Design and Feasibility Study of Biomass-Driven Combined Heat and Power Systems for Rural Communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe C. Schicker ◽  
Dustin Spayde ◽  
Heejin Cho
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Wood Pellets ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Fuel Source

Abstract Meeting energy demands at crucial times can often be jeopardized by unreliable power supply from the grid. Local, on-site power generation, such as combined heat and power (CHP) systems, may safeguard against grid fluctuations and outages. CHP systems can provide more reliable and resilient energy supply to buildings and communities while it can also provide energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions compared to centralized power systems. With a recent increased focus on biomass as an alternative fuel source, biomass driven CHP systems have been recognized as a potential technology to bring increased efficiency of fuel utilization and environmentally sustainable solutions. Biomass as an energy source is already created through agricultural and forestry byproducts and may thus be efficient and convenient to be transported to remote rural communities. This paper presents a design and feasibility analysis of biomass (primarily wood pellets)-driven CHP systems for a rural community in the United States. A particular focus was set on rural Mississippi to investigate possible grid independent applications; however, this analysis can be scaled to rural communities across America. The viability of wood pellets (WP) as a suitable fuel source is explored by comparing it to a conventional grid-connected system. To measure viability, three performance parameters — operational cost (OC), primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon dioxide emission (CDE) — are considered in the analysis. The results demonstrate that under the right conditions wood pellet-fueled CHP systems create economic and environmental advantages over traditional systems. The main factors in increasing the viability of bCHP systems are the appropriate sizing and operational strategies of system and the purchase price of biomass with respect to the price traditional fuels.

Design and Feasibility Study of Biomass-Driven Combined Heat and Power Systems for Rural Communities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Philippe Schicker ◽  
Dustin Spayde ◽  
Heejin Cho
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Wood Pellets ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Fuel Source

Abstract Meeting energy demands at crucial times can often be jeopardized by an unreliable power supply from the grid. Local, on-site power generation, such as combined heat and power (CHP) systems, may safeguard against grid fluctuations and outages. CHP systems can provide a more reliable and resilient energy supply to buildings and communities while it can also provide energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions compared to centralized power systems. With a recent increased focus on biomass as an alternative fuel source, biomass-driven CHP systems have been recognized as a potential technology to bring increased efficiency of fuel utilization and environmentally sustainable solutions. Biomass as an energy source is already created through agricultural and forestry by-products and may thus be efficient and convenient to be transported to remote rural communities. This paper presents a design and feasibility analysis of biomass-driven CHP systems for rural communities. The viability of wood pellets as a suitable fuel source is explored by comparing it to a conventional grid-connected system. To measure viability, three performance parameters – operational cost (OC), primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon dioxide emission (CDE) – are considered in the analysis. The results demonstrate that under the right conditions wood pellet-fueled CHP systems create economic and environmental advantages over traditional systems. The main factors in increasing the viability of bCHP systems are the appropriate sizing and operational strategies of the system and the purchase price of biomass with respect to the price of traditional fuels.

Investigation of the Down-Scaling Effects on the Low Swirl Burner and its Application to Microturbines

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Frank ◽  
Peter Therkelsen ◽  
Miguel Sierra Aznar ◽  
Vi H. Rapp ◽  
Robert K. Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Scaling Effects ◽  
Swirl Burner

About 75% of the electric power generated by centralized power plants feeds the energy needs from the residential and commercial sectors. These power plants waste about 67% of primary energy as heat emitting 2 billion tons of CO2 per year in the process (∼ 38% of total US CO2 generated per year) [1]. A study conducted by the United States Department of Energy indicated that developing small-scale combined heat and power systems to serve the commercial and residential sectors could have a significant impact on both energy savings and CO2 emissions. However, systems of this scale historically suffer from low efficiencies for a variety of reasons. From a combustion perspective, at these small scales, few systems can achieve the balance between low emissions and high efficiencies due in part to the increasing sensitivity of the system to hydrodynamic and heat transfer effects. Addressing the hydrodynamic impact, the effects of downscaling on the flowfield evolution were studied on the low swirl burner (LSB) to understand if it could be adapted to systems at smaller scales. Utilizing particle image velocimetry (PIV), three different swirlers were studied ranging from 12 mm to 25.4 mm representing an output range of less than 1 kW to over 23 kW. Results have shown that the small-scale burners tested exhibited similar flowfield characteristics to their larger-scale counterparts in the non-reacting cases studied. Utilizing this data, as a proof of concept, a 14 mm diameter LSB with an output of 3.33 kW was developed for use in microturbine operating on a recuperated Brayton cycle. Emissions results from this burner proved the feasibility of the system at sufficiently lean mixtures. Furthermore, integration of the newly developed LSB into a can style combustor for a microturbine application was successfully completed and comfortably meet the stringent emissions targets. While the analysis of the non-reacting cases was successful, the reacting cases were less conclusive and further investigation is required to gain an understanding of the flowfield evolution which is the subject of future work.

scholarly journals Prospects of Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power Systems

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4104 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.G. Olabi ◽  
Tabbi Wilberforce ◽  
Enas Taha Sayed ◽  
Khaled Elsaid ◽  
Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Entire System ◽  
Good Efficiency ◽  
Electricity Cost ◽  
Research Activities

Combined heat and power (CHP) in a single and integrated device is concurrent or synchronized production of many sources of usable power, typically electric, as well as thermal. Integrating combined