Turning Waste into Watts: Bagasse Syngas
Powers Internal Combustion Engines
Bagasse syngas power generation technology involves converting sugarcane bagasse into combustible synthetic gas (syngas) through a gasification process, and then using this gas for power generation. After juice extraction, the bagasse is thermally decomposed at high temperatures in an oxygen-deficient or low-oxygen environment to produce combustible gases—mainly CO, H₂, and CH₄. These gases are then purified and used to power gas internal combustion engines.
This method serves as a supplement or alternative to the traditional direct combustion of bagasse for power generation. It shows greater potential when higher efficiency, lower emissions, or the production of diversified products (e.g., co-generation of liquid fuels or chemicals) is desired. Compared with the conventional “direct combustion” method, this approach is more efficient and cleaner, and is especially well-suited for small to medium-scale distributed energy systems.
As one of the world’s largest producers of sugarcane, Brazil has long actively utilized bagasse for energy. During the process of converting sugarcane into sugar or ethanol, large volumes of solid residues are generated. These are typically used as fertilizer. Some of these residues can be further processed in biodigesters to produce biogas, especially methane, which can also be used for electricity generation.
Power plants using this technology can generate electricity year-round—distillery wastewater, which is difficult to store, can be used for power generation during the harvest season, while solid residues can be stored and used regardless of season.
No. 1
Core Process and Technical Stages
Feedstock Pretreatment:
Drying: The initial moisture content of bagasse (~50%) far exceeds gasification requirements (typically needs to be reduced to 10–20%).
Crushing/Forming: Bagasse is crushed to an appropriate size (from millimeters to centimeters, depending on the gasifier type) or compressed into pellets or briquettes to increase bulk density, ensure smooth feeding, and improve reaction uniformity during gasification.
Gasification:
Principle: Under high temperatures (typically 700°C–1200°C) and oxygen-limited or steam-assisted conditions, the hydrocarbons in bagasse undergo partial oxidation and thermochemical reactions, producing a syngas mainly composed of CO, H₂, and CH₄, along with CO₂, steam, tar, dust, and trace impurities such as H₂S and NH₃.
Syngas Purification:
Dust Removal
Tar Removal: One of the most challenging aspects of biomass gasification.
Methods include:
Desulfurization & Denitrification: Removal of H₂S, COS, NH₃, etc. (e.g., via iron/zinc oxide adsorption, amine absorption, catalytic hydrolysis + adsorption).
Alkali Metal Removal: Bagasse is rich in potassium. During gasification, it may form alkali metal vapors that condense and corrode downstream equipment. These must be removed via cooling, filtration, or adsorption.
Power Generation:
Internal Combustion Engine Power Generation: A mature technology with relatively low requirements for syngas quality (can tolerate some tar and impurities), quick startup, and suitable for small to medium-scale applications.
No. 2
Advantages of Internal Combustion Power Generation
Higher Power Generation Efficiency
Fuel Flexibility:
Gasifiers (especially fluidized beds) generally adapt better to variations in fuel moisture and particle size than direct combustion boilers.
Lower Emission Potential:
The gasification process occurs in a reducing atmosphere, greatly reducing the formation of thermal NOx compared to combustion.
Centralized purification enables more effective control of pollutants like SOx and particulates.
Versatile Syngas Applications:
Purified syngas is not only an efficient fuel for power generation, but also a feedstock for:
Producing liquid fuels (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch diesel, methanol-to-gasoline)
Producing chemical raw materials (e.g., methanol, hydrogen, ammonia)
As an industry-leading manufacturer of energy equipment, Kelinyuan has been deeply involved in the field of gas internal combustion generator sets for many years. Its independently developed product series covers power outputs ranging from 300 to 5000 kW and is widely applicable to various industrial scenarios. The company adopts advanced in-cylinder direct injection technology, which significantly enhances combustion efficiency and operational stability.
Meanwhile, Kelinyuan continues to innovate in system integration, offering a comprehensive solution centered on “gas purification + internal combustion power generation + intelligent operation & maintenance.” This system features flexible design, high efficiency, and easy maintenance. Through scientific monitoring and regulation of operational parameters, the system ensures long-term stable operation and supports enterprises in achieving refined energy management and transformation.
