Biomass Densification for Minimal Drying Energy and Optimised Pellet Quality

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This project will develop a novel holistic biomass pelleting process, which will aim to minimise drying energy and improve pellet quality. The system will include a low carbon drying system based around novel technologies, such as solar drying kilns, combined with heat recovery options. The aim will be to exploit the sub-tropical environment to minimise energy consumption for drying. The potential to incorporate torrefaction and pelleting into one system in conjunction with higher moisture contents biomasses will be investigated to reduce drying and transport requirements. Additionally, the potential to use the gaseous co-product of torrefaction in the drying process will be explored. Full characterisation of biomass resources will be conducted, and the options available at each stage of the process will be investigated prior to the development of the full system. The project will involve placements with the industrial sponsor to understand the pelleting process, the environment in which biomass pellets are produced, and the challenges involved in full-scale operations. By assessing the system options with Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), the optimal low energy process can be identified and compared to existing systems. In collaboration with the industrial partner, the objective will be to implement the novel drying system on a full-scale system during the project.