Biomass Power Generation Research Articles

A Study for Development Suitability of Biomass Power Generation Technology Based on GHG Emission Reduction Benefits and Growth Potential.

Biomass energy can alleviate global warming and solve energy depletion, which is increasingly concerned by the world. Due to the different emission reduction benefits and growth potential of different regions and biomass power generation technologies, analyzing the suitability of these technologies combined with regional conditions can more accurately guide the long- and short-term development of biomass power industry. However, there is no comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and potential of several biomass power generation technologies in different regions. Therefore, this paper introduces development suitability indexes and constructs life-cycle environmental impact and time-value economic impact assessment models, and a growth potential dynamic assessment model based on Gaussian process and particle swarm optimization to illustrate the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits and growth potential of biomass power generation technologies. The empirical research of China shows that biomass gasification and direct combustion power generation can bring the best environmental benefits, and biogas power generation can bring the best economic benefits. For regions with abundant biomass resources and bad air condition, it is more suitable to develop gasification and direct combustion power generation technology, while mixed-combustion and biogas power generation technology are more suitable in regions with high electricity consumption.

Analysis of the way of pretreatment before transportation of palm biomass fuel

With the increasing concern about the environment, renewable energy development is imminent, and biomass utilization is an essential part of it. In many regions (e.g., Southeast Asia), palm kernels are a very economical feedstock for biomass energy production. However, the collection and transportation of palm kernels are complicated, which is not conducive to the further development of this industry. This paper analyzes the current situation of collection and transportation of palm kernels in Southeast Asian countries using basic analysis methods. Meanwhile, the characteristics of palm fruit bunches as biomass fuel and its transportation and handling methods are briefly introduced and analyzed concerning the fuel demand of biomass power generation projects. The shortcomings of the current methods were identified, and relevant directions for improvement were proposed. It is hoped that it can improve the transportation efficiency of palm fruit bunches as a feedstock for biomass power generation and provide a reference basis for the collection and transportation of palm fruit bunches biomass.

Thermo-economic optimization of biomass-fired organic Rankine cycles combined heat and power system coupled CO2 capture with a rated power of 30 kW

Combining organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and biomass direct combustion to form a combined heating and power system (CHP) is a feasible technology to realize small biomass power generation. A small-scale biomass-fired ORC-CHP system with a rated power of 30 kW is proposed and the thermo-economic optimization under two operation strategies is discussed. The effects of key operating parameters on exergy efficiency and levelized energy cost (LEC) are analyzed. Meanwhile, a single-objective optimization for maximum exergy efficiency or minimum LEC is addressed, and a further thermo-economic optimization is examined. The Pareto-optimal solutions using three decision makings are yielded and compared. Research demonstrates that the exergy efficiency of model A increases with condensation temperature, while the exergy efficiency of model B first increases, reaches the peak, and then slightly decreases. The split ratio has a significant effect on model B. The Pareto-optimal solutions from TOPSIS decision making are selected because of its lowest deviation index. The Pareto optimal solution for models A and B in pairs of (exergy efficiency, LEC) are (19.69%, 0.2968) and (19.75%, 0.2975), respectively. Compared to model A, model B presents higher thermodynamic performance and slightly lower economic performance.

Biomass Fly Ash Self-Hardened Adsorbent Monoliths for Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The use of methylene blue (MB) by several industries generates contaminated industrial wastewaters that must be purified before discharge into the environment. Its removal can be achieved by adsorption, and low-cost and easily available materials should be used as adsorbents. Biomass fly ash (BFA) generated from biomass combustion, for heat and power generation, is increasing worldwide since the process is considered CO2 neutral. However, most of the ash is still landfilled. This study aims to evaluate the valorisation of BFA as a low-cost porous bulk adsorbent for MB removal from wastewaters. The monoliths were obtained after 14 days of curing just after adding water and a porogenic agent (aluminium powder) to the BFA, using the self-hardening ability of this waste. The BFA was characterised for chemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD) composition, particle size distribution (laser diffraction-COULTER) and morphology (SEM). The monolith sample cured for 14 days was characterised for density, porosity (total and open), microstructure, compressive strength, and MB removal ability (batch tests). The results showed that the addition of aluminium powder (0.09 wt.%) promoted an increase in interconnected porosity and the MB removal efficiency reached 80% for the most porous samples. The equilibrium data for the adsorption process were well characterised by a type 2 Langmuir isotherm equation with a monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) that ranged from 0.22 to 0.66 mg/g.

