Thermodynamic analysis and parametric optimization of steam-CO2 based biomass gasification system using Aspen PLUS

Energy procurement from renewable energy sources to promote carbon neutrality has gained a significant boost in recent times. The present study contributes to developing a reliable numerical model for syngas production from woody biomass with steam and CO 2 as gasifying agents. Aspen PLUS process simulator was employed to investigate the critical parameters such as gasification temperature, reactions temperature, and gas agent composition on H 2 and CO concentrations, CO and CO 2 conversion, H 2 /CO ratio, and the syngas process efficiency. The gasification system's energy performance was evaluated at 900 °C. Simulation results showed that the substitution of H 2 O by CO 2 did not significantly influence the gasification efficiency yet, enhanced the biofuel energy from the biomass, and aided in tailoring the H 2 /CO ratio for downstream synthesis. The replacement of H 2 O by CO 2 can effectively generate useful syngas for downstream synthesis applications and reduce global greenhouse emissions. This data information can be beneficial to understand and optimize the overall gasification process for exploring possible utilization of CO 2 without the need for laborious, high-cost, and time-consuming experimental investigation. • The effect of CO 2 addition in H 2 O oxidizing media was investigated. • The energy performance of woody gasification was evaluated at 900 °C. • CGE enhanced with increasing CO 2 content in the gasifying stream. • H 2 /CO ratio was further adjusted for DME, methyl formate, and SNG synthesis requirement.