ComparativeStudiesof theEnergy PropertiesforProsopisjulifloraand Rice Husks (Oryza sp.)asFeedstock for Renewable Energy Generation

Abstract

Management of Agricultural wastes especially rice husks and the invasive weed species Prosopisjuliflora which has seenmassive invasions in many areas in Kenya presents great challenges to the environment. Rice husks are a key byproduct of riceproductionthat’snot considered of economic value and since they do not biodegrade easily they pose a waste management issue inmanyofthe rice growing regionsin Kenya. The invasion of P. julifrora inmost parts ofKenya has resulted in a myriad of social andecological concerns. Even though investment in its control has been an issue for over a period of time now since the invasion,recentstudies show potential of using it to produce bio-energy. The objective of the study was to carryout comparative studies on the potentialfor utilization of Rice husks and P. juliflora as a renewable energy resource forenergyproduction. Chemical composition of Syngaswas carried using Fourier Transform Gas analyser(Matrix–MG from Bruker)to determine the composition of the syngas. Co-firing ofP.juliflora and rice husks was also assessed. Syngas from rice husks was found to be composed of 17.05 ± 0.21 % CO, 15.7 ± 0.14 %CO2, 4.3 ± 0.00%H2, 7.35 ± 0.07%CH4 and 28.1 ± 0.42 % N2 among others while Syngas from Prosopiswas found to be composed of21.15 ± 0.91 % CO, 13.15 ± 0.50 % CO2, 19.25 ± 0.07 H2, 5.45 ± 0.07 CH4 and 40.585 ± 0.19 % N2 among others.Finally Syngas fromco-firing of the two feedstocks was found to be composed of 18.37 ± 0.45 % CO, 12.77 ± 0.21 % CO2,15.4 ± 0.3 H2,8.87 ± 0.35 %CH4and32.6 ± 0.56% N2among others.