Feasibility and technoeconomic analysis of small-scale biomass to power system with novel producer gas cleanup technology

Abstract

As global energy demand grows and climate change becomes an ever-evolving phenomenon, it is imperative that current energy systems are re-evaluated, and new energy systems begin to penetrate global markets. In the developing world, a number of factors make small-scale biomass to power systems an interesting proposition. One such iteration of this technology involves novel producer gas cleanup and tar removal, where instead of using chemical processes, the system employs rich partial combustion through auto-ignition to destroy tars in vapor form above 300°C. This investigation serves to technically and financially analyze the feasibility of this system using experimental data found through testing of the cleanup engine to inform the theoretical design of the remainder of the system. 22kWe was selected as the system electric power output. Based on these results, it was determined that a 3.08-liter engine would be necessary for cleanup, and a 4.58-liter engine would be necessary for downstream power generation at 22kWe. This corresponds to a capital cost of $9,600, which is 34% of the retail price of current similar systems. This results in a levelized cost of energy range of $0.07 per kWh to $0.34 per kWh depending on the cost of biomass feedstock. This range is large for a levelized cost of energy, but shows that this system can be financially competitive in certain settings depending on the local fuel cost, proximity to biomass feedstock, and electricity needs..