Performance Assessment of Biomass Gasification for Decentralized Power Generation Applications

Abstract

The transition toward sustainable and decentralized energy systems has intensified research interest in biomass-based power generation technologies. Biomass gasification offers an efficient thermochemical pathway for converting agricultural residues into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be utilized for decentralized electricity generation. This study presents a comprehensive performance assessment of a downdraft biomass gasification system for small-scale decentralized power applications. Locally available agricultural residues were characterized using proximate, ultimate, and calorific value analyses. Gasification performance was evaluated using key indicators, including cold gas efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, specific gas yield, and syngas calorific value. The influence of operating parameters such as equivalence ratio and gasification temperature on syngas quality was analyzed. Results indicate that air gasification produces syngas with a lower heating value of 4.5–6.0 MJ/Nm³ and a cold gas efficiency of 60–70% under optimal conditions. The findings confirm that biomass gasification is a technically feasible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable solution for decentralized power generation, particularly in rural and off-grid regions.