Gasification in your everyday!

I use the word “gasification” a lot when discussing possible directions for the future of energy, but not a whole lot of people understand what the process actually is. Well fear not! I’m here to make biomass gasification a little easier to understand by explaining how it affects your everyday life.

First, what the heck is gasification? Biomass gasification is the process by which biomass fuels like wood, coal, feedstock and agricultural residues are converted into a combustible mixture known as a producer gas (CO+H2+CH4) or synthetic gas (syngas). The process relies on heat, pressure and partial combustion. The oxidizer can be air, in which case the producer gas will contain nitrogen (N2), steam, or oxygen (O2).

Sound complicated? That’s because it is! Just listen to what gasification technology can be used for:
- Central heating, community heating, or process heating for manufacturing
- Electricity generating systems
- Internal combustion engines

Now, gasification isn’t exactly a new technology. It was first developed back in the 1800s as a means of lighting villages and towns. Miniaturized gasifiers were even used to power vehicles during World War II, when fuel shortages were common. But as technology has advanced, so too has our understanding of gasification’s potential.

It all boils down to the science, really. If gasification occurs at a moderately low temperature (between 700ºC and 1000ºC), the product gas will possess a high concentration of hydrocarbons. This means that low temperature gasification can be used directly to generate electricity via a steam turbine or, with suitable gas clean up, an internal combustion engine.

Conversely, high temperature gasification (between 1200ºC and 1600ºC) results in few hydrocarbons and a higher ration of CO and H2. This is known as a syngas since it can be used to synthesize chain hydrocarbons. If the ratio of CO to H2 is 1:2, synthesis can successfully convert syngas into high quality diesel biofuel – a fuel compatible with most conventional diesel engines.

Come on - you didn't think the fuel you pumped at the gas station just came out of the ground like that, did you?

Ultimately, gasification has the potential to lower commuting costs for motorists. It can power cities. It can shape foreign relations with countries in control of the supply of crude oil. It can bring energy independence to impoverished countries. It can bring an end to dangerous fracking operations. It can change the world!

By now, you may or may not have a better understanding of gasification (hopefully you do). But even if you’re still having trouble wrapping your head around the idea of “hydrocarbons,” don’t worry. Gasification is a complex process mastered only by those who’ve dedicated years to studying the science behind it.

If I’ve peaked your curiosity though, make sure you stop by nrglab.asia, and see what energy projects NRGLab has cooking up in development. Plus, you can learn more about gasification!