Characterization of Various Biomass Feedstocks for Energy Production

Biomass represents the renewable energy source and their use reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and limits the emission of CO2. In this work, various biomass feedstocks were assessed for assessing their suitability as energy production sources using thermochemical conversion routes especially hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process. The methods used to analyze involved performing proximate, ultimate and thermogravimetry analysis. On the basis of proximate, ultimate, and thermogravimetry analysis, the dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS), corn silage, chlorella vulgaris, spirulina platensis, primary sewage sludge (after mechanical sedimentation), biological sewage sludge (after aerobic degradation), Pig manure+bedding material digestate, and Pig manure+bedding material show lower ash contents and higher calorific value. These experimental findings form a basis for ranking these feedstocks for energy generation and provide necessary input to equipment and process designers.