Biomass Conversion Via Direct Chemical Looping Technology – Process Simulations

Biomass is a clean and renewable energy source. Conventional processes for biomass conversion face several problems such as limited woody biomass processing capability and low energy conversion efficiency. Chemical looping technology offers a potentially effective approach to thermochemically convert biomass into hydrogen and/or electricity. In this paper, process analysis is conducted for biomass conversion through iron-based direct chemical looping technology. The biomass direct chemical looping concept and its overall energy management are elaborated. A multistage model is set up using Aspen Plus® to study thermodynamic equilibrium in the chemical looping reactor. The model can help to predict the performance of the reactor and optimize its operating conditions. Process simulation in Aspen Plus® is then developed using the reactor performance data obtained from multi-stage model. Simulation results show that biomass direct chemical looping (BDCL) is efficient in biomass conversion to hydrogen and/or electricity. Moreover, all the CO2 generated from the process can be captured effectively. Several BDCL configurations are investigated for process optimization. Finally, some technical considerations are addressed for further development on biomass direct chemical looping technology.