Experimental Analysis on Thermal Characteristics of Argan Nut Shell (ANS) Biomass as a Green Energy Resource

Argan nut shell (ANS) is one of the most abundant agricultural by-product in the southwestern of Morocco. This study aims to focus on thermal characteristics of ANS biomass for alternative energy production. Physicochemical studies were done to characterize biomass-based material. Moreover, thermal degradation characteristics and kinetic parameters were assessed under pyrolysis and oxidizing conditions by means of thermogravimetric methods. Fundamental tests involving particle combustion of ANS and coal were carried out, and a comparison was performed. The results exhibit a negligible amount of nitrogen and sulfur and a heating value of 20.63 MJ kg(-1) compared to 24 MJ kg(-1) for high grad coals. Furthermore, ANS follows the usual structural decomposition of lignocellulosique biomass, while coal reveal a discrete devolatilization zone. In addition, combustion tests show a significant burning period and high particle temperature. This experimental research is intended to provide a reference data of ANS biomass for energy recovery through combustion.