การเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพเตาแก๊สซิไฟเออร์แบบไหลลง ที่ใช้กากเปลือกเมล็ดมะม่วงหิมพานต์เป็นเชื้อเพลิงด้วยระบบควบคุมอัตโนมัติ

Pitak Khlaichom; Gunt Intuwong

Authors

Pitak Khlaichom Computer Engineering Program, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Uttaradit Rajabhat University, Mueang, Uttaradit 53000, Thailand.
Gunt Intuwong Industrial Technology Program, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Uttaradit Rajabhat University, Mueang, Uttaradit 53000, Thailand.

Keywords:

automatic control system, downdraft gasifier, cashew nut shell waste

Abstract

Automatic control systems are technologies designed to manage processes based on preset conditions, eliminating the need for direct human intervention. These systems enhance efficiency, speed, and safety in operations. The objective of this research was to increase the efficiency of a downdraft gasifier with an automatic control system. Thermocouples were used to measure the temperature inside the furnace, sending signals to a PLC controller for processing. A PID control program operated the inverter to regulate blower speed and control the air flow into the furnace. The system included a touch screen display for viewing various furnace status values and controlling the reduction zone temperature according to specified values. Additionally, it allowed both manual and automatic control of the blower and fuel feed motor. The experiment aimed to determine the thermal efficiency of a gasifier stove using cashew nut shell waste as fuel. The temperature of the reduction zone was controlled at three levels: 515 ºC, 615 ºC, and 715 ºC. Samples of the producer gas were analyzed in a laboratory using a gas chromatography machine. The research results found that the composition of the producer gas at the reduction zone temperature level of 515 °C yielded the highest heating value, measured at 4.39 MJ/Nm³. The proportions of combustible gases CO, H₂, and CH₄ were 21.0%, 13.5%, and 0.8%, respectively. The gasification system's efficiency with an automatic control system was calculated to be 48.68%, compared to that of the original gasification system without an automatic control system, which had an efficiency value of 39.92%, indicating that the automatic control system increased the gasification system efficiency by 21.94 %. The producer gas can be used as heat energy in the processing process to replace firewood and LPG.

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