Determination of the lower calorific value of biomass using mechatronic system elements, Визначення нижчої теплоти горіння зразків рослинного походження засобами з елементами мехатронних систем

<jats:p>Achieving environmental sustainability requires an immediate transition to energy-saving technologies and renewable energy sources. It has been confirmed that, in addition to classical renewable sources (solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal energy), plant biomass represents a valuable raw material. It enables the sustainable production of biofuels, providing an alternative to fossil fuels. This role of biofuels determines the need for a thorough study and justification of the energy characteristics of relevant renewable agricultural crops. Plant biomass, which includes wood and shrubs of various species, possesses distinctive fuel properties that can be described by well-known parameters such as the heat of combustion (higher and lower calorific values), ash melting characteristics, ash content, and chemical composition. The presented generalization represents a new scientific contribution aimed at developing a methodology and conducting experimental and comparative studies to determine the relative indicators of the calorific value of organic plant-based samples using original and more affordable equipment with elements of mechatronic systems. The dry plant material of each energy crop was analyzed using a laboratory device – a “biofuel analyzer.” The original laboratory setup was manufactured in accordance with applicable technical regulations. The research showed that the results of calorific value measurements of plant biomass obtained with the developed laboratory setup, equipped with mechatronic measuring components, were in good agreement with the data obtained using a standard bomb calorimeter. This consistency is confirmed by statistical significance (LSD0.05 at p&lt;0.05). Under the experimental conditions, the calorific value of six plant-based material samples was determined as follows: Castor bean (Ricinus communis) – 9.78 MJ/kg; Sorghum (Sorghum) – 17.97 MJ/kg; Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – 14.71 MJ/kg; Paulownia (Paulownia) – 10.67 MJ/kg; Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita) – 13.93 MJ/kg; and Sorrel hybrid (Rumex patientia × Rumex tianschanicus) – 12.35 MJ/kg.</jats:p>