Development of a Small-Scale Downdraft Waste Gasification Power Generation Plant for Electrification of Households in Okada Environs

The rising energy demand and the environmental challenges associated with improper waste disposal underscore the need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions. This project outlines the development of an improved 6 kW biomass gasification plant for syngas production. The syngas was deployed for power generation to provide reliable and sustainable electricity for a highly agro-rich settlement in the Okada environs which currently lacks access to the national electricity grid. The components of the gasification plant including the air supply channel, reactor, grate, the hopper etc were designed. Performance analysis was carried out using food waste pellet and wood waste as fuel to test the lower heating value and cold gas efficiencies of the produced syngas. Results showed that the lower heating values and cold gas efficiency using fuel wood were 4.3417 MJ/kg and 59.0316% respectively, while for food waste pellet were 5.5995 MJ/kg and 76.2463% respectively. A total cost of three hundred and fifty thousand naira was utilized in the fabrication of the gasification plant.