Experimental investigation on hydrogen-rich syngas production via gasification of common wood pellet in Bangladesh: Optimization, mathematical modeling, and techno-econo-environmental feasibility studies

Abstract

Since hydrogen produces no emissions, there is increasing interest in its production throughout the world as the need for clean and sustainable energy grows. Bangladesh has an abundance of biomass, particularly wood pellets, which presents a huge opportunity for gasification to produce hydrogen. Gasification of mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni-SM) and mango (Mangifera indica-MI) wood is performed in a downdraft gasifier to evaluate the impact of particle size, equivalence ratio, and temperature on hydrogen gas composition and gasifier performance. Under the optimal conditions determined by central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) optimization, gasification of SM and MI wood can greatly increase hydrogen yield and cold gas efficiency, offering a workable, environmentally friendly, and long-term solution to Bangladesh's energy shortage and pollution problems. Through RSM analysis the best operating conditions for gasification of SM wood include a feed size of 22.5 mm, equivalence ratio of 0.34, and operating temperature of 1176 K, where a total yield of hydrogen 11.2% was obtained. In the case of MI wood gasification, the optimum condition was found at feed size 22.5 mm, equivalence ratio 0.34, and operating temperature of 1132.47 K, where a total yield of hydrogen 12.85% was obtained. The economic study provides an LCOE of 0.1116 $/kWh, the project payback period is determined to be 10.7 years. By reusing wood waste from nearby sawmills, this study helps to manage waste sustainably by lowering pollution levels and deforestation. It also highlights wider sustainability effects by assisting international initiatives to fight climate change and advance energy independence.