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conference cpote2026 logo
CPOTE2026 | 9th International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
23-25 September 2026 | Kraków, Poland | In-person

Abstract CPOTE2026-6052-A

Simplified thermodynamic equilibrium model for algae biomass gasification and exergy assessment

Tomas CHANDIA, University of La Frontera, Chile
Valeria OLEA, University of La Frontera, Chile
Robinson BETANCOURT, University of La Frontera, Chile

A simplified thermodynamic equilibrium model for algal biomass gasification was developed and implemented in the open-source software Cantera, coupled with a specifically designed numerical algorithm. The methodological strategy is based on the construction of an intermediate thermodynamic state compatible with the chemical species available in Cantera. This state is obtained through the elemental balance of a global combustion reaction and the iterative calculation of the adiabatic flame temperature. Subsequently, this intermediate state is used as the initial condition to solve the chemical equilibrium of the system, while keeping pressure and total enthalpy constant, which represents an adiabatic approximation of the gasification process. The model was verified by comparison with results reported in the literature for lignocellulosic biomass. The results show consistent behavior for equivalence ratios between 0.4 and 1.0, allowing the model to reproduce general trends in temperature, gas composition, and exergetic performance. Within this range, the model indicates that lower equivalence ratios promote the formation of combustible syngas species, mainly CO and H₂, whereas increasing moisture content reduces the available exergy of the system. However, for equivalence ratios below 0.4, significant deviations are observed, which are attributed to the limited number of species considered and, consequently, to the lack of degrees of freedom in the system. The results obtained position the proposed model as an initial analytical tool for studying algal biomass gasification and guiding future modeling stages.

Keywords: Algal and microalgae biomass, Thermodynamic equilibrium, Gasification, Cantera, Exergy analysis
Acknowledgment: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Combustion and Particulate Matter -LCMP- and Laboratory of Biofuels of La Frontera Univesrity - Chile.