Studying biomass as an alternative for fossil fuels is gaining more popularity because of the increasing demand for renewable sources of energy. Unfortunately, biomass has its drawbacks as well since it has relatively low heat value, moisture content, density, and combustion value. In this paper, we examine how pelletization and carbonization affect the properties of biomass as an energy source. While pelletization increases the density of biomass, carbonization decreases its volatility and increases fixed carbon content. Sawdust, organic waste, and agricultural residue are some of the sources of biomass which have been tested in this paper. The test methods used include measuring moisture content, ash content, density, fixed carbon, volatile content, and heat value. Based on experiments, it is evident that the process of carbonizing biomass helps in increasing its heating power since oxygen-bearing molecules become minimal, and at the same time the amount of carbon becomes higher. Pelletizing biomass ensures better combustion process and efficiency in terms of ease of transporting the biomass material. The calorific values of carbonized biomass pellets ranged between 18 and 28 MJ/kg, depending on the nature of biomass material and the temperature of carbonization.

Keywords: Biomass, Carbonization, Pelletization, Calorific Value, Renewable Energy, Biofuel, Biomass Pellets