Abstract:
Proximate analyses and decomposition profiles of solid fuels commonly used in Kenya were studied to determine their
relative suitability for use as a clean and efficient source of energy in households. The moisture, volatile matter, ash, and
fixed carbon content of firewood, charcoal, and briquette samples were investigated, as well as their decomposition profiles
under various temperature regimes. Except for the ash content of the briquette sample, which deviated slightly likely
due to the presence of binders, all the values were within acceptable limits according to International Energy Agency and
World Health Organization. Decomposition profiles revealed that mass change during combustion tends to occur primarily
between 350 and 500 °C once the majority of the volatiles had been released. Briquette samples proved to be the most
dependable and suitable household fuel due to their longer combustion time and lower volatile matter content, implying
lower emissions.
