Performance evaluation of a novel biomass-based hybrid energy system employing optimisation and multi-criteria decision-making techniques

Abstract

This study proposes a novel hybrid system comprising four advanced technologies such as downdraft type biomass gasifier, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), externally fired gas turbine (EFGT), and Stirling engine (SE). The integrated system has been examined through exergetic, multi-objective optimisation and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. Response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied to perform multi-objective optimisation of the proposed system. Regression models generated from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) tool are found to have a very high degree of accuracy for predicting net power, and exergy efficiency. Optimum values of the decision variables are selected from multi-objective optimisation. The optimum net power and the exergy efficiency of the system are estimated as 572.07 kW and 51.54%, respectively. Furthermore, MCDM analysis suggests that the rice husk as biomass fuel yields the best performances followed by wood and paper.