Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2023
27th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
Torrefaction of urban forest waste: a process modeling and simulation study using Aspen Plus software
Submission Author:
Thiago da Silva Gonzales , DF , Brazil
Co-Authors:
Thiago da Silva Gonzales, Mayara Gabi Moreira, Giulia Lamas, Pedro Paulo Oliveira Rodrigues, Thais Barbosa, Matheus Guedes, Marcela Rodrigues, Simone Monteiro, EDGAR AMARAL SILVEIRA
Presenter: Mayara Gabi Moreira
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2023.COB2023-0367
Abstract
Torrefaction is a promising thermochemical pretreatment method for biomass, which improves its energy properties as a solid biofuel. The torrefied product has coal-like properties and optimized characteristics for sustainable energy and heat generation, improving biomass properties like energy density, hydrophobicity, decomposition resistance, and storage performance. In this study, a biomass torrefaction model was developed to provide essential information for waste-to-energy solutions, specifically for future exergetic analysis. Experimental data from a blend of urban forest waste (UFW) from the forest ecosystem of Brasilia was used as input for simulations. The model, implemented in Aspen Plus® software, was validated under various torrefaction temperature scenarios (225-275°C), showing good agreement with reported experimental data (Absolute Deviation < 5%). The torrefaction module was successfully modeled using an RYield reactor, employing a two-step kinetic reaction model for biomass decomposition. Process consumed approximately 1549 kJ.kg–1 of biomass, with drying accounting for 70-88% of the total heat demand, depending on process conditions. The model demonstrated the ability to i) provide detailed distribution of products and by-products during the biomass torrefaction process and ii) predict important fuel properties such as proximate and elemental analyses. Additionally, the model allows the estimation of energy performance properties and overall energy consumption.
Keywords
Aspen Plus, sustainable energy, biomass charcoal, thermoconversion, tree trimmings
