Combustion Characteristics and Energy Potential of Biomass Admixtures: A Comparative Analysis of Palm Kernel Shell, Coconut Shell and Sawdust

The growing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has led to extensive research into biomass as an alternative fuel. Despite the unique properties of coconut shell, palm kernel shell, and wood sawdust, there has been no comprehensive study on their combined combustion characteristics. This study, therefore, evaluates the combustion behaviour and energy potential of biomass admixtures consisting of palm kernel shell, coconut shell, and wood sawdust. Ultimate and proximate analyses were conducted following ASTM standards to determine key combustion parameters such as carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and sulphur (S) content, as well as moisture content (MC), volatile matter (VM), fixed carbon (FC), and ash content (AC). The higher heating value (HHV) was also assessed to establish the energy efficiency of the samples. The results revealed that among the individual biomass samples, palm kernel exhibited a very highest carbon content 75.82% and heating value (18.03 MJ/kg), while coconut shell had the highest volatile matter (72.45%) and lowest ash content (0.95%). The admixtures (Palm kernel shell + Coconut shell + sawdust) demonstrated improved combustion properties, with PCSB recording the highest fixed carbon content (23.65%) and a moderate HHV of 18.21 MJ/kg. The oxygen content varied across samples, influencing their combustion efficiency. The analysis revealed that blending biomass materials enhances their overall energy potential by optimizing combustion characteristics