Heating and emission characteristics from combustion of charcoal and co-combustion of charcoal with faecal char-sawdust char briquettes in a ceramic cook stove

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10272
• Publication Date: 2022-08-18T06:58:29Z
• Authors: Austine O. Otieno; Patrick G. Home; James M. Raude; Sylvia I. Murunga; Anthony Gachanja
• Keywords: Briquette; Charcoal; Stove; Heat of combustion; Sawdust; Solid fuel

Over reliance on charcoal has accelerated deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa. Seeking alternative sustainable and environmentally friendly sources of biomass energy to meet the escalating demand is therefore vital. However, limited evidence exists concentrations toxic emissions different fuels. Herein, dried human faeces sawdust were pyrolyzed at 350 °C produce biochar mixed equal ratio briquettes through densification, with molasses (10 wt.%) used as a binder. A comparative study heating properties emission level carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) during combustion charcoal, co-combustion (50:50 wt. %) was conducted. The thermal profile flue gases indicated rapid volatile followed by slow oxidation char. Co-combustion significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced amount heat released temperatures reaching peak 475 °C. had gross calorific value 19.8 MJ/kg which lower than 25.7 for charcoal. Combustion did not emit NO, however concentration CO above critical short term limits 35 ppm. H2S exposure ppm, 0.005 respectively, co-combustion, whereas NO below dangerous levels 100 These results suggest that promising approach generate safe sufficient cooking reduce deforestation.