Abstract
This research work presents a techno-economic analysis of a biomass gasification plant fueled with residues from the olive oil and almond industries for combined heat and power generation in the agrifood sector. The experimental plant consists of a downdraft fixed bed gasifier, a producer gas cleaning and cooling system and a spark-ignition engine–generator set as a power generation unit, which generates about 10–12 kW of rated electric power. With an average consumption between 13–14 kg/h of exhausted olive pomace pellets as feedstock, the producer gas volumetric flow rate was 31 Nm3/h (vol. %: 19.2 H2, 12.9 CO, 1.9 CH4, 19.2 CO2, 46.7 N2). The average cold gas efficiency was nearly 63%. This work also addresses the characterization and potential application of the carbonaceous solid residue (biochar), discharged from the gasifier at 1.7 kg/h. Finally, an economic feasibility analysis was developed, wherein the payback period ranges between 5–9 years.
Highlights
IntroductionAgriculture and agrifood processing activities generate vast amounts of wastes worldwide and concurrently demand considerable amounts of electrical and/or thermal energy
Agriculture and agrifood processing activities generate vast amounts of wastes worldwide and concurrently demand considerable amounts of electrical and/or thermal energy.These wastes are typically not valorized, leading to significant negative impacts on the global sustainability of the agrifood sector
The gasification plant consists of a downdraft fixed bed reactor, a producer gas cooling and cleaning system and a spark-ignition engine–generator set as a power generation unit
Summary
Agriculture and agrifood processing activities generate vast amounts of wastes worldwide and concurrently demand considerable amounts of electrical and/or thermal energy. These wastes are typically not valorized, leading to significant negative impacts on the global sustainability of the agrifood sector. Virgin olive oil and almond products stand out for their excellent nutritional properties, both generate large amounts of wastes and by-products throughout their respective supply chains. In both cases, it is estimated that around 80% by weight of the total amount collected per annual harvest represents wastes.
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