Development of a novel power generation system based on the co-combustion of agriculture biomass and sludge integrated with solar-aided sludge drying

Abstract

Based on the evolution of conventional sludge drying methods, a novel co-combustion power generation system integrated with solar-aided sludge drying has been developed and evaluated for advancing environmentally friendly renewable energy power generation technologies. The integration is achieved by injecting the heat collected from sunlight by parabolic trough collectors into the sludge dryer through the feedwater. In the synthetic configuration, the extraction steam of biomass-fired power plant is saved and more power output is produced compared with conventional sludge drying methods. The performance of the proposed scheme was thermodynamically and economically assessed. In addition, the performance of the new design under different co-firing proportion, sludge moisture and solar irradiation was discussed. The results indicated that the additional power output can reach 2.13 MW at the design condition while the biomass consumption is fixed. Throughout the whole year, 9640.03 MWh additional electricity can be generated with 94,608 tons wet sludge disposed. Besides, the levelized cost of electricity of the new power is 0.0834 $/kWh, the dynamic payback period is 3.73 years and the net present value of 34806.00 k$ is achievable due to the incorporation. Therefore, the proposed design is feasible and profitable, providing fresh insights into renewable energy comprehensive utilization.