Work

Performance of large-scale biomass gasifiers in a biorefinery, a state-of-the-art reference

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: The Gothenburg Biomass Gasification plant (2015) is currently the largest plant in the world producing biomethane (20 MWbiomethane) from woody biomass. We present the experimental data from the first measurement campaign and evaluate the mass and energy balances of the gasification sections at the plant. Measures improving the efficiency including the use of additives (potassium and sulfur), high-temperature pre-heating of the inlet streams, improved insulation of the reactors, drying of the biomass and introduction of electricity as a heat source (power-to-gas) are investigated with simulations. The cold gas efficiency was calculated in 71.7%LHVdaf using dried biomass (8% moist). The gasifier reaches high fuel conversion, with char gasification of 54%, and the fraction of the volatiles is converted to methane of 34%mass. Because of the design, the heat losses are significant (5.2%LHVdaf), which affect the efficiency. The combination of potential improvements can increase the cold gas efficiency to 83.5%LHVdaf, which is technically feasible in a commercial plant. The experience gained from the Gothenburg Biomass Gasification plant reveals the strong potential biomass gasification at large scale. © 2017 The Authors. International Journal of Energy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Source: International Journal of Energy Research

DOI: 10.1002/er.3758

Authors: Alberto Alamia, Anton Larsson, Claes Breitholtz, Henrik Thunman

Institutions: Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg Energi (Sweden), Valmet (Sweden)

Language: English

Topic: Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Subfield: Fuel Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,700