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Pag. 7

Analysis of the calorific value of pellets and briquettes in the use of the

pseudostem of Banana (Musa paradisiaca)

Análisis del poder calorífico de pellets y briquetas en el aprovechamiento del pseudotallo de

Plátano (Musa paradisiaca.

Sandra Emperatriz Peña Murillo

; Eddie Manuel Zambrano Nevárez;

Sandra Elvira Fajardo Muñoz

;

Nahir Alondra Pérez Ortiz;

Darla Rosario Vaca Choez

; Pablo Fajardo Echeverri

Received: 12/09/2024 – Accepted: 20 /04/2025 – Published: 01/07/2025

Research

Articles

Review

Articles

Essay Articles

* Corresponding author.

Abstract.

Solid biofuels belong to the second generation according to the type of biomass obtained from agricultural, forestry, and industrial wastes, such as banana

pseudostem, which is a lignocellulosic biomass that can be used as an alternative for the generation of renewable energy in the form of pellets and

briquettes due to its energetic properties. The study aims to determine the calorific value efficiency of solid biofuels based on Plantain (Musa paradisiaca)

pseudostem. The study methodology was divided into three parts: (1) obtaining and conditioning of biomass, (2) elaboration of solid biofuels, and (3)

physical, proximal, and energy potential analysis of biomass and the respective ANOVA of pellets and briquettes. A high calorific value was found for

the compositions 55-45% in pellet with 22,657 MJ/kg and 50-50% in briquette with 22,680 MJ/kg, complying with the parameters established in the

ENplus and NTC 2060 standards, respectively.

Keywords.

Pseudostem, Biomass, Calorific value, Pellet and Briquette.

Resumen.

Los biocombustibles sólidos pertenecen a la segunda generación de acuerdo con el tipo de biomasa, obteniéndose de desechos agrícolas, forestales e

industriales como el pseudotallo de plátano que es una biomasa lignocelulósica la cual se puede emplear como una alternativa para la generación de

energía renovable en forma de pellets y briquetas debido a sus propiedades energéticas. El objetivo de estudio es determinar la eficiencia del poder

calorífico de los biocombustibles sólidos en base al pseudotallo de Plátano (Musa paradisiaca). La metodología de estudio se dividió 3 partes: (1)

Obtención y acondicionamiento de la biomasa, (2) elaboración de Biocombustibles Sólidos y (3) el análisis físico, proximal, potencial energético de la

biomasa y el ANOVA respectivo de pellet y briqueta. Encontrándose un alto poder calorífico para las composiciones 55-45% en pellet con 22,657 MJ/Kg

y 50-50% en briqueta con 22,680 MJ/kg, cumpliendo con los parámetros establecidos en las normas ENplus y NTC 2060 respectivamente.

Palabras clave.

Pseudotallo, Biomasa, Poder Calorífico, Pellet y Briqueta.

1. Introduction

Ecuador is a country that produces large amounts of

biomass and lignocellulosic waste per year, which are not

fully used in the agricultural area, even though biomass is

of great importance in the generation of clean energy since

it is explored as an alternative raw material for the

production of solid biofuels. Therefore, biomass is an

available resource, which has advantages such as its ease of

combustion, cellulose content and carbon neutrality. [1]

According to the Bioenergy Atlas of Ecuador using the

ESPAC database, in 2012 it had a productivity of 559 319

tons/year, where 372 576 t/year corresponds to field

residues (leaves, pseudostem), from which a Lower

Calorific Value (PCI) of 4,180 TJ/kg was obtained.

However, according to the INEN in 2022, Ecuador

registered 133,145 h of planted area, giving a harvest of

University of Guayaquil; sanda.penam@ug.edu.ec; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7848-8021 ; Guayaquil – Ecuador.

University of Guayaquil; eddie.zambranon@ug.edu.ec ; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0358-0402 ; Guayaquil – Ecuador.

University of Guayaquil; sandra.fajardom@ug.edu.ec ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2127-0777 ; Guayaquil – Ecuador.

Independent Researcher; nahirperez11@hotmail.com ; Guayaquil - Ecuador.

Independent Researcher; darlavaca22@outlook.es ; Guayaquil – Ecuador.

Universidad del Valle; pablo.fajardo@correounivalle.edu.co ; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5257-0548 ; Cali – Colombia.

