Design of Lab-scale Downdraft Gasifier for Biomass Gasification: A Comprehensive Study

Biomass gasification is a cost effective, efficient and eco-friendly source of alternate energy. The gasification efficiency depends on several parameters like equivalence ratio, gasification agent, gasifier configuration, etc. Downdraft gasifier is a most suitable gasifier for biomass gasification due to inherent advantages like feedstock flexibility, better process control, low tar formation, and simple construction. Specific gasification rate (SGR), which determines the gasifier configuration and performance is an assumed value. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comparative study of different configurations and design a 5kW lab scale throatless biomass gasifier using analytical approach. The overview of gasification plant with various functional units and their purpose is also explained.