Review of Biomass Gasification Technologies and Models: Guidelines for the Ghanaian Situation

Year 2019, Volume: 3 Issue: 4, 151 - 158, 28.12.2019

Gilbert Akolgo

Abstract

Biofuel as an alternative
source of energy promises to be a more sustainable replacement of depleting
fossil energy supplies and exhibits the potential for energy independence in
emerging economies because biomass resources used for producing biofuels, especially
lignocellulosic wastes are much easily obtained and processed for energy than
other technologies available in developing countries. Despite the
limitations of many current biofuel production technologies, in terms of
resource potential, greenhouse gas emission reduction, ease of application and
economic viability, there is considerable interest in biomass gasification.
Over the years lots of gasification technologies and models have been developed
worldwide. This study examines gasification technologies and mathematical
models that have been presented by different authors
for the last 35 years with emphasis on the situation in Ghana. The study
found out that small scale, air-breathing, direct heating and fixed bed
gasification devices are more suitable for the Ghanaian energy sector. For
electrical power production, small scale and fixed bed gasifiers coupled with
ICE engines generator was found to be the way to go. This perfectly meets the
available local technical skills, the feedstock availability and market demand
(mainly for cooking fuel). The study also found out that gasification is currently
being used in Ghana for heating purposes only. 
Particular attention is dedicated to integrated systems regarding
biochar and energy targets. 

Keywords

Gasification, Mathematical Model, Biomass, Biochar

References

• AKOLGO, G.A., et al. (2019). Review of Biomass Gasification Technologies and Models: Guidelines for the Ghanaian Situation