MODELLING HEAT ENERGY POTENTIAL OF PALM KERNEL SHELL

Abstract

In this research, Palm kernel shells (PKS) were subjected to illuminate and proximate analyses to determine the energy content using methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The palm kernel shell sample varies between 0.1 g and 0.2 g to varying temperature conditions between 200 oC and 350 oC at a step of 300 oC. Results of analysis show that the mean higher heating value of the palm kernel shell samples are 6449.81kJ/kg, 6536.72 kJ/kg, 6618.49 kJ/kg, 6527.215 kJ/kg, 6449.82 kJ/kg, and 6486.81 kJ/kg for 200 oC, 230 oC, 260 oC, 290 oC, 320 oC, and 350 oC temperature conditions respectively. The palm kernel shell considered in this experimental study have heat values greater than some well-known biomass-fuel and falls within the limit for the production of steam in electricity generation. As a result of this, it is envisaged that industries that use their waste biomass fuels such as palm kernel shell for energy would simultaneously solve a waste disposal problem and save money on their energy needs.