Title:
Trends And Opportunities of Micro-CHP Technologies based on Biomass Combustion
Author(s):
Obernberger, I.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Within recent years the interest for micro-CHP applications (nominal electric capacity <100 kWel) based on biomass combustion increased considerably. Typical fields of application for such micro-CHP plants are residential heating, small district heating systems as well as small companies with process heat or cooling demand. In this paper, the following micro-CHP technologies have been investigated regarding technological aspects, status of development and economic constraints: the thermoelectric generator, the Stirling engine process and the micro gas turbine process. The thermoelectric generator (<1 kWel) is in an early development stage. The electric efficiency is very low and economic performance is due to the high specific investment costs and the low annual full load operating hours achievable poor but the technology could be interesting for grid independent operation (niche markets). The Stirling engine process (< 140 kWel) has already reached field test stage (demonstration). However, issues especially regarding the mechanical stability of the Stirling engine still need to be solved and operating experiences are limited. The micro gas turbine process (<100 kWel) also reached early demonstration stage and will have to proof its technological maturity and applicability in the near future.
Keywords:
biomass, combined heat and power generation (CHP), combustion, gas turbine, stirling engine, thermoelectric generator
Topic:
Plenaries
Subtopic:
Plenary session on 4 May - Tuesday
Event:
18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
PB1.1
Pages:
1 - 9
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-56-1
ISBN-10:
88-89407-56-5
Paper DOI:
10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-PB1.1
Price:
FREE
