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Development of a pilot-scale multi-functional fixed-bed gasifier and its techno-economic performance using pigeon pea stalk feedstock for gasifier spark ignition engine

Author

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  • Prajapati, Lawalesh Kumar
  • Tirkey, Jeewan Vachan
  • Raj, Reetu
  • Singh, Deepak Kumar
  • kasaudhan, Pushpendu

Abstract

The rising population and increasing energy demand, coupled with the exhaustion of fossil fuels, mandate the need of sustainable alternatives, such as biomass energy. In order to convert waste biomass into gaseous fuel, existing gasifiers are not flexible for different biomass types and sizes, or for different gasification modes. This gap motivates the need of a multi-functional gasifier. Therefore, this study presents the novel development and experimental assessment of a multi-functional gasifier. The Gasifier was experimented under all modes to assess the quality and performance of producer gas (PG) produced from Pigeon pea stalk as feedstock. Gasifier-engine experiments were conducted to evaluate power output and emissions of engine. Among the configurations, the catalytic steam-assisted downdraft gasification mode demonstrated superior performance, producing a gas with 13.90 ± 0.65 vol% CO, 2.21 ± 0.06 vol% CH4, and 24.25 ± 0.7 vol% H2, 6.87 ± 0.23 MJ/kg LHV and observed the highest cold gas efficiency of 87.44 ± 3.67%. Engine tests with pure PG achieved an average brake power of 4.4 ± 0.2 kW and a brake thermal efficiency of 16.81 ± 1.14 % at 2000 rpm. Compared with a gasoline-fuelled engine, the PG–fuelled engine achieved substantial emission reductions, with average reductions of about 80% in CO, 85% in NOx, and 78% in HC. Furthermore, the economic analysis revealed a levelized cost of electricity of USD 0.07/kWh, a net present value of USD 12,434, an internal rate of return of 26%, and a profitability index of 2.57 for systems operating without electricity line distribution, underscoring the strong financial viability of the system. These results demonstrate that the developed multifunctional gasifier enhances PG quality, promotes economically viable, low-emission power generation, and provides rural farmers with an affordable source of energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Prajapati, Lawalesh Kumar & Tirkey, Jeewan Vachan & Raj, Reetu & Singh, Deepak Kumar & kasaudhan, Pushpendu, 2026. "Development of a pilot-scale multi-functional fixed-bed gasifier and its techno-economic performance using pigeon pea stalk feedstock for gasifier spark ignition engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:349:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226007334
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140630
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