Revitalization and Experimental Commissioning of an Open-Source Downdraft Gasifier
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Engineering Physics Mechanical Track
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Tyler D. Stoffel; Theodore Thiede
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Revitalization and Experimental Commissioning of an Open-Source Downdraft Gasifier
Payton Crick, Theodore Thiede, and Tyler D. Stoffel
School of Engineering, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071
One of the most significant academic endeavors of modern times is the development of new energy technologies to provide power for civilization beyond the era of cheap oil. Biomass gasification presents a promising solution, converting organic materials into usable energy through a relatively clean and efficient thermochemical process. This project centers on the revitalization and commissioning of a never-before-operated GEK v4 open-source downdraft gasifier, establishing a renewable energy testbed at Murray State University for long-term experimental research. The primary focus of the summer work was restoring and configuring the system for safe and consistent operation, laying the groundwork for future biomass fuel studies. A set of safety and operational procedures were developed for the system. As an initial demonstration, a simple experiment measured chamber temperature and flow rates from white pine feedstock. A custom Arduino circuit was built and used to measure temperature in pyrolysis and reduction zones of the chamber, reaching steady temperatures around 1300°F and 1500°F respectively. Tar was removed successfully using an activated charcoal filter, showing no visible evidence of tar breakthrough. The resulting gas was flared and produced a clear, consistent flame, indicating successful operation of the unit. This project supports broader efforts to expand regional research capacity in renewable energy and climate disaster response, with future studies expected to investigate invasive species, emissions profiles, and system optimization.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Revitalization and Experimental Commissioning of an Open-Source Downdraft Gasifier
Revitalization and Experimental Commissioning of an Open-Source Downdraft Gasifier
Payton Crick, Theodore Thiede, and Tyler D. Stoffel
School of Engineering, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071
One of the most significant academic endeavors of modern times is the development of new energy technologies to provide power for civilization beyond the era of cheap oil. Biomass gasification presents a promising solution, converting organic materials into usable energy through a relatively clean and efficient thermochemical process. This project centers on the revitalization and commissioning of a never-before-operated GEK v4 open-source downdraft gasifier, establishing a renewable energy testbed at Murray State University for long-term experimental research. The primary focus of the summer work was restoring and configuring the system for safe and consistent operation, laying the groundwork for future biomass fuel studies. A set of safety and operational procedures were developed for the system. As an initial demonstration, a simple experiment measured chamber temperature and flow rates from white pine feedstock. A custom Arduino circuit was built and used to measure temperature in pyrolysis and reduction zones of the chamber, reaching steady temperatures around 1300°F and 1500°F respectively. Tar was removed successfully using an activated charcoal filter, showing no visible evidence of tar breakthrough. The resulting gas was flared and produced a clear, consistent flame, indicating successful operation of the unit. This project supports broader efforts to expand regional research capacity in renewable energy and climate disaster response, with future studies expected to investigate invasive species, emissions profiles, and system optimization.