Biomass Gasification using Coconut Shell for Small-Scale Electricity Generation

Abstract

The primary source of power to electrify remote regions are generated using diesel generator which has high carbon emission. In order to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and utilize agricultural waste efficiently Biomass gasifier are a ideal choice for generating power. This paper proposed and analyzed a downdraft biomass gasifier with coconut shells as fuel to generate electricity. The producer gas produced by the gasifier is used to fuel the combustion engine which is coupled to a generator. To assess the biomass gasifier’s performance and to calculate the generator efficiency additional factors, including the reactor temperature, tar content, producer gas, mass balance of the system are taken into account. The use of coconut shells as fuel to generate power decreases carbon footprint by 60%, according to the results. Thus, biomass gasifiers can provide power in isolated locations where coconut shells are abundant and not currently being used commercially.