114,526 h, obtaining a production of 857,561.89 metric tons

[2]. It is estimated that from a banana plant weighing around

100 kg, 88% is obtained, which represents the total residues

and the bunch 12%, giving a ratio between crop residues

and the bunch is 2:1 [3], [4]. The lignocellulosic residues

generated are the parts of the crops of plant species

discarded in the harvest period [5], which are not used for

consumption, so in the agricultural sector 1.44 MMt of

annual biomass are estimated, however, in the forestry

sector 0.22 MMt/year are produced. [6]

Our country has a great demand for the export of green

bananas, which comes from the gender Muse of the family

Musaceae, of the species paradisiaca L. It is a large

herbaceous plant, which is composed of a rhizome, a

pseudostem, leaves, flowers and fruit (cluster). [7]

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Pag. 8

Approximately to obtain a ton of green bunches, 150 kg of

rachis was produced, 480 kg of leaves and 3 tons of

pseudostem, so these residues are used as fertilizer and

animal feed. [8]

The pseudostem that occurs in large amounts of residual

biomass. It is a stem formed by wide pods, its size varied

from 3.5 to 6 m and weighs about 50 kg. This structure is

composed of lignocellulosic compounds such as: Cellulose,

lignin, hemicellulose and other chemical compounds (K,

Na, Ca, Mn, P). Due to its properties, it can be used as

biomass for energy generation, through the production of

biofuels and thus contribute to the reduction of emissions of

gases that pollute the environment. Currently, Ecuador has

been engaged in adopting renewable energy as a regular part

of its energy supply, with the use of biomass accounting for

1.99% of electricity production. [9]

This research article discusses the use of biomass of Musa

paradisiaca for the production of solid biofuel in the form

of pellets and briquettes, to reduce the pollutants produced

by fossil fuels by choosing this replacement alternative to

also reduce soil erosion, desertification, forest and crop

degradation since they provide clean combustion. The

quality standards established in the Enplus and NTC 2060

standards respectively will be used. In addition, ASTM

3172-89 was employed for proximal biomass and solid

biofuel analyses. Therefore [10]The objective of the study

is to determine the efficiency of the calorific value of solid

biofuels based on the pseudostem of Banana (Musa

paradisiaca).

1.1. Banana Pseudostem

The pseudostem weighs close to 50 kilograms and its length

ranges between 3.5 and 7.5 meters, its main function being

to support the leaves that emerge in the upper part and the

cluster. These leaves, of a dark green tone and considerable

extension, measure about 2 to 4 meters in length by 1.5

meters in width. Their structure resembles a tree trunk, is

herbaceous in nature and usually has a robust and thick

appearance due to the accumulation of plant fibers. Unlike

trees, plane trees do not have a solid wooden trunk, instead,

the pseudostem is composed of leaves arranged in

concentric layers, which overlap each other. The

pseudostem also serves the function of storing nutrients and

water for the growth of the plant. [11] [12]

Figure 1 Banana Plant. Fountain: [13].

Banana cultivation in Ecuador is 128. 861 hectares planted,

which is distributed in 21 provinces as shown in Figure 2,

indicates that banana production at the national level was

763,455 tons.

Figure 2 Production distribution. Fountain:. [14]

In contrast, in 2022 it was recorded in 133,145 hectares

planted, as can be seen in Figure 3, the third place in planted

area is obtained, achieving a production of 857,561.89

metric tons and a yield of 7.49 tonnes / hectares, which is

the fourth place in permanent crops in Ecuador. [2] [15].

Figure 3 Banana planted area in Ecuador 2022. Fountain:. [2]

1.2. Biofuel

They are fuels that are manufactured with biomass, which

allows greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced, only if their

processes are sustainable, that is, they emit a small carbon

footprint. In the generation of energy by combustion, the

biomass used must have low percentages of lignin, in order

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Pag. 9

to produce smaller amounts of carbonaceous waste,

otherwise thermal degradation will produce large amounts

of them. These biofuels are classified according to their

generation: [1]

• First-generation biofuels use biomass from food

agricultural crops.

• The second generation uses lignocellulosic biomass

from forestry, agricultural and urban waste.

• The third generation, its biomass is from inedible

species.

• Finally, the fourth generation is made from genetically

modified microorganisms. [16]

Biofuels are also divided according to their status into:

Liquids (Bioethanol, biodiesel, biooils), Solids (Pellets,

chips, briquettes, coal) and Gaseous (biogas, biomethane,

biohydrogen) [17]. This research focuses on solid biofuels

(pellets and briquettes) that belong to the second generation,

which allows a zero carbon footprint, because their raw

material is lignocellulosic waste, which is a biological

source not fully explored, which would be a great biomass

alternative for the production of biofuels [18].

