Energy Potential of Shea Kernel Cake Briquette as Solid Fuel for Domestic and Industrial Applications

Abstract

This study is aimed at the development and characterization of briquette fuel from Shea kernel cake as solid fuel for domestic and industrial applications. The proximate composition, ultimate composition, mechanical properties and calorific value of briquette were determined. The proximate composition of the briquette show that the fuel produced has a fixed carbon content of 31.2%, high volatile matter content (51.3%) and low ash content (2.8%). The result of ultimate analysis showed that briquette contains high amount of carbon (40%), oxygen (41%) hydrogen (8.3%) and relatively low quantity of sulphur (0.12%) which is within the standard values for briquettes except for nitrogen whose value was greater than 1 %. The heating value of Shea cake briquette was determined to be 19.89 MJ/kg. The high calorific value of the solid biomass fuel established its potential for domestic and small-scale industrial energy supply. Hence Shea cake briquette can be used as a clean solid renewable fuel for domestic and industrial energy supply.