Abstract
Despite being a renewable source, biomass as fuel for power generation is still not completely exploited. In biomass gasification plants, control operations are crucial for the proper management of the plant. This paper describes the results of a regulation control applied to an experimental biomass bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) gasification plant. The aim of implementing the system is to improve the biomass gasification process, increasing the efficiency and ensuring the safety in the plant operation. The equivalence ratio (ER) is one of the main parameters in a gasification process. To improve the ER, the airflow input is controlled, measuring the air velocity through an anemometer. On the other hand, the biomass flow is controlled modifying the speed of the screw conveyor using an inverter for regulating the frequency of its electric motor. A PLC is used for programming the instructions to implement control functions and to store the data given by the measurement devices. Once implemented the control system, the biomass gasification plant could work either; manually o automatically, allowing to adjust ER, increasing efficiency of the process. Finally, some tests are done to validate the control system, using the acquired data to improve the process.
Highlights
The use of renewable energy sources allows fossil fuels to be drastically reduced, cutting the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
This paper describes the results of a regulation control applied to an experimental biomass bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) gasification plant
The biomass flow is controlled modifying the speed of the screw conveyor using an inverter for regulating the frequency of its electric motor
Summary
The use of renewable energy sources allows fossil fuels to be drastically reduced, cutting the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Every MWh produced from renewable sources prevents up to 106 kg of CO2 emissions [1]. In this way, biomass gasification for energy production could be a promising renewable source. Improving the control system of biomass bubbling fluidized bed gasifiers (BFB) would partially help to increase the viability of this kind of plants and its use. Some publications show the results based on simulation about the control of the biomass gasification process, mainly applied to a downdraft gasifier [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]. The novelty of this paper resides on the design of a control system for a BFB gasification plant to improve the gasification process, which has been validated in field tests that have demonstrated an increment in efficiency and safety
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
