Syngas Characterization and Electric Performance Evaluation of Gasification Process Using Forest Plantation Biomass

Forest plantations biomass is an interesting energy source for power generation with downdraft gasifier of less than 1 MW in Costa Rica. Thus, this work aims at evaluating the performance and efficiency of the electrical and thermal energy generation system in a downdraft gasifier with five woody biomass (Acacia mangium, Cupressus lusitanica, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus saligna). The biomass flow (10.9-13.5 kg/h) produced 18.1-22.5 kg/h of syngas flows. The ash production was 0.26-0.41 kg/h, and the biochar flow was 3.9-4.6 kg/h. The LHV of the syngas obtained was 5.77-6.77 MJ/Nm(3), and the dry and tar free syngas composition was: 22.86-26.77% for CO, 4.08-5.74% for CH4, 14.56-17.61% for H-2 and 10.19-13.49% for CO2. On the other hand, the electrical parameters showed a suitable performance for power generation, with 21.66-22.45 MJ/h, and an energy efficiency of 11.68- 14.25%. The motor energy efficiency was 18.02-20.88%, showing an electrical yield between 456 and 555 kWh/t. The cold gas efficiency obtained was 58.51-80.60%. The chemical properties seem to correlate the most with the production and characteristics of syngas, charcoal or ash during gasification. Finally, 5 species presented different properties, but the production and efficiency of the gasifier was little affected by these differences, but Eucalyptus saligna was less efficient parameters for thermal energy and electricity generation. [GRAPHICS]

Automated summary

This study evaluates the performance and efficiency of an electrical and thermal energy generation system using a downdraft gasifier with five different types of woody biomass in Costa Rica. The results showed that the electrical power generation had suitable performance and an energy efficiency of 11.68-14.25%, while the thermal power generation had lower efficiency at 18.02-20.88%. The properties of the different species had little effect on the production and efficiency of the gasifier, but Eucalyptus saligna was the least efficient for thermal and electrical energy generation.