The Effect of Temperature Controller on the Gasification Performance Using Downdraft Gasifier with Three-Stages Gasifying Agent

Abstract

Gasification is a technology that can convert biomass into alternative energy. Temperature control in this study is used to control the temperature in the oxidation zone of the gasification process. The weakness in the gasification process is the instability of the syngas produced as a result of the changes in temperature and raw materials in the reactor. Thus, one way to stabilize the syngas produced in the gasification reactor is to control the temperature by controlling the rotational speed of the blower. In this study, the gasification reactor used was a downdraft gasifier type with a 3-level air input made from palm hemp pellets. The results of the study that the performance indicators for gasification without temperature control obtained syngas composition results CO = 21.12 % v, H2 = 12.39 % v, and CH4 = 1.33 % v. The calorific value (LHV) of syngas is 4524.97 kJ/kg, the efficiency of cold gas is 58.34%, and the tar content is 77.33 mg/Nm3. While gasification with temperature control results obtained syngas composition CO = 26.12% v, H2 = 9.3% v, and CH4 = 1.32% v. The calorific value (LHV) is 4746.82 kJ/kg, the efficiency of cold gas is 61.23%, and the tar content is 60.95 mg/Nm3. The results obtained using temperature control showed an increase in LHV of about 4.9%, an increase in gas efficiency of 2.89% cold, and a decrease in tar content of 16.4 mg/Nm3. The results of this study can be used to further optimize the syngas gasification process.