Briquette Production from Fruit Wastes as a Clean Fuel for Versatile Application
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study investigates the potential of utilizing briquettes made from banana and avocado fruit wastes mixed with bagasse as a sustainable fuel source for developing regions like Ethiopia. Despite advancements in renewable energy technologies, fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy landscape, contributing to climate change, health, and socioeconomic issues. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the potential of using briquettes made from banana and avocado fruit wastes mixed with bagasse as a fuel source. Fruit waste biomass samples were collected from juice houses in Addis Ababa, and bagasse was obtained from the Wonji sugar factory. The samples were air-dried, carbonized, and then analyzed for proximate content, calorific value, and emissions. The carbonized and ground samples were blended to increase briquette strength and heat value. The mixtures were prepared using fruit waste and water. The slurry was manually constricted into a briquette press, and after sun drying for 5 days, the briquettes were ready for heating and cooking. The results showed promising fuel properties, with low moisture content (2.66%), high volatile matter (up to 39.90%), ash concentration (15.57% to 35.78%), and fixed carbon content (54.54%). The briquettes exhibited high calorific values, with Sample 18 (40% avocado, 0% banana, and 60% bagasse) having a calorific value of 29.93 MJ/kg. The ignition times ranged from 1.39 to 2 minutes, and burning times varied from 29.1 to 43.41 minutes, demonstrating consistent energy release suitable for prolonged heating or cooking applications. The analysis of emissions reveals that certain compositions emitted higher levels of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, emphasizing the need to optimize the production process and combustion settings to reduce environmental impact and comply with emission regulations
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Keywords
Fruit Waste, Briquettes, Sustainable Energy, Solid Waste Management, Emission Analysis, Ethiopia