Comparative Analysis of Rice Straw Briquettes and Other Biomass Briquettes: A Study on Performance, Sustainability, and Economic Viability

Author: Lokesh Kumar Meena, Renu Singh, Anik Chandel, Krishnavatar Gocher and Sohan Singh Saini

Download PDF

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of rice straw briquettes with other commonly used biomass briquettes, focusing on performance, sustainability, and economic viability. Rice straw, an abundant agricultural residue, holds potential as a renewable energy source. The analysis evaluates the calorific value, combustion efficiency, and emission profiles of rice straw briquettes in comparison to briquettes made from materials like sawdust, corn cobs, and coconut husks. Sustainability is assessed by examining the environmental impacts, including carbon footprint and resource renewability, while the economic analysis considers production costs, market prices, and potential subsidies. The findings highlight the strengths and limitations of rice straw briquettes relative to other biomass options, providing insights into their feasibility as a sustainable energy alternative in various socio-economic contexts. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the feasibility of rice straw briquettes as a competitive energy source, emphasizing their role in sustainable development, waste management, and renewable energy transitions, particularly in agricultural regions. The findings suggest that while rice straw briquettes have promising sustainability benefits, their performance and economic aspects need further optimization to compete with other biomass alternatives

Keywords

Rice straw briquettes, Biomass briquettes, Sustainability, Economic viability, Calorific value, Combustion efficiency, Renewability, Sustainable energy

Conclusion

This study aimed to assess the performance, sustainability, and economic viability of rice straw briquettes compared to other biomass briquettes. The analysis reveals that while rice straw briquettes exhibit certain limitations, particularly in combustion efficiency and ash content, they also present significant advantages in terms of sustainability and resource availability. Rice straw briquettes have a relatively lower combustion efficiency and higher ash content compared to other biomass types such as sawdust and coconut husk. However, these shortcomings can be mitigated through pre-treatment methods such as densification and drying, which enhance combustion characteristics. The lower energy density of rice straw briquettes is offset by their longer burning time, which can be beneficial for applications requiring sustained heat output. The use of rice straw briquettes offers considerable environmental benefits, particularly in regions where open-field burning of rice straw is a prevalent practice. By converting agricultural waste into a usable energy resource, rice straw briquettes reduce harmful emissions and contribute to waste management efforts. Rice straw briquettes emerge as a promising biomass energy source, offering comparable performance to traditional biomass fuels while promoting sustainability and economic benefits. Further research and development can enhance production methods and market accessibility, fostering a transition toward cleaner energy alternatives in both rural and urban settings. Emphasizing the utilization of agricultural waste not only supports local economies but also aligns with global sustainability goals. Performance: Rice straw briquettes demonstrated competitive calorific values compared to other biomass briquettes, making them a viable alternative for energy production. Their combustion efficiency was generally on par with wood and other agricultural residues, with advantages in ash content and lower emissions of harmful pollutants. Sustainability: The use of rice straw briquettes contributes positively to environmental sustainability. Utilizing agricultural waste helps reduce field burning, thus mitigating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, rice straw is a renewable resource, ensuring a continuous supply, particularly in rice-producing regions. Economic Viability: Economically, rice straw briquettes present an attractive option due to their low production costs and the potential for reducing waste disposal expenses for farmers. While initial investment in briquetting technology may be required, the long-term savings on energy and waste management make rice straw briquettes a cost-effective solution for households and industries alike. Economically, rice straw briquettes have the potential to provide cost-effective energy solutions, especially in rural and agrarian communities. The low cost of rice straw, being an agricultural byproduct, gives it a competitive edge in regions with abundant rice production. While production processes such as drying and densification increase costs, advancements in briquetting technology can reduce these overheads and enhance the economic feasibility of rice straw briquettes. In comparison, biomass materials like sawdust and coconut husk are often tied to specific industries, which may limit their accessibility and increase costs in certain regions. While sawdust and coconut husk briquettes outperform rice straw in combustion efficiency and emissions, rice straw briquettes stand out in terms of sustainability and local availability, particularly in rice-producing regions. The economic benefits of utilizing agricultural waste, combined with the environmental advantages, position rice straw briquettes as a promising alternative for biomass energy production

References

-

How to cite this article

Lokesh Kumar Meena, Renu Singh, Anik Chandel, Krishnavatar Gocher and Sohan Singh Saini (2024). Comparative Analysis of Rice Straw Briquettes and Other Biomass Briquettes: A Study on Performance, Sustainability, and Economic Viability. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(10): 01-07