Technical and economic analysis of different cogeneration systems for energy production from biomass
by Giancarlo Giacchetta; Mariella Leporini; Barbara Marchetti
International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM), Vol. 13, No. 3, 2014

Abstract: This paper compares the results of a techno-economic performance analysis of seven plants for energy production from biomass with the aim of identifying the most effective solution. Small (≤250 KW_e) and micro (≤100 KW_e) size plants were investigated: 50 kW_e diesel internal combustion engine coupled with a gasifier and 35 kW_e Stirling engine coupled with a gasifier with an overall efficiency of 41.1% and 87.5% respectively, two biomass cogenerators, one of 25 kW_e and the other of 100 kW_e, 250 kW_e Otto internal combustion engine coupled with a gasifier and 250 kW_e diesel internal combustion engine coupled with a gasifier and 238 kW_e biomass ORC plant. The technical analysis provided calculations for specific biomass consumption, electricity generation, heat produced and overall system efficiency. The economic evaluation was carried on through a discounted cash flow analysis. Data were provided by literature, analysis of case study at Italian and European level, and directly by the manufacturers of cogeneration systems. The results showed that a combined heat and power (CHP) generator is the best solution because it is economically viable with a high NPV and a PBP of five years and also technically performing with a global efficiency of 78.2% and a low biomass consumption.

Online publication date: Sat, 17-May-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com