Potencial energético do coco ariri (Syagrus cocoides) para a geração de energia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of ariri palm tree for the generation of energy, with a view to the use of the oil for the production of biodiesel and the bark (epicarp and endocarp) as solid combustible. For this, fruits and biometric data from native plants were collected in the city of Itaipava do Grajaú, located in the Middle Region of Maranhão State. Soil samples were collected at the place where the palms were to obtain the physical and chemical analytical results. Local climatic conditions were also analyzed. The yield of the almond oil and the percentages of each fruit fraction (almond, epicarp and endocarp) were obtained from experiments developed at the Nucleus of Combustibles, Catalysis and Environmental, at the Federal University of Maranhão. The analysis allowed to conclude that the percentage of oil in the almond is 15.76% and that the percentage of bark in the fruit is 59.20%. With the yield data obtained, the theoretical productivity was estimated at three different planting densities. The estimation calculations showed results between 0.6 and 1.0 ton/ha of oil and 6.5 to 11.5 ton/ha of bark, indicating the viability of using the biomass of the ariri palm tree for the generation of energy, due to the promising results of theoretical productivity of oil and bark, with values close to those of other species that are used as suppliers of biomass for the generation of energy.