(729c) Bio-Power Generation Characteristics of a Spark-Ignited Engine Operated on Syngas Derived from Biomass Downdraft Gasification

The power production from renewable sources must increase intensely to meet the growing demand of power across the globe. This study focusses on evaluating the operational performance of a 10 kW Spark Ignited (SI) engine operated on syngas produced from downdraft gasification of biomass. A commercial natural gas based SI engine is modified to accommodate biomass syngas and for the measurement and control of air-fuel ratio. The load variant from 1 to 5 kW was regulated by an electric load bank to evaluate the engine operational characteristics. The continuous operation of the gasifier and syngas cleaning system were monitored to analyze quality of the syngas that was injected into the engine. The variation of the biomass feedstock was observed to investigate its impact on syngas quality and engine operation. The major combustible elements of the syngas such as CO, H₂, and CH₄ were analyzed. Output power, engine efficiency, and exhaust emissions such as CO₂, CO, NOx, SO₂, H₂S, and hydrocarbons were also examined. The outcome of this study provides the engine performance operating with 100% syngas prior to the commercial scale-up for OSU’s large bio-power generation system