Biomass Co-firing Research Articles

Analysis of Biomass Co-firing Combustion Test using Corn Cobs at Punagaya CFPP as A Green Energy Alternative

Abstract Indonesia is determined to reduce fossil fuels by 2060 set a national renewable energy mix target of 23% by 2025 and be free of fossil fuels by 2060. One of the PLN’s (a national electrical company in Indonesia) efforts to increase carbon emissions reduction and strengthen local new renewable energy is co-firing biomass on CFPP. Indonesia, which is located in a tropical area, has a large potential for biomass resources. Corn cob, one of the biomass types, has a big potential to replace coal as fuel in CFPP especially in Jeneponto Region, South Sulawesi. By utilizing corn cobs as a fuel with a co-firing mechanism, it can generate green energy. The methodology for assessing the corn cob co-firing combustion test’s performance at Punagaya CFPP is presented in this paper. It is based on a multi-criteria assessment designed to examine the technical, financial, and environmental effects of operating parameters with a mixture composition of 95% coal and 5% corn cobs at 70 MW load for 10 hours. From the test results in terms of operational aspects, the parameters have changed but it still in the normal operating range; FEGT increased by 5.3°C, bed temperature increased by 8.9°C, air chamber pressure decreased by 0.05 kPa, and total airflow decreased by 4.5 T/h. From the financial aspect, it has benefited from a decrease in the value of Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), which is 0.014 kg/kWh compared to 100% coal. From the environmental aspect, the overall results of emission parameters are still by environmental quality standards and have decreased for NOx and SO2 parameters.

A three-stage evaluation model for biomass co-firing combined with carbon capture and storage (in oil wells) retrofit in coal-fired power plants based on multi-criteria decision-making: An example from Hebei Province, China

Coal-fired power plants can be retrofitted by biomass co-firing combined with CO2 capture and storage, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Site selection is an important task for the entire project, but little research has been done on this. Therefore, this paper proposed a three-level evaluation model. Firstly, alternative power plants and carbon sequestration sites (set oil wells as an example) were screened by feasibility evaluations. Secondly, source-sink pairs were performed based on the shortest distance between power plants and oil wells. Finally, source-sink pairs were evaluated with suitability evaluation. Entropy weight method (EWM) and Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were used to calculate objective and subjective weights, respectively. Lagrangian optimization method was used to combine the two weights. The ranking results of alternative source-sink pairs were obtained through Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) improved by combined weight. An example of in-service power plants in Hebei Province was conducted. Engineering geology and reservoir characteristics were the most important considerations. D5 (source: Langfang thermal power plant, sink: Bieguzhuang - Jing 11 oil well) was the best choice of the five given candidates. The results of the study provided an evaluation framework for governments and investors in retrofitting power plants.

Accurate machine-learning-based prediction of aerodynamic and heat transfer coefficients for cylindrical biomass particles

Cylindrical biomass (straw) particles play a crucial role in the numerical simulations of biomass co-firing in coal-fired boilers, wherein the aerodynamic and heat transfer coefficients of these particles are particularly important. Despite the existence of models proposed thus far for various specific conditions, developing a universal model for cylindrical particles remains challenging in multiphase flow systems. In this paper, a total of 1092 validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) datasets of cylindrical drag, lift, torque coefficients and average Nusselt number are acquired based on direct numerical simulations of OpenFOAM body-fitted meshes, and a hybrid algorithmic framework of N+1 convolutional neural network (CNN) machine learning optimality is established. where multiple single-tree models (referred to as N models) are combined with an additional CNN layer (referred to as +1 model).The framework inherits the advantages of a single-tree models while significantly improving the overall algorithmic generalisation performance, with the aim of allowing efficient use of time and minimal expertise in the fluid modelling process. The mean relative absolute errors for drag, lift, torque coefficient, and the average Nusselt number was evaluated, and the results demonstrated a reduction of 75.19 %, 89.48 %, 89.53 %, and 85.70 %, respectively, in the mean relative absolute errors compared to the extremely randomised tree single-tree model. We extended the model scope to different aspect ratios (1 ≤ Ar ≤ 30), angles of incidence (0° ≤ θ ≤ 90°), and Reynolds numbers (1 ≤ Re ≤ 4000), and conducted random predictions. Compared with traditional mathematical relationships, the proposed framework reduced the average relative error to 0.99 %. The simultaneous application of models for the prediction of unknown parameters was validated against relevant early literature, which demonstrated that the average relative error of drag coefficients for the predicted values remained within 2.07 %. The N+1 (CNN) hybrid algorithm framework exhibited high accuracy and excellent adaptability, furnishing a substantial quantity of data to support the Euler–Lagrange model of non-spherical biomass particle multiphase flow in industrial applications.

