Performance Evaluation of a Developed Miniature Steam Boiler using different Samples of Wood Waste as Fuel for Steam Generation

Abstract

The adoption of Waste to waste-to-energy technology (WTE), which allows solid wastes to be burned in a locally fabricated prototype boiler to generate steam for energy utilization is a response to some of Nigeria's most pressing issues. this study focuses on the performance evaluation of a developed miniature steam boiler using various samples of wood waste for fuel for steam generation. The wood waste, cordia milleni,  Terminalia ivorensis, and Lophira alata were characterized in order to determine the proximate and ultimate analysis to ensure better combustion sustainability. The gross heat of combustion of each residue was measured by calculating the wood waste calorific value. The test results shown that the wood waste has a volatile content substance more than 72%. A low ash content of 3.91%, 2.67%, and 1.93% were obtained Terminalia ivorensis, Cordia milleni, and Lophira alata and the percentage of fixed carbon obtained were 17.98%, 8.95%, and 27.65% respectively. Furthermore, the calorific value of Terminali ivorensis, Lophira alata, and Cordia milleni were determined as 19.99MJ/kg, 21.22MJ/kg, and 20.01MJ/kg. Besides, the electrical power produced by burning 2kg of wood waste and the efficiency of the steam boiler were found to be 55 kW and 90.33%.