Refuse-derived fuels as a renewable energy source in comparison to coal, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse

ABSTRACTThe calorific potential of refuse-derived fuels (RDFs) was investigated with different coals, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse. Carbon-sulfur analysis, gross calorific value (kJ/kg), and proximate analysis (%) were carried out. Total carbon of coal samples was found to be in the range from 62.65 to 79.19%, while RDF samples were ranged from 40.21 to 57.34% which were almost similar to rice husk (49.13%) and sugarcane bagasse (46.13%). Comparison of the total sulfur content of the coal (Duki) (10.52%) was very high as compared to RDF samples ranged from 0.17 to 0.46% and almost similar to rice husk (0.34%) and sugarcane bagasse (0.187%), while other coal samples ranged from 2.1 to 4.5%. The gross calorific value of the coal (Duki) (6,163 kJ/kg) was higher to other coal samples ranged from 4,935 to 4,972 kJ/kg, while found to be almost double to rise husk (3,518 kJ/kg), sugarcane bagasse (3,285 kJ/kg), and RDF samples (3,125–4,689 kJ/kg). The moisture content, volatile matter, and ash content were f...