Feed-in tariff policy for biomass power generation: Incorporating the feedstock acquisition process

The high logistics costs of biomass feedstock and the involvement of other firms that use biomass and independent suppliers make feedstock acquisition increasingly difficult for biomass power plants. Governments provide feed-in tariffs (FiT) for biomass power plants to help reduce the negative impacts of high raw material costs. Using a game-theoretic approach, we study the optimal government FiT for biomass power plants and explore the effects of biomass feedstock competition and the presence of independent biomass feedstock suppliers on FiT strategy. Our results show that governments should subsidize biomass power plants whose competitiveness exceeds a certain threshold. The entry of a feedstock competitor into the biomass supply chain raises this threshold, but the involvement of an independent biomass supplier will not. However, the involvement of an independent biomass supplier reduces the efficiency of the FiT. In addition, FiT for biomass power plants should not be provided if government funds are below a certain threshold, as it does not increase social welfare. By comparing FiT with an alternative use of government funds, the technology subsidy, we find that the technology subsidy should be adopted instead of FiT if the government funds are below a threshold.

Study on the calculating methodology of the collectible straw resources for biomass power plants based on the indirect measurement

Replacing coal with biomass for power generation can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce acid rain. In order to estimate the collectible straw resources using the straw-to-grain ratio method more accurately and provide reliable data support for the site selection of biomass power plants, this study constructed a calculation model of collectible straw using four food crops (corn, rice, wheat, and soybean) in 31 provinces in China as examples. Based on the definition of straw-to-grain ratio analysis, six parameters (straw-to-grain ratio, process residues index, stubble residues index, crop’s economic yield, straw moisture content, and transport losses) may affecting the collectible amount of straw were proposed. The regional and provincial distributions of straw resources were studied as well. The accuracy of the collected straw resource estimation was also verified. The results showed the average collectible straw resources of corn, rice, wheat, and soybean in 2020 in China were 0.44 kg/m2 to 0.491 kg/m2, 0.427 kg/m2 to 0.484 kg/m2, 0.341 kg/m2 to 0.42 kg/m2 for, and 0.296 kg/m2 to 0.321 kg/m2, respectively. The calculated collectible volume data were in good agreement with the data from field research, which verified the accuracy of the constructed computational model.

Comprehensive and Integrated Impact Assessment Framework for Development Policies Evaluation: Definition and Application to Kenyan Coffee Sector

The coexistence of the need to improve economic conditions and the conscious use of environmental resources plays a central role in today’s sustainable development challenge. In this study, a novel integrated framework to evaluate the impact of new technological interventions is presented and an application to smallholder coffee farms and their supply chains in Kenya is proposed. This methodology is able to combine multiple information through the joint use of three approaches: supply chain analysis, input-output analysis, and energy system modeling. Application to the context of the Kenyan coffee sector enables framework validation: shading management measures, the introduction of eco-pulpers, and the exploitation of coffee waste biomass for power generation were compared within a holistic high-level perspective. The implementation of shading practices, carried out with fruit trees, shows the most relevant effects from the economic point of view, providing farmers with an additional source of income and generating $903 of work for every million of local currency (about $9k) invested in this solution. The same investment would save up to 1.46 M m3 of water per year with the eco-pulpers technology. Investing the same amount in coffee-biomass power plants would displace a small portion of production from heavy-duty oil and avoid importing a portion of fertilizer, saving up to 11 tons of CO2 and around $4k per year. The results suggest the optimal allocation of a $100m budget, which can be affected by adding additional constraints on minimum environmental or social targets in line with sustainable development goals.

