Appropriate Feedstock in Wood Gasification for Rural Electrification

Abstract This research paper describes results of experimental tests of Biomass gasification system. The biomass gasification system was developed as a part of the triple hybrid generation system, which consists of wind power 40 kW, solar panels 20 kW and biomass 20 kW in Ashikaga Institute of Technology (AIT). This research will enable rural areas to elaborate autonomous systems of electrification due to the availability of abundant biomass resources. The downdraft type gasifier, which is being used, was designed and assembled by AIT. One feature of this biomass gasification system is that the produced gas operates a rotary engine for power generation. In the experiment, temperatures are monitored both at the oxidation and reduction layers in the furnace. In addition, contents of produced gas such as Carbon monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen (H 2 ) gas are monitored. Experimental test was carried out in two different operational conditions. These conditions include closed top operation and open top operation. In closed-top operation, the top lid of the gasifier is closed during operation and opened except when feeding biomass resources. In open top operation, the top lid is opened throughout operation. Finally, it was observed that in closed top operation, the temperature gradient was more constant with greater output of CO and H 2 . In the open top operation, there was a drop in temperature with smaller output of CO and H 2 being produced compared to closed operation.