Parametric Investigation of Empty Fruit Bunch Gasification using Response Surface Methodology

Nowadays emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels have become a serious environmental problem. Besides, an ever-growing demand for energy sources, which is in dissonance with a limited supply of fossil fuels, has also become another related concern. Subsequently, alternative energy sources have received dramatic attention in an effort to reduce the usage of fossil fuels and increase its share in the future energy production. This paper is, therefore, aimed at investigating the potential usage of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) as renewable energy sources through the gasification process. In this study, a downdraft gasifier was used to investigate the effect of process parameters on gas composition produced from gasification of EFB. The output concentrations and input parameters of EFB were studied using a response surface methodology with central composite design (CCD). The results showed that the optimal output conditions were at 4.7 L/min airflow rate and 363°C temperature for CO; 1.3 L/min airflow rate and 363°C temperature for CO₂; 1.3 L/min airflow rate and 726.42°C for CH4; 1.3 L/min airflow rate and 900°C for H₂ and 1.3 L/min airflow rate and 900°C for H₂/CO. It can be concluded that production of syngas from EFB using downdraft gasifiers is promising to enhance green energy supplies in the future.