Effective utilization of low grade coal through thermochemical conversion integrated with circular economy: A response surface methodology based engine parametric optimization

Abstract

Gasification is a viable alternative to traditional fuel methods as it can convert waste into energy. However, it faces several technical challenges. These challenges include optimizing gasifier and engine conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) and finding ways to use gasified fly ash to enhance the circular economy. This research simultaneously addresses the energy use of syngas for power generation and the zero-waste goal for the remaining gasified ash. The research will focus on finding the optimum gasifier operating conditions integrated with engine while respecting the limitations for most effective methods for incorporating the gasified fly ash into concrete mixtures. This research aims to provide solutions to the technical challenges of gasification, and to help make it a more viable alternative for producing energy from waste materials.150*150*150 mm3 concrete block was constructed wherein 20 % of cement was replaced with gasified coal ash. In the mix design for M-30 grade, the slump was 30 mm. specific gravity of gasified fly ash obtained was 2.05 using le chatelier principle. The compressive strength for the first 7 days was 24 MPa which was 16.66 % higher than the ideal code and compressive strength obtained after 28 days was 28.5 MPa which was 5 % lower than the ideal code. RSM result reveals that the optimal values of independent parameters of gasification equivalence ratio (GER), compression ratio (CR) and engine load (EL) are 0.12, 17.39, and 100 % kg respectively. The corresponding optimal values of brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), CO, HC, and NOx were observed to be 3.50 kW, 28.36 %, 0.0027 % vol, 2.0004 ppm, and 12.156 ppm respectively. This study concludes that optimizing gasifier-engine conditions significantly enhances performance. Additionally, it finds that coal gasification ash can be reused in concrete production, providing valuable material and improving environmental safety. © 2024