Investigation on Syngas production from forest Biomass (Sapele, Sypo and Ayous) wood in the downdraft gasifier using Aspen plus and IC engine integration

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the potential for syngas production from three types of equatorial forestry biomass Sapele, Sipo, and Ayous  using a downdraft gasifier. The main objective is to assess the energy potential of the produced syngas when used in an internal  combustion engine with a 30% efficiency, coupled with a DC generator operating at 93% efficiency. The research focuses on determining  the composition and energy output of syngas from these biomass types, as well as exploring the integration of downdraft gasification  with internal combustion engines for localized energy production, particularly in decentralized power systems and microgrids. The  research involved modeling and simulating the gasification process using Aspen Plus software. Proximate and ultimate analyses of the  biomass samples were used to simulate gasification in a downdraft gasifier. The gasifier's performance was assessed through syngas  composition analysis, focusing on energy output and overall system efficiency. The integration of downdraft gasification with an internal  combustion engine was simulated to determine its feasibility in decentralized power systems and microgrids. The study revealed that all  three biomass types produced syngas with high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), which are critical for energy  generation. The lower heating value (LHV) of the syngas remained consistent among the samples, with Sapele at 13.51 MJ/Nm³,  Sipo at 13.63 MJ/Nm³, and Ayous at 13.54 MJ/Nm³. Ayous achieved the highest gasification efficiency at 79.36%, followed by Sipo at 78.89%  and Sapele at 76.05%. The simulation performed in Aspen Plus showed that Ayous produced the highest electric power output at  53.55 kW, followed by Sapele at 51.86 kW and Sipo at 49.18 kW. The results highlight the potential of equatorial forestry biomass,  particularly Ayous, as a renewable energy source. All three biomass types can generate syngas of comparable quality in terms of energy  content, with Ayous showing the highest efficiency. This research emphasizes the feasibility of using equatorial biomass for syngas  production and its integration into internal combustion engines, supporting decentralized energy generation and reducing reliance on  fossil fuels.