Biomass combustion for power generation

doi:10.1016/0961-9534(96)00033-5

Biomass and Bioenergy

Volume 11, Issue 4, 1996, Pages 271-281

https://doi.org/10.1016/0961-9534(96)00033-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

An overview is given of the state of the art of biomass combustion power generation technologies with a capacity of more than 10 MW_e. Biomass combustion technologies have been compared on a qualitative basis and a selection of individual biomass combustion power plants has been compared on a quantitative basis. Collected data were modified for comparison of the various power plants in the quantitative analysis.

The qualitative analysis focused on the following technologies: pile, grate, suspension and fluidised-bed combustion. Fluidised-bed systems are found to have relatively high efficiencies and are also flexible with regard to fuel properties. Both fluidised-bed systems and vibrating grates are successful in limiting thermal NO_x formation.

Some recently built plants and some planned concepts are compared quantitatively on the basis of efficiency, investment costs and emissions. All electric efficiencies are close to or above 30% (at lower heating value). Of the plants fired solely by biomass, vibrating grates and circulating fluidised beds turn out to have the highest efficiency at the moment. Co-firing of 4.5% biomass in a pulverised coal boiler has an efficiency of about 37% (LHV). Expected efficiencies for large-scale (100 to 250 MW_e) promising concepts are in the 39–44% (LHV) range. Investment costs range from 1200 to 2900 (1992)US$/kW_e. High costs are often caused by additional features such as the firing of difficult fuels or combined heat and power production.

None of the existing technologies is found to be superior with respect to all the criteria selected.

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Biomass combustion for power generation

Abstract

Biomass and Bioenergy

Electricity from Biomass: a Development Strategy

Biomass combustion technologies in the United States

Brazilian biomass power demonstration project

Gasification of biomass wastes and residues for electricity production

Biomass-gasifier/aeroderivative gas turbine combined cycles. Part B: Performance calculations and economic assessment

Biomass combustion power generation technologies

Horticulture heating in Aalsmeer: efficiency and capacity of a combined cycle unit with supply of heat and with steam-injection in the gas turbine at an outside temperature of 5°C [in Dutch]

Power from wood

Power