1.3. Solid Biofuels

Solid biofuels are forms of fuel made from organic material

of plant or animal origin that can be used in different

applications for power generation. They are acquired

through physical methods such as compression, chipping, or

crushing. Specifically, in the generation of electrical and

thermal energy, solid biofuels produced from the remains of

biomass from forestry or agro-industrial operations are

used. The relevance of solid biofuels lies in their great

capacity to meet the energy needs related to the increase in

population. The use of solid biofuels will make it possible

to replace fossil fuels in the generation of electricity and

heat, while reducing the disadvantages caused by traditional

fuels. Within the range of solid biofuels are chips, briquettes

and pellets, which are compact forms with a high heat

capacity. [19] [16] [20]

The main components used in the production of solid

biofuels are derived from lignocellulosic materials, which

come from agriculture or forestry, so waste from

agribusiness has multiple potential uses, including the

creation of organic fertilizer or the manufacture of biofuels.

[16]

Table 1.- Types of Solid Biofuels.

Types

Source/source

Use

Splinter

Agricultural and forestry

residues.

Woody crops.

Agri-food waste.

Bakery ovens, ceramics, in

small industries, homes and

heating.

Charcoal

Wood and plant residues.

Domestic.

Pellet &

Briquette

Wood Industry.

Example: Teak, alfalfa, etc.

Fuel: in industrial and large

areas.

Note: Information obtained from. Fountain:. [21] [22]

Figure 4 Types of Solid Biofuels. Fountain:. [21]

Here are some characteristics of pellets and briquettes.

1.3.1. Pellets

They are cylindrical biofuels, of different types of biomass

on which their color will depend (vegetable, animal, agro-

industrial and urban solid waste), where their range of

dimensions is: diameter of 6-8 mm and 3.15-40 mm in

length. Where the fundamental property is calorific value 

16,5 . Other properties are its moisture percentage of





10% This value determines the amount of energy that

the pellets will produce when they are subjected to

combustion, and in other words, if the water content is high,

in combustion it will be eliminated first and then heat will

be produced, obtaining a low calorific value. In addition, the

ash must be 0.7% and a bulk density of [23]600

















, these properties are in accordance with the En Plus

Standard. [24]

Figure 5 Pellets. Note: Pellets produced from rice husks. Fountain:. [25]

1.3.2. Briquettes

They are solid blocks of varied shapes (the most commonly

used rectangular and round), which have a diameter of more

than 5 cm and a length between. Where the fundamental

property is calorific value from 12,500-21,000





. Other

properties are its moisture percentage of % and ash 30%

these properties are according to the Colombian Standard.

[26]

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Pag. 10

Figure 6 Briquettes. Note: Briquettes of different materials and shapes.

Fountain:. [27]

1.4. Biomass

It is a type of renewable energy that is obtained from organic

matter, such as agricultural waste, forestry, food, manure,

among others. This organic matter can be used as fuel for

the generation of heat, electricity and biofuels (Tepale

Gómez, 2020). In addition, biomass is a renewable energy

source, as it comes from biological organisms that can be

grown and regenerated in a relatively short period of time.

This makes it a sustainable option for energy production,

unlike fossil resources that are limited and cannot be

regenerated. [20] [28]

Another benefit of biomass is that its processing and use

does not require complex technologies. It can be used

directly in the form of firewood, pellets or briquettes, or it

can be converted into different forms of energy such as

electricity, heat or biogas through combustion, gasification

or fermentation processes. [6]

The use of biomass as an energy resource has several

advantages compared to oil, coal and gas: [6]

-Improvement of the socio-economic situation of rural

areas: The use of agricultural residues to generate energy

from biomass can generate employment and income in rural

areas, boosting the economic development of these areas.

[6]

-Reduction of polluting emissions: By using biomass

instead of fossil fuels, emissions of pollutants such as sulfur,

particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4)

and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced, which has a positive

impact on air quality and public health. [6]

-CO2 neutral cycle: Biomass has the advantage of being a

renewable resource and its combustion does not contribute

to the greenhouse effect significantly, since the carbon

dioxide (CO2) released during burning is the same that was

absorbed by plants during their growth. This helps reduce

greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. [29]

-Potential of Latin America and the Caribbean: These

regions have a large amount of natural and agricultural

resources, which positions them as potential producers of

biomass. The development of the bioeconomy in these areas

can boost their socio-economic development, as well as

promote energy security and reduce dependence on fossil

fuels. [6]

In summary, the use of biomass as an energy resource has

several advantages, both socio-economically and

environmentally, which makes it an interesting and

sustainable alternative compared to traditional fossil fuels.

