On efficiency of plasma gasification of wood residues

High temperature plasma gasification of wood is evaluated for the production of a fuel gas (syngas) for combined heat and power production. The advantages of plasma by comparison with existing thermochemical processes are in the high heating value gases, process control and the lower energy consumption per unit of output. From one kilogram of 20% moisture wood it is possible to obtain 4.6–4.8 MJ of electricity (net of electricity input) and 9.1–9.3 MJ of thermal energy when using wood with average elemental composition and with a LHV energy content of 13.9 MJ, when using a combined Brayton and Steam cycle generating plant. Experimental data from an air plasma gasification plant using alternating current (AC) plasma torches was integrated with a thermodynamic model showing that the chemical energy in the produced syngas was 13.8–14.3 MJ kg−1 with a power input of 2.2–3.3 MJ kg−1.