Comprehensive Modelling of the Microwave Plasma Biomass Gasification Process Utilizing the COMSOL Multi-Physics Platform

Presenter Information

Benjamin Lindquist, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Gustavo Lahoud, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Tressa Marquardt, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Carl Hobus, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 203

Start Date

10-4-2018 2:10 PM

End Date

10-4-2018 3:20 PM

Student's Major

Integrated Engineering

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Jacob Swanson

Mentor's Department

Integrated Engineering

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

This research effort developed a comprehensive multi-physics model to explore the underlying physics associated with the process of microwave plasma biomass gasification (MPBG). The MPBG process uses microwaves transmitted through a waveguide positioned orthogonal to the flow of a plasma carrier gas to generate a plasma field. Biomass in pellet or particle form is fed into the carrier gas stream and travels through the plasma that transforms the particles into a resultant mixture of gases and residual solids. The primary objective of this research addresses the lack of an optimized model of the MPBG process by development of a model based on a peer reviewed experimental methods and results as a source of validation. The validated model served as a baseline for an iterative design approach to MPBG system geometry design. Input parameters of the system were microwave power, plasma properties, flowrate and chemical composition of the plasma carrier gas and biomass feedstock. The outputs of interest were biomass particle dynamics (i.e. size, temperature, position, velocity) and resultant properties (pressure, temperature, flowrate, and composition) of gases and residual solids. Model boundary conditions assume standard temperature and pressure. Modelling was performed using COMSOL Multi-physics to couple plasma, chemical kinetics, heat transfer, and CFD physics into one comprehensive model. The results of the model provide a functional time evolution of the MPBG system. An experimental design using the geometric constraints defined in the model will further validate MPBG system design and provide a foundation for more efficient future commercial designs.