Model-based downdraft biomass gasifier operation and design for synthetic gas production

Yan, W.-C., Shen, Y., You, S. , Sim, S. H., Luo, Z.-L., Tong, Y. W. and Wang, C.-H. (2018) Model-based downdraft biomass gasifier operation and design for synthetic gas production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, pp. 476-493. (doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.009)

[img]
Preview
Text
157323.pdf - Accepted Version

2MB

Abstract

In this study, three-phase flow model together with a thermal-equilibrium model was developed to study the operation of downdraft biomass gasifiers. Gasification experiments were conducted to obtain pyrolysis kinetics and validate the models. A good agreement was found between experiment data and model predictions, in terms of syngas composition and temperature, respectively. Kinetics based on experimental study improves the accuracy of simulation. The thermal-equilibrium model was applied to study the effects of air to biomass ratio on gas composition, LHV (lower heating value), and temperature. The 3D multiphase flow model was applied to investigate the spatial distributions of various parameters (i.e. pressure, gas velocity, temperature, and gas composition) inside the gasifier that are critical to the design of gasifier. A rough division of four gasification zones was determined based on temperature profile. It was also found that the cold gas efficiency was around 63% based on CFD (computational fluid dynamic) simulation. The temperature distributions could be used to guide the application of heat resistant materials inside the gasifier. In addition, the simulation results indicated that blockage of the gasifier has a high chance to occur at the top of reduction bell when using feedstock of high metal contents. Effects of reduction bell dimension and operation conditions on the temperature distribution and syngas production were also investigated by the 3D CFD model, which sheds light on the improvement of the design and operation of reactor. The syngas production could be enhanced by varying the size of reduction bell.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:You, Dr Siming
Authors: Yan, W.-C., Shen, Y., You, S., Sim, S. H., Luo, Z.-L., Tong, Y. W., and Wang, C.-H.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Journal of Cleaner Production
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0959-6526
ISSN (Online):1879-1786
Published Online:05 January 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.
First Published:First published in Journal of Cleaner Production 178:476-493
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record