Towards an Improved Pyrolysis System: Integrating Solar Energy Based Pre-heating System

Thermo-chemical conversion process such as gasification and pyrolysis has proven as a potential option to utilize renewable energy. In conventional pyrolysis process, feed material in the reactor is heated using biomass or electric run heater. Which, eventually, causes excess energy consumption and production of greenhouse gases (GHG). Solar assisted pyrolysis would be one of the solutions to overcome this heating problem of the pyrolytic reactor. In this study, a modified pyrolysis system by incorporating solar energy-based pre-heating system has been investigated. Both transparent and opaque reactor have been investigated separately in order to access the feasibility of solar energy incorporation in pyrolysis system. Results of the modified systems have been compared with the conventional pyrolysis system. Less fuel cost, energy consumption, GHG production have been observed in the solar assisted system in comparison with the traditional pyrolysis system. This process as a supplement for fossil fuels needs more attention under the current energy crisis.