Authors:
Ivan Kron
, Pavol Porvaz
, Alena Kralova-Hricindova
, Stefan Toth
, Jan Sarvas
, Matej Polak |
Abstract:
Aim: To analyze the chemical composition of three potential energy crops for bioenergy (biogas
or bioethanol) production, namely Miscanthus x gigantheus, Sida hermaphrodita, Arundo donax
during three phases of maturation.
Methods: The study consisted of two parts: field experiments (in short: preparation of soil,
planting of energy crops, fertilization, and green harvests (28.7.2014, 15.8.2914, 8.9.2914,
respectively) - three times in different stages of flowering) and laboratory determinations (dry
matter content, CHNS(O) analysis, heavy metals and toxic elements determination, and heat
combustion evaluation).
Results: Dry matter of energy crops increase with later harvest, the highest dry matter found for
Miscanthus. CHNS analysis confirmed highest values of carbon for Miscanthus on contrary to
heavy metal determinations with lowest metal contests for Miscanthus. Heat of combustion and
calculated heating values correlated very well with carbon content of energy crops. Theoretical
yield of biomethane was highest for Miscanthus as well.
Conclusion: From our study follows that the best energy crop for 2nd generation of biofuels from
our choice is Miscanthus x giganteus, because of the highest content of dry matter, better
elemental composition (CHNS(O) analysis), less toxic elements and heavy metals, the highest
combustion heat, and theoretically would produce more biomethane in all three green harvests
than the others. |
