Biomass gasification coupled to an EFGT-ORC combined system to maximize the electrical energy generation: A case applied to the olive oil industry. (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vera, David; Jurado, Francisco; Carpio, José; Kamel, Salah
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 144(2018)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: Biomass gasification -- Distributed generation -- Externally fired gas turbine -- Organic Rankine cycle -- Electrical efficiency; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.11.152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: This research presents the modelling and simulation of an innovative small-scale power system composed of a downdraft gasifier, an externally fired gas turbine (EFGT) and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) as a bottoming unit for increasing the electrical energy generation. Olive tree pruning (217 kg/h) was the biomass used, producing more than 200 kWe and an electrical efficiency of 20.7%. The producer gas achieved suitable mole composition (H2 : 14.8%, CO: 19.5%, CH4 : 2.2%, CO2 : 9.3%, H2 O: 12.0% and N2 : 41.5%), lower calorific value (4.53 MJ/kg) and gasification efficiency (89%). The hot producer gas was burnt directly at atmospheric pressure in an EFGT, producing 150 kWe and exhaust gases at 290 °C. Five ORC working fluids were studied to maximize the electricity generation: isopentane, benzene, cyclohexane, R113, R245fa. Isopentane was the most suitable fluid, reaching 57.1 kWe and 20.45% of ORC thermal efficiency. On the other hand, despite R113 gave minor electricity production (49.1 kWe ), this allowed to generate thermal power for CHP applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A gasifier, externally fired gas turbine and organic Rankine cycle were modeled. The biomass plant generated 200 kWe and reached 20.7% of electrical efficiency. The producer gas presented suitable composition and calorific value. Five working fluids were studied to maximize the net electricity generation. Isopentane working fluid achieved the best performance parameters.