[6]

Figure 7 Biomass. Fountain: [21].

1.5. Features

1.5.1. Moisture Content

For the test, the procedure of the ASTM D-3173 standard

was followed, in which the formula was used:

 

  



 󰇛󰇜

Where:

: grams of initial sample in g.

B: grams of final sample in g.

1.5.2. Ash Content

The ash content of a mass is determined according to the

amount of minerals it contains and for this the following

formula is used. [30]

 





 







 



 󰇛󰇜





: Empty crucible dough and lid.





: Crucible mass and lid +1 g sample.





: Crucible mass and lid + heated muffle sample.

1.5.3. Density

For this test, the biofuels were weighed and their determined

volume was obtained, and then the following equation was

applied:

 





󰇛󰇜

d= density

  mass

 volume

1.5.4. Calorific Value

Is The amount of energy that can be obtained by burning a

substance. It refers to the ability of a substance to produce

heat by performing a complete combustion chemical

reaction [31].Calorific value is measured in units of energy

per units of mass such as joules or calories.

1.5.5. Volatile Material:

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Pag. 11

This test of the percentage of volatile material was worked

according to the standard, using the following equation:

[32]

  󰇡

















 󰇢   󰇛󰇜





: Empty crucible dough and lid.





: Crucible mass and lid +1 g sample.





: Crucible mass and lid + sample

1.5.6. Fixed Carbon

It is the subtraction of 100 and the result of the sum of the

percentage of moisture, ash and volatile material [33].

 

󰇟

  󰇛    󰇜

󰇠

󰇛󰇜

: Percentage of moisture.

: Percentage of ash.

MV: Percentage of volatile material.

2. Materials and methods.

Study Area

The study area includes lot 9 of the Canaán I urbanization

of the Cumandá Canton (Chimborazo-Ecuador).

2.1. Methodology

The methodology of the study is divided into 3 sections: (1)

Obtaining and conditioning of biomass (raw material), (2)

production of pellets and briquettes and (3) Methods of

physical characterization, proximal and structural analysis

and the respective anova.

2.2. Obtaining and conditioning of biomass

The choice of this biomass is based on its abundant

availability as agricultural waste in Ecuador and its high

content of lignocellulosic components, suitable for the

production of solid biofuels. This initial step also includes

an analysis of the plants' growing conditions to ensure

uniformity in the samples, including data on plant age, soil

conditions, and harvest time.

Samples of banana pseudostem of the Dominican and

Barragañete species were collected randomly after harvest,

then they were cut into a rectangular shape (2cmx5cm) and

the pieces were exposed to the sun for 8 days, to reduce the

moisture content. The samples were then dried by an oven

at a temperature of 60°C for 12 hours in aluminum cans.

Then, it was introduced into a hammer mill, in order to

reduce its size, and then placed in a vibrating machine for 5

minutes, until the particles decreased to a mesh size of 0.8

mm, 0.63 mm and 0.315 mm. To finish with the

conditioning of the biomass, the humidity was removed at

100°C for 6 h.

2.2.1. Chemical composition of Biomass

Proximal analysis, performed according to ASTM D3172-

89 to determine cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content.

The average composition obtained was 31.27% cellulose,

15.07% hemicellulose and 23.9% lignin, which shows a

high energy content suitable for use in biofuels.

2.3. Pellet and briquette production

In this stage, the biomass was homogenized with the binder

according to the selected compositions where the following

amounts of biomass-binder were used.

Table 2 Compositions of Solid Biofuels.

Composition

Amount of

Biomass (g)

Amount of

binder (g)

Amount of

Residue (g)

Quantity of

Biofuels

Pellet 50-50

14 Pellets

Pellet 55-45

28,6

23,4

13 Pellets

Pellet 60-40

31,2

20,8

11 Pellets

Briquettes 50-50

205

6 Briquettes

Briquettes 55-45

270,6

221,4

6 Briquettes

Briquettes 60-40

246

164

6 Briquettes

Note: Information Obtained from . [22]

With the quantities used in each composition, a compact

mass was obtained by means of the pellet and briquetting

machine. To finish with the drying in the environment for

72 hours of the pellets and briquettes produced.

