An experimental and numerical study on the Miscanthus gasification by using a pilot scale gasifier. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Couto, Nuno Dinis; Silva, Valter Bruno; Monteiro, Eliseu; Rouboa, Abel; Brito, Paulo
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 109(2017)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 261
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Gasifying agents -- CO2/ biomass ratio -- CFD -- Semi-industrial gasifier; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.03.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: This work comprises the study of several mixtures of air with O2, CO2 and steam in a pilot scale gasification plant. Out of eight substrates characteristic of south-central and southern Portugal, Miscanthus was chosen for revealing the highest potential for energy generation and for its friendliness from an ecological standpoint. Experiments with Miscanthus were performed in a pilot scale reactor and generated results were compared with ones from a numerical model, which consists of a Eulerian-Eulerian approach within the Fluent framework that is able to describe the transport of mass, momentum and energy for both solid and gas phases. The numerical model was used to compare several gasifying agent mixtures and their impact on syngas composition and respective quality indices under similar operating conditions. The influence of equivalent, steam/biomass and CO2 /biomass ratios on syngas produced as well as temperature and cold gas efficiency were studied, and the most suitable application for each mixture was appraised based on the results. Highlights: Miscanthus was gasified in a pilot-scale reactor. Experimental and numerical results based on a CFD model were compared. Different gasifying environments at similar operating conditions were compared. Impact of different gasifying agents on syngas composition was evaluated. Comparison between gasifying mixtures and respective application was assessed.