Setup

I’m sure you have questions about setup, so lets answer the main one- “Where do I put the gasifier at?”

Home Power Users & Off Gridders

Ideally it will be located outside for ventillation, but underneath an overhang to keep the weather off and keep you dry when filling it. If you have a wood shed with an overhang you are in luck. If not, then consider the design below. It gives you storage space, solar drying, and room to set up your discreet power station.

Along with the gasifier, you will want some sort of generator. Many of you already have one and just need a cheap and available fuel source. If not, consider a 4 cylinder cast iron engine coupled to an 1800 rpm 4 pole generator. Don’t be afraid to start with used parts. If you just want DC power car engines work great.

To create suction in the gasifier during startup you will need an air compressor capable of 100 psi. Contractor type or 30-60 gallon Home Depot type. Your compressor will also be invaluable for cleaning and maintenance.

You could recycle waste exhaust heat into a dryer if you need to rapidly dry woods, but using a solar dryer works well in it’s place.

Light Industrial & Village Scale Users

The longer run times you require mean that you need more space alotted for fuel preparation, drying and storage. A metal building with good cross breeze ventilation is ideal. It must be tall enough to handle the machinery entering with your biomass energy feedstock. Side walls are optional.

Energy Storage

To store energy you will want to net meter it back to the grid (check local regulations) or store it in batteries if an electrical connection isn’t nearby. Another option that isn’t used anymore but was popular 100 years ago is using gas storage membranes to hold the gas for future use.