Title:
Techno-economic Analysis of a Plant Integrating Biomass Gasification and Fuel Cell: Blaze Project
Author(s):
Muhammad, H.S., Palacios Aparicio, J.D., Papa, A.A., Rovelli, N., Bocci, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Combined heat and power is one of the main humankind final energy uses with biomass traditionally playing a major role in this sector. However, economic, social and environmental issues push now to develop more efficient and reduced emissions CHP plant. To address these challenges, a 100 kWth bubbling fluidised-bed gasifier integrated with high-temperature gas cleaning and conditioning systems, coupled with a 25 kWe solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) was developed within the framework of the European project BLAZE (Biomass Low cost Advanced Zero Emission). To assess the applicability of this system, a techno-economic analysis was conducted considering its applications in a wood industry context, where the plant uses sawdust generate on-site to meet the specific energy demands. The equipment was scaled to consider four scenarios, each based on full utilization of the available sawdust: CASE 1, plant sized as yearly averaged sawdust energy input, CASE 2, size based to meet the peak winter thermal demand (resulting in a slightly larger gasifier), CASE 3, same as CASE 1, but modified to match the facility’s electrical demand, and CASE 4, sized as CASE 1 but assuming enhanced system efficiencies (45% electrical, 45% thermal). The results confirm that the overall plant cost is dominated by the cost of the LSM component. Furthermore, optimal plant sizing should consider both thermal and electrical loads. While oversizing the LSM increases capital costs, it can generate additional revenue through electricity sales beyond the internal demand of the industry.
Keywords:
biomass, CHP, gas cleaning, gasification, SOFC, techno-economic analysis
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Gasification for power, CHP and polygeneration
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4BV.1.21
Pages:
741 - 747
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-4BV.1.21
Price:
FREE
