Formulation, characterization and techno-economic assessment of refuse-derived fuel from mixed agricultural residue for power generation /
Nuranis Yasira Binti Abd Halim,
Formulation, characterization and techno-economic assessment of refuse-derived fuel from mixed agricultural residue for power generation / Nuranis Yasira Binti Abd Halim - xiv, 111pages : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cm. + 1-CD ROM.
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology
Thesis (Master of Science) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan – 2025
Include bibliographical reference
In recent years, Malaysia has increasingly relied on imported coal for power generation, leading to serious concerns over climate change and environmental stability. This dependence on coal draw attention the need for alternative energy sources. Biomass derived from agricultural residue (Ag-residues) has attracted worldwide attention due to its benefits and natural characteristics. The use of biomass can reduce coal dependency and open up a new market for the agricultural industry. In this research work focused on producing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) by converting Ag-residue materials into valuable energy sources. The first objective in this study aims to determine the best formulation of RDF from mix of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS), Coconut Husks (CH), Coconut Shells (CS) and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) that gives the highest heating value (HHV). These residues were combined in varying proportions between 10% to 80%, with the moisture content ranging between 5% to10% to determine the maximize HHV of the RDF samples, a proximate analysis was carried out using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Statistical analysis using JMP Pro version 17.0 was used to identify the highest energy content of RDF with the best option ratio of mixed ag-residu to achieved objective 2. The study consisted of three phases: (1) a correlation analysis to determine the relationship between HHV and moisture content (MC)%, (2) statistical modelling to develop a prediction equation for HHV using a fitted model and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis to determine the average HHV for the best RDF formulation and. In contrast, objective 3 was carried out by evaluate the techno-economic assessment (TEA) of RDF production, including determining the minimum selling price for RDF to assess market opportunities. The results indicated that RDF6, consisting of 10% PKS, 10% CS, and 80% CH with a moisture content of 10%, achieved the highest higher heating value (HHV) of 21.38 MJ/kg. This is comparable to the lower range of bituminous coal 25–33 MJ/kg which is widely used in Malaysia for electricity generation. The predictive equation offers flexibility for compositional adjustments across different biomass types and moisture contents. Further analysis using Post-hoc Tukey’s test revealed that the RDF6 sample achieved a mean HHV of 22.02 MJ/kg. The economic analysis provided valuable insights into the profitability of RDF production, with a minimum selling price for RDF of RM557 per metric ton (Mt) which is more cost-effective compared to the coal prices of RM762.97 per metric ton (Mt). Although RDF6 has a slightly lower energy content as ±3 MJ/kg less than bituminous coal, its much lower production cost makes it a competitive and sustainable alternative for power generation. This study highlights the potential of RDF as an alternative fuel source that offers economic benefit in commercial markets. RDF6 is considered the most favourable option, capable of contributing to sustainable energy solutions while reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
THE0010202 (Local)
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology--Dissertations
Universities and colleges--Dissertations
Theses--Dissertations
Formulation, characterization and techno-economic assessment of refuse-derived fuel from mixed agricultural residue for power generation / Nuranis Yasira Binti Abd Halim - xiv, 111pages : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cm. + 1-CD ROM.
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology
Thesis (Master of Science) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan – 2025
Include bibliographical reference
In recent years, Malaysia has increasingly relied on imported coal for power generation, leading to serious concerns over climate change and environmental stability. This dependence on coal draw attention the need for alternative energy sources. Biomass derived from agricultural residue (Ag-residues) has attracted worldwide attention due to its benefits and natural characteristics. The use of biomass can reduce coal dependency and open up a new market for the agricultural industry. In this research work focused on producing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) by converting Ag-residue materials into valuable energy sources. The first objective in this study aims to determine the best formulation of RDF from mix of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS), Coconut Husks (CH), Coconut Shells (CS) and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) that gives the highest heating value (HHV). These residues were combined in varying proportions between 10% to 80%, with the moisture content ranging between 5% to10% to determine the maximize HHV of the RDF samples, a proximate analysis was carried out using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Statistical analysis using JMP Pro version 17.0 was used to identify the highest energy content of RDF with the best option ratio of mixed ag-residu to achieved objective 2. The study consisted of three phases: (1) a correlation analysis to determine the relationship between HHV and moisture content (MC)%, (2) statistical modelling to develop a prediction equation for HHV using a fitted model and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis to determine the average HHV for the best RDF formulation and. In contrast, objective 3 was carried out by evaluate the techno-economic assessment (TEA) of RDF production, including determining the minimum selling price for RDF to assess market opportunities. The results indicated that RDF6, consisting of 10% PKS, 10% CS, and 80% CH with a moisture content of 10%, achieved the highest higher heating value (HHV) of 21.38 MJ/kg. This is comparable to the lower range of bituminous coal 25–33 MJ/kg which is widely used in Malaysia for electricity generation. The predictive equation offers flexibility for compositional adjustments across different biomass types and moisture contents. Further analysis using Post-hoc Tukey’s test revealed that the RDF6 sample achieved a mean HHV of 22.02 MJ/kg. The economic analysis provided valuable insights into the profitability of RDF production, with a minimum selling price for RDF of RM557 per metric ton (Mt) which is more cost-effective compared to the coal prices of RM762.97 per metric ton (Mt). Although RDF6 has a slightly lower energy content as ±3 MJ/kg less than bituminous coal, its much lower production cost makes it a competitive and sustainable alternative for power generation. This study highlights the potential of RDF as an alternative fuel source that offers economic benefit in commercial markets. RDF6 is considered the most favourable option, capable of contributing to sustainable energy solutions while reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
THE0010202 (Local)
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology--Dissertations
Universities and colleges--Dissertations
Theses--Dissertations