Bioenergy Technology: Gasification with Internal Combustion Engine application

A prototype mobile gasification-ICE unit for decentralized Combined Heat and Power (CHP) production is designed and constructed within the framework of the LIFE+ project "SMARt-CHP" for the energy utilization of agricultural residues generated in Greek rural areas, where large amounts of biomass wastes are available. This unit applies the technology of biomass gasification coupled to an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) for electricity generation. The CHP unit has a maximum output of 12 kW(th) in addition to approximately 5 kW(el). The unit is tested and operated in different locations close to biomass feedstock origin in the rural areas of Western Macedonia in Greece. Peach, olive and grape kernels are utilized as biomass feedstock while the unit is operated constantly on a 24/7 basis overcoming technical issues. The present research work describes the unit performance in terms of constant operation, energy output and process efficiency by utilizing different agricultural residues. The obtained results show the effect of biomass type, gasification parameters and engine intake mixture to long-term operation and process efficiency. The unit envisages the production of cost effective renewable energy for rural areas while it promotes the concept of mobile energy production units that utilize by-products of agricultural and forestry activities, which are otherwise treated as waste. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.