Experimental investigation of chestnut shells gasification

Fossil fuels substitution with renewable energy sources is necessary for an effective decarbonization. Biomass can represent a valid alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, bioenergy generation avoids costs and problems related to biomass disposal. This study presents the energetic valorisation of chestnut shells, a byproduct of the chestnut transformation processes. Through a thermo-conversion system based on gasification, this material was considered not as a waste, but as a resource to be exploited to produce bioenergy and biochar. The fuel gas produced through the gasification process can partially replace the LPG currently used to meet the energy required for the brulage and steam peeling processes. Experimental gasification tests were carried out to evaluate this biomass by means of a laboratory scale micro-gasifier (Imbert downdraft type). Chestnut shells were pelletized with a pelletizer machine to avoid the bridging effect inside the gasifier and increase its energy density. The fuel gas obtained was sampled and analyzed to measure its composition and HHV. In addition, the gasification efficiency was calculated obtaining a value of 70%, a result in line with the ones obtained with higher quality biomasses.