Validation and Application of a Kinetic Model for Downdraft Biomass Gasification Simulation

Abstract

Biomass gasification is widely recognized as an effective method to obtain renewable energy. To accurately predict the syngas and tar compositions is a challenge. A chemical reaction kinetics model based on comprehensive gasification kinetics is proposed to simulate downdraft biomass gasification. The kinetic model is validated by direct comparison to experimental results of two downdraft gasifiers available in the literature and is found to be more accurate than the widely used Gibbs energy‐minimizing model (GEM model). The kinetic model is then applied to investigate the effects of equivalence ratio (ER), gasification temperature, biomass moisture content, and biomass composition on syngas and tar production. Accurate water‐gas shift and CO shift reaction kinetics are found critical to achieve good agreement with experimental results.

Challenges and Opportunities of Modeling Biomass Gasification in Aspen Plus: A Review

“…Smith et al developed and compared two Aspen Plus gasification models based on equilibrium and kinetic approaches . For the equilibrium model, a RGIBBS block with the exclusion of tar formation was employed.…”

“…Aspen Plus process diagram for a downdraft gasifier; flowsheet recreated for higher resolution based on Smith et al .…”

“…Even though each study handles the modeling process from a different technological perspective, the main goal is the development of a realistic process model with high efficiency and product quality. The number of studies dealing with biomass gasification has significantly increased, especially within the last decade , and there are many review studies based on a variety of aspects . However, as compiled in Tab.…”

Flowsheet Modeling and Simulation of Biomass Steam Gasification for Hydrogen Production

“…Smith el al. applied a kinetics modeling approach for downdraft biomass gasification. The model was validated with the experimental data as well.…”

Computational and Experimental Investigation of an Industrial Biomass Furnace

“…Parallel to efforts for exploiting renewable energies as well as recovery techniques , , combustion continues to play an important role in renewable energies. This is due to the biomass , the utilization of which is the main focus of the present contribution. Biomass is a broadly available renewable fuel with advantages compared to fossil fuels.…”