Gasification for Energy Supply
Rural areas in the developing countries are characterized by
disperse population and a lack of infrastructure . Energy is the basic mean in
improving the living standard and productivity. Energy is required in household
for lighting and running electrical appratus such as TV and Radio. Energy is
also demanded in agriculture for operating irrigation pumps and other machinery
such as thresher.
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Gasifier-engine system combined with generator provides electrical
energy for lighting, and other household purposes. Small scale gasifier system
(10-30 kw) would be appropriate for multitudes of village applications in
developing countries.
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Gasifiers, when integrated with engines, provide mechanical power
which can be used for running automobiles and many other stationary machinery.
The use of downdraft gasifiers fueled with wood or charcoal to power cars,
lorries, buses, trains, boats and ships has already proved it´s worth in
the past. Before and during second world war, gasifiers were largely used to
power vehicles. Most of the gasoline and diesel driven vehicles during this
period were converted to producer gas drive.
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Reseach in the past shows that compared to gasifiers fueled with
wood or agricultural residues, charcoal gasifiers present less operational
problems and are be recommeded for village level applications. Micro scale
gasification systems (1-10 kw) can be used by small and medium farmers for
providing power to irrigation system. The equipment shall be small, cheap,
simple and transportable.
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If firewood is available in sufficient amount without any danger
to forest, gasifier can serve as an option for energy supply in remote areas.
Because of great concern for conservation of forests and availability of fossil
fuels, gasification is not seen as universally applicable technology, but act as
a component within range of available regnerative energies. It can be a valuable
supplement to wind, solar and
hydropower.
