Lumped and distributed activation energy modelling of biomass pyrolysis

The Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) is applied to a semi-detailed degradation scheme, demonstrating its effectiveness in describing the complex kinetics of biomass pyrolysis. DAEM is a widely used tool for modelling the complex reaction rates and capturing the heterogeneous nature of lignocellulosic decomposition. First, the review will provide the theoretical background to DAEM, highlighting its statistical basis and the assumptions underlying the distribution of activation energies. It will then analyse advances in parameter estimation, numerical methods, and optimisation techniques that improve the reliability of DAEM fitting. Comparative studies with the constant activation energy model will be considered to clarify the strengths and limitations of DAEM. A significant part of the research paper will summarise how DAEM has been applied to the main constituents of biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignins. The model will also be validated using external data that was not used in the fitting procedure. Applications to real biomass will be discussed alongside recent efforts to extend the model to secondary reactions and gas formation. Finally, the review will consider ways to extend DAEM towards more mechanistic degradation schemes by incorporating secondary reactions and pathways leading to gas formation and levoglucosan degradation. • Numerical kinetic predictions of biomass pyrolysis according to a lumped strategy. • Distribution activation energy improves prediction over constant value. • Approach generalized across varying thermal conditions and biomass composition. • Emphasized need for particulate thermal model and detailed secondary reactions.