Influence of coal properties on the performance of fixedbed coal-burning braziers

Tafadzwa Makonese, Daniel M. Masekameni, Harold J. Annegarn

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Informal fixed-bed coal-burning braziers are used extensively in low-income communities of South Africa for space-heating and cooking needs. An investigation was carried out on the effects of coal moisture content and coal quality on the thermal and emissions performance of domestic coal-burning braziers in three field-procured braziers (with three different air ventilation rates), using the bottom- lit updraft (BLUD) and top-lit updraft (TLUD) ignition methods. Results showed that an increase in coal moisture content (from 2.4 wt.% to 8.6 wt.%) led to 18% and 30% decreases in fire-power when using the TLUD and BLUD methods, respectively. The combustion efficiency increased by 25% with an increase in moisture content. Measured carbon monoxide (CO) emission factors increased with an increase in moisture content, while carbon dioxide (CO2) emission factors remained unchanged. The use of A-grade coal resulted in a 49% increase in PM emissions compared with D-grade coal at high ventilation rates, despite no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in CO and CO2 emission factors produced between coal grades.

Original languageEnglish
Pages40-51
Number of pages12
Volume28
No.2
Specialist publicationJournal of Energy in Southern Africa
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Combustion efficiency
  • Emission factors
  • Ignition methods
  • Imbaula
  • Moisture content

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • General Energy

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