Gasification of Chlorella vulgaris for Syngas Production and Energy Generation Through Gas Turbine

Lucrezia Scopel and Vera Marcantonio ()
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Lucrezia Scopel: Unit of Process Engineering, Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, University “Campus Bio-Medico” di Roma, Via Alvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
Vera Marcantonio: Unit of Process Engineering, Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, University “Campus Bio-Medico” di Roma, Via Alvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-18

Abstract: The increasing need for sustainable energy sources has driven research toward innovative solutions, including biomass gasification for syngas production, with applications in the chemical industry and energy generation. This study explores the application of Chlorella vulgaris in the gasification process to produce syngas intended for gas turbine operation. Using Aspen Plus V11 (academic version) simulations, the study evaluates optimal process conditions and syngas yields, focusing on operational parameters such as the S/B ratio and gasifier temperature. Results show that a higher S/B ratio increases H 2 and CO 2 concentrations while reducing CO and CH 4 , with final syngas composition in dry conditions reaching 0.42 CO, 0.52 H 2 , and 0.036 H 2 O. Contaminants like H 2 S and HCl were effectively reduced below critical thresholds, with H 2 S levels under 20 ppm and HCl under 1 ppm to meet GT requirements. The system achieved a cold gas efficiency of 55% and an overall turbine cycle efficiency of 25%, with CO 2 emissions of 0.198 kg per kWh produced. In conclusion, the gasification of C. vulgaris offers a promising and sustainable solution for syngas production and energy generation, with reduced environmental impacts. However, economic feasibility and certain technical challenges will require further advancements to fully realize this technology’s potential.

Keywords: biomass conversion; biomass waste; aspen plus; synthesis gas; energy generation; microalgae (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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