Numerical and experimental investigation on the thermochemical gasification potential of Cocoa pod husk (Theobroma Cacoa) in an open-core gasifier

Thermochemical conversion is a promising technology to generate producer gas (PG) from different types of agroforestry biomass residues. To use an existing open-core biomass gasifier for different feedstocks available in a agroforestry region, its viability must be studied systematically. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is one of the promising agricultural wastes, widely available in tropical farmlands of hilly regions. In this study, a commercial 115 kW(th) biomass gasifier is used in both numerical and experimental methods to find the potential of CPH as a feedstock. The moisture of CPH is varied from 5 to 25%, and the performance of gasifier is investigated for ER between 0.20 and 0.40. The results show that compositions of CO, H-2 and CH4 in PG are 20-24%, 12.0-16.5% and 2.0-3.2%, respectively, for the tested conditions. The best equivalence ratio and moisture content are identified as 0.25 and 5%, respectively. The calorific value, conversion efficiency and cold gas efficiency are found as 6.13 MJ/Nm(3), 82% and 68%, respectively. The predicted performance parameters and temperature distribution are compared with experimental values and literature. Thus, CPH is identified as a promising feedstock for an open-core gasifier. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The study utilized a commercial 115 kW(th) biomass gasifier to test cocoa pod husk (CPH) with varying moisture levels and equivalence ratios, concluding that CPH is a promising feedstock for an open-core gasifier.