Experience with gasifiers for 3.7-kw engines

Abstract

Three years of experience with the development of wood gasifiers for 3.7-kW engines is described. Four prototypes were built and tested for obtaining gas of good quality, free from tar and dust, at a nominal flow of $0.003\ {\rm m}^{3}/{\rm s}$. To achieve these objectives the design had to depart significantly from what could be extrapolated from designs for 15- to 150-kW ratings reported in available literature. The final version was characterized by small size, a top cap using a water seal, and the ability to use relatively moist wood by using a built-in drying process in the fuel container. The article describes the various elements of the gasifier and its evolution through the four prototypes.