Integrating advanced biomass gasifiers into the New Zealand wood industry

Authors: J. P. Rutherford, C. J. Williamson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2006, Issue N.Z.J.For. 51(3) 2006, pp 35-41, Nov 2006
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Biomass gasification offers an appealing cogeneration option for the energy intensive wood industry. The appeal of biomass gasification stems from the fact that gasification transforms a solid fuel, often waste, into a gaseous fuel which retains 75-88% of the heating value of the original (Higman and Burgt, 2003). A gaseous fuel offers easier handling and the ability to be utilized in either a gas engine or a gas turbine. Conventional biomass cogeneration plants utilize steam turbines and manage an electrical efficiency of 15-28%, while integration of a gasifier with a gas turbine or engine allow efficiencies of 25-40% (Franco and Giannini, 2005). This paper presents a model for assessing the feasibility of gasification based cogeneration plants. Firstly a chemical equilibrium model for a fast internally circulating fluid bed biomass gasifier is presented allowing estimation of the product gas composition. Secondly basic process flowsheets for two heat and power applications are considered; these are integration with a gas engine and integration with a gas turbine combined cycle.

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