Dual Fueling a Lister Diesel Engine with Producer Gas Generated from Wastepaper and Biosolids

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate if wastepaper and biosolids can be used to dual-fuel a small diesel generator with producer gas produced by a tiny Imbert style downdraft gasifier. The waste paper was formed into 20 cm³ to 60 cm³ chunks, dried to a 6% moisture content and gasified. The energy potential that could be provided was up to 3.24 kWh/kg at a diesel usage of 60 ml/6 min Chunks made from Wastepaper and biosolids showed a higher energy output of up to 9.23 kWh/kg at a diesel usage of 45 ml/6 min. run. However, chunks containing waste paper showed not to be a valid fuel option due to its low density, difficulty to gasify, tar production, and tendency to hang up in the gasifier, which caused difficulties in the gasifier and engine and system operation overall. Biosolids chunks with a volume of 15 cm³ have the potential to provide up to 3.6 kWh/kg at a diesel usage of 5 ml/6min without operational problems in regards to tar formation and operational stability and energy generated by the genset system. A ton of biosolids could generate up to 3,600 kWh of energy. Additional savings for disposal of biosolids including trucking could be realized based.