Investigation on the technical and economic benefits of implementing biomass gasifier in clay brick manufacturing industries. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murugan, P.C.; Saji Raveendran, P.; Joseph Sekhar, S.; Navaneethakrishnan, P.; Beno Wincy, W.; Glivin, Godwin
• Is Part Of: Sustainable energy technologies and assessments. Volume 53:Part B(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Biomass gasifier -- Clay brick -- Gas fired kiln -- Economic analysis -- Payback period; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Electric power production -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2022.102554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-1388

Abstract

Highlights: Clay brick industries can use biomass gasifier to enhance energy efficiency. Producer gas brick exhibits physical properties on par with the ASTM standards. Gasifier fired kilns can save 30% of biomass consumption. Economic benefits in the implementation of biomass gasifier in brick industries. Abstract: The direct burning of solid fuel in brick industries leads to high fuel cost, low energy conversion efficiency and a huge amount of CO2 emissions. The impact of the above issues can be reduced with the implementation of biomass gasifiers in the brick-firing kilns. However, the flame temperature of producer gas must be greater than 875 °C to maintain the required temperature of the kiln and ensure vitrification of bricks. Moreover, economic viability is a must to implement the above concepts. In this study, different types of biomasses available in a region were studied to select the four potential feedstocks, and a 115 kW (thermal) gasifier was used to produce bricks from a small kiln of 1000 bricks capacity. The compressive strength, water absorption capacity and ultrasonic pulse velocity were found as 8.0–9.25 N/mm2, 11–12 % and 1200–1600 m/s respectively, which ensured the durability of the bricks as per ASTM standards. For the tested conditions, specific energy consumption of brick was 2–3 MJ/kg. According to this study, the brick manufactured through the suggested method could achieve properties as per ASTM standards. The proposed system's lower operating costs resulted in a payback period varying from 4 to 8 years.