research_article

Production of Bio-Briquettes from Agricultural Waste: A Comprehensive Study on Sustainable Energy Solutions

Y Yasodha
Volume1
Issue1
Pages17-26
DOI#
Abstract

The increasing global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified the search for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Biomass briquetting offers an effective method for converting low-density agricultural residues into compact, energy-rich solid fuels. This study focuses on the production and characterization of bio-briquettes made from agricultural wastes such as rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, cotton stalk, coconut shell, groundnut shell, banana peel, corn cobs, and sawdust.
The biomass materials were dried, pulverized, and mixed with banana peel powder as a natural binder (5–15%). Briquettes were produced using a hydraulic press under pressures of 10–30 MPa and later air-dried for stability. Proximate analysis was conducted to evaluate key fuel properties including moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, density, and calorific value.
Results showed that the briquettes had an average moisture content of 10%, volatile matter of 72%, ash content of 6%, and fixed carbon of 12%. The calorific value averaged 15.42 MJ/kg, indicating good energy potential for domestic and small-scale industrial applications. These properties demonstrate that agricultural waste briquettes can serve as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional fuels.
The study highlights the potential of converting agricultural residues into clean and renewable energy sources, contributing to waste management, rural energy security, and reduced environmental pollution.

Keywords
Bio-briquettesAgricultural ResiduesBiomass EnergyRenewable EnergyWaste UtilizationBriquetting TechnologyCalorific ValueSustainable Fuel.
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