Abstract: A method is described for processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. An automated system that implements these methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for integrating a plurality of micro-gasifiers comprising gasifiers, filters, and engine sets or turbine gensets or combined cycle gensets by linking them via a common bus wherein air flow and engine fuel flow is regulated by valves controlling gas flow between the bus and engine genset or turbine genset or combined cycle genset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a coaxial gasifier for enhanced hydrogen production, comprising: downdraft gasifier comprising a hot zone for converting biomass to synthesis gas; and a coaxial gas converter disposed within the downdraft gasifier, the coaxial gas converter comprising a biochar inlet valve, a coaxial char tube, and a biochar and ash outlet valve.

Abstract: A method is described for integrating a plurality of micro-gasifiers comprising gasifiers, filters, and engine sets or turbine gensets or combined cycle gensets by linking them via a common bus wherein air flow and engine fuel flow is regulated by valves controlling gas flow between the bus and engine genset or turbine genset or combined cycle genset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a coaxial gasifier for enhanced hydrogen production, comprising: downdraft gasifier comprising a hot zone for converting biomass to synthesis gas; and a coaxial gas converter disposed within the downdraft gasifier, the coaxial gas converter comprising a biochar inlet valve, a coaxial char tube, and a biochar and ash outlet valve.

Abstract: An automated system is described for processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include: a fixed bed gasifier having upright cylindrical walls defining a biomass gasification chamber therein, the gasifier configured to produce synthesis gas and a carbonaceous product and ash; a device for metering biomass to the gasifier; a device for selectively filtering gasification products; a device for impacting the cylindrical walls with a force; a device for radially mixing carbon in the reduction zone without vertical displacement of gasifier products; one or more material presence sensors which detect the amount and status of biomass within the gasification chamber; and a processor system which takes input from material presence sensor and activates one or more of said devices.

Abstract: An igniter system for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders including at least one igniter per cylinder is disclosed. The igniter system can comprise: a combustion chamber connected to a main cylinder of the engine by a restricted diameter bore, wherein a lean burn fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber by the normal compression stroke of the engine; a hydrogen valve that injects a hydrogen rich gas into the combustion chamber forming a mixture of hydrogen and air having a hydrogen concentration above the stoichiometric ratio for hydrogen and air in the combustion chamber; and a spark ignition source that injects hot unburned hydrogen into the main cylinder, thereby initiating ignition.

Abstract: A method is described for integrating a plurality of micro-gasifiers comprising gasifiers, filters, and engine sets or turbine gensets or combined cycle gensets by linking them via a common bus wherein air flow and engine fuel flow is regulated by valves controlling gas flow between the bus and engine genset or turbine genset or combined cycle genset.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation system and membrane is described for extracting hydrogen from gasifier streams at near atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature conditions. The system can be inserted between a small gasifier and an internal combustion engine which runs a genset to optionally co-produce hydrogen and electricity. The hydrogen is used in a number of important industrial processes.

Abstract: A method is described for processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. An automated system that implements these methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: Renewable electricity, such as from solar or wind, powers a topping cycle utilizing combustion energy electricity generation, such that the electricity output of the system exceeds the combined standalone outputs. Renewable carbon, such as from biomass, can also power a similar topping cycle, having the same effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a coaxial gasifier for enhanced hydrogen production, comprising: downdraft gasifier comprising a hot zone for converting biomass to synthesis gas; and a coaxial gas converter disposed within the downdraft gasifier, the coaxial gas converter comprising a biochar inlet valve, a coaxial char tube, and a biochar and ash outlet valve.

Abstract: An igniter system for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders including at least one igniter per cylinder is disclosed. The igniter system can comprise: a combustion chamber connected to a main cylinder of the engine by a restricted diameter bore, wherein a lean burn fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber by the normal compression stroke of the engine; a hydrogen valve that injects a hydrogen rich gas into the combustion chamber forming a mixture of hydrogen and air having a hydrogen concentration above the stoichiometric ratio for hydrogen and air in the combustion chamber; and a spark ignition source that injects hot unburned hydrogen into the main cylinder, thereby initiating ignition.