Bioenergy Potential of Three Fast-Growing Trees: A Pilot Gasification Study for Thermal Applications

This study was conducted during March-October, 2023 at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam - 641301 which investigated the gasification potential of three fast-growing, short-rotation species (Khaya senegalensis- KS 01, Mitragyna parvifolia- MP 01, and Terminalia bellirica- FCRITB 13) for renewable energy generation. All three species were found to have favorable characteristics for a potential bioenergy plant in the analysis. A downdraft gasifier was used to convert the biomass into syn-gas, and the calorific value, thermal conversion efficiency, and elemental composition were analyzed. The results showed that Khaya senegalensis- KS 01 had the highest syn-gas composition (CO: 30.15%, H2: 13.13%, N2: 48.82%, CH4: 1.71%), calorific value (6.04 MJ m-3) and thermal conversion efficiency (59.92%). The elemental composition analysis revealed that Mitragyna parvifolia- MP 01 had the highest carbon content (49.33%), while Khaya senegalensis- KS 01 had the highest hydrogen content (5.94%). These findings suggest that Khaya senegalensis- KS 01 is a promising candidate for biomass gasification due to its high syn-gas yield and thermal conversion efficiency.