Experimental Analysis of Combustion Properties of Tropical Wood Waste for Energy Production in Nigeria

Abstract

Renewable energy is becoming more and more well-known, with a focus on how it could replace fossil fuels. In Nigeria, sawmills that sell wood produce a lot of wood waste. This study, therefore, will focus on the experimental analysis of combustion properties of tropical wood waste for energy production in Nigeria. Okwen (Barchystegia spp.), danta (Nesogordonia paraverifera), afara (Terminalia superba), yukumo (kiranico), and altonia (Alstonia spp.) were collected from a sawmill in Benin, Edo State, and used as the samples. The moisture content, calorific values, and combustion analysis of the wood samples were determined. The findings indicated that the wood samples have a percentage moisture content that ranged from 7.26% to 7.70%. Similarly, the samples were also found to have high calorific values, the values being 30,516.81 kJ/kg to 30,738.38 kJ/kg. Besides, the combustion performance of the samples also revealed that the amount of carbon (IV) oxide released to the atmosphere during combustion is extremely low (18% to 22%). Therefore, rather of being disposed of, which could contaminate our environment, the wood waste samples produced in sawmills around Nigeria could be used to generate energy