Optimized Energy Recovery of Sida (Sida Hermaphrodita) Biomass

The perennial energy plant Sida hermaphrodita (hereafter referred to as Sida) was evaluated as a feedstock for biogas production and as a solid fuel throughout one entire growing period at agricultural field conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the best time of biomass harvest to obtain a maximum biomass energy output. The biomass yield was monitored weekly from April 2014 until February 2015, analyzing each time 5 replicate plants randomly selected. To determine best energy use of the Sida biomass, four utilization scenarios were evaluated in terms of solid fuel and biogas applications to identify the best energy output for this plant biomass. The four tested scenarios are as follows: one harvest for solid fuel use only, one harvest for biogas production only, one harvest for biogas use and one additional subsequent harvest for solid biomass use, or two harvests for biogas production. The data to be presented comprise the evolution of biomass and total yield, its biogas and energy potential as a solid fuel, ash content, composition and behavior of the dried biomass. Among the evaluation of the energy value of the Sida biomasses, the amount and the quality of produced biomass, and the needed effort for harvesting and other financial factors will be determined. The overall aim of the project is an optimized energy recovery of Sida biomass