New energy crop giant cane (Arundo donax L.

) can substitute traditional

energy crops increasing bioenergy yield and reducing costs

Aim of the project

Investigating the physical properties of Arundo Donax L when harvested and dried, and
to design and manufacture a solar drying system for Arundo Donax L

Objectives of the project

To review Arundo Donax L as a source of biomass for energy generation

To investigate the ash content, moisture content and calorific value of Arundo Donax L
when harvested
To design and manufacture a solar drying chamber to reduce the moisture content of
Arundo Donax L
To determine the ash content, moisture content and calorific value of Arundo Donax L
when dried
To review sustainable development in the field of energy production

Introduction
The levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the world- wide dependence on fossil fuel-
based energy sources and the global energy consumption have drastically increased in the last
few decades. As a result, an increasing number of attempts have been made to identify cost-
effective renewable energy sources. One of the potential renewable energy resources is the
exploitation of biomass [1]. Recently (Corno et al., 2014) reviewed Arundo donax L. (giant cane
or giant reed or perennial grass), as an interesting emerging crop for energy production and/or
green chemistry [2]. Arundo donax L is a plant that grows spontaneously in different kinds of
environments and that it is widespread in temperate and hot areas all over the world. Therefore,
the plant adaptivity to different kinds of environments, soils and growing conditions, in
combination with the high biomass production and the low input required for its cultivation, give
to Arundo donax L many advantages when compared to other energy crops and Angelini et al,
(2009) stated that Arundo donax L has a high biomass production per Ha. When harvested its
moisture content is somehow very high, i.e. exceeding 50% (Monti et al., 2006), which will
eventually reduce its calorific value if not reduced. High moisture content causes an increase in
crop weight and consequently of costs for its handling, storing and conservation, above all, in the
case of biomass combustion (Martelli and Bentini, 2013). Due to its high biomass production and
high heating value, which are comparable to those of other energy crops, Arundo donax is
promising for the combustion process [3].

Methodology

A thorough literature review of Arundo Donax L

Investigating the ash content, moisture content and calorific value of Arundo Donax L
when harvested
Investigating on the various components and on the designing of a solar drying chamber
Designing and manufacturing a solar drying chamber to dry Arundo Donax L
Determining the ash content, moisture content and calorific value dried Arundo Donax
Post usage consideration of the residual ashes from burning Arundo Donax L for a
sustainable production
 Time frame

MAIN PARTS AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEV MAR
Synopsis

Thorough literature review

Investigating properties when harvested

Investigating on components and design

Designing & manufacturing

Investigating properties when dried

Post usage of ashes and conclusion

References

Alkassir, F.J. Moral, F. Lpez Rodrguez, Ral Kassir Alkarany, 2015. Energy potential
of biomass residues for its exploitation to produce thermal energy and electricity. Journal
of Biotechnology, 208, 1.
Corno Luca, Roberto Pilu, Fulvia Tambone, Barbara Scaglia, Fabrizio Adani, 2015. New
energy crop giant cane (Arundo donax L.) can substitute traditional energy crops
increasing biogas yield and reducing costs. Bioresource Technology, 1, 2.
Luca Corno, Roberto Pilu, Fabrizio Adani, 2014. Arundo donax L.: A non-food crop for
bioenergy and bio-compound production. Biotechnology Advances, 1, 1535.