Rice Husk Availability Mapping as Biomass Cofiring Material at Power Plant in Indramayu

Rice Husk Availability Mapping as Biomass Cofiring Material at Power Plant in Indramayu

The viability of co-firing biomass waste to mitigate coal plant emissions in Indonesia

Given Indonesia’s abundant biomass resources, co-firing biomass presents an opportunity to reduce coal plant carbon emissions. However, the emissions profile of this strategy depends upon biomass sourcing, which, if derived from non-waste biomass (purpose-grown at plantations), could induce substantial land use change emissions, shifting emissions offset from coal plants to land. Here we use a plant-level supply-demand and combustion-cycle assessment to investigate whether available biomass in Indonesia from agricultural, forestry, and municipal waste alone can meet feedstock requirements for co-firing at various ratios throughout the year and across the archipelago. Our results indicate that incorporating existing biomass waste into coal plants reduces carbon emissions minimally without additional deforestation, meeting co-firing demand only at low ratios. However, competition with alternative uses and limited biomass supply in eastern provinces, where coal capacity is growing, preclude meeting demand at higher ratios without substantial land use change emissions.

A bi-level model for coal power decarbonization via biomass co-firing considering CO[formula omitted] emission trading system

Faced with the challenges posed by the Paris Agreement targets, biomass co-firing offers an efficient measure to decarbonize coal-fired power generation. Although economic burden of biomass co-firing has severely limited the large-scale application, effective CO2 emission trading system has the capability to subsidize and incentivize. Existing studies related to biomass co-firing under CO2 emission trading system fail to consider multiple decision makers and uncertain decision-making environment. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a bi-level model for coal power decarbonization via biomass co-firing considering CO2 emission trading system in an uncertain decision-making environment. It considers the interactive relationship between multiple decision makers. The upper-level model focuses on the formulation of CO2 emission trading system, and the lower-level model decides biomass co-firing and emission reduction. Fuzzy set theory is employed to describe the uncertain parameters and convert them into exact values. To calculate the model, a bi-level interactive method based on satisfactory solution is developed. A case study is conducted to illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed model. Results show that the price of initial quotas fluctuates between 38.01 and 48.7 CNY/tonne, and the lowest carbon intensity is 0.741 kg/kWh. Management recommendations are provided to support CO2 emission reduction.

Slagging tendency analysis and evaluation of biomass and coal during co-firing

Co-firing of biomass and coal may cause slagging and fouling and impact the operational lifespan of the boilers. In this paper, eucalyptus bark (EB) and four kinds of coal were used as raw materials, and the degree of slagging was experimentally investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method and the entropy weight (EW) method were used to establish a slagging evaluation model E-TOPSIS. The results showed that the co-firing of EB and coal caused an increase in ash particle size, particle sintering, and adhesion. XRD analysis confirmed that EB promoted the reaction of calcium compounds with quartz and enhanced the diffraction intensity of muscovite, anorthite, and calcite. The evaluation results of the E-TOPSIS showed that the slagging tendency of EB, IC, and ICEB was severe, which is aligned with the experimental results, and proves the accuracy of this method. The research results can provide a reference for predicting the slagging tendency of biomass and coal during co-firing.

