A Research Institute of the University of Central Florida

Oxygen-blown Gasification for Efficient Conversion of Woody Biomass to Liquid

Hydrocarbon Fuels

Ali T-Raissi, Amit C. Gujar, Jong Baik, Nathaniel Garceau, Errol Hinkamp, Nazim Muradov

2014 Florida Energy Systems Consortium WorkshopMay 12-13, 2014

Gainesville, Florida

H2

water

fuel refining

conditioner

scrubber

gasifier

biomasswaste

waterelectrolyzer

O2

raw product

diesel

gasoline

raw syngas

PV

Rational & Overall Goal

The goal of this ongoing activity is to convert solar energy (directly and in combination with that stored in the form of lignocellulosic biomass) to liquid hydrocarbon fuels – as substitutes for petroleum-based fuels (gasoline, jet, diesel).

H2O Fischer-Tropschreactor

H2O

3

Chemistry of the Process

• Ideal gasification rxnCH1.4O0.6 + 0.4 O2

0.7 CO + 0.3 CO2 + 0.6 H2 + 0.1 H2O

• Ideal Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis rxn

CO + 2 H2

-CH2- + H2O

Process Reactors

/

SUS304200psig cylinder

Biomass(charcoal, wood

pellet etc.)

Glass fiberinsulation

Insulating risersleeve

Hearth zone

Grate/flowdiffuser

Ash collector

Cyclone

FT

GAS

Cost Analysis of Biomass to FT Fuel Process – Levelized Fuel Cost

Cost component Cost$/kg of FT fuel

% total cost

Capital equipment 0.81 39.3%

Fixed O & M 0.18 8.6%

Feedstock 1.12 54.4%

Other raw materials 0.06 3.0%

Byproduct credits - electricity generation

-0.13 -6.5%

Other variable 0.02 1.2%

Total $2.06 Per kg FT fuel (diesel)

$7.00 Per gal FT fuel (diesel)