Figure 8 Flow Chart. Fountain:. [22]

2.4. Methods of physical characterization, proximal

analysis, structural analysis and anova.

The calorific value was evaluated using a calorimetric pump

under the ASTM D5865 standard. This analysis included

the measurement of the energy content in MJ/kg of the

samples produced in different compositions. In addition,

ANOVA statistical analysis and Tukey's post-hoc test were

used to determine the significance of the differences

between pellet and briquette compositions

2.4.1. Physical characterization

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This characterization was based on the procedures of the

ASTM S3172-89 standard for moisture content for ground

biomass. On the other hand, for solid biofuels, the same wet

content standard was applied and their density was found.

Preliminary analyses are essential to understand the

composition of the pseudostem. You can include an analysis

of the amount of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, which

are key elements in the calorific value of biomass. Based on

previous studies, banana pseudostem has high cellulose

(between 30-60%) and lignin values, indicating its

suitability as a solid biofuel

2.4.2. Proximal analysis

The characterization of the ground biomass was carried out

using the ASTM D3172-89 standard, which describes the

methods for determining the content of ash, volatile

material and fixed carbon. For the study of the calorific

value, the ASTM D240 standard was applied by the

LAQUINS ESPOL laboratory.

2.4.3. Structural Analysis

The samples were sent to the LAQUINS ESPOL laboratory,

for the characterization of lignin, cellulose and

hemicellulose. These analyses were performed according to

TAPPI T 203 and 222.

2.4.4. Anova

It is the statistical procedure used to evaluate hypotheses

known as ANOVA and is used to contrast two or more

averages associated with a common factor. This method is

applied to the dataset, which generates variations, where it

is subjected to different conditions where it is verified if it

is similar or unequal. It has Null and Alternate hypotheses,

which in order to reject the null hypothesis must not meet

the condition that one of the means is different from the rest.

And on the other hand, for the alternative hypothesis to be

rejected, all the means must be equal. [34]

2.4.5. Tukey's method

The Tukey method complements the information obtained

from ANOVA, allowing the comparison of the sample

means obtained from an experimental trial. The Tα value is

calculated from the following equation (Cajal, 2022):

  󰇛  󰇜











(6)

Tα = HSD number (Honestly Significant Difference)

qα= quantiles of the Tukey distribution (table with relative

significance of 0.05% equal to 95% reliability)

n = number of repetitions of the study

CME = Mean Square Error Factor represents the standard

error of each average

The tukey test states that when the variation between two

means is greater than the value of The, it is considered

unequal, however, if the difference is smaller, it is

considered to be statistically identical. [35]

3. Analysis and Interpretation of Results.

The physical characterization, proximal and structural

analysis of the ground banana pseudostem biomass is shown

in Table 3.

Table 3 Biomass Characterization Results

Parameter

Unit

Result

Method of Analysis

*Calorific value





14,44

ASTM D240

Humidity

4,24

ASTM D3172-89

Ash

6,76

ASTM D3172-89

Volatile Material

80,65

ASTM D3172-89

Fixed Carbon

8,34

ASTM D3172-89

*Lignin

23,9

TAPPI T 222

*Hemicelulosa

12,9

TAPPI T 203

*Cellulose

13,7

TAPPI T 203

Note: The analyses were carried out in the Laboratory of our Faculty.

*Result taken from the report of the Laquins Espol Laboratory. Fountain:

[36].

The results of the proximal analysis of the biomass from the

banana pseudostem, corresponding to 4.240%, 6.761%,

80.659% and 8.3406% for the percentage of moisture, ash,

volatile material and fixed carbon respectively, as well as

14.447 MJ/Kg of calorific value, which according to the En

plus standard and the Colombian NTC 2060 standard is a

value close to the permissible limit of energy content for the

production of solid biofuels.

On the other hand, the results of the proximal analysis

carried out on the biomass indicated that 23.9% lignin was

obtained, representing the largest component of the banana

pseudostem, followed by hemicellulose and cellulose with

lower fractions with the percentages of 12.9% and 13.7%

respectively. These values allowed homogeneous

combinations to be obtained in the mixing stage.

Table 4 Comparison of the parameters of the results of the Pellet with the

Spanish Standard.

