Syngas production in downdraft biomass gasifiers and its application using internal combustion engines

Biomass downdraft reactors, coupled with reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICEs), are a viable technology for small scale heat and power generation. This paper contains information gathered from a review of published papers on the effects of the particle size and the moisture content of biomass feedstock and the air/fuel equivalence ratio used in the gasification process with regard to the quality of the producer gas. Additionally, data on the parameters of producer gas, such as its energy density, flame speed, knock tendency, auto-ignition delay period and the typical spark ignition timing, are systematised. Finally, information on the typical performance of various diesel and spark ignition RICEs fuelled with producer gas is presented. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.