3-1-4 Combustion properties of torrefied fuel using a commercial pellet stove

Abstract

The combustion properties of torrefied Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood pellets were evaluated using a commercial pellet stove and a cone calorimeter; the latter is usually used to verify the fireproof performance of architectural materials. A cone calorimeter is able to estimate various combustion parameters, such as transition changes of the heat release rate, weight loss, ignition time, flame- and burn-out time, and combustion heat, in the single experimental run. The ignition time of untreated wood pellets slowed down in relation to the increasing volume density of pellets. For torrefied pellets, no significant changes in ignition time and heat release values were seen in comparison with results of untreated pellets, although there was a longer burn-out time and higher torrefaction temperature. When using the commercial pellet stove, no significant delay of ignition time was seen, and there was less smoke during ignition for torrefied pellets compared to untreated pellets.