Gasification performance evaluation of soaked and dried bamboo feedstock in open downdraft gasifier

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuels and the intensifying threat of climate change necessitate a transition toward renewable energy sources. Bamboo emerges as a promising biomass resource due to its rapid growth—approximately five times faster than hardwood. Through gasification, bamboo can be converted into synthetic gas (syngas), a combustible fuel. Pre-treatment by soaking significantly enhances bamboo’s gasification performance compared to drying. Soaked bamboo supports a stable gasification temperature and maintains optimal oxidation zone conditions, while dry bamboo increases the risk of charcoal buildup and system failure. Additionally, soaked bamboo achieves a syngas energy output improvement of 19.54 % and supports heat exchanger effectiveness up to 98 %. The resulting syngas also meets the tar content standards required for internal combustion engine applications, a criterion unmet by syngas from dry bamboo. These findings indicate that soaked bamboo is a viable and efficient renewable energy source for sustainable energy production.