Numerical simulation of solar-driven biomass gasification by using ceramic foam

This study aimed to investigate the potential of silicon carbide (SiC) foam to enhance the reaction rate in solar-driven gasification within a packed bed reactor. A validated gasification model was employed to evaluate the performance of biomass reaction in terms of biomass conversion χ and energy utilization η, under varying conditions of SiC foam porosity ϕ_SiC, steam equivalence ratio α, and radiation power Q_G. The findings revealed that the incorporation of SiC foam significantly enhanced the thermal conductivity of the packed bed. The bed temperature exhibited a prominent increase in response to the enhanced radiation power. It is crucial to adjust the amount of steam introduced in response to the bed temperature. The biomass conversion χ saw a remarkable increase under optimal conditions of ϕ_SiC = 0.85, α = 0.4, and Q_G = 3600 W, doubling from 35% to 73%. Additionally, by identifying a range of favorable operating parameters, we were able to achieve a higher energy utilization η. These significant findings underscore the critical role of SiC foam in mitigating the challenges associated with low heat and mass transfer rates in packed bed reactors. The use of SiC foam provides a promising solution for enhancing the reaction rate in solar-driven gasification processes, ultimately leading to improved biomass conversion and energy efficiency.