Cost Analysis of Micro-Scale Biomass Gasification Facilities through Mathematical Modeling

Abstract

Gasification is a key pathway for utilizing biomass for energy. The feasibility of biomass gasification is very much dependent on the cost of the gasification facility and its operation. A mathematical model was constructed to analyze the cost of syngas production using a micro -scale biomass gasification facility with 60 Nm3h-1 of syngas production capacity in Mississippi as the test case . Costs considered included all capital costs and operating costs. The results of the modeling showed that operating cost was the major part of the syngas production cost and for a one shift operation that cost could be up to 88.21% of the total annual production cost at the 60 Nm3h-1 capacity level. The operating cost percentage could rise to 92.89% and 94.91% for two and three work shifts, respectively. Labor cost is the largest part of the operating cost and the annual production cost. The one shift labor cost could be up to 75.42% of the total of annual operating cost and 62.77% of the total annual syngas production cost. The unit cost of syngas production of the facility was $0.51/Nm-3. The effective way to reduce the costs is to run the facility at high production capacity level. When the capacity increased, the unit cost decreased significantly. The model can be a tool for costing and analyzing the syngas production and can be used in the assessment of gasification technology, gasification plant design, and economic analysis of bioenergy production.