Title:
Integrated Assessment of Corn Stover and Cob Gasification: Energetic and Environmental Perspectives in Midwest Brazil
Author(s):
Hack, M., Lamas, G.C., Rodrigues, T.O., Rousset, P., Ghesti, G.F., Silveira, E.A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
This research presents an integrated energy and environmental assessment of the gasification process for residual biomass, specifically corn stover and cobs, in the Midwest Region of Brazil. The study combines numerical modeling of the gasification process (thermodynamic equilibrium) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the quality of the gas produced and its associated environmental impacts, including Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Acidification Potential (AP). Corn biomass, often a by-product of industrial processing, is explored for its potential in energy generation, aiming to decentralize energy production and reduce environmental impacts. Preliminary results show variations in Lower Heating Value (LHV), Cold Gas Efficiency (CGE), and gas composition, focusing on syngas production. Results indicate that the highest percentage of H2 (38.5%) and the lowest percentage of CO (7.3%) was obtained for corn cob biomass as feedstock. Considering GWP and AP, the higher presence of steam (S/B = 1) as a gasifying agent generates more CO2-eq and kg SO2-eq emissions for both feedstocks, reporting corn stover with an average of 2.41 kg of CO2-eq. and corn cob with 0.002481 kg of SO2-eq. This research contributes to a better understanding of corn biomass gasification, offering valuable insights for optimizing the process while considering its environmental implications. Therefore, a model of sustainable corn production is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), green chemistry, and circular economy.
Keywords:
corn, gasification, modelling, environmental impact, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts and Policies
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.5.6
Pages:
291 - 298
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-2AV.5.6
Price:
FREE
