Syngas From Biomass Gasification As Fuel For Generator

The emergence of biomass based energy warrants the evaluation of syngas from biomass gasification as a fuel for personal power systems. The objectives of this study were to determine the performance and exhaust emissions of a commercial 5.5 kW generator modified for operation with 100% syngas at different syngas flows and to compare the results with those obtained for gasoline operation at same electrical power. Maximum power output for gasoline operation was 2451 W and maximum power output for syngas operation was 1392 W. Overall efficiencies of the generator were same at maximum electrical power outputs for operation with both the fuels. At four different electrical power output categories, the exhaust concentrations of carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen were significantly lower while the carbon dioxide emissions were significantly higher for the syngas operation. The unit cost of electricity generation was $6.38/kWh for syngas operation and $0.56/kWh for gasoline operation