The research of energy conversion possibilities of agricultural industry wastes in Çukurova region

The purpose of this study was to determine the conversion possibility of the agricultural based industrial wastes in to briquettes as an alternative fuel in Çukurova region. The physical properties, calorific values, proximate analysis and ultimate analysis of briquettes were also elaborated on. The total energy amount of the wastes, which were sunflower oil cake, cotton ginning residues, groundnut shell, laurel leaf and olive oil cake, created a potential energy in sum of 2.66 PJ in this region. In this study, a conical screw briquetting machine with 15 kW electrical motor and heated dies was used to briquette raw waste materials. Average briquette production capacity and specific energy consumption of briquetting machine for waste briquettes were between 81 and 288 kg/h and 0.024 and 0.065 kW/kg respectively. Another conical screw briquetting machine with 15 kW electrical motor and without heated dies briquetting machine was used for olive oil cake briquetting. Average capacity and specific energy consumption of olive oil cake briquetting machine for residue briquettes were 1125 kg/h and 0.0067 kW/kg respectively. The ideal moisture content of raw material was found between 8-12% for briquetting. For olive oil cake ideal moisture content of raw material was determined between 30-35%. The densities of briquettes were found in the 945-1573 kg/m3 range. After briquetting process, densities of the wastes increased between 2.5 and 19 times. Ultimate strength of briquettes was determined between 275 and 4700 N. In result of analysis, higher heating values, ash contents and volatile contents of briquettes were found between 17.66-20.69 MJ/kg, 4.10-10.72% and 74.5-87.8% respectively. Maximum combustion efficiencies of the briquettes were measured between 63 and 85%. Additionally, the economic analysis of 5 MWel capacity combined heat and power station will be set up for energy conversion of the residues in region was done. The investment will become profitable at the economic analysis result was determined. The cost of electricity produced from the power station was calculated 0,0264 $/kWh.