An Experimental Investigation on Gasification Characteristic of Pongamia Residue (Shell and De-Oiled Cake) as a Source of Energy for Rural Areas

Abstract

This paper has been aimed for thermochemical gasification of Pongamia residue (mixture of shells and de-oiled cake) generated from the oil expellers and biodiesel production plants. Pongamia mixture pellets (with 11.5 mm diameter and average length in the range of 10–62 mm) were prepared and gasify in an open top downdraft wood gasifier. The temperature in various zones of the gasifier was measured by using S-type thermocouples. The calorific value of producer gas generated from pellets was in the range of 4.56–5.39 MJ/Nm3. The gasifier conversion efficiency was 94 % for pellets which is higher to that of wood gasification (74 %). Producer gas generated with these pellets was used in the spark ignition engine. The performance and emission characteristics of the engine were evaluated by varying load and spark timings. The engine brake thermal efficiency was 26 % at spark ignition timing 30° before top dead centre (bTDC) at full load condition. However, the de-rating of 4.5 % was observed when working with 100 % producer gas at compression ratio of 10. Emission parameters were on lower side at spark timing 30obTDC. The producer gas generated from the Pongamia mixture pellets could be used for heat and or power generation for rural areas.