Electricity and Process Heat Generation from Rice Husk Utilizing Technology of Separate Reactors for Pyrolysis and Gasification Focused on a Rice Mill
(2024) MVKM05 20241Department of Energy Sciences
- Abstract
- Agricultural biomass to energy holds promise for the sustainability of energy production and positive reduction of CO2 emission. This thesis explores the potential of rice husk as a sustainable energy source for electricity and process heat generation focusing on a rice mill in Sri Lanka. It utilizes advanced thermochemical conversion technologies specifically separate reactors for pyrolysis and gasification to optimize the conversion of rice husk biomass into Bio-char and syngas. The research involves field studies, process modelling with Aspen Plus software, and analysis of the biochemical properties of rice husk. Findings reveal that biomass is a viable and significant energy source by evaluating operational parameters and technological... (More)
- Agricultural biomass to energy holds promise for the sustainability of energy production and positive reduction of CO2 emission. This thesis explores the potential of rice husk as a sustainable energy source for electricity and process heat generation focusing on a rice mill in Sri Lanka. It utilizes advanced thermochemical conversion technologies specifically separate reactors for pyrolysis and gasification to optimize the conversion of rice husk biomass into Bio-char and syngas. The research involves field studies, process modelling with Aspen Plus software, and analysis of the biochemical properties of rice husk. Findings reveal that biomass is a viable and significant energy source by evaluating operational parameters and technological efficiencies. The use of rice husk-derived syngas in a gas turbine cycle and the subsequent utilization of waste heat for process heating are highlighted, underscoring the potential to enhance energy security and the efficient use of agricultural waste. In conclusion, the study suggests that such technologies could substantially achieve the energy needs of local rice mills and strengthen the national grid, supporting a transition toward renewable energy sources in Sri Lanka (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- As the world's energy needs grow, Sri Lanka faces the challenge of reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels. While the country has made progress with wind and solar power, using agricultural waste for energy is still at beginning stage. Rice milling is the major agricultural industry in Sri Lanka, produces large amounts of rice husks as waste. This study explores converting rice husks into energy using advanced technologies at a rice mill, highlighting benefits for sustainability and waste reduction.
The goal of this study is to use rice husk waste to generate electricity and heat by using special reactors for two processes: pyrolysis and gasification. The study aims to convert rice husks into useful products like biochar and... (More) - As the world's energy needs grow, Sri Lanka faces the challenge of reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels. While the country has made progress with wind and solar power, using agricultural waste for energy is still at beginning stage. Rice milling is the major agricultural industry in Sri Lanka, produces large amounts of rice husks as waste. This study explores converting rice husks into energy using advanced technologies at a rice mill, highlighting benefits for sustainability and waste reduction.
The goal of this study is to use rice husk waste to generate electricity and heat by using special reactors for two processes: pyrolysis and gasification. The study aims to convert rice husks into useful products like biochar and syngas. Syngas derived from biomass is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide produced by gasifying organic materials such as agricultural waste. Field studies, computer modelling, and analysis of rice husk properties show that it can be a valuable energy source. The research demonstrates that syngas from rice husks can power a gas turbine to generate electricity and process heat, enhancing energy security and reducing waste. The study focused on a rice mill in the Polonnaruwa district. Data were collected through interviews about rice production in the area, the milling process, and the mill’s energy requirements and rice husk production. Aspen Plus, a commercial software used to model and optimize chemical processes including biomass conversion was used to model and simulate the conversion process and the power and heat generation cycle to understand how rice husks can be converted into energy.
Pyrolysis at lower temperatures produces more char, which helps boost syngas output in the gasifier. However, it also means less fuel for the combustor, affecting heat production. The combustor is crucial for maintaining process heat by burning air, pyrolyzed gas, and bio-oil. Adjusting airflow ensures efficient combustion and heat generation. Syngas production requires careful balancing of char, flue gas, and temperature. The pyrolysis reactor is key to converting biomass into biochar, bio-oil, and gas. Operating at an optimal temperature provides a good balance of biochar and gas. Precise control of the combustor’s air-fuel mixture ensures effective combustion. The integrated system of pyrolysis, combustion, and gasification adapts to power demands, achieving efficient conversion of rice husks to syngas. The cleaned syngas fuels a turbine to generate electricity. Simulations showed that increasing airflow to turbine compressor improves cooling but reduces power output. The system can produce steam from turbine exhaust without affecting the hot air output required for the mills. Proper management of feed water flow is essential for optimal steam generation.
This approach achieves 22.6 % conversion efficiency of rice husk to electricity and combustion efficiency with 28.3 %. Additionally, generating steam and hot air from waste heat significantly enhances energy efficiency. This study highlights the potential of sustainable energy from rice husks, promoting optimized biomass utilization and reliable power supply. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9169699
- author
- Thanthrige, Herath Mudiyanselage Asanka Rajinda LU and Aung, Nyein Linn
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MVKM05 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Rice husk, Thermochemical Conversion, Pyrolysis, Gasification, Sustainable Energy, Syngas, Biochar
- report number
- LUTMDN/TMHP-24/5589-SE
- ISSN
- 0282-1990
- language
- English
- id
- 9169699
- date added to LUP
- 2024-07-03 10:13:50
- date last changed
- 2024-07-03 10:13:50
@misc{9169699,
abstract = {{Agricultural biomass to energy holds promise for the sustainability of energy production and positive reduction of CO2 emission. This thesis explores the potential of rice husk as a sustainable energy source for electricity and process heat generation focusing on a rice mill in Sri Lanka. It utilizes advanced thermochemical conversion technologies specifically separate reactors for pyrolysis and gasification to optimize the conversion of rice husk biomass into Bio-char and syngas. The research involves field studies, process modelling with Aspen Plus software, and analysis of the biochemical properties of rice husk. Findings reveal that biomass is a viable and significant energy source by evaluating operational parameters and technological efficiencies. The use of rice husk-derived syngas in a gas turbine cycle and the subsequent utilization of waste heat for process heating are highlighted, underscoring the potential to enhance energy security and the efficient use of agricultural waste. In conclusion, the study suggests that such technologies could substantially achieve the energy needs of local rice mills and strengthen the national grid, supporting a transition toward renewable energy sources in Sri Lanka}},
author = {{Thanthrige, Herath Mudiyanselage Asanka Rajinda and Aung, Nyein Linn}},
issn = {{0282-1990}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Electricity and Process Heat Generation from Rice Husk Utilizing Technology of Separate Reactors for Pyrolysis and Gasification Focused on a Rice Mill}},
year = {{2024}},
}