A model for the simulation of the gas cleaning system in a syngas-fed CHP plant

Biomass gasification is a promising solution for power generation and combined heat and power (CHP). The conversion to syngas allows for a more efficient use of biomasses with low pollutant emissions in internal combustion engines. Small-scale plants do not have the expected diffusion, mainly due to a lack of experimental experience. To overcome this drawback, accurate simulation models may be useful for the diagnostics and control of these systems. A commercial-grade system, fueled by syngas from lignocellulosic woodchips, has been installed in the Science and Technologies Campus of the University of Parma, within the SYNBIOSE project. The scope is to acquire knowledge to improve small-scale gasification and CHP plants for the tertiary sector. The project includes the development of a simulation model for system diagnostics. The syngas cleaning line is a critical part of CHP plants. It must remove any solid/liquid fraction from the raw syngas, as produced by the gasifier, yielding the clean gas. To this extent, a MATLAB®/Simulink® model has been developed and is described in the paper. It is able to predict the operation according to the inputs and operating parameters, e.g. considering fluid inlet characteristics and fouling. Model analysis showed that the calculation results are consistent with the physical behavior of the plant, providing a first validation of the proposed model. The model can be useful for system simulation and diagnostics.