Fuel Quality of A Native American Perennial Grass (Switchgrass)

Because of its adaptability over a wide range of environments in North America, the U.S. Department of Energy has chosen switchgrass as a model species for developing herbaceous energy crops. The suitability of energy crops as a feedstock for fuels or power is reflected in their energy content and conversion and in their ease of handling, which also ultimately determine the types of potential enduses. Analyses indicate that switchgrass is versitile. Its energy content (when the initial moisture content is considered) is similar to wheat straw's and greater than wood's. Early analysis of ethanol production by enzymatic hydrolysis/fermentation indicates that it produces high yield with current technology. Earlier reports of its high ash and alkaline contents have increased attention toharvesting, storage, and handling techniques to reduce soil contamination. With proper methods, ash and alkaline can be maintained at a relatively low level, and problems of slagging in conventional combustion systems can be avoided.