Torrefaction of biomass pellets is considered as a useful pretreatment technology in order to convert them into a high quality solid biofuel that is more suitable for pyrolysis, gasification, combustion, and co-firing applications. In the course of torrefaction, the temperature varies across the pellet, and therefore chemical reactions proceed unevenly within the pellet. However, the uniformity...

Mallapragada, Dharik S. Ph.D., Purdue University, December 2013. Energy Systems Analysis for a Solar Economy. Major Professor: Rakesh Agrawal. The use of solar energy for human needs faces challenges owing to its relatively low energy intensity and intermittent availability, coupled with the constrained availability of renewable carbon and land resources. This study uses systems analysis tools ...

The gasification of biomass is a promising technique to generate different forms of valuable alternative energy, including direct thermal energy and further conversion of synthesis gas to clean liquid fuels or chemicals via Fischer– Tropsch synthesis (FTS) [1–5]. The ideal H2/CO ratio for FTS is ~2/1 based on the stoichiometry. However, The H2/ CO for the synthesis gas obtained from biomass gas...

This study is focused on the effects of nitrogen content in biomass feedstock on the producer gas composition and the flue gas NOx emissions from a pilot-scale gasification and combustion system. Biomass gasification has the potential to produce carbon negative energy by using renewable resources. The greenhouse gases emitted by burning fossil fuels have to be reduced, and biomass gasification ...

Biomass gasification is one of the alternatives to producing liquid fuels and chemicals from biomass residues. The gas produced in gasification contains CO, H2, H2O, CO2, light hydrocarbons and tars. Depending on the gasifier type, operating conditions and fuel, the light hydrocarbons can contain as much as 50 % of the total energy contents in the gas. The gas also contains catalyst poisons suc...

A completely renewable baseload electricity generation system is proposed by combining wind energy, compressed air energy storage, and biomass gasification. This system can eliminate problems associated with wind intermittency and provide a source of electrical energy functionally equivalent to a large fossil or nuclear power plant. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) can be economically deplo...

Torrefaction of biomass can be described as a mild form of pyrolysis at temperatures typically ranging between 200 and 300°C in an inert and reduced environment. Common biomass reactions during torrefaction include devolatilization, depolymerization, and carbonization of hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose. The torrefaction process produces a brown to black uniform solid product, as well as co...