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A Downdraft Fixed-Bed Biomass Gasification System with Integrated Products of Electricity, Heat, and Biochar: The Key Features and Initial Commercial Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Yong Huang

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Yiling Wan

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Shasha Liu

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Yimeng Zhang

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Huanhuan Ma

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Shu Zhang

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

  • Jianbin Zhou

    (College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China)

Abstract

Biomass, as a renewable and clean energy resource, plays a vital role in energy security and greenhouse gas reduction across the world. This paper reports on our newly established technology: a downdraft fixed-bed biomass gasification system using nut shells (mainly apricot kernel shells) for electricity generation, heating and partially activated carbon production at the same time. Particularly, the key features of the gasification reactor will be presented in detail. In the commercial plant (3 MW scale) located in Hebei province, China, the typical energy conversion from apricot kernel shell gasification is as follows: 47% syngas, 44% char (partially activated carbon), 5% hot water, and 4% energy loss. The main gasification temperature is 600–800 °C, while the activation zone is 850–900 °C. The commercial system has currently been in operation for 4 years. Considering the partially activated carbon as a stable carbon carrier, the whole system features negative CO 2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong Huang & Yiling Wan & Shasha Liu & Yimeng Zhang & Huanhuan Ma & Shu Zhang & Jianbin Zhou, 2019. "A Downdraft Fixed-Bed Biomass Gasification System with Integrated Products of Electricity, Heat, and Biochar: The Key Features and Initial Commercial Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-9, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:15:p:2979-:d:254022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sansaniwal, S.K. & Rosen, M.A. & Tyagi, S.K., 2017. "Global challenges in the sustainable development of biomass gasification: An overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 23-43.
    2. Shen, Yafei & Yoshikawa, Kunio, 2013. "Recent progresses in catalytic tar elimination during biomass gasification or pyrolysis—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 371-392.
    3. Susastriawan, A.A.P. & Saptoadi, Harwin & Purnomo,, 2017. "Small-scale downdraft gasifiers for biomass gasification: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 989-1003.
    4. Feng, Dongdong & Zhang, Yu & Zhao, Yijun & Sun, Shaozeng, 2018. "Catalytic effects of ion-exchangeable K+ and Ca2+ on rice husk pyrolysis behavior and its gas–liquid–solid product properties," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 166-177.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco Mancini & Andreas Schwabauer, 2023. "On the Thermal Stability of a Counter-Current Fixed-Bed Gasifier," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-36, April.
    2. Giulio Allesina & Simone Pedrazzi, 2021. "Barriers to Success: A Technical Review on the Limits and Possible Future Roles of Small Scale Gasifiers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Guiyan Zang & Jianan Zhang & Junxi Jia & Nathaniel Weger & Albert Ratner, 2019. "Clean Poultry Energy System Design Based on Biomass Gasification Technology: Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Ali Abdelaal & Vittoria Benedetti & Audrey Villot & Francesco Patuzzi & Claire Gerente & Marco Baratieri, 2023. "Innovative Pathways for the Valorization of Biomass Gasification Char: A Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-24, May.

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