REVISTA DYNA ENERGÍA

Key words:

Biogás, paja de arroz, cáscara de arroz, residuo de secado, metano, emisiones de GEI, rice straw, rice husk, rice residues from the drying process, methane, GHG emissions

Article type:

ARTICULO DE INVESTIGACION / RESEARCH ARTICLE

Section:

RESEARCH ARTICLES

ABSTRACT:
Rice harvesting and production generate residual biomass that at present do not possess an environmentally sustainable disposition route, although they could be an important source of carbon for energy processes. A biochemical characterization of rice residuals –rice straw, rice husk and residues from the rice drying process - from the central region of Cuba is carried out to assess their energetic potential through their bio-conversion route to biogas. Additionally, the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) caused by the current use of those residuals were estimated, as well as the mitigation potential of these emissions in the concept of electricity generation from renewable energy sources. The study demonstrated that rice residuals, except for rice husk whose yield was low, possess a chemical composition adequate for biogas production, with limitations only in the relationship C/N. The highest biogas potential of 0.52 m3kgSV-1 corresponded to rice straw as mono-substrate during 36 day digestion time, with 55% vol of methane under thermophilic conditions. The analysis of the energy use of these residuals via biogas demonstrated that in this concept it could be generated a residual generation index of 0.73 MWht-1 and up to 1.5% of the electricity consumption of the country. At the same time, this use would contribute to diminish in 0.5% the net emissions of the country and up to 7.2% those of the energy sector.

Keywords: biogas, rice straw, rice husk, rice residues from the drying process, methane, GHG emissions