Paper details

Title:

Pyrolysis Biochar Systems: Comparison of Climate Change Mitigation Effects of Slow, Intermediate and Fast Pyrolysis Processes

Author(s):

Brownsort, P.A., Mašek, O.

Document(s):

Abstract:

This study examines how the choice of technology for pyrolysis biochar systems affects potential benefits, particularly for climate change mitigation. A simple model is used to compare effects on greenhouse gas balance and electricity generating capability of slow, intermediate and fast pyrolysis processes with each other and with direct combustion; there is a trade­off between benefits following from the different product yield distributions. High biochar yields allow greater net CO2 benefits but lower electrical output from slow or intermediate pyrolysis. Higher liquid and/or gas yields allow greater electrical output from fast pyrolysis but less than from direct combustion. Fast pyrolysis and direct combustion have similar net CO2 effects when retained biochar is low. If the objectives of pyrolysis biochar systems are for climate change mitigation then processes with higher yields of stable biochar should be preferred.

Keywords:

biochar, biomass, climate change, pyrolysis, renewable energies, renewable energy

Topic:

Thermochemical conversion - Pyrolysis for power, CHP, polygeneration and chemicals

Subtopic:

Classical pyrolysis processes

Event:

18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OB11.3

Pages:

956 - 960

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-56-1

ISBN-10:

88-89407-56-5

Paper DOI:

10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-OB11.3

Price:

FREE