Techno-economic evaluation of a novel bio-energy system integrated with carbon capture and utilization technology in greenhouses

Abstract

BackgroundWaste-to-energy power generation technology will play a key role in energy transition, deserving researcher's attention. Biomass-fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) can be considered as an efficient and low carbon emission technology: if coupled with the carbon capture and utilization (CCU) section, this technology may be considered as a carbon sink, and it may provide a contribution in reaching CO2 emissions targets. MethodThe present study proposes and examines a biogas-based CHP system equipped with a MEA post-combustion CCU section, which captures CO2 and adopts it for plant growth in greenhouses. A thermodynamic evaluation has performed for thermal, electrical, and CO2 production of the integrated system. In addition, a techno-economic analysis has performed to assess technical and economic features of the system, and particular attention has devoted to the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Finally, a parametric analysis on critical parameters has applied. Significant findingsOverall, the system energy and exergy efficiencies are respectively found to be 21.8% and 12.4%, with a CO2 capture efficiency of 96.1%. Furthermore, the LCOE, cost of produced CO2, specific CO2 emission, and the payback period are estimated to be respectively of 46.16 USD/MWh, 0.02 USD/kg, 40.41 kgCO2 /MWeh, and 4.8 years. Based on the findings, the analyzed system appears to be an interesting alternative for CHP generation and CO2 capture.