R&D (Research and Development) on distributed power generation from solid fuels

Technical demonstration of an innovative small-scale gasification and power generation system for solid fuels such as wastes and biomass are described which is known as the STAR-MEET (steam/air reforming type multi-staged enthalpy extraction technology) system. In this system, a fixed-bed pyrolyzer combined with a high temperature reformer using a high temperature steam/air mixture is employed. From the experimental results using various solid fuels, it has been demonstrated that the injection of high temperature steam/air mixture into the pyrolysis gas effectively decomposes tar and soot components in the pyrolysis gas into CO and H2, and almost dust and tar free clean reformed gas can be generated. This gasification system generates low-BTU gas from solid fuels. Power generation experiments using a small, dual fueled (20% light oil gas+80% low-BTU gas) diesel engine demonstrated high thermal efficiency around 30% and low emission (especially NOx). For the early commercialization of STAR-MEET systems, three classes of facility, which are different in capacity are under development. The current demonstration status is described.