Improving Green Energy from Reishi Mushroom Biomass with Controlled Combustion

Jenn Hoskins
15th June, 2024

Improving Green Energy from Reishi Mushroom Biomass with Controlled Combustion

Lacquered bracket (Ganoderma lucidum)

Photo adapted from: Oriol Sastre / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China, examined the combustion characteristics of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) biomass for sustainable energy production
  • GL biomass combustion was more efficient in an N2/O2 atmosphere compared to a CO2/O2 atmosphere, especially at higher heating rates
  • The activation energies required for GL combustion were higher in the N2/O2 atmosphere, indicating a more conducive environment for efficient energy production
The global shift towards sustainable energy sources has placed a spotlight on biomass resources, which offer a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. A recent study from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China, has focused on the combustion characteristics of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) biomass to enhance its circularity and transformability for energy production[1]. This research is significant as it explores the potential of GL biomass to serve as a sustainable energy source, thereby contributing to environmental preservation and energy security. The study investigated the combustion behavior of GL biomass in different atmospheric conditions, specifically comparing N2/O2 and CO2/O2 atmospheres. Combustion was observed in three stages: moisture removal, volatile release, and coke combustion. The performance characteristics were found to be more favorable in the N2/O2 atmosphere, which facilitated a more efficient release of volatiles as the heating rate increased. To understand the kinetics and thermodynamics of GL combustion, the researchers employed model-free methods such as Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose. These methods revealed that the activation energies required for the primary reaction were higher in the N2/O2 atmosphere (283.09 kJ/mol and 288.28 kJ/mol) compared to the CO2/O2 atmosphere (233.09 kJ/mol and 235.64 kJ/mol). This suggests that the N2/O2 atmosphere is more conducive to the combustion process, potentially leading to more efficient energy production. The study also identified the gaseous products generated during GL combustion, which included CH4, H2O, C=O, CO, CO2, NH3, C=C, and C-O(H). Interestingly, ash produced in both atmospheric conditions showed a tendency for slag formation, though this risk was reduced under oxy-fuel combustion conditions. These findings are consistent with previous research on the combustion of various biomass types. For instance, a study on the combustion of waste tea and tea leaves in different atmospheres also highlighted the importance of the heating rate and atmosphere type in determining combustion efficiency[2]. Similarly, research on the co-combustion of post-phytoremediation biomass with pulverized coal demonstrated that specific blends could optimize combustion performance and reduce environmental impact[3]. These studies collectively underscore the importance of optimizing combustion conditions to maximize the energy yield and minimize the environmental footprint. Moreover, the kinetic analysis of red pepper waste combustion revealed that lower activation energies could facilitate more efficient bioenergy production[4]. This aligns with the current study's finding that the CO2/O2 atmosphere, with its lower activation energy requirements, could be advantageous for GL biomass combustion. In summary, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China's study provides valuable insights into the combustion characteristics of GL biomass, highlighting the influence of atmospheric conditions and heating rates on combustion efficiency. By optimizing these parameters, GL biomass can be effectively transformed into a sustainable energy source, contributing to the global effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts. This research not only advances our understanding of biomass combustion but also offers practical solutions for enhancing the circularity and transformability of biomass resources.

SustainabilityBiochemMycology

References

Main Study

1) Atmosphere-dependent combustion of Ganoderma lucidum biomass toward its enhanced transformability into green energy.

Published 14th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33892-9

Related Studies

2) Thermal degradations and processes of waste tea and tea leaves via TG-FTIR: Combustion performances, kinetics, thermodynamics, products and optimization.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.08.068

3) Optimizing co-combustion synergy of soil remediation biomass and pulverized coal toward energetic and gas-to-ash pollution controls.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159585

4) Kinetic parameters of red pepper waste as biomass to solid biofuel.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2015.12.055


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