Study on the proximate and ultimate analyses and calorific value of coal blending between torrefied biomass from coconut (Cocos nucifera) husk and Semirara coal

Biomass is an important source of energy for the rising energy demand in the Philippines, however it is still a huge untapped resource considering that the Philippines, being an agricultural country generates a huge amount of agricultural by-products and residues. In order to simultaneously reduce the amount of agricultural wastes and improve the quality of indigenous coal reserves in the country to support increasing electricity demand, the present study blends Semirara coal, a sub-bituminuous type of coal with torrefied coconut (Cocos nucifera) husk for establishment of recommended blending ratios. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and calorific value were determined to characterize and understand the physical conditions and coal properties during combustion. Test results showed that blending Semirara coal with torrefied coconut (C. nucifera) husk by not less than 50% by weight would generally improve its quality in terms of its combustion properties thereby making these combinations of coal and biomass advantageous.