ABSTRACT
Th is investigation examines the combustion of 13 distinct forms of Malaysian palm oil waste in boilers, focusing on energy effi ciency and exergy effi ciency analysis. Energy effi ciency measures how well the combustion process converts the chemical energy of the biomass into usable heat energy. Th e study reveals an energy effi ciency range from 68.58%– 81.96%, with an average of 76.68%, indicating the variability in biomass performance. Exergy effi ciency averages at 22.45%, with a range from 20.42%–23.75%, underscoring the need for further optimisation in energy transformation. A parameter study of diff erent air fuel ratios (AFR) was also conducted. Additionally, boiler’s energy and exergy effi ciency were compared to those reported in other studies, and the fi ndings were consistent. Th e simulation results showed that the primary sources of energy loss due to irreversibility of the process in the boiler system are the combustion chamber, followed by the heat exchanger. Enhancing combustion processes and exploring advanced technologies could improve the sustainability of biomass energy systems, off ering a pathway to reduce reliance on nonrenewable fuels and mitigate environmental impact.
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