Sustainable utilization of biomass resources for decentralized energy generation and climate change mitigation: A regional case study in India

Clean energy transition via utilizing biomass resources has been projected as an important climate change mitigation strategy. A vital characteristic of biomass is its localized nature; therefore, bioenergy utilization should follow decentralized planning. Agrarian countries like India can take benefit of its large agricultural biomass waste pool to produce clean renewable energy. However, prior knowledge of spatio-temporal distribution, competing uses, and biomass characteristics are necessary for successful bioenergy planning. This paper assesses biomass resource and its power generation potential at different agro-climatic zone levels in the state of Rajasthan, India considering crop residue biomass (25 different crop residues from 14 crops) and livestock manure (from cattle, buffalo, and poultry). Uncertainties associated with the availability of biomass and the power generation potential are assessed for each agro-climatic zone under different scenarios. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from biomass-based power generations are also estimated and compared with biomass-equivalent coal power plants. It is observed that the annual biomass power potential of Rajasthan is 3056 MW (2496 MW from crop residues and 560 MW from livestock manure). Scenario analysis suggests that the potential varies from 2445 to 6045 MW under different biomass availability and power plant operating conditions. Annual GHGs emissions due to biomass power generation is 5053 kt CO2eq. Replacing coal-based power with biomass power would result in annual GHGs savings of 11412 kt CO2eq. The paper also discusses various carriers and barriers viz. logistics, institutional, financial and technical in setting up decentralized bioenergy plants. Outcomes of the present study are expected to assist renewable energy planners in India.

Simulation Study on Complex Systems of Forest Biomass Power Generation Supply Chain in China.

Based on the perspective of complex system management of forest biomass power generation (FBPG) supply chain, this paper explores a new way to reduce the operation cost of forest biomass raw materials supply chain and improve the operation efficiency of forest biomass supply chain in China. Firstly, the supply chain model of FBPG is summarized through the survey data, and the existing problems are found. Then, the behavior strategies among farmers, middlemen, and enterprises are analyzed, and the data that cannot be obtained in the model are estimated by using statistical methods. Finally, the complex supply chain system is simulated by computer. Through setting different forestry policies, this paper compares and analyzes the profit of the supply chain and puts forward policy suggestions to promote the development of the FBPG industry in China. In this paper, the actual situation, principles of statistics, and system simulation are effectively combined to make the behavior rules of various stakeholders fit the reality, and the research conclusions are more practical.

Life Cycle Assessment of International Biomass Utilization: A Case Study of Malaysian Palm Kernel Shells for Biomass Power Generation in Japan

Life Cycle Assessment of International Biomass Utilization: A Case Study of Malaysian Palm Kernel Shells for Biomass Power Generation in Japan

Nearly-zero carbon optimal operation model and benefit allocation strategy for a novel virtual power plant using carbon capture, power-to-gas, and waste incineration power in rural areas

Aiming at utilizing a large number of distributed energy sources in rural areas such as straw and garbage biomass, rooftop photovoltaics, and decentralized wind power, this study designed a novel structure of a virtual power plant connected with gas-power plant carbon capture (GPPCC), power-to-gas (P2G), and waste incineration power (WI), namely, a GPW-VPP. Then, the information gap decision theory (IGDT) and fuzzy satisfaction method were applied to construct a nearly-zero carbon optimal operation model. In this model, the maximum revenue and minimum carbon emissions were selected as the initial objectives, which were converted into one maximum satisfaction objective. Three uncertainty variables, namely, wind power, photovoltaic power, and user’s load, were described using the IGDT. Secondly, to optimize the distribution of the cooperative operation revenue for the entities in GPW-VPP, a Nash negotiation-based benefit allocation strategy is established considering the multidimensional contribution factors of risks, benefits, and carbon emissions. Finally, the Lankao Rural Energy Revolution Pilot program in China was selected as the case study, the results showed: (1) GPW-VPP can aggregate and utilize different types of distributed energy sources such as rural wind power plants (WPPs) and photovoltaic power generation (PVs) to realize the electricity–carbon–electricity cycle effect. (2) The proposed operation optimization model can measure the uncertainty risk and formulate an optimal plan considering the above dual objectives. When the deviation coefficient of the predicted objectives is 0.5, the uncertainty degree is 0.142, and the cost of the decision plan is less than the expected cost of decision maker. Compared with the maximum revenue objective, the operation revenue and carbon emissions reduced by 4.6% and 35.76% under the comprehensive optimization objective, respectively, (3) The proposed benefit distribution strategy can be used to formulate a better benefit distribution plan that meets the comprehensive contributions of multiple entities. Affected by the risk of output uncertainty, the benefit proportion of WPP and PV increased, but it was 1.64% lower than that in the traditional distribution plan. Affected by carbon emissions, the benefit proportion of biomass power generation decreased, but it was 0.57% higher than that in the traditional distribution plan. Overall, the proposed operation optimization model and benefit distribution strategy can balance the interest requirements of different entities and promote the optimal aggregation and utilization of rural distributed energy resources, which is conducive to the realization of a clean and low-carbon transformation of the overall energy structure.

