Experimental study on microwave torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass

摘要

This paper presents preliminary research of lignocellulosic biomass torrefaction by using microwave heating. The experimental setup was developed using a microwave oven with 2.45 GHz frequency. The torrefaction effect was studied by varying the microwave power level (160-480 W) and reaction time (5-30 min). The two Polish biomass feedstock, agricultural residue (wheat straw) and energy crop ( Miscanthus giganteus ) were used in this study. Fuel properties like H/C and O/C ratio were assessed from elemental composition. Mass yield and energy yield of the torrefied fuels were also determined. It was found that higher microwave power levels contributed to higher heating rate and reaction temperature, and thus produced the torrefied biomass with higher heating value and lower H/C and O/C ratios.