Model and sensitivity analysis of the reciprocating biomass conversion reactor (rBCR)

Roshan Adhikari, Nick J. Parziale

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The capabilities of a pilot-scale reciprocating biomass conversion reactor (RBCR) and its sensitivity to changes in various input parameters are examined. The RBCR is a 4-stroke diesel engine repurposed as a novel reactor to produce bio-oil by fast-pyrolysis of biomass. An external source powers the RBCR through the intake, compression/heating, expansion and exhaust strokes. Biomass is carried to the RBCR by an inert gas and is converted during compression as part of the compression work provides the heat of pyrolysis. A control-volume energy balance is coupled with a biomass decomposition mechanism from literature to predict the evolution of bio-products during compression and expansion strokes. The RBCR calculations are compared to experimental results from the state of the art considered to be a lab-scale fluidized-bed reactor (FBR). Calculations predict that the RBCR will increase the biomass throughput, and decrease the energy requirement for biomass conversion with a 6.8 times return on energy investment. The sensitivity analysis indicates the need for finely pulverized biomass for significant conversion, and highlights the versatility of the RBCR since operation parameters can be adjusted to achieve near complete conversion to bio-gas or to yield bio-oil up to 70% of biomass weight.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2019 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2019, collocated with the ASME 2019 13th International Conference on Energy Sustainability
ISBN (Electronic)9780791859315
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventASME 2019 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2019, collocated with the ASME 2019 13th International Conference on Energy Sustainability - Bellevue, United States
Duration: 14 Jul 201917 Jul 2019

Publication series

NameASME 2019 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2019, collocated with the ASME 2019 13th International Conference on Energy Sustainability

Conference

ConferenceASME 2019 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2019, collocated with the ASME 2019 13th International Conference on Energy Sustainability
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBellevue
Period14/07/1917/07/19

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