EVALUATION OF A BIOMASS COMBUSTION FURNACE USING DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMBUSTION CHAMBER CASING MATERIALS

This research systematically evaluates a biomass combustion furnace, focusing on the influence of varying combustion cham­ber casing materials. The study employs con­trolled laboratory experiments to investigate the impact of different casing materials on combustion performance, thermal efficien­cy, and practical applications such as water boiling capacity. The research uses distinct materials, including clay, steel, and alumi­num, for combustion chamber casings while maintaining consistent dimensions. The cen­tral experimental apparatus, an aluminum stove, was meticulously crafted, adhering to precise measurements. Coconut shell bri­quettes served as the primary fuel source for this investigation. The results reveal intriguing dynamics in combustion behavior. Notably, the choice of combustion chamber casing material significantly affects fire tem­perature, sleeve wall temperature, thermal efficiency, and the ability to boil water. Clay emerges as a standout performer, achiev­ing high thermal efficiency (56.8 %), sub­stantial water boiling capacity (25 liters), and efficient fuel consumption (1.28 kg of burnt briquettes). However, steel casing ma­terials excel in generating the highest fire temperatures (up to 557 °C), underscoring their exceptional heat­conducting properties. Aluminum has fast temperature responses but may not retain heat like clay. The findings help optimize biomass combustion furnaces and associated applications. Material selec­tion is crucial to attaining combustion goals like efficiency, temperature generation, or practical heat. These discoveries could lead to more efficient and ecologically friendly biomass combustion systems for sustainable energy and resource useKeywords: coconut shell briquettes, cylin­drical shapes, household briquette stoves, ther­mal characteristicsUDC 662DOI: 10.15587/1729-4061.2023.288834How to Cite: Suluh, S., Lorenza, D., Sampelolo, R., Pongdatu, G., Ramba, D., Widyianto, A. (2023). Evaluation of a biomass combustion furnace using different kinds of combustion chamber casing materials. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 5 (8 (125)), 6–15. doi: https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2023.288834Received date 18.08.2023Accepted date 20.10.2023Published date 30.10.20231. IntroductionThe world’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly petro-leum-based fuel oils, has highlighted decreasing stocks. Despite ongoing investigation, these limited deposits have decreased over time, making replenishment difficult. Para-doxically, petroleum reserves depletion corresponded with a considerable increase in fuel oil prices, contrary to original projections. This shows the fragility of energy dependence. Depleting fuel resources makes biomass a possible answer. Bio-mass from wood, agricultural wastes, and organic waste might solve the home energy dilemma. This resource is vital since it is renewable and can be used locally, giving communities energy sovereignty [1]. Communities may escape fuel oil depletion and rising costs by using biomass as an alternate energy source. This shift might provide a reliable and long-term option for ad-dressing daily energy needs, including cooking. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass burning reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmental priority.Biomass is a valuable source of organic material that is produced through the process of photosynthesis. It includes both useful products and waste materials. The research in question centers around a specific biomass source: the residue obtained from the plantation sector. The study focuses on using coconut shells, a byproduct of the coconut industry, as a potential candidate for biomass. The research focuses on transforming coconut shells into charcoal briquettes, highlighting their multifaceted benefits. The conversion