A techno-economic and environmental analysis of co-firing implementation using coal and wood bark blend at circulating fluidized bed boiler

The study aimed to explore the effects of biomass co-firing of coal using acacia wood bark at circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler coal-fired power plant with 110 MWe capacity. The analysis focused on main equipment parameters, including the potential for slagging, fouling, corrosion, agglomeration, fuel cost, and specific environmental factors. Initially, coal and acacia wood bark fuel were blended at a 3% mass ratio, with calorific values of 8.59 MJ/kg and 16.59 MJ/kg, respectively. The corrosion due to chlorine and slagging potential when using wood bark was grouped into the minor and medium categories. The results showed that co-firing at approximately 3% mass ratio contributed to changes in the upper furnace temperature due to the variation in heating value, high total humidity, and a less homogeneous particle size distribution. Significant differences were also observed in the temperature of the lower furnace area, showing the presence of a foreign object covering the nozzle, which disturbed the ignition process. A comparison of the seal pot temperature showed imbalances as observed from the temperature indicators installed on both sides of boiler, with specific fuel consumption (SFC) increasing by approximately 0.17%. During the performance test, the price of acacia wood bark was 0.034 USD/kg, resulting in fuel cost of 0.023355 USD/kWh, adding 0.061 cent/kWh to coal firing cost. Despite co-firing, the byproducts of the combustion process, such as SO2 and NOx, still met environmental quality standards in accordance with government regulations. However, a comprehensive medium- and long-term impact evaluation study should be carried out to implement co-firing operations using acacia wood bark at coal-fired power plant. Based on the characteristics, such as low calorific value, with high ash, total moisture, and alkali, acacia wood bark showed an increased potential to cause slagging and fouling.

Multi-scope decarbonization and environmental impacts evaluation for biomass fuels co-firing CHP units in China

Co-firing of waste biomass as low-carbon fuels in combined heat and power (CHP) units is an indispensable energy supply technology providing regional electricity and heat, especially in industrial parks, that can combat climate change and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in China. In this study, we proposed a life cycle material-energy-carbon integrated GHG accounting framework for CHP units converting waste to energy with co-firing of sludge and biomass pellets, including supply and value chains. This framework enables the prediction of multi-scope GHG emissions and environmental impacts associated with co-firing based on the properties of biomass fuels. It facilitates the selection of suitable biomass fuels according to decarbonization or reduced environmental impact objectives. When considering CO2 emissions alone, co-firing with sludge appears to be a beneficial option due to the economic gains from waste disposal. However, this also leads to increased GHG emissions unless avoided emissions from original disposal are considered, thus highlighting the need to expand the regulatory framework pertaining to GHG emissions that recognizes non-CO2 GHG emissions. Additionally, the practice of co-firing biomass fuels presents a complex interplay between enhanced decarbonization effects but potentially more significant environmental impacts when the co-firing ratio increases, highlighting the trade-offs between enhanced decarbonization and environmental challenges. Leveraging this framework, our study evaluated the national decarbonization potential through the deployment of CHP units with sludge or biomass co-firing across various provinces, indicating that biomass pellets co-firing could lead to more substantial GHG emission reduction.

Convective heat transfer coefficients models for biomass cylindrical particles from low to high aspect ratio

