Evaluation of the performance of a multi-fuel domestic boiler with respect to the existing European standard and quality labels: Part-1

Emissions from a multi-fuel domestic boiler (40 kW), fired with nine different agro-biomass pellets have been compared. The pellets include apple pomace (Malus domestica), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), pectin waste from citrus shells (Citrus reticulata), sunflower husk (Helianthus annuus), peat, two types of straw pellets and two types of wood pellets. The measurements of emissions comprised carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons (CxHy), sulphur oxides (SOx) and flue dust mass concentration (by DINplus and isokinetic sampling methods). Comparison of experimental emission values with relevant quality labels (Blue Angel and Swan Mark) and standard (EN-303-5) showed that the boiler satisfied the emissions requirements of Blue Angel, Swan Mark and EN-303-5 when using wood pellets-1 (except CO emission), reed canary grass and citrus pectin waste pellets as fuel at nominal load. The wood pellets-1 yielded the highest boiler efficiency of 92.4%. Dusts emission varied as a function of fine content and elemental constituent of the pellets and was the highest with sunflower husk. CO and CxHy emissions were maximum with peat pellets. NOx emissions were below the concerned permissible values with all experimental pellets. Emissions of NOx and SOx, were found maximum with straw pellets. For agro-pellets, statistical differences in ash contents were significant. High ash contents and low ash melting temperature made straw pellets less suitable for domestic applications. Reed canary grass, citrus pectin and apple pellets were the most suitable agro-pellets for small scale boilers with reasonable less ash contents and less emissions as compared to others. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.