Parameter

Unit

50%-50%

55%-45%

60%-40%

ENplus

*Calorific

value





22,566

22,657

20,835

Meets

Humidity

5,190

6,888

6,403

Meets

Ash

3,641

3,425

4,248

Not

compliant

Volatile

Material

87,001

86,301

86,181

Fixed

Carbon

2,685

3,385

3,167

Density







750

650

273

Turns

1 and

Note: The analyses were carried out in the Laboratory of our Faculty.

*Result taken from the report of the Laquins Espol Laboratory. Fountain:

[36] and Authors.

Table 4 specifies the results of the proximal pellet analysis.

Given that the moisture content in biofuels is an important

factor since as it decreases the calorific value increases, it

can be deduced that this is not reflected in the pellets

obtained, since as the moisture content increases by 5.19%

so does its calorific value according to compositions 50-50

and 55-45. which means that the heat released in

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Pag. 13

combustion that is used to evaporate the water, does not

adversely influence the calorific value. Taking into account

that the composition 55-45 has 22,566 MJ/kg of BW, the

pellets are considered to meet the quality parameters of solid

biofuel ideal for energy production, according to the ENplus

standard.

According to the Spanish Standard, the pellet density value

must be greater than or equal to 600, therefore, the

compositions 50-50 and 55-45 obey that condition, since

they consist of a density of 750 and 650, however,























with the data obtained from the pellet ash content,

no composition meets that parameter, however, the 60-40

composition has a higher percentage of ash, which can be

related to the fact that the biomass contains a high content

of inorganic compounds. The ash content is inversely

proportional to the calorific value.

Table 5 Comparison of the parameters of the Briquette results with the

NTC Standard.

Parameter

Unit

50%-50%

55%-45%

60%-40%

NTC

Standard

*Calorific

value





22,680

19,907

19,416

Meets

Humidity

5,005

4,357

4,132

Not

complian

Ash

2,736

3,613

4,512

Meets

Volatile

Material

85,576

87,425

87,4227

Not

complian

Fixed

Carbon

6,682

4,603

3,882

Meets

Density







569,4

592,9

376,7

Fountain:. [36] [22]

As can be seen in table 5, the results obtained from the

physicochemical tests: the moisture content is linked to the

energy content, in this case it is visualized that the lower the

moisture content the lower the calorific value is obtained,

so in the 60-40 composition the higher moisture content and

the same higher energy content was obtained. therefore, it

is considered that this characteristic does not affect the

calorific value in this type of biofuel, which includes that

the composition 50-50 with 22,680





has a higher energy

content with respect to the proportions of 55-45 and 60-40

with 19,907





 and 19,416 respectively, to a certain extent

although the percentages of moisture content are not within

the permissible limits of the NTC 2060 standard, your PC,

if it is, as well as the ash contents.





The proximal analysis of each briquette indicated that the

composition of 55-45 has a higher density of 592.9







followed by the 50-50 ratio with 569.40 and 60-40 with a

lower value of 376.7. 













4. Discussion

4.1. Comparison of calorific value between pellet and

briquette

Table 6 Ideal solid biofuel.

Parameter

Unit

Pellet

50%-50%

Pellet

55%-45%

Briquette

50%-50%

Briquette

55%-45%

Calorific

value





22,566

22,657

22,680

19,907

Fountain:. [36]

In the pellets of the 55-45 composition, a higher calorific

value (CP) was obtained, but in the 50-50 it decreased,

giving 22.657





and 22.566 respectively. On the other

hand, in briquettes it gave a high energy content in the

composition of 50-50 with 22.680, while in 55-45 it was

reduced to 19.907













. Therefore, it is considered that

the use of the banana pseudostem as biomass for energy use

gave an optimal result in the briquette of composition 50-

50, according to the PC.

It should be considered that the 55-45 pellet configuration

does not have significant variation in the CP compared to

the 50-50 briquette composition, so it was considered that

the Musa paradisiaca is suitable as a raw material for the

production of solid biofuels in the aforementioned

proportions.

Table 7 Variance of pellet calorific value results.

Groups

Account

Sum

Average

Variance

Composition 50-50%

67,697

22,56566667

1.23333E-05

Composition 55-45%

67,972

22,65733333

1.23333E-05

Composition 60-40%

62,506

20,83533333

1.23333E-05

Fountain:. [22]

Table 8 ANOVA.

