Towards more efficient biomass
The aim was to convert biomass through an Absorption Enhanced Reforming (AER) process as a means to reduce cost and increase energy efficiency. This is because the number of required process units is minimised. Furthermore, the utilization of gasifiers with AER hydrocarbon reforming will reduce technical risks. The AER technology is suitable for various applications including Decentralised Combined Heat and Power Generation, Hydrogen / Synthesis gas from biomass and Integration in industrial processes (pulp, cement, lime). In the case of decentralised Combined Heat and Power Generation, it should be applicable for use in three to five years. A power plant adapted to the AER technology could for example, replace the inert bed material with a reactive CO2 absorbent bed material. Since hydrogen and synfuels are costly to produce, there may possibly be no market for them for much longer. However, with the AER process the production of renewable hydrogen and synfuels becomes promising as a long-term energy supply. Additionally if this process is combined with fuel cells, it could be used in small power plants.
