Determination of the qualitative characteristics of coffee grounds for energy purposes: a case study for 100% robusta coffee

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of using spent coffee grounds for energy purposes. Coffee grounds are a lignocellulosic residual by-product of the coffee industry, present in every city worldwide. The purpose of this research is to determine the qualitative characteristics of experimental coffee grounds in the Scientific Laboratory of Solid Biofuels at the Technical University of Moldova, with the subsequent potential to be used as raw material in the production of densified solid biofuels. The data obtained in the laboratory, correlated with information available in the literature, indicate an ash content of 2.31% and a net calorific value at 10% moisture of 19,06 MJ/kg. This demonstrates that coffee residues have significant energy potential and can be used as raw material for pellet production, as well as a component in various raw material blends employed in the manufacturing of solid biofuels.