Gasification and power generation characteristics of woody biomass utilizing a downdraft gasifier

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 35; no. 10; pp. 4215 - 4220
• Main Authors: Son, Young-Il, Yoon, Sang Jun, Kim, Yong Ku, Lee, Jae-Goo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15.10.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Biomass; Carbon dioxide; Combustion; Downdraft; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engines; Engines and turbines; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel processing. Carbochemistry and petrochemistry; Fuels; Gasification; Miscellaneous; Power generation; Purification; Solid fuel processing (coal, coke, brown coal, peat, wood, etc.); Syngas; Gasification; Biomass; Power generation; Syngas
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.07.008

Energy utilization from biomass resources has started to attract public attention as a method to reduce CO 2 emissions. In this study, the characteristics of syngas production from biomass gasification were investigated in a downdraft gasifier that was combined with a small gas engine system for power generation. Syngas temperatures from the gasifier were maintained at a level of 700–1000 °C. When the air ratio for gasification was 0.3–0.35, the low heating value of syngas was 1100–1200 kcal Nm −3 and the cold gas efficiency 69–72%. Tar concentration in raw syngas was around 3.9–4.4 g Nm −3. Syngas combustion in the gas engine after purification showed that HC concentration was below 200 ppm, and NOx concentration was below 40 ppm in the exhaust gas. ► Rice husk gasification in downdraft gasifier. ► Syngas production performance with air ratio and temperature. ► Tar measurement in syngas. ► Combustion temperature and pressure in engine cylinder with load change. ► Pollutants concentration in engine exhaust gas with load.