Chapters authored
Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass Solid Waste and Aquatic Plants
Reduction of conventional fuel has encouraged to find new sources of renewable energy. Oil produced from the pyrolysis method using biomass is considered as an emerging source of renewable energy. Pyrolytic oil produced in pyrolysis needs to be upgraded to produce bio-oil that can be used with conventional fuel. However, pyrolytic oil contains high amounts of oxygen that lower the calorific value of fuel, creates corrosion, and makes the operation unstable. On the other hand, the up-gradation process of pyrolytic oil involves solvent and catalyst material that requires a high cost. In this regard, the co-pyrolysis method can be used to upgrade the pyrolytic oil where two or more feedstock materials are involved. The calorific value and oil yield in the co-pyrolysis method are higher than pyrolytic oil. Also, the upgraded oil in the co-pyrolysis method contains low water that can improve the fuel property. Therefore, the co-pyrolysis of biomass waste is an emerging source of energy. Among different biomasses, solid waste and aquatic plants are significantly used as feedstock in the co-pyrolysis method. As a consequence, pressure on conventional fuel can be reduced to fulfill the demand for global energy. Moreover, the associated operating and production cost of the co-pyrolysis method is comparatively low. This method also reduces environmental pollution.
Part of the book: Gasification
Gasification Process Using Downdraft Fixed-Bed Gasifier for Different Feedstock
The use of conventional fuels is decreasing globally due to its limited reserves and negative impact on the environment. The associated cost of conventional fuels is increasing owing to the higher demand for conventional fuels. Hence, utilization methods of biomass to generate energy are of growing interest. Among different biomass feedstocks, rice husks, waste plastics, and sawdust are significantly available in the global environment. The annual generation amount of rice husk is approximately 120 million tons worldwide, with an annual energy generation potential of 109 GJ with a heating value of 15 MJ/kg. The gasification process is assumed to be the most effective biomass conversion method that can generate synthetic gas to operate IC engines, fuel cells, and boilers. Synthetic gas production from biomass using a gasification process is a significant source of future energy. Downdraft fixed-bed gasifiers are considered as a feasible option of biomass conversion in the gasification process. By optimizing the operating conditions of downdraft fixed-bed gasifier, such as reaction zone temperature, combustion zone temperature, intake air temperature, airflow rate, the humidity of intake air, a significant amount of synthetic gas can be produced from rice husks, waste plastic material, and sawdust.
Part of the book: Gasification