Thermochemical Conversion

Thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels has become increasingly important as climate and energy security issues challenge our dependence on conventional energy sources.

Sandia provides the enabling science and engineering basis for the next generation of thermochemical platform technologies for biomass to fungible fuels and power.  Thermochemical fuels research expertise includes biomass pre-treatment, fast-pyrolysis, char gasification, reactor design and systems engineering.  Sandia’s program is focused in the follow areas:

• Systems and techno-economic analysis – Guides research priorities and illuminates opportunities for process optimization and bridging of technology gaps.
• Reaction processes – Development of understanding during thermochemical conversion of biomass including chemical kinetics, heat transfer and mass transport.
• Predictive simulation – Experiments utilized to populate model parameters and enable predictive simulation of thermochemical conversion processes and technologies.
• Systems demonstration – Novel processes are demonstrated at relevant scales to validate system and component models and provide a pathway for technology deployment.

Sandia’s program works closely with industrial, university, and research lab partners to develop the foundation for the next generation of biomass thermochemical conversion technologies including gasifiers, pyrolysis units, and reactors.