A comparative analysis of the thermochemical properties and gasification efficiency of palm kernel shell and coal for clean energy applications

Abstract

The growing global energy demand has driven the exploration of alternative, more environmentally friendly energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Palm kernel shell (PKS), a biomass waste, and coal, a primary fossil fuel, have distinct thermochemical characteristics, which present both challenges and opportunities in gasification processes. This study aims to analyze and compare the thermochemical properties of both feedstocks, including proximate and ultimate analyses, gasification efficiency, calorific values, and syngas composition. The research involved raw material characterization, gasification in a reactor, and gas composition analysis using gas chromatography. Results indicated that PKS has a significantly higher volatile matter content (68.31% adb) compared to coal (41.75%), resulting in a higher H2/CO ratio (24.19% at 500°C). Conversely, coal exhibited a higher gross calorific value (HHV) at lower temperatures, reaching 25.38 MJ/Nm3 at 350°C. However, the carbon conversion efficiency (%CCE) of PKS remained more stable at moderate temperatures, achieving 89.19% at 350°C, compared to coal, whose efficiency dropped drastically to 7.07% at 650°C. In conclusion, PKS demonstrates significant potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly renewable energy feedstock at moderate to high temperatures, and it could replace or complement coal in clean energy applications.