Perspectives on Energy Security in the Russian Federation: A Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Sources

One of the trends in global energy development in recent years has been the rapid growth of renewable energy sources, driven by new technologies. Large hydro power plants can be considered as traditional renewable energy sources. Among the new technologies, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal power generation have taken the lead. This paper is devoted to a comparative analysis of existing types of renewable energy sources in order to identify the most promising ones to ensure the implementation of the Doctrine of the Energy Security of the Russian Federation as a further development of the economy, taking into account global trends.

Test and performance optimization of nozzle inclination angle and swirl combustor in a low-tar biomass gasifier: a biomass power generation system perspective

A nozzle inclination angle and swirl combustor inside the low-tar biomass (LTB) gasifier reactor were tested and optimized to evaluate these effects on tar reduction to design tar-free producer gas. The tar reduction process is mainly based on the concept of a swirling flow created by the nozzle inclination angle, with the inclination angle of 55° to the radial line, allowing good mixing between pyrolysis gases and gasifying agents. A separate swirl combustor has created large internal annular and reverses flow zones with the help of swirl flow, resulting in homogenized temperature inside the combustor and providing longer residence time; both have a positive effect on the combustion of mixed gasifying air-pyrolysis gases by the thermal cracking in the partial oxidation zone. Recircling ratio (RR) and combustion degree of volatiles are the two optimization parameters for evaluating the performance of NIA and swirl combustor. The result observed that outstanding tar reduction occurred in this novel system. About 86.5 and 12.8% of tar compounds are broken down in the partial oxidation zone and pyrolysis zone using the novel swirl combustor and NIA, respectively; gas outlet has observed producer gas having tar concentration of less than 1%. The optimization results reveal that a lower recycling ratio (recycle gas/gasifying air) and a higher combustion degree of volatiles perform better in biomass gasification. Finally, this system generated producer gas with the tar concentration at an extremely low level of 7.4 mg/Nm3 for a biomass moisture content of 9% and appeared the lower heating value of 4.6–5.1 MJ/Nm3. This lower tar concentration might be directly coupled with an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine for power generation.

Updraft Gasifier-Stirling Engine Biomass Incineration System Power Generation

Biomass, the world's largest renewable energy source, will continue to grow in the following energy markets. As a result, small biomass conversion systems are more competitive than large stand-alone converters because most of the biomass sources have low energy density and are widely distributed in space. The current study offers a small solid biomass power generation system to examine the possibility of direct connection of updates fixed bed gasifiers and a Stirling engine. The fixed bed updraft gasifier uses a combustion burner built into the gasifier to completely burn the synthetic gas produced by the gasifier. The exhaust gases generated by the synthesis gas combustion in the combustion tube are directed to the Stirling engine heater head. The engine then converts the heat contained in the exhaust gases. Output depends on the heat input. And the heat input is proportional to the flue gas flow rate and temperature Preliminary studies on the proposed straight couplings of the energy derived from the gasifier to mechanical energy of 300 mW and electrical energy of 50 mW. The outcomes of the Stirling engine with Updraft gasifier test shows that Pradauk biomass is more effective than charcoal biomass. Current research shows that no supplemental fuel is needed to keep the current system running smoothly. The technology and units presented can be considered as a viable solid biomass power generation system and enlarge to produce more electricity in rural areas of Thailand in the next step.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The outcomes of the Stirling engine with Updraft gasifier test shows that Pradauk biomass is more effective than charcoal biomass
 The technology and units presented can be considered as a viable solid biomass power generation system and enlarge to produce more electricity in rural areas of Thailand in the next step
 Current studies show that the proposed system is technically feasible because it can generate electricity without interference so as to maintain an almost stable process
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Numerical simulation and combustion analysis of coal and biomass co-combustion

