The use of oilseed rape (Brassica nap us) straw for combustion purposes: a review of the advantages and disadvantages

摘要

In the United Kingdom (UK) there is not a significant market for oilseed rape (OSR) straw, and a large proportion of it is chopped and incorporated into the soil. Thus, the development of a market for OSR straw as a fuel would add value to the gross margin of the crop at farm level. This review paper has shown that OSR straw represents a huge potential to be used as an energy source in the UK due to its potential availability, environmental benefits, income to the farmer and relatively high gross calorific value. Its low bulk density could make storage, transport and handling economically inefficient. Converting the straw into higher density products, such as pellets or briquettes, represents a possible alternative. Alternatively, even though the chemical composition of OSR straw has shown to be significantly different to other cereals straw (e.g. higher Sulphur content) adequate adjustments in the combustion process, will make it a suitable fuel.