A Detailed One-Dimensional Hydrodynamic and Kinetic Model for Sorption Enhanced Gasification

Increased installation of renewable electricity generators requires different technologies to compensate for the associated fast and high load gradients. In this work, sorption enhanced gasification (SEG) in a dual fluidized bed gasification system is considered as a promising and flexible technology for the tailored syngas production for use in chemical manufacturing or electricity generation. To study different operational strategies, as defined by gasification temperature or fuel input, a simulation model is developed. This model considers the hydrodynamics in a bubbling fluidized bed gasifier and the kinetics of gasification reactions and CO2 capture. The CO2 capture rate is defined by the number of carbonation/calcination cycles and the make-up of fresh limestone. A parametric study of the make-up flow rate (0.2, 6.6, and 15 kg/h) reveals its strong influence on the syngas composition, especially at low gasification temperatures (600–650 °C). Our results show good agreement with the experimental data of a 200 kW pilot plant, as demonstrated by deviations of syngas composition (5–34%), lower heating value (LHV) (5–7%), and M module (23–32%). Studying the fuel feeding rate (22–40 kg/h), an operational range with a good mixing of solids in the fluidized bed is identified. The achieved results are summarized in a reactor performance diagram, which gives the syngas power depending on the gasification temperature and the fuel feeding rate.