Flax straw pellet for clean energy generation

Western Canada produces 40% of world’s flax for oil. After the harvesting of oilseed, an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 tonnes of flax straw is produced annually. Only small fraction of the straw is used and remaining are currently underutilized. The flax straw calorific value is similar to the woody biomass. Flax straw combustion for power generation could be a viable approach for the management of straw while providing renewable power. Additionally, co-firing flax straw in the existing coal fired power plant could substitute coal and thereby improve the carbon footprint. Even with greater potential for bioenergy production, the issues such as low bulk density, fibrous & hydrophilic nature, and potential for biological degradation during storage creates additional burden on the logistics of biomass handling. Furthermore, the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metal and sulphur and chlorine in the straw could lead to fouling and corrosion issues in boiler tubes. So, the qquestion remains regarding the combustion properties of flax straw pellets, and what would be the impact on the operation and overall efficiency of the power generation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bishnu Acharya

Student:

Partner:

Prairie Clean Energy

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: