Studi Eksperimental : Pembakaran Bersama Refuse Derived Fuel dan Serbuk Gergaji pada Tungku Bakar

Abstract

The utilization of alternative fuels such as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and sawdust is gaining attention as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to convert waste into energy. This study aims to analyze the effect of varying the ratio of RDF and sawdust on the thermal characteristics of combustion, energy efficiency in the combustion furnace, and air requirements under stoichiometric and substoichiometric (incomplete combustion) conditions. The research was conducted experimentally using fuel mass variations of 3 kg, 5 kg, and 7 kg with an RDF-tosawdust ratio of 50:50. The tests were carried out over a period of 2 hours, and temperature data were measured using thermocouple sensors connected to an Arduino device. The observed parameters included calorific value, Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE), combustion rate, and combustion residue yield.The results indicate that a 50:50 ratio of RDF and sawdust produces the most optimal combustion performance. Under stoichiometric conditions, the highest Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE) was achieved at a fuel mass of 7 kg, reaching 89.9%. The 50:50 ratio yielded the highest calorific value of 22.09 MJ/kg and a maximum temperature of 877°C. Additionally, under sub-stoichiometric conditions, the DRE decreased to 89.61%.The conclusion of this study shows that a 50:50 ratio of RDF and sawdust provides the best balance between calorific value, stable combustion, and maximum combustion efficiency. Stoichiometric combustion resulted in higher Destruction Removal Efficiency compared to sub-stoichiometric conditions, with a maximum DRE value of 89.9%