A Phenomenological Model of a Downdraft Biomass Gasifier Flexible to the Feedstock Composition and the Reactor Design

The development of a one-dimensional (1D) phenomenological model for biomass gasification in downdraft reactors is presented this study; the was developed with aim highlighting main advantages and limits related to feedstocks that are different from woodchip, such as hydro-char derived hydrothermal carbonization green waste, or mix olive pomace sawdust. An experimental validation performed. numerically evaluated temperature evolution along reactor gasifier found be agreement locally measured values all considered biomasses. captures pressure drop axis, despite an underestimation respect performed measurements. producer gas composition resulting numerical at exit section quite good gas-chromatograph analyses (12% maximum error CO CO2 species), although predicts lower methane hydrogen content syngas than measurements show. Parametric highlight degrees porosity enhance moving zones characterized by occurrence combustion phases towards bottom. increase moisture associated delayed profile. high energy expenditure evaporation phase occurs expense produced subsequent phases.