Combustion and emission characteristics of Rwandan Peat

Abstract

Peat is being used for power generating more and more over the world, including Rwanda. The Rwandan government is now intending to increase peat generation in the energy sector strategic plan in order to meet the goal of having 100% of households connected to power by 2024. Peat combustion and emission characteristics-based on generation, according to several studies, is required. TGA analysis with Proximate analyzer and single particle combustion methods in a controlled furnace were used to investigate peat combustion mechanisms. The drying, devolatilization, and burning processes of peat were investigated using weight-loss and particle temperature measurements. The temperature of ash fusion was also analyzed during stationary combustion settings to determine the temperature at which the agglomerates formed. Finally, the ash sintering issues were investigated. The findings revealed that devolatilisation of peat (64–67 % of volatile matter ash free basis) begins at a low temperature of 200– 250 ⁰C and proceeds quickly. An CV (Calorific value) of peat were also studied to analyze whether the amount of heat produced as a result of the complete combustion of a unit volume of the substance and was determined by using Bomb calorimeter. Ash sintering and bed agglomeration were two primary issues encountered during peat combustion. This is owing to the ash's low melting temperature. The usage of peat for electricity generation, according to the findings, will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in Rwanda's environment. It was suggested that some countermeasures be taken to decrease these emissions. Due to the limited resources available, additional research into the emission characteristics of peat for electrical power generation variables and technology to reduce emissions is recommended, as this study only looked at emissions from combustion