Browse Topic: Coal gasification

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Analysis of Combustion Characteristics and Performance of a Multi-Cylinder Engine Operating on Syngas/Diesel in Dual-Fuel Mode2025-24-00429/7/2025
Despite improvements in internal combustion engine efficiency, fossil fuel reliance remains a challenge for sustainable energy. Syngas, a hydrogen-carbon monoxide mixture produced from gasification, typically of carbon-based feedstocks, offers a viable transitional fuel due to its compatibility with existing combustion technologies and reduced emissions. However, its low ignition propensity elevated intake temperatures or pressures, a limitation that can be overcome through diesel pilot injection in dual-fuel engine configurations. This study extends prior single-cylinder research to a 1.6 L four-cylinder HCCI engine operating in dual-fuel mode, resembling a Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) engine. The analysis focuses on cylinder-to-cylinder combustion variation, thermal efficiency, and pollutant emissions, with particular emphasis on the influence of diesel pilot injection timing. Experimental evaluations are conducted across a range of injection timing and Syngas flow rates (100 to 160 L/min). Key metrics include ignition delay, heat release rate, maximum pressure rise rate, coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure, and pollutant emissions. Results indicate that diesel pilot injection timing significantly affects combustion phasing, heat release dynamics, and overall engine efficiency. Advancing or retarding the injection timing alters ignition delay and heat release characteristics, with optimal settings improving Syngas utilization and reducing particulate emissions. These findings highlight the importance of injection strategy optimization for realizing the full potential of Syngas in multi-cylinder engines, supporting their integration into cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems.
El Younsi, Laila, Nelson-Gruel, Dominique
Techno-Economic Analysis of an Integrated E-Methanol Production Plant Utilizing First and Second Generation Biomass Resources2025-01-01826/16/2025
This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic assessment (TEA) of an integrated e-methanol production system building upon previously published foundational research utilizing Aspen Plus modeling for e-methanol production from sugar cane and sugar beet biomass. The established integrated system converts biomass into ethanol through fermentation and synthesizes e-methanol using both captured CO2 and syngas derived from biomass residue gasification. This approach maximizes CO2 and biomass utilization, promoting a circular carbon economy. The TEA quantifies capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational expenditures (OPEX), and levelized costs of Methanol (LCOM), providing a detailed economic analysis of the potential for commercializing e-methanol. A sensitivity analysis evaluates the impact of feedstock prices and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), identifying key leverage points affecting financial viability. The study aims to explore the potential of utilizing existing agricultural infrastructure for sugar cane and sugar beet to minimize setup costs and expedite market readiness. The system’s capacity to reduce carbon emissions significantly aligns with global sustainability goals. This study provides strategic recommendations for scaling e-methanol production and improving its economic viability in the renewable energy sector. The sensitivity analysis particularly aids in developing robust strategies to mitigate risks associated with economic and market fluctuations.
Fernandes, Renston Jake, Shakeel, Mohammad Raghib, Nguyen, Ducduy, Im, Hong G., Turner, James W.G.
Research on Hydrogen Production Process by Photothermal-Driven Sludge-Coal Thermochemical Synergistic Conversion2025-01-70611/31/2025
In recent years, the amount of industrial sewage sludge awaiting treatment has continued to rise steadily, posing serious risks to human health and the ecological environment if mishandled. This study proposes a photothermal-driven supercritical water co-gasification of sludge-coal thermochemical synergistic conversion system for efficient hydrogen production. The main feature is that the medium-low temperature exothermic heating method uses concentrated solar energy to provide reaction heat for the co-gasification process. This approach synergistically converts solar energy into syngas chemical energy while meeting the heat demand of the co-gasification hydrogen production process. The results show that this co-gasification system for hydrogen production can achieve an energy efficiency of 56.82%. The sensitivity analysis shows that the molar flow rate of hydrogen increased from 44.02 kmol/h to 217.51 kmol/h as the gasification temperature increased from 500°C to 700°C. The concluded that the increase in temperature is favorable for the preparation of hydrogen. When the gasification pressure is increased from 230 bar to 310 bar, the molar flow rate of hydrogen decreases from 166.06 kmol/h to 138.09 kmol/h. The concluded that the gasification pressure does not have much effect on the preparation of hydrogen. The hydrogen yield increases continuously as the ratio of dry coal to dry sludge rises from 1.5 to 3. Under the same dry coal to dry sludge ratio, the hydrogen yield increases with the rise in total moisture content. Through the above research, the multi-energy complementary method of photothermal-driven sludge-coal thermochemical synergistic conversion is clarified. This establishes a novel approach that achieves both clean treatment and resource utilization of sludge simultaneously.
