수열탄화를 통한 파프리카 농업 잔류물의 연료 및 연소 특성 향상

Enhancement of Fuel and Combustion Characteristics of Paprika Agricultural Residues through Hydrothermal Carbonization

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in Korea has expanded rapidly, with paprika cultivation increasing from 424 ha in 2010 to 722 ha in 2023, reflecting an average annual growth of 13.1%. This expansion has generated considerable agricultural residues, requiring effective utilization strategies. This study investigates the potential of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to improve the fuel properties of paprika residues. HTC was performed at 180–250 °C under various reaction conditions, and the products were evaluated for elemental composition, higher heating value (HHV), and combustion characteristics. Results demonstrated that HTC significantly enhanced fuel quality. Hydrogen and oxygen contents decreased, while carbon and fixed carbon ratios increased, leading to higher HHV compared with raw residues. Combustion performance also improved, indicating greater energy recovery potential. These findings confirm that HTC effectively converts low-value agricultural residues into energy-dense solid fuels. In conclusion, paprika residues can be upgraded through HTC pretreatment to serve as renewable energy resources rather than agricultural waste. The results provide valuable data to support biomass valorization and contribute to sustainable resource management strategies in the agricultural sector.