SIMULATION OF BIOMASS GASIFICATION USING THERMODYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM MODEL

Thermodynamic models use a computationally economic modeling approach based on mainly the second law of thermodynamics, and they are widespread and popular numerical simulation models which can make quick estimates of highest product yields from a reaction system. This chapter initially introduces the two thermodynamic equilibrium models of stoichiometric thermodynamic equilibrium models and nonstoichiometric equilibrium models (using Gibbs free energy minimization approach). The simulation results obtained from biomass gasification using thermodynamic equilibrium models based on Aspen Plus are then presented. Some main conclusions and future outlook are also briefly summarized. The contents presented in this chapter not only introduce the fundamentals of thermodynamic equilibrium models (equilibrium constant stoichiometric method and minimization of the Gibbs free energy method) for biomass gasification, but also detail the simulation results (syngas compositions, reaction mechanisms) of biomass gasification using Aspen Plus.