A Comparative Analysis of Heating Values of Saw Dust, Rice Husk and Coconut Shell in the Thermal Generation Of Electricity In Hadema Local Government, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Biomass is the major energy source in Nigeria contributing about 78% of Nigeria primary energy supply. In this work a comparative analysis of the heating values of saw dust, rice husks, and coconut shell in the thermal generation of electricity was carried out. In the study different masses of biomass were used and the corresponding electromotive force in millivolts obtained. A graph of e.m.f was plotted against mass of each biomass and a gradient was obtained. Bar graphs were plotted representing the values of e.m.f and masses of the biomass. Also a bar graph comparing e.m.f of different masses of biomass was used. The research shows that Saw dust is having a gradient of O.O33Mv/g then followed by Coconut shell with gradient O,O3lMv/g and Rice husk with gradient O.O26mV/g. This shows that Saw dust is the one with the highest gradient. It is therefore, concluded that Saw dust is the most efficient of the three types of biomass in the thermal generation of electricity. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION A

APPROVAL

DEDICATION Hi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF FIGURES ix

ABSTRACT x

CHAPTERONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Background of the study 1

1.1 Statement of the Problem 9

1.2 General Objective’ 10

1.2.1 Specific Objective’ 10

1.3 Significance of the Study 10

1.4 Scope of the Study 11

CHAPTER TWO 12

LITERATURE REVIEW 12

2.0 The Electricity 12

V

2.1 Basic Concepts Of Electricity .13

2.2 Sources of Electricity 14

2.2.1 Fossil fuels 15

2.2.2 Oil and natural gas 15

2.2.3 Coal 15

2.2.4 Geothermal 16

2.2.5 Hydro-electric 16

2.2.6 Solar 16

2.2.7 Wind 16

2.2.8 Biomass 17

2.2,9Tidal 17

2.3 Methods of Generating Electricity from Biomass 17

2.3.1 Combustion 18

2.3.2 Pyrolysis 18

2.3.3 Anaerobic Digestion 19

2.3.4 Gasification 19

2.3.6 Modular Systems 20

2.3.7 Landfill Gas 20

2.4 Renewable Electricity Generation by Energy Source 21

2.5 Generation of electricity from biomass in Africa 22

2.6 Available sources of biomass energy generation in Nigeria 25

CHAPTER THREE .29

METHODOLOGY 29

CHAPTER FOUR 34

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 34

CHAPTER FIVE’ 46

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 46

5.1 Conclusion 46

5.2 Recommendation 47

REFERENCES 48