Green Coal: a New Energy Source from Leaves

Pollution is a major concern with fossil fuels. Present work would like to discuss a "Green Fuel" produced from waste leaves on the ground; hence it could be considered eco-friendly. The objective is to use leaves (biomass) as raw materials and convert them into solid biofuel briquettes/pellets using roasting process, here shown to be more effective than usual carbonization by using simulation techniques. The reactor optimum design is also discussed. The process flow diagram for densification of roasted leaves starts with the choice of leaves depending on their proximate analysis and their calorific value, after being collected, sun dried and submitted to roasting process. Because of poor energy characteristics, the roasting end product is to be crushed and densified with specific additives chosen for binding the roasted biomass and increases its calorific value. To reduce green gas emissions, the process uses solar energy to heat up the reactor and reach desired temperature for optimal working process. Finally, after processing, the roasted leaves are converted into briquettes by densification process. This fuel is energy efficient and techno economically feasible compared to other primary fuels. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.