pellets with enhanced release and more efficient combustion of volatiles (CO, H₂) and an increase of the total amount of produced heat energy and CO₂ volume fraction in the products thus assuring cleaner heat energy production.