Numerical modelling and optimization of pulverized biomass gasification process

Biomass, such as wood, forestry and agricultural wastes, etc., is considered to be a fuel with better environmental characteristics than fossils. The main prospects for the increase in the energy use of biomass are associated with the combustion and gasification in small energy systems, including those being a part of hybrid power plants. One of the ways to improve the efficiency of the gasification process is to increase the temperature by the use of oxygen-enriched gasification agent, as well as grinding the fuel to intensify transfer processes and chemical transformations. Thermodynamic estimates show the possibility of achieving the gasification process efficiency at the level of 80-90%, however, the experimental values rarely exceed 70%. In the present work, by means of mathematical modeling, the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of the biomass gasification process are investigated. The range of optimal conditions is evaluated. (paper)