This study investigates the heat transfer of co-firing biomass in coal-fired power station boilers, with a focus on practical application for realistic particle shapes. At present, there are no heat transfer or Nusselt number (Nu) correlations available for biomass particles of cylindrical shape such as straw particles. In this study, a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the heat transfer between cylindrical particles in a heated flow are performed with OpenFOAM-using a body-fitted mesh. The impact of the Reynolds number Re, aspect ratio AR, and angle of incidence θ in the range of (10 ≤ Re ≤ 2000, 1 ≤ AR ≤ 18, 0° ≤ θ ≤ 90°) on the Nusselt number are determined using a systematical analysis of the thermal flow characteristics for different particle temperature fields. The results show that the aerodynamics and geometrical factors of the cylindrical shape play a dominant role in the heat transfer. A model for the Nusselt number is proposed based on a curve fit of the simulation results, which has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.2 × 10-2 and an average relative error of 1.15 %. The independence test of the model has an average error of 5.1 %, indicating a high prediction accuracy. Compared to experimental and simulated data from the literature, the model demonstrates reasonable accuracy within its range of applicability, with a relative error of only 5.05 %. This study provides insights into the heat transfer of biomass particles with cylindrical shape and presents a new mathematical model for the Nusselt number, which can be used to improve the accuracy of the heat transfer prediction using point particle models.

Investigation of the chemical mechanism of pollutant formation in co-firing of ammonia and biomass lignin

Ammonia (NH3) and biomass are recognised as renewable energy carriers with substantial promise for reducing carbon emissions. However, the issue of nitrogen oxides (NOX, including NO and NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from ammonia combustion and soot from biomass combustion, remains a pressing concern due to their detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. This study investigated the mechanism of pollutant formation during ammonia-lignin co-firing through reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations. The results indicate that co-firing a certain amount of ammonia with lignin can reduce the formation of soot. This is mainly due to NH2 radicals converting a portion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursors into C–N compounds. However, it is necessary to maintain higher ammonia concentrations. Adding a small quantity of ammonia would decrease the extent of oxidative reactions within the system and fail to generate enough NH2 radicals to consume the carbon atoms forming PAH precursors, ultimately resulting in increased soot production. The impact of lignin on the formation of NOX and N2O during ammonia combustion has two main aspects: Firstly, the oxidising radicals formed during the initial decomposition of lignin promote the generation of N–O bonds, leading to an increase in the quantities of NOX and N2O during the initial reaction stage. Secondly, the carbon-containing products produced from lignin decomposition consume nitrogen atoms by forming N–C bonds, thereby diminishing available nitrogen atoms for nitrogen oxides formation. This study provides new insights into the formation of primary pollutants of ammonia and biomass co-firing on an atomic scale, which can help develop pollutant mitigation measures.

Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of solar PV and biomass-based systems for a food processing plant

The industrial sector is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, with a share of nearly 38 % (156 EJ) of all energy used globally in 2020. Historical energy demand and consumption data from a poultry processing plant have been analyzed to lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and reliance on traditional energy sources. The study includes energy, economic, and emissions analyses for (a) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, (b) biomass fuels, and (c) coal-fired with wood. Fixed, single, and two-axis tracking solar PV systems that are company-owned and funded by banks are considered. The historical energy consumption data of the plant shows that 52.36 % of energy demand is met by electrical energy and 47.63 % by thermal energy. The yearly electricity demand is 9,938 MWh, costs $1,192,560, and emits 5117.6 tCO2. Thermal energy demand is based on an annual use of 898 tonnes of coal and 71.6 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which costs $ 143,681 and emits 2977.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2). Feasibility of 1.3 MW, fixed axis company-owned, solar PV plant shows an annual electricity production of 1876 MWh, GHG emission reduction of 965.9 tCO2 with a payback period of 3.4 years. Biomass system delivers yearly fuel cost savings of $25,724, reducing 2784 tCO2 with a 1.9-year payback period. Co-firing biomass offers a 3.58 % fuel cost saving and 557 tCO2 with a 0.93-year payback period. It concluded that the wood fuel feedstock biomass option is most suitable renewable energy resource for such large-scale poultry facilities.

