The usability of Kütahya Tavşanlı Municipality park garden wastes as pellet fuel and design improvement of pellet fuel press with the addition of drag flap

In recent years, rapid industrialisation, population growth, urbanisation and rising living standards have increased energy consumption and led to the depletion of energy resources. This situation accelerates the studies in the field of biomass from which renewable and environmentally friendly fuels are obtained. Biomass resources have a great potential that constantly repeats itself. In the first phase of the thesis study, it focuses on the conversion of plant wastes (leaves, grass, wood waste) in Tavşanlı district into pellet fuel. The energy potential of these wastes was investigated and it was calculated how much energy can be obtained for heating purposes when used as pellet fuel. In the research, the energy potential for pellet fuel production was evaluated with the data obtained from the city centre where these wastes are collected and total calorie calculations were made. The new machinery supply garage of Tavşanlı Municipality was selected as the pilot heating area. Heat calculations of the selected area were made. In the research carried out, it was seen that approximately 2,69% of the one-year park garden waste collected only from the city centres was sufficient for the location considered as the pilot region when it was wanted to be used in the winter period. It was determined that if pellet fuel obtained from these wastes is used instead of natural gas; pellet fuel can heat the determined area with 57% lower cost. In the second part of the study, the focus was on the drag wing attachment designed to increase the operating efficiency of the pellet press. With the developed drag flap attachments and the adjustments made, some problems encountered during the operation of the pellet fuel press have been eliminated and pauses and time losses during production have been prevented. Keywords: Waste Management, Waste Utilisation, Renewable Energy, Biomass Utilisation, Pellet Press