Old Dominion University Wood Burner Gas Generator(Pegasus)

Project Design and Management IIPegasus II(Measurement and Increment of the Efficiency of Pegasus Lawnmower Engine)Robert CrumrineBen KnerrRijeshPradhan

Old Dominion University Wood Burner Gas Generator(Pegasus) • Continuation of the Fall Pegasus project. • Presently used to run a lawnmower engine . • To measure and modify the gas generator’s output to produce higher efficiency.

Spring 2011 • Minutes : January 15th 2011 • Colin (member of the Fall Pegasus group) was on hand to turnover the project . • Gasifier partly disassembled to understand each component inside. • Problems and possible solutions for the current setup discussed.

Problems identified • The major problem is the excess production of tar as output. Reasons • Assumption that the center of the flame was not hot enough. • Excess air flow entering the combustion chamber. • Presence of water in the wood. Tar as unwanted output

Solutions • Use baked wood to reduce moisture. • Plug some of the inlets leading to the combustion chamber. • Possibly using a better filter that can filter tar . Pegasus

Next step • To clean the cooler, filter and the vertical pipes of the burner. • To run the system and compare the outputs. • Measure and increase the temperature at the center of the combustion chamber. • Maintain optimum air flow entering the chamber. Equipments required • Temperature probe that can measure above 1000 C • Insulation: Fiber glass ceramic blanket to insulate the combustion chamber. Steel wires to bind the insulation into place.

Minutes: • Minutes: January 28 & January 29 2011 • To discuss different concepts of installing the temperature probe in the gasifier. • Measurements of the gasifier unit taken. • A scaled 3D AutoCAD model of the gasifier unit started.

Autocad Conceptual view of the gasifier unit

Concept • To insert the temperature probe through the access plate three fourth of the height of the access plate • At this height the temperature probe will be right above the flame.

Position of the combustion chamber in the gasifier unit

Red is where the wood burns

Current Progress • At this point, the Pegasus is operational but needs improvements to increase output efficiency. • Clean the pipes ,cooler and filter as some are clogged up . • We are currently in talks with the suppliers for the temperature probe and the insulation. • Current quote : Insulation(no response) Temperature probe: $50 probe and $99 meter Next step: • To get the parts and get the beast firing up again!!!

Appendix A: Ghantt Chart (510)-331-3767

References • 1. La Fontaine, Harry; Zimmerman, F.P. Construction of a Simplified Wood Gas Generator for Fueling Internal Combustion Engines in a Petroleum Emergency. 2nd ed. Golden, CO: The Biomass Energy Foundation Press. (1) • 2. Papworth , and Skov. Driving on Wood. The Biomass Energy Foundation Press, 2006. • 3. Das. “The Up-Downdraft Gasifier.” Woodgas. Web. http://www.woodgas.com/history9.htm • 4.Vinod. Volvo 240 Converted to run on Wood Gas. Automotto, 29 July 2010. Web. http://www.automotto.org/entry/duch-john-converts-his-volvo-240-to-run-on-wood-gas • 5.Lynch, Eric. Biomass Gasification. What is it? Can it be used now?. Surfers without borders, 21 Jan. 2006. http://www.surferswithoutborders.org/Resources_files/Biomass%20Gasification%20Presentation.pdf

Questions???????

Old Dominion University Wood Burner Gas Generator(Pegasus)