Cogeneration from biomass combustion in units with medium capacities

Cogeneration from biomass combustion in units with medium capacities

journal article - other

Czech

Biomass in European climate conditions represents a promising renewable source of energy. The rise in energy production in the EU was 4.1 % (+ 2.4 Mtoe), 1.0 % (+ 660 Gtoe) and 2.3 % in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively (EurObserv'ER 69, 2009). Majority of today's European electricity production from biomass comes from large power plants operating in paper or wood industry. These power plants valorize wastes coming from their operation in form of combined heat and power generation - cogeneration (CHP). Development of biomass-derived electricity production entered a steep rise in recent years. An increase of 4.4 % (+ 2.08 TWh) and 10.8 % (+ 5.60 TWh), in 2007 and 2008 respectively was noticed in the EU. Cogeneration system is characterized by high fuel utilization rate (up to 68 - 85 %, Petchers 2003). Therefore it should be preferred in every application where it is technically and economically feasible. In a scope of mid-range capacities units, it is assumed to apply units with boilers' outputs up to 10 MWs. These units will be a part of a heat supply system for bigger cities or industrial enterprises. Transport of biomass over distances becomes uneconomical in areas where the density of biomass is lower. Therefore the number of installed units with capacities of several MWs will increase. Especially the units with thermal output in range of 1 up to 3 MWs seem to be a very attractive option. Except of primary cheap heat they will also be able to profit from produced electricity. In certain countries they can get subsidies for biomass-based electricity generation. Supplementary electricity generation represents an interesting alternative only in case of a correct choice of technology and respecting certain specific factors. A computational model was designed as a supporting tool.

Biomass in European climate conditions represents a promising renewable source of energy. The rise in energy production in the EU was 4.1 % (+ 2.4 Mtoe), 1.0 % (+ 660 Gtoe) and 2.3 % in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively (EurObserv'ER 69, 2009). Majority of today's European electricity production from biomass comes from large power plants operating in paper or wood industry. These power plants valorize wastes coming from their operation in form of combined heat and power generation - cogeneration (CHP). Development of biomass-derived electricity production entered a steep rise in recent years. An increase of 4.4 % (+ 2.08 TWh) and 10.8 % (+ 5.60 TWh), in 2007 and 2008 respectively was noticed in the EU. Cogeneration system is characterized by high fuel utilization rate (up to 68 - 85 %, Petchers 2003). Therefore it should be preferred in every application where it is technically and economically feasible. In a scope of mid-range capacities units, it is assumed to apply units with boilers' outputs up to 10 MWs. These units will be a part of a heat supply system for bigger cities or industrial enterprises. Transport of biomass over distances becomes uneconomical in areas where the density of biomass is lower. Therefore the number of installed units with capacities of several MWs will increase. Especially the units with thermal output in range of 1 up to 3 MWs seem to be a very attractive option. Except of primary cheap heat they will also be able to profit from produced electricity. In certain countries they can get subsidies for biomass-based electricity generation. Supplementary electricity generation represents an interesting alternative only in case of a correct choice of technology and respecting certain specific factors. A computational model was designed as a supporting tool.

cogeneration, biomass, electricity production

cogeneration, biomass, electricity production

GROLIG, O.; PAVLAS, M.; ŠIKULA, J.; STEHLÍK, P.

2010

23. 8. 2010

Česká společnost chemického inženýrství

Praha

1974-9791

Chemical Engineering Transactions

2010

13

Republic of Italy

79

85

6