Download Modelling of Synthetic Natural Gas Production via Biomass

DIT PhD/Doctoral Project
Supervisor name & contact details:
Name: Dr Wayne Doherty
Tel: 01-402-3885
Email: [email protected]
Research Centre Name and Website (if
applicable)
Dublin Energy Lab
www.dit.ie/dublinenergylab/
Funding Agency
Scholarship Details
No scholarship available, the student is
encouraged to apply for the Fiosraigh Dean of
Graduate Research School Award.
www.dit.ie/fiosraigh
Subject Area
Energy; Thermodynamics
Title of the Project
Modelling of Synthetic Natural Gas Production
via Biomass Gasification for Renewable Gas
Grid Injection in Ireland
Project Description (max 300 words)
Ireland relies heavily on imported natural gas, which is used for electricity generation, heating
and cooking. Therefore, grid injection of renewable gas is very attractive. Replacing heat from
fossil fuels with heat from renewable sources is a significant challenge. Due to Ireland’s
favourable growth climate, bioenergy is expected to play a major role in meeting renewable heat
(and transport) targets; however, to date its uptake has been very low. Barriers include: low
efficiency of conversion technologies; high capital and biomass fuel costs; absence of large heat
loads (no district heating networks). Synthetic natural gas production via biomass gasification
(BG-SNG) with subsequent grid injection can overcome these barriers. A BG-SNG plant comprises
a gasifier followed by gas cleaning (removal/conversion of impurities) and upgrading
(methanation and inert gas removal) steps. The main aim of this research work is to investigate
the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of BG-SNG systems in Ireland. Various BG
technologies will be modelled. System optimisation will be carried out for the best performing
gasification technology. Different gas cleaning and upgrading options and biomass fuel
drying/pre-treatment technologies will be studied. Thermal integration/heat recovery will be
investigated. A techno-economic model will be developed and applied to determine the
commercial viability of these systems in an Irish context.
Please indicate the student requirements for this project
Minimum of a first class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering
discipline
Deadline to submit applications (only for
funded projects)
Deadline to apply for Fiosraigh scholarship is
May 9th 2016
Please choose College as appropriate
Arts & Tourism
Business
Engineering and Built Environment
Sciences & Health
√