The environmental perspective on biomass co-firing operations at coal-fired power plants in the Banten region, Indonesia: a life cycle approach

The environmental perspective on biomass co-firing operations at coal-fired power plants in the Banten region, Indonesia: a life cycle approach

Harmonizing Biomass Co-Firing with the Green Economy Paradigm: A Sustainable Approach for Indonesia's Energy Landscape

Objective. To explore the implementation of Biomass Co-Firing in Indonesia, the objective encompasses an analysis of how policies, practices, and investments in Biomass Co-Firing can support desired sustainable development goals. Design/Methodology/Approach. This research utilizes the Library Research methodology, which examines literature, legal documents, and other textual sources to investigate the integration of Biomass Co-Firing into the Indonesian Green Economy. Results/Discussion. The development of renewable energy using biomass and co-firing in power plants offers significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and addressing challenges in clean energy development in Indonesia. With a strong legal foundation as outlined in Article 2 of Law No. 30 of 2007 concerning Energy, the government has provided a solid basis for renewable energy development. However, implementation still faces challenges in permitting regulations and cross-sector coordination. A significant drawback is the lack of specific incentives from the government for biomass co-firing projects, along with uncertainties regarding biomass certification and standardization. To overcome these challenges, concrete steps are needed, such as providing fiscal and financial incentives for industry players and enhancing coordination among the government, private sector, and other stakeholders. Conclusions. The development of renewable energy with biomass and co-firing in power plants promises a reduction in carbon emissions and supports clean energy development in Indonesia, despite facing challenges in permitting and cross-sector coordination. Originality/Value. The harmonization of Biomass Co-Firing projects with the Green Economy paradigm in Indonesia emphasizes resource efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and sustainable economic growth.

Review on Mercury Control during Co-Firing Coal and Biomass under O2/CO2 Atmosphere

Combining biomass co-firing with oxy-fuel combustion is a promising Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology. It has the potential to achieve a large-scale reduction in carbon emissions from traditional power plants, making it a powerful tool for addressing global climate change. However, mercury in the fuel can be released into the flue gas during combustion, posing a significant threat to the environment and human health. More importantly, mercury can also cause the fracture of metal equipment via amalgamation, which is a major risk for the system. Therefore, compared to conventional coal-fired power plants, the requirements for the mercury concentration in BECCS systems are much stricter. This article reviews the latest progress in mercury control under oxy-fuel biomass co-firing conditions, clarifies the impact of biomass co-firing on mercury species transformation, reveals the influence mechanisms of various flue gas components on elemental mercury oxidation under oxy-fuel combustion conditions, evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of various mercury removal methods, and finally provides an outlook for mercury control in BECCS systems. Research shows that after biomass co-firing, the concentrations of chlorine and alkali metals in the flue gas increase, which is beneficial for homogeneous and heterogeneous mercury oxidation. The changes in the particulate matter content could affect the transformation of gaseous mercury to particulate mercury. The high concentrations of CO2 and H2O in oxy-fuel flue gas inhibit mercury oxidation, while the effects of NOx and SO2 are dual-sided. Higher concentrations of fly ash in oxy-fuel flue gas are conducive to the removal of Hg0. Additionally, under oxy-fuel conditions, CO2 and metal ions such as Fe2+ can inhibit the re-emission of mercury in WFGD systems. The development of efficient adsorbents and catalysts is the key to achieving deep mercury removal. Fully utilizing the advantages of chlorine, alkali metals, and CO2 in oxy-fuel biomass co-firing flue gas will be the future focus of deep mercury removal from BECCS systems.

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN ACHIEVING NET ZERO EMISSIONS: CASE OF BIOMASS COFIRING TECHNOLOGY

This study emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in achieving the Net Zero Emissions(NZE) target in 2060 using Biomass Co-firing technology with a qualitative descriptive analyticalapproach. This research focuses on the cross- sectoral cooperation needed to achieve the NZE,especially in terms of social and economic aspects. This strategy aims to reduce biomass waste by1% of total waste in the environment and reduce waste generated by boilers by 10-15%. In addition,this study notes the positive social and economic impacts arising from this strategic planning, suchas increased revenue for the biomass supplier for Co-firing. Nonetheless, research also identifieschallenges in organizational management that must be overcome. Therefore, PT. PLN Energi PrimerIndonesia must be more committed to maintaining good relations with the community to support asustainable future vision and provide prosperity for all citizens. This research provides importantinsights for stakeholders committed to achieving NZE while considering critical social andeconomic aspects.

