Aeration of baled and chopped miscanthus in a covered test facility

Tariq Iqbal, Steven R. Eckhoff, Mary-Grace Danao, K. C. Ting

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This presentation reports on the development of a biomass storage research facility on the Energy Farm at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The facility is designed to test out the practicality and economics of biomass drying, aeration and storage using round and square bales or chopped biomass. Eight platforms were built under a covered facility to be used to provide for the aeration of bales or chopped material. The 2.44 m square platforms provide a plenum for the fans capable of generating airflow up to 2.147 m3 s-1 (4550 cfm). Air flow can be regulated by variable speed drive control and/or reducing the fan inlet area using adjustable aluminum air restrictors. Operational details of the facility are reported. Preliminary tests with round bales, square bales and chopped biomass are reported showing moisture profiles and temperature profiles of the material. The designed facility will be used to evaluate the full scale storage properties for Miscanthus, switchgrass, energy cane, sweet sorghum and other energy biomass materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011, ASABE 2011
PublisherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Pages3557-3571
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9781618391568
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
EventAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011 - Louisville, KY, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 10 2011

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011, ASABE 2011
Volume5

Other

OtherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLouisville, KY
Period8/7/118/10/11

Keywords

  • Biomass
  • Drying
  • Forced aeration
  • Miscanthus
  • Storage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science

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