Performance assessment of a biomass fuelled advanced hybrid power generation system. (December 2020) - Roy, Dibyendu
Abstract: This paper deals with the development and detailed assessment of a biomass-fuelled electrochemical power generation system employing biomass gasification, solid oxide fuel cell, gas turbine, and organic Rankine cycle. The performance of the plant has been monitored with the changes in important operating parameters with respect to energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental points of view. The proposed system yields the maximum 49.29% 1st law efficiency and 44.57% 2nd law efficiency. Exergetic analysis reveals that among all the elements of the system, biomass gasifier is the highest (41.22%) contributor in total exergy destruction, followed by the heat exchanger (14.01%), and the organic Rankine boiler (13.27%). Economic analysis reveals that the plant can generate electricity at a minimum rate of 0.0654 $/kWh. The environmental analysis predicts that the proposed system has a maximum CO2 emission reduction potential of about 2867 tCO2 /year compared to a coal-fired sub-critical steam power plant of similar capacity, resulting in an environmental benefit value of about 430014 $/year. This study also reveals that the present system is better compared to previously investigated other biomass-fuelled power generation plants considering the efficiency and economy together. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Biomass-based SOFC-GT-ORC system has been conceptualized. Energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental analyses have been performed. The system has highest energetic and exergetic efficiencies of 49.29% and 44.57%. Minimum cost of electricity can reach up to 0.0654 $/kWh. The system has better thermo-economic results than other biomass-based power plants.