Determination of net calorific value of fresh and aged wood pellets

In this project, the effects of storage time on the heating value of wood pellets are investigated. During relatively long-term storage and transportation, pellets may lose part of its heating value, which could translate to financial losses. However, for a limited and shorter storage time, studies have shown that pellets could have a slight gain in heating value. Thus, this project aims at resolving this ambiguity by conducting lab experiments and fitting the data to a mathematical model for prediction purposes. In this collaborative project between Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group (PREG) and UBC Biomass and Bioenergy Research Group (BBRG), the intern will be involved in the laboratory investigation of the wood pellets using specific instrumentation. The partner organization would be able to use the outcomes of this project to calculate the expected changes in heat value and hence make adjustments on their logistics accordingly.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. Shahab Sokhansanj & Anthony Lau

Student:

Jun Sian Lee & Fahimeh Yazdanpanah

Partner:

Pinnacle Renewable Energy

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

University of British Columbia