Li, Guangyang, Xue, Xiaodong, Wang, Yulin
Numerical Study of Catalytic Methanation Reactions Using a Kinetic Model2024-24-00229/18/2024
Even if huge efforts are made to push alternative mobility concepts, such as, electric cars (BEV) and fuel cell powered cars, the importance and use of liquid fuels is anticipated to stay high during the 2030s. The biomethane and synthetic natural gas (SNG) might play a major role in this context as they are raw material for chemical industry, easy to be stored via existing infrastructure, easy to distribute via existing infrastructure, and versatile energy carrier for power generation and mobile applications. Hence, biomethane and synthetic natural gas might play a major role as they are suitable for power generation as well as for mobile applications and can replace natural gas without any infrastructure changes. In this paper, we aim to understand the direct production of synthetic natural gas from CO2 and H2 in a Sabatier process based on a thermodynamic analysis as well as a multi-step kinetic approach. For this purpose, we thoroughly discuss CO2 methanation to control emission in order to maximize the methane formation and minimize the CO formation and to understand the complex methanation process. We have considered an equilibrium and kinetic modelling study on the NiO-SiO2 catalyst for methanation focusing on CO2 derived SNG. In this work, a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of CO2 hydrogenation is preformed to define the optimum process parameters followed by the kinetic simulations. Further, the simulations can be performed at various conditions, for example, catalyst mass, mass flow, pressure, temperature etc. to optimize the methanation process.
Mauss, Fabian
Combustion and Emissions Performance of Simulated Syngas/Diesel Dual Fuels in a CI Engine132469/19/2022
Small diesel engines are a common primer for micro and mini-grid systems, which can supply affordable electricity to rural and remote areas, especially in developing countries. These diesel generators have no exhaust after-treatment system thus exhaust emissions are high. This paper investigates the potential of introducing simulated synthetic gas (syngas) to diesel in a small diesel engine to explore the opportunities of widening fuel choices and reducing emissions using a 5.7kW single cylinder direct injection diesel generator engine. Three different simulated syngas blends (with varying hydrogen content) were prepared to represent the typical syngas compositions produced from downdraft gasification and were injected into the air inlet. In-cylinder pressure, ignition delay, premixed combustion, combustion stability, specific energy consumption (SEC), and gaseous and particle emissions were measured at various power settings and mixing ratios. Particle size distributions (PSD) were measured by DMS500, and gaseous emissions were measured by the HORIBA MEXA7100 series. The correlations between combustion and emission performance and mixing ratios and substitution ratios were investigated. Dual fuel operation led to a decrease in diesel consumption, thermal efficiency, NOx, and NO emissions and an increase in THC and CO emissions. For all dual fuel tests, a reduction in the total particle number concentration (TPNC) was noted while the particle size distribution curves remained unchanged relative to diesel baseline data at all engine loads except for 30%. At 30% engine load, the change in the particle size distribution curves was dependent on the syngas blend used. The syngas with the highest hydrogen content showed superior combustion performance relative to the other syngas blends evaluated due to shorter ignition delay times and higher maximum in-cylinder pressure values, thus producing lower THC and CO emissions, but higher NOx emissions.
