Design and development of a small-scale biomass downdraft gasifier

Abstract

This study focused on the design and testing of a downdraft gasifier. The gasifier design was based on a combination of the Imbert and stratified models with some modifications. Sizing of the gasifier was done using empirical relations and some experimental data relating to specific gas generation rate, biomass flow rate, throat diameter and reduction zone diameter etc. The thermal capacity of the gasifier was set at 5 kW. A cyclone separator, an air-cooling unit and a filter unit (containing wood shavings) were coupled to the gasifier's reactor to purify the produced syngas. The gasifier system was tested in a forced draught mode using air as the gasifying medium. The feedstock conversion rate of the gasifier was 1.25kg/hr for wood chunks (10-70mm) and 2.1kg/hr for wood shavings (2-5mm). The syngas produced for both types of wood residues burnt with stable blue flames, indicating minimal tar percentage in the syngas. This signifies that the produced syngas can be safely utilized not only for cooking but also in internal combustion engines to generate electricity.

Analysis of multi-distributed generation systems based on solar/biomass/natural gas/diesel energy resources for off-grid application

“…In biomass gasification technology, solid bioresidue is converted into a gaseous fuel, which is then used to generate electrical energy [46,47]. Eq.…”

“…Eq. ( 8) can be used to determine yearly electricity (Ebmg) generated by a biomass gasifier [46,48].…”

“…), and biomass gasifier usage hours are important design specifications. The mathematical relation for determining the maximum capacity of a biomass gasifier in a particular location may be also be found in [46,48].…”

Pilot Study of Downdraft Gasifier

“…It is used to store the biomass fuel. The Biomass fuel is feed using the hopper [14]- [15]. The biomass fuel is held on grate and ash is collected in the ash tray.…”

Comparative Analysis of Voltage, Current and Power Produced in a Piezoelectric System from Human Foot Beats

“…Lack of constant electricity due to gap between electricity demand and supply has been identified as the bane of socio-economic and industrial development in Nigeria [1][2][3][4][5][6][7], especially for small and medium enterprises [8][9][10][11]. Although in the past two decades, power sector has witnessed a lot of reforms in terms of laws, policies and investments [12][13][14][15][16][17], the sector has not witness any substantial improvement [6], due to systematic lapse in energy policy and historical policy dynamics and structure in Nigeria [18].…”