Energy production by means of gasification process of residuals sourced in Extremadura (Spain)

The aim of the present study is to analyse the energy potential of biomass generated in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura-Spain. It is centred mainly in an experimental study of the processes of gasification for certain elements such as rice hull, nut shell, and pine and eucalyptus woods. In order to evaluate the results obtained in the gasification process we proceeded to their characterization by means of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and Higher Heating Value (HHV) evaluation. The evaluation process consists in several experimental procedures comprising biomass gasification processes for each group, via an air flow of 200 ml/min at 800 degrees C. The yields for each phase obtained in such processes were calculated for the four residuals, centring our study in the solid and gaseous phases. Yields ranging between 9 and 16% for the solid phase, 5 and 13% for the liquid phase or 73 and 85% for the gaseous phase were obtained, depending on the residual used. The gas production was comprised between 1.6 and 1.9 m(3) kg(-1), measured under standard conditions (std). For the gaseous phase both quantification and characterisation experiments were carried out by means of gas chromatography, in order to obtain data corresponding to the energy potential of the residuals. The obtained results point toward a thermal power between 3 and 4.5 MW depending on the nature of the residual. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.