ESTIMATION OF THE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF CORN COB OF LOS RÍOS AND GUAYAS PROVINCES, ECUADOR

Abstract

Introduction:
Corn national production in Ecuador exceeds one million metric tons, Los Ríos and Guayas provinces have highest production where almost 60% of the harvested areas and 75% of the production are being concentrated. During harvesting process and corn grains separating, residues such as corn cobs, leaves, roots and stems are obtained. Of all these wastes corn cob does not have a use value and it is important to assess its
potential as energy fuel.
Objective:
To carry out an estimation of corn cobs energetic potential in Los Ríos and Guayas provinces
Materials and Methods:
The used methodology consists in an experimental evaluation of coefficients (relation between residue and grain weight) and volumes of generated waste. The energy characterization of corn cobs as fuel were done, and its calorific value was evaluated.
Results and Discussion:
It was obtained that in Los Ríos and Guayas provinces, during corn harvest, 0.186 corn cobs tons / corn ton are generated, with an energy potential of 15.72 GJ/ha in each harvest.
Conclusions:
In Los Ríos and Guayas provinces, the corn harvest generates 0.741 stalks tons/ton of corn, 0.277 roots tons/corn ton, 0.461 leaves tons/corn tons and 0.186 corn cobs tons/corn tons, for 1.992 waste tons/corn ton. The corn cobs energy potential is 15.72 GJ/ha per harvest