Origin of

the

variations

Sum of

squares

Degrees

freedom

Average

of squares

Probability

Critical

value for

Between

groups

6,322140222

3,161070111

256302,982

1,60E-15

5,14325285

Within the

groups

7.4E-05

1.23333E-05

Total

6,322214222

Fountain:. [22]

Decision

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Pag. 14

Figure 9 Distribution F. Source: . [37]

Figure 9 indicates that the value corresponding to F exceeds

the critical value of 5.14 according to the acceptance zone,

and that there is a significant difference, the null hypothesis

was rejected.

Table 9 Try Tukey a Pellets according to their calorific value.

Compositions A (50-50);

B(55-45); C(60-40)

Sample

difference

Decision

μA - μ

0,09

Significant

μA - m

1,73

Significant

μB - m

1,82

Significant

Note: μ= sample average in absolute value. Fountain:. [22]

According to the Tukey test, the values of the sample

difference expressed in absolute value are compared with

Tukey's Tα= 0.009, showing a significant difference in

more than one test, which indicates that the null hypothesis

is rejected and the alternate hypothesis is accepted.

Table 10 Variance of briquette calorific value results.

Groups

Accoun

Sum

Average

Variance

Composition 50-50%

68,042

22,681

9.33333E

-06

Composition 55-45%

59,721

19,907

9E-06

Composition 60-40%

58,248

19,416

1E-06

Fountain:. [22]

Table 11 ANOVA.

Origin of

the

variations

Sum of

squares

Degree

s of

freedo

Average of

squares

Probability

Critical

value for

Between

groups

18,5923562

9,2961781

1442510,3

8.99506E-

5,1432528

Within the

groups

3.86667E-05

6,44E-06

Total

18,5923948

Fountain:. [22]

4.2. Decision

Figure 10 Distribution F. Fountain:. [37]

In the Figure 10, the distribution of the F-values with a

significant probability of 0.05 is shown. The null hypothesis

is rejected, since the value of F is outside the acceptance

region, indicating a significant difference between the

values of calorific value of the briquettes.

Table 12 Try Tukey Pellets according to their calorific value.

Compositions A (50-50); B(55-

45); C(60-40)

Sample

difference

Decision

μA - μ

2,77

Significant

μA - m

3,26

Significant

μB - m

0,49

Significant

Note: μ= sample average in absolute value. Fountain:. [22]

In Table 12, they show that the values of sample difference

given in absolute value are higher compared to the value of

Tα= 0.006, which indicates that all compositions have a

significant difference approving the alternative hypothesis,

which specifies that at least one value must be different

from the others, contrary to the null hypothesis that

expresses that the difference of the values of the means must

be equal, that is, they do not show significant difference, to

be accepted.

5. Conclusions.

Banana plant waste is a raw material generated in large

quantities in Ecuador. In this research, the efficiency of

solid biofuels was determined from calorific value analysis,

resulting in both pellets and briquettes being within the

regulations for solid biofuels, with a 22,657 MJ/Kg and

22,680 MJ/Kg respectively. Therefore, it is evident that the

solid biofuel with the highest calorific value is the briquette

based on banana pseudostem, where 5% humidity and a

production yield of 98.04% were achieved. Therefore, the

results show that the banana pseudostem is viable and a

great biomass alternative for the production of briquettes,

because from the ground biomass 14.44 of





calorific

value was reached, which stands out because without the

application of a binding substance it complies with the NTC

2060 Standard where it establishes that for it to be classified

as briquette its calorific value must be between the range of

12.5 - 21





. In addition, this research marks the beginning

of more studies on the waste from the banana plant, in which

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Pag. 15

100% biomass is used without the need for binders, where

the amount of waste from this plant could be reduced, for

the generation of energy in a renewable way and with a zero

carbon footprint. which contributes to the care of the

environment.

6.- Author Contributions (Contributor Roles Taxonomy

(CRediT))

1. Conceptualization: Nahir Alondra Pérez

2. Research: Nahir Alondra Pérez

3. Methodology: Nahir Alondra Pérez

4. Project management: Sandra Peña

5. Resources: Sandra Peña

6. Supervision: Sandra Peña

7. Validation: Darla Vaca

8. Visualization: Sandra Peña

9. Writing - original draft: Nahir Alondra Pérez and

Sandra Peña

10. Writing - proofreading and editing: Sandra Fajardo

11. Review: Eddie Zambrano and Pablo Fajardo

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Email: inquide@ug.edu.ec | francisco.duquea@ug.edu.ec

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