Hybrid Fuel Preparation Combining Glycerol-Derived Hydrogel and Coal and Its Characterization

A number of countries are mixing wood biomass with coal in existing coal-fired power plants according to the implementation of renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and cap-and-trade systems; problems arise due to mixing of the two fuels which have different combustion reactivities. In the previous work, research on glycerol impregnated hybrid fuel (Hybrid Coal by Korea Institute of Energy Research; HCK) was conducted for the diversification of bioliquid and issues to be resolved through further study in the application of glycerol to Hybrid Coal were noted. As a solution, a hydrogel having a small quantity of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) added to glycerol was applied in the present work. PVA allowed the solidification of glycerol and contributed to the binding energy being stronger among glycerol derivatives and the surface of coal pore; thus, the fuel loss by readsorption of water can be inhibited by setting hydrogel into coal pores.