Design and efficiency of a small-scale woodchip furnace

Carlos Torres-Fuchslocher ^[1] ; Felipe Varas-Concha ^[2]
1. [1] Universidad de Talca
  
  Universidad de Talca
  
  Provincia de Talca, Chile
2. [2] Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Santiago
Localización: Maderas: Ciencia y tecnología, ISSN 0717-3644, ISSN-e 0718-221X, Vol. 17, Nº. 2, 2015, págs. 355-364
Idioma: inglés
Enlaces
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Resumen
- Although advances have been made in combustion efficiency in large-scale woodchip furnaces, less experimental results are available at the <20 kW range. Compact feed systems, as well as optimized grates and combustor chambers, continue to represent a challenge for the wider use of low-cost wood chips. This study describes the design and testing of a small-scale woodchip furnace that operates at a range of 9-18 kW. The efficiency test takes account of the feedstock Eucalyptus nitens, with three moisture contents and the combination of different air excess (λ) and primary/secondary air ratios. The results reveal a maximum of combustion efficiency of 85% for the low moisture content sample (16%) at λ=1,5 and 82% for samples with 29% and 40% moisture content, at λ= 2,0 and 2,1 respectively. The integrated heat exchanger proved to be highly efficient by reducing gas temperature by up to 69% prior to its exit