China began entering the 14th Five-Year Plan period in 2021. With the proposed carbon-neutral long-term goal, the strategic position of clean energy is becoming increasingly prominent. using biomass power generation is one of the main application ways. In order to study the mixed combustion process of coal and biomass, this paper takes 300MW lignite boiler as the research object and uses Fluent software to explore the influence of biomass types and the location of biomass nozzle on the mixed combustion, and obtains the corresponding temperature field, flue gas component field and the distribution of pollutant NO. The results showed that when the biomass particles were sprayed into a fixed position with a certain proportion, the NO emission of wheat, corn and cotton straw was reduced, and the effect of wheat straw was the most obvious. When a certain proportion of wheat straw and coal are co-fired, the higher the biomass nozzle position, the higher the peak temperature in the main combustion zone, and the better the emission reduction effect of NO.

The distributional characteristics of woody biomass power generation facilities

The distributional characteristics of woody biomass power generation facilities

Availability of Old Natural Rubber Tree for Biomass Power Generation

Availability of Old Natural Rubber Tree for Biomass Power Generation

Consideration and Application of Evaluation Indicators of Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere (CES) for the Utilization of Woody Biomass

The “Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere” takes advantage of the SDGs’ concept of integrated solutions to numerous concerns, complementing and supporting resources based on the region’s features while maximizing the utilization of local resources. This research makes a comprehensive evaluation of the three aspects of the environment, economy, and society. First, formulate the evaluation indicators of the regional circulation symbiosis zone. Then, choose the cutting conditions of trees according to geographical factors, use the thinning forecasting system and forest GIS data to evaluate the supply potential of thinned wood in the area, and calculate the heat and power generation of wood biomass. According to the above analysis and calculation, 12,000 tons of unused wood chips can be supplied per year for 36 years from 2016 to 2051. From the economic point of view, the purchase of wood chips of 146 million yen due to the local circulation of wood fuel is expected to save about 50 million yen in intermediate input. And it is estimated that if 12,000 tons of unused wood chips can be supplied in the city per year, and about 98.4 million yen can be saved annually. Finally, from a social perspective point of view, biomass power generation of unused thinned timber using materials worth about 146 million yen is expected to create about 20 jobs.

Development Status and the Biomass Energy Policies in China

In the past decades, China has adopted a wide variety of policies to stimulate bioenergy development, playing a more significant role in China’s energy structure. However, bioenergy development in China is still at an early stage and lags far behind other foreign countries. This study is aimed to explore the reasons behind this sluggish development from a policy perspective. Bioenergy development potential and provincial geographic distribution were investigated in China, which shows that the total technical bioenergy potential was about 0.85 GtCE in China in 2015. After analyzing the calculated allocation flow of bioenergy, it can be drawn that biomass power generation accounts for the highest proportion of bioenergy applications. A three-dimensional policy analysis framework is put forward to analyze the selected representative 72 pieces of biomass policies. It is concluded that there are some unbalanced policy problems, such as lacking demand policies in the biomass power generation industry and few applications of voluntary policies.

Path Exploration of Integrating Ideological and Political Elements into the Teaching of “Biomass Power Generation Engineering”

Curriculum ideological and political education is not only an important way for the education reform in colleges and universities, but also the internal requirement for the fundamental task of building morality and cultivating students. Biomass power generation engineering is an essential and featured professional course of new energy science and engineering major. Taking the course teaching of "biomass power generation engineering" as an example, this study analyzed the necessity of carrying out the ideological and political education, and explored the top-level design scheme of the curriculum ideological and political education and the trinity educational objectives. Meanwhile, the ways of mutual integration of ideological and political elements and professional knowledge points were discussed, and the curriculum teaching reform and practical exploration were carried out, so that the ideological and political education could run throughout the whole process of course learning. The purpose is to provide reference for the ideological and political teaching of science and engineering courses.