%0 Journal Article
%T Converting Biomass and Waste Plastic to Solid Fuel Briquettes
%A F. Zannikos
%A S. Kalligeros
%A G. Anastopoulos
%A E. Lois
%J Journal of Renewable Energy
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/360368
%X This work examines the production of briquettes for household use from biomass in combination with plastic materials from different sources. Additionally, the combustion characteristics of the briquettes in a common open fireplace were studied. It is clear that the geometry of the briquettes has no influence on the smoke emissions. When the briquettes have a small amount of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the behavior in the combustion is steadier because of the increase of oxygen supply. The smoke levels are between the 3rd and 4th grades of the smoke number scale. Measuring the carbon monoxide emission, it was observed that the burning of the plastic in the mixture with biomass increases the carbon monoxide emissions from 10% to 30% as compared to carbon monoxide emission from sawdust biomass emissions which was used as a reference. 1. Introduction In cities and other industrialized landscapes, the sources of pollution are predominantly transport, industrial, and domestic activities. These activities are the basic cause of the phenomenon which is commonly referred to as climate change [1]. In response to climate change, the use of biomass fuels is increasing as sustainable and carbon (climate) neutral fuels are sought. Additional to climate factors, increasing market prices of traditional fossil fuels have driven consumer preference towards alternative fuels [2]. Furthermore, the price explosion of oil and gas has given a push to the use of renewable energy resources. The recent switch from conventional to renewable energy sources (RES) and their gradually extensive use is a common feature of the energy policy adopted by the developed world. In Greece, in the middle of the economic crisis, the fuel wood consumption in urban regions presents an increasing trend due to the fireplaces used in residences [3]. Additionally the Directive 2000/76/EC for Waste Incineration is in force which sets the limits and the requirements for the waste incineration [4]. In order to enforce this directive the European Commission has issued the mandate M/298 to European Standardization Organizations to elaborate technical means to conforming to Essential Requirements of this New Approach Directive. Under this mandate, a number of standards for solid biofuels and solid recovered fuels have been issued. Solid biomass and solid recovered fuels as a combustion fuel encompass solid materials (e.g., wood logs or pieces) [5¨C8], processed materials (wood chip, pellets) [9], waste products (recycled wood, agricultural byproducts) [10, 11], gasified materials (methanization of
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jre/2013/360368/