Advanced biopower generation via gasification of biomass and municipal solid waste

The overall goal of this study was to develop and analyze efficient power generation systems through the downdraft gasification of biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) for distributed power applications. This goal was accomplished with the following major objectives that were focus of dissertation chapters. The literature review of power generation and emissions from gasification-based technologies was presented in Chapter 1. Performance and emission analyses of experimental of a 10-kW internal combustion (IC) engine running on syngas generated from gasification of a low density biomass was presented in Chapter 2. Engine performance was satisfactory with maximum load of 5 kW, resulting in an electrical efficiency of 21.3%. The only modification made to the engine was addition of a single venturi pipe in the air-intake system for adjusting flows and mixing of air and syngas. Chapter 3 focused on performance and emission analyses of the gasification-energy system when biomass mixed with MSW in various ratios was used as the feedstock (co-gasification). The air-intake system was further modified using a two series venturi pipe. The gasification and engine performance was stable with maximum MSW weight ratio of 40 wt.%, producing the maximum engine output power of 5 kW with an electrical efficiency of 19.5%. An increase in MSW ratio resulted in an increase of hydrocarbon and SO2 engine emissions. An economic analysis of a 60-kW power plant based on the downdraft gasification system was presented in Chapter 4. The downdraft gasification power plant showed a payback period, an internal rate of return (IRR), a modified internal rate of return (MIRR), and a net present value (NPV) of 7.7 years, 10.9%, 7.7%, and $84,550, respectively. Using sensitivity analysis, feed-in-tariff resulted in the greatest impact on the project's NPV, followed by the electricity selling price, the output power and the tipping fee, while the labor and feedstock cost and the tax rate generated a negative impact on the NPV. In comparison with a commercially available 250-kW downdraft gasification power generation, the downdraft gasification power plant performed a shorter payback period and a higher IRR. However, these results may vary significantly based on local economic factors and assumptions made. Modeling of low-temperature plasma gasification technology using MSW was the main focus of Chapter 5. At temperatures of 2,500, 2000, and 1,500°C, the energy consumption of the plasma torch decreased from 3,816 kW at conventional condition (4000°C) to 3,157, 2,775, and 2,358 kW, respectively, with corresponding gasification efficiency of 48.7%, 48.9%, and 49.2%. Finally, Chapter 6 focused on a simulation based on experimental data was used to investigate performance of a hybrid power generation (solid oxide fuel cell and gas turbine) using syngas generated from gasification of biomass and municipal solid waste mixture. At 40 wt.% MSW ratio, the syngas produced resulting in a total stack power of 307 kW, and a gas turbine output of 40 kW with a system electrical efficiency of 49.5%

Addressing Palm Biodiesel as Renewable Fuel for the Indonesian Power Generation Sector: Java-Madura-Bali System

Energy security defined as how to equitably provide available, affordable, reliable efficient, environmentally friendly, proactively governed and socially acceptable energy services to end user. It has in recent years taken attention of policymakers in different parts of the world. Formulating policy to improve energy security is mandatory, not only because of depleting fossil resource, but also implementing diversity of energy source since utilization abundant renewable energy resources can increase the security of energy supply. One of the abundant renewable energy resources in Indonesia is palm oil. This study analyses the utilization of palm biodiesel for Indonesian power generation sector in the Java-Madura-Bali (JAMALI) system. Two scenarios were created by projecting the demand and environmental impact as well as GHG emissions reduction over the next 25 years. The first scenario subjects on current energy policy, while the second scenario is to substitute of fossil fuel which is still used in the JAMALI power generation system. Effect of palm biodiesel on emission of Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Particulate Matter, and Volatile Organic Compounds were estimated for each scenario. An externality analysis to complete the environmental analysis was conducted and resource analysis of palm oil plantation based biodiesel was also estimated. Finally, the economics feasibility of palm biodiesel in the power generation sector was analyzed

Economics of Distributed Power Generation via Gasification of Biomass and Municipal Solid Waste

More than one billion people worldwide still lack access to electricity. Rural electrification via gasification has the potential to satisfy electricity access and demand. This study conducts an economic evaluation of rural electrification through gasification of biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) using a 60 kW downdraft gasifier, developed at Oklahoma State University. The effects of feedstock cost, electricity selling price, feed-in-tariff, tipping fee, tax rate, and the output power are evaluated using major financial parameters: the net present value, internal rate of return, modified internal rate of return, simple payback period, and discounted payback period, and sensitivity analysis. Results show that the downdraft gasification power system offers a payback period of 7.7 years, while generating an internal rate of return, modified internal rate of return, and net present value of 10.9%, 7.7%, and $84,550, respectively. Results from a sensitivity analysis indicate that the feed-in-tariff has the greatest positive contribution to the project’s net present value. Using MSW, the gasification power system potentially reduces carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide emissions as compared to direct combustion and landfill. The technology provides a promising future for rural electrification utilizing biomass and MSW whilst offering economic and environmental benefits for local communities

Addressing Palm Biodiesel as Renewable Fuel for the Indonesian Power Generation Sector: Java-Madura-Bali System

Energy security defined as how to equitably provide available, affordable, reliable efficient, environmentally friendly, proactively governed and socially acceptable energy services to end user. It has in recent years taken attention of policymakers in different parts of the world. Formulating policy to improve energy security is mandatory, not only because of depleting fossil resource, but also implementing diversity of energy source since utilization abundant renewable energy resources can increase the security of energy supply. One of the abundant renewable energy resources in Indonesia is palm oil. This study analyses the utilization of palm biodiesel for Indonesian power generation sector in the Java-Madura-Bali (JAMALI) system. Two scenarios were created by projecting the demand and environmental impact as well as GHG emissions reduction over the next 25 years. The first scenario subjects on current energy policy, while the second scenario is to substitute of fossil fuel which is still used in the JAMALI power generation system. Effect of palm biodiesel on emission of Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Particulate Matter, and Volatile Organic Compounds were estimated for each scenario. An externality analysis to complete the environmental analysis was conducted and resource analysis of palm oil plantation based biodiesel was also estimated. Finally, the economics feasibility of palm biodiesel in the power generation sector was analyzed

Mobile Power Generation From Co-Gasification of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Switchgrass

This presentation was given during the Syngas Technologies Conference

Mobile-Scale Power Generation from MSW and Switchgrass: Gasification, Engine Power Generation and Engine Emissions Performance

Link to Conference Agenda: http://bsen.auburn.edu/tcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/279/2018/10/TCS-Agenda-V11-20180924.pd