Development of computer aided modelling and optimization of microwave pyrolysis of biomass by using aspen plus

Abstract

Biomass energy is nowadays recognized as a potential source which constitutes the main portion of expected renewable energy supplies in the future. Biomass resources such as municipal solid waste, agricultural residue food processing industry waste, energy crops are a common type of renewable energy source and it help to produce energy, chemicals, and fuels. The useful energy recovered from biomass can be effectively utilized by a bio-energy conversion technique known as pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is considered as a kind of thermo-chemical conversion technique of waste material in the inert atmosphere to harvest biochar, syn-gas and bio fuel. Bio fuel harvest from forestry biomass through the microwave pyrolysis technology has been significantly attracting attention in the renewable energy sector over recent years. This is because of fact that microwave pyrolysis can possibly reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to energy security. A simulation model of pyrolysis process is developed by using a software called advanced system for process engineering it is basically a simulation tool for computer-aided energy modelling. This software is used to optimize and analyse the efficiency of the process involved in pyrolysis and to increase the output product yield such as bio-oil, syn-gas, and biochar with respect to the function of input parameters such as pyrolysis temperature and physio-chemical character of the biomasses. The ASPEN PLUS simulation is carried out using four different variety of biomasses namely Acacia Nilotica, Calophyllum inophyllum seed, rice husk, and Bael shell. The simulation results demonstrate that Calophyllum inophyllum seed is best suited for bio-oil production through microwave pyrolysis as it contains low moisture content and higher cellulose. The obtained bio-oil yield is up to 48% can be found from this non-edible biomass.