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Thermochemical Biomass Gasification: A Review of the Current Status of the Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Ajay Kumar

    (Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA)

  • David D. Jones

    (Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA)

  • Milford A. Hanna

    (Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
    Industrial Agricultural Products Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA)

Abstract

A review was conducted on the use of thermochemical biomass gasification for producing biofuels, biopower and chemicals. The upstream processes for gasification are similar to other biomass processing methods. However, challenges remain in the gasification and downstream processing for viable commercial applications. The challenges with gasification are to understand the effects of operating conditions on gasification reactions for reliably predicting and optimizing the product compositions, and for obtaining maximal efficiencies. Product gases can be converted to biofuels and chemicals such as Fischer-Tropsch fuels, green gasoline, hydrogen, dimethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and higher alcohols. Processes and challenges for these conversions are also summarized.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajay Kumar & David D. Jones & Milford A. Hanna, 2009. "Thermochemical Biomass Gasification: A Review of the Current Status of the Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:2:y:2009:i:3:p:556-581:d:5393
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Uddin, Sk Noim & Barreto, Leonardo, 2007. "Biomass-fired cogeneration systems with CO2 capture and storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 1006-1019.
    2. Kirubakaran, V. & Sivaramakrishnan, V. & Nalini, R. & Sekar, T. & Premalatha, M. & Subramanian, P., 2009. "A review on gasification of biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(1), pages 179-186, January.
    3. Han, Jun & Kim, Heejoon, 2008. "The reduction and control technology of tar during biomass gasification/pyrolysis: An overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(2), pages 397-416, February.
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