Aslam, Zahida
Combustion and Emissions Performance of Simulated Syngas/Diesel Dual Fuels in a CI Engine2022-01-10518/30/2022
Small diesel engines are a common primer for micro and mini-grid systems, which can supply affordable electricity to rural and remote areas, especially in developing countries. These diesel generators have no exhaust after-treatment system thus exhaust emissions are high. This paper investigates the potential of introducing simulated synthetic gas (syngas) to diesel in a small diesel engine to explore the opportunities of widening fuel choices and reducing emissions using a 5.7kW single cylinder direct injection diesel generator engine. Three different simulated syngas blends (with varying hydrogen content) were prepared to represent the typical syngas compositions produced from downdraft gasification and were injected into the air inlet. In-cylinder pressure, ignition delay, premixed combustion, combustion stability, specific energy consumption (SEC), and gaseous and particle emissions were measured at various power settings and mixing ratios. Particle size distributions (PSD) were measured by DMS500, and gaseous emissions were measured by the HORIBA MEXA7100 series. The correlations between combustion and emission performance and mixing ratios and substitution ratios were investigated. Dual fuel operation led to a decrease in diesel consumption, thermal efficiency, NOx, and NO emissions and an increase in THC and CO emissions. For all dual fuel tests, a reduction in the total particle number concentration (TPNC) was noted while the particle size distribution curves remained unchanged relative to diesel baseline data at all engine loads except for 30%. At 30% engine load, the change in the particle size distribution curves was dependent on the syngas blend used. The syngas with the highest hydrogen content showed superior combustion performance relative to the other syngas blends evaluated due to shorter ignition delay times and higher maximum in-cylinder pressure values, thus producing lower THC and CO emissions, but higher NOx emissions.
Aslam, Zahida, Li, Hu, Hammerton, James, Andrews, Gordon E.
Combustion of Minimally Processed Coal Liquids in a Diesel Engine9003992/1/1990
A modified CFR Cetane engine was used to analyze combustion characteristics and emissions of minimally processed coal liquids (MPCLs). To aid in combustion of the coal liquids, the ability to heat the fuel and inlet air was added. The MPCLs are derived from atmospheric distillation of coal liquids. The coal liquids are byproducts of coal gasification of Elkhorn bituminous and North Dakota lignite using the atmospheric, air blown Wellman-Galusha and pressurized, oxygen blown Lurgi gasifiers, respectively. The MPCLs were compared with three reference fuels: diesel No. 2, U12 (21 cetane number) and #-methyl napthalene (0 cetane number). The inlet air was heated from 340 to 535 K and the compression ratio was varied from 13 to 31 to provide sufficient range in temperature and pressure necessary for the combustion of low cetane number fuels. At each operating condition, fuel consumption, cylinder pressure, ignition delay, and emisions were measured. By monitoring the exhaust CO2 levels, the overall equivalence ratio was held at 0.60. The engine operated successfully on 100% MPCLs. By comparing to the ignition characteristics of the reference fuels, the cetane number rating on the MPCLs is estimated at about 21. A three dimensional nonlinear regression program was used to fit the parameters of an Arrhenius type equation to the engine's ignition performance. Activation energy was found to correlate with apparent cetane number for the full boiling range fuels. Under similar engine operating conditions, maximum cylinder pressure, maximum rate of heat release, thermal efficiency, and NOx of the MPCLs were similar to those of diesel fuel. Exhaust soot concentrations of MPCLs, however, were substantially higher than levels found burning diesel fuel.
Ahmadi, M. R., Kittelson, D. B., Brehob, D. D.
Industrial Fixed-Bed Coal Gasification: An Economic Alternative to Deregulated Natural Gas8109959/1/1981
The role of coal in the United States energy future will definitely increase due to the higher cost of oil and natural gas. This paper reviews the projected role which coal will play in this country within the next twenty years. Specifically, the generation of coal derived industrial fuel gas using fixed bed gasifiers is reviewed. The fixed bed gasifier technology presented includes the single-stage “galusha” gasifier and the two-stage gasifier design offered by Black, Sivalls & Bryson, Incorporated. The paper reviews the use of various U.S. coals in these industrial gasifiers and presents operational data from a variety of coals. The use of coal derived industrial fuel gas by companies within the U.S. is reviewed including the economic criteria which lead to these industries investing in coal gasification systems. Projected fuel costs are presented. These data suggest a cross-over between coal derived IFG and natural gas costs in the 1985 time frame.
Maurer, Rolf E.
