Bioenergy Crop Production and Combustion in Agriculture

Biomass, vegetative waste from energy crops such as switch grass and sorghum, is a key input for transforming the face of energy and agriculture for the future of Kentucky, the nation, and the world. The purpose of this experiment at Murray State University using the Bio-Burner 500 unit—BB-500— from L.E.I products in Madisonville, KY, was to evaluate the efficiency of a combustion-based energy converter and boiler using various biomass materials, along with providing some heat to The Equine Center at Murray State University. Loose forms of switch grass, energy sorghum, miscanthus, equine waste, and wood shavings were burned over 4-day periods in outdoor temperatures below 67°F. Factors including burn and ash weight, ash clinkers, fan and fuel speed, moisture levels and absorbency of material, BTU measurements, water flow, propane usage per burn, and emissions data were recorded to assist in determining the success of each burn trial and overall energy balance of the system. Upon analysis of the data, the biomass with the most productive burn proved to be the wood shavings. The least productive burn proved to be the cellulosic biomass, which included miscanthus, switch grass, and sorghum. The grasses burned less effectively than the woody materials, however, it required less material. Wood shavings and equine waste burned more effectively, and less labor intensity, however, more material was required. The research conducted in this study can provide Murray State and the scientific community insightful information about future applications of bioenergy