Chunkwood as wood fuel

Abstract

Five countries participated in the IEA Activity on chunkwood. The objective was to improve the knowledge of the production and use of chunkwood. Research encompassed production, material characteristics, materials handling, drying and storage, combustion and markets. The results show that the energy consumption is much lower for producing chunkwood than for chips, and the potential capacity is higher. Chunkwood has quicker initial drying, normally less substance losses with seasonal storage and a slightly lower content of fungal spores. The airflow resistance is lower than for chips. The time for complete burnout is about twice as long as for chips. As a whole, the results suggest that a wood fuel with a larger particle size might have several advantages, but also a few disadvantages.