A Determination Method for the Biomass Lower-Calorific-Value-Based Blending Ratio in Co-Firing Power Plants

The accurate measurement of the biomass lower-calorific-value-based blending ratio (BLBR) is the premise and key to scale development of the power generation technology from co-firing of biomass and coal. However, existing determination methods of BLBR are less accurate, which has impeded the scale utilization of the co-firing technology of biomass and coal. To accurately determine the BLBR, this research proposed a flue gas sampling system suitable for determining BLBR through 14C quantitative analysis and established a medium-scale experimental platform for BLBR determination. In addition, predictive models for the lower calorific values of coal and biomass fuels were built and the BLBR calculation model for co-firing power plants was deduced. Furthermore, experimental verification of the BLBR determination was also conducted. The results show that the lower calorific values of coal and biomass fuels are highly linearly positively correlated with the carbon content. The relative errors of the established prediction models for lower calorific values of biomass and coal are separately lower than 5% and 8%. The results indicate that the proposed BLBR determination method is accurate.

Techno-Economic and Environmental Impact of Biomass Co-Firing with Carbon Capture and Storage in Indonesian Power Plants

Techno-Economic and Environmental Impact of Biomass Co-Firing with Carbon Capture and Storage in Indonesian Power Plants

Numerical simulation of the co-firing of pulverized coal and eucalyptus wood in a 1000MWth opposed wall-fired boiler

Currently, coal-fired coupled biomass power generation is widely regarded as a primary method for reducing carbon emissions in coal-fired power plants. This research investigates the co-firing of biomass in an opposed wall-fired boiler and the implementation of air-staged combustion technology using numerical simulation approaches. The study examines the impact of various air methods of distribution and blending ratios on combustion properties and NOx emissions. The findings demonstrate that the abrasive wear of fuel particles on the platen superheater is decreased by the addition of biomass to the fuel mix. Furthermore, a drop in the furnace chamber's overall temperature is the outcome of raising the blending ratio. Different blending ratios have their own adapted air distribution methods. At blending ratios of 10% and 30%, the W-type air distribution exhibits the lowest NOx outlet concentrations of 231.84 mg/Nm3 and 220.6 mg/Nm3, respectively. Moreover, the W-type air distribution shows the highest burnup rates of 98.74% and 98.43% at these blending ratios. This suggests that it is feasible to change the burner monolayer air distribution and combine it with co-firing of biomass technology to achieve low NOx and efficient operation of a hedge-fired boiler.

Numerical Analysis of the Co-firing Combustion of Coal and Palm Shell Kernel In Stoker Boiler

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) states that Indonesia is committed to contributing to global climate change solutions. The government will also continue to encourage the development of a number of renewable energy (EBT)-based power generation projects. This is based on the use of renewable energy which is still low, namely around (1.9%) 8215.5 MW. Meanwhile, the potential for EBT to become energy can be around 443,208 MW. One source of EBT in Indonesia that can be utilized is Biomass. Co-firing of biomass is a relatively cheaper option and does not require investment in new power plants. However, Co-firing combustion has several aspects that need to be studied, such as temperature combustion and the generation of gas emissions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the temperature and the emissions resulting from co-firing of palm kernel shell biomass. This research was conducted using the Computational Fluid Dynamics method on stoker boiler model. The test parameters of the research was the maximum and average temperatures in the furnace, and the average and maximum fractions of CO2, SO2 in the stoker boiler furnace. From the research conducted, it was found that the resulting combustion temperature decreased as the co-firing fraction of the biomass increased. However, CO2 gas emissions increased and SO2 decreased with increasing fraction of co-firing biomass which showed a decrease in harmful gas emissions and complete combustion that occurred in the furnace.