The review of power generation from integrated biomass gasification and solid oxide fuel cells: current status and future directions

The integration of biomass based gasification with power systems can enable carbon neutral electricity. This study examines the power generation process from syngas derived from biomass gasification using syngas generators, gas and steam turbines, and combined heat and power (CHP). The efficiency of electricity generation using syngas in a combustion engine ranges from approximately 20 % to 35 %. It is considered cost-effective due to its ability to tolerate syngas with impurities. Conversely, the use of steam and gas turbines also falls within this efficiency range, ranging from 20 to 35 %, although, in specific instances, efficiencies up to 50 % have been reported. The integrated CHP system enhances the overall system efficiency, achieving levels as high as 90 %, whereas it is within the range of 40–60 % without CHP. This review also evaluates the potential for clean electricity generation through the integration of fuel cells (FC) with the gasification system, specifically, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) by considering both experimental and modelling studies. The electrical efficiency of power production using SOFC falls within the range of 30–60 % using syngas derived from a gasification system. However, for hydrogen, higher efficiencies up to 90 % have been observed. The power generation is approximately 0.85kWel using syngas produced from gasification of one kg biomass/h. The power generation capacity is normally in the range of 200 kW to 2 MW. Moreover, Technology readiness level (TRL) for these technologies, with a particular focus on FC technology is also analysed. Finally, this review examines the current state of the art, challenges, and future prospects of technologies.