Prediction models for moisture content of fuel wood

The objective of this study was to develop prototypes for estimating the optimal storage time and sorting of fuel wood. Drying trials employing the state of the art technology of load cell based metal frames were carried out by University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), METLA and Skogsforsk. A reference trial employing traditional pile sampling was carried out by VTT. Easily applicable drying models for logging residues, whole trees, stem wood and stumps were developed. A large variety of meteorological parameters can be used for model input. Parameters ranged from basic data like relative air humidity and air temperature to more complex parameters like evaporation and equilibrium moisture content of fuel wood. Fuel wood drying models can improve the fuel wood supply chain by helping the supplier find and choose those wood piles that are drier and thus with a higher calorific value for delivery. It enables supplier to deliver fuel wood which better meets the demands of the customers. Transport can be optimized by these models too. The drying models can also be used to formulate recommendations concerning seasoning of residues and optimum storage times for different assortment, species and drying conditions.