Abstract
Since the effective utilization of biomass as energy calls for an effective collection system, sewage sludge as well as municipal solid waste is an ideal biomass in Japan at present. However, most of the energy in sewage sludge has not been utilized due to its high moisture and ash content. Given this situation, we developed a highly effective power generation system for sewage sludge, and demonstration tests have been conducted since 2005. As a result, a high cold gas efficiency of 65% in the gasification plant and a high power generation efficiency of 38% in the gas engine were obtained. Under optimum operating conditions, a durability test was conducted for 90 days. Continuous operation of the gasification plant for more than 2000 hours was achieved without significant trouble. Therefore, it was concluded that the gasification system, combined with a city gas CHP system, has high energy efficiency and can be put to practical use, which will contribute to the realization of a low carbon society.
