Optimization of Combustion Characteristics of Carbonized Rice Husk Briquettes Fuel Enriched With <scp> <i>Croton megalocarpus</i> </scp> Oil in Fixed Bed Reactor

ABSTRACT This study focuses on optimizing combustion characteristics of rice husk briquettes enriched with Croton megalocarpus oil in fixed‐bed reactors with respect to particle size, air mass flux and absorption rate. Utilizing Box Behnken Design, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study methodically examines crucial combustion parameters including flame propagation speed, reaction zone thickness, ignition time, peak bed temperature, and burning rates. A predictive mathematical model was developed to correlate the input parameters with combustion properties. The optimum flame propagation speed, peak temperature, ignition time, reaction zone thickness, and burning rate were found to be 0.270 mm/s, 1259°C, 67.5 s, 352.605 mm, and 0.068 kg/m 2 ·s, respectively. The optimum conditions occurred at an air‐mass flux of 0.284 kg/m 2 ·s, an absorption rate of 12%, and a particle size of 0.3 mm. These parameters notably enhance the combustion efficiency and quality of rice husk briquettes. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of precise parameter optimization in rice husk briquette technology, providing a pathway for developing high‐efficiency and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.