Fuel pellets from downed coconut (Cocos nucifera) in super typhoon Haiyan

The study investigated the physical and chemical properties of fuel pellets from downed coconut (Cocos nucifera L) in super typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Coconut trunk and fronds were used as feedstock in this study. Proximate, ultimate and elemental analyses were performed to evaluate fuel properties of pellets from coconut biomass. In general, physical and chemical properties of coconut biomass pellets were within recommended limits. However, pellets showed relatively high levels of ash in comparison with woody biomass. Calorific values of both coconut stem and fronds were comparable with various wood species and energy crops.