Biomass Gasification Methane Separator for CHP Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomass energy generation systems face challenges in flexible operation and optimal utilization of biomass, as electricity and heat production in combined heat and power plants depend directly on biomass supply and have limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separator to completely separate methane from process gas, allowing for independent use and storage of methane, which can be fed into the combined heat and power plant or sold based on market conditions, along with advanced pyrolysis or gasification processes using screw conveyors and indirect heating for efficient biomass processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the combined heat and power plant operates directly with process gas from pyrolysis/gasification, then energy generation is straightforward, but the system lacks flexibility and biomass utilization is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The process gas stream is segmented into two separate streams: a methane-rich stream and a residual gas stream. This segmentation allows independent handling and utilization of different gas components, enabling flexible operational modes where methane can be stored or sold separately while residual gas fuels the combined heat and power plant, thus resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Methane is extracted from the process gas through a separation unit, removing the high-value energy component as a distinct stream. This extraction enables the methane to be independently managed (stored or sold) while the remaining residual gas maintains sufficient calorific value to sustain combined heat and power plant operation, achieving both flexibility and controlled complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If methane is completely separated from process gas, then independent methane utilization and storage become possible, but the residual gas must still maintain sufficient calorific value for combined heat and power plant operation
Solution Approach 1:
The separation process is designed to adjust the composition parameters of the residual gas stream, ensuring it maintains an optimized calorific value despite methane removal. By controlling the separation extent and residual gas composition, the system achieves independent methane utilization while preserving sufficient energy content in the residual stream to sustain combined heat and power plant operation
3Productivity
If biomass is processed through pyrolysis or gasification, then energy generation is enabled, but the direct dependency on biomass supply limits operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Methane is separated and stored in advance before being needed for combined heat and power plant operation. This preliminary action creates an energy buffer that decouples biomass processing from energy generation timing, allowing the system to maintain productivity while gaining operational independence from continuous biomass supply
Solution Approach 2:
Stored methane acts as an intermediary energy carrier between biomass processing and combined heat and power generation. This intermediary enables flexible scheduling where biomass can be processed at optimal times while energy is generated when needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and achieving operational independence
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the flexibility and efficiency of biomass energy generation by allowing methane to be used independently of the power plant operation, optimizing biomass utilization based on economic conditions, and reducing energy costs through storage and market sales.
Implementation Method 1
by means of the pyrolysis or Gasification device biomass is partially or completely gasified
Implementation Method 2
biomass is partially or completely gasified with a predetermined humidity and the process gas thus generated
Implementation Method 3
a separator device, which is set up to completely separate methane from the process gas
Implementation Method 4
the process gas is usually converted using combined heat and power by means of internal combustion engines and/or turbines to generate electrical energy and/or thermal energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for energy generation from biomass, comprising a pyrolysis or gasification unit (3) for producing a process gas from the biomass and a combined heat and power plant (11) for generating thermal energy and/or electrical energy from at least a portion of the process gas. The invention particularly relates to such a device with a separator unit (9) configured to separate methane from the process gas, wherein the unit is adapted to supply the combined heat and power plant with a residual gas remaining after methane separation from the process gas for energy generation purposes. The invention also relates to a method for energy generation from biomass.