Development of a molten salt reactor for solar gasification of biomass

Solar gasification has the benefits of maximizing the yield of synthesis gas from gasification of biomass and other carbonaceous feed stock and storing solar energy in chemical form. The University of Minnesota has developed a 3kW_th prototype solar gasification reactor in which biomass is converted to synthesis gas within a molten carbonate salt. The salt serves as a catalyst for gasification, ensures effective transfer of heat to the reactants, and provides thermal storage to ensure steady operation. This paper describes the reactor concept and provides an overview of the design process.