Energy Economics of Alternate Fuels7904302/1/1979
The energy crisis of the mid-1970's released a frantic search for alternative fuels. The present paper reviews the studies undertaken by the Author's Company and outlines experience with broad specification fuels, vegetable oils and alcohols. Tests were undertaken mainly with the diesel engine and its derivatives in mind. It is concluded that, in the medium term, the most effective engine/fuel combination is an injected stratified charge engine burning “wide-cut” fuel oils. Such oil could be obtained by a modification to present natural crude refining practices, or from shale and tar sand distillation, or by coal gasification and hydrogenation, or from oil bearing vegetation. Unfortunately, the energy scene is currently confused by the conflict between short term economic gain and long term conservation needs. As a result attention is being focussed on gasolene-like alternatives, notably methyl and ethyl alcohol. As a consequence it is thought that carburetted stratified charge engines, burning alcohol-based or alcohol extended fuels, are likely to become dominant in the mobile prime mover field. It is to be hoped that progressive depletion of natural crudes will promote the gradual introduction of a more efficient combination based on an injected stratified charge engine. In any case, eventual shortages of natural fuels will have far reaching implications on the choice of materials for both engine and vehicle manufacture. Government legislation and taxation policies will also be affected.
Bertodo, R.
Another Look at Alternative Fuel Options7707592/1/1977
Alternatives to petroleum-derived transportation fuels can be produced from oil shale, coal, and from a variety of carbonaceous materials including both cultivated biomass and waste materials. In the long-term, hydrogen, often mentioned as an alternative fuel, may be used as an energy carrier or transfer agent; it should not, however, be considered as an energy resource. Among the alternatives, coal-derived or shale-derived fuels could become significant in the national supply within the century. The other alternatives are long-term (post-2000), or, at least without extensive resource development, they are resource-limited. Any identifiable shale-derived fuel probably will appear as conventional finished fuel--either gasoline or distillate. More likely, however, the shale-derived component of fuels will not be identifiable because any shale oil available for the manufacture of transportation fuels within the foreseeable future will be blended with natural crude and used as refinery feedstock. Coal-derived fuels may be methanol, gasoline from methanol, or conventional gasolines or distillate-type fuels either synthesized from coal or refined from coal syncrude, i.e., a “liquefied” coal. Methanol or a methanol derivative would be produced using coal gasification as the primary conversion process. The technology for coal gasification is well established whereas that for coal liquefaction is not fully developed. For this reason methanol or methanol-derived gasoline are the alternative fuels most likely of production if non-petroleum fuels were to be required in the immediate future. The next most likely would be conventional fuels from coal synthesis by the SASOL process. The evidence available to date indicates that should gasoline or distillate be made from either coal or shale oil those fuels will not differ markedly from traditional fuels.
Hurn, R. W.
The Role of Methanol as a Clean Fuel7406422/1/1974
The use of coal as a prime energy source is examined. The author focuses on the process of coal gasification to produce a synthesis gas for subsequent conversion to either gaseous or liquid products, and particularly on the methanol process. The production of methanol is described, as are ways of using it commercially.
Jackson, Robert G.
The COGAS Project-One Method of Coal to Gas Conversion7307102/1/1973
Coal gasification processes are characterized by a series of general process steps consisting of coal preparation, reaction with steam (or steam and hydrogen), gas purification, shift, and methane synthesis. The chemical reactions involved are simple, but the equilibrium relationships are reasonably complex. A number of these processes have reached the pilot plant stage with two pilot plants in operation. The relative economics can be estimated from heat and carbon utilization efficiencies. The COGAS process development is a privately financed program directed toward production of oil as well as gas from coal using low pressure in the coal conversion steps. This process, which can be applied to a wide variety of coals, consists of pyrolysis of the coal to extract the volatile matter and yield a low volatile char, reaction of the char with steam in a unique gasification step, followed by processing of the oil and gas to product quality. The efficiency of the COGAS process appears to compare favorably with the other processes under development, and its use of low-pressure fluidized-bed processes is expected to have operating advantages. A pilot plant for the COGAS process is under construction.
Dierdorff, L. H., Bloom, R.
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