Biomass as an energy source: Thermodynamic constraints on the performance of the conversion process

In the present work an equilibrium model (gas–solid), based on the minimization of the Gibbs energy, has been used in order to estimate the theoretical yield and the equilibrium composition of the reaction products (syngas and char) of biomass thermochemical conversion processes (pyrolysis and gasif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioresource technology 2008-10, Vol.99 (15), p.7063-7073
Main Authors: Baratieri, M., Baggio, P., Fiori, L., Grigiante, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Biomass
Equilibrium model
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gasification
Pyrolysis
Renewable energy
Thermodynamics
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Summary:In the present work an equilibrium model (gas–solid), based on the minimization of the Gibbs energy, has been used in order to estimate the theoretical yield and the equilibrium composition of the reaction products (syngas and char) of biomass thermochemical conversion processes (pyrolysis and gasification). The data obtained from this model have also been used to calculate the heating value of the fuel gas, in order to evaluate the overall energy efficiency of the thermal conversion stage. The proposed model has been applied both to partial oxidation and steam gasification processes with varying air to biomass (ER) and steam to carbon (SC) ratio values and using different feedstocks; the obtained results have been compared with experimental data and with other model predictions obtaining a satisfactory agreement.
ISSN:0960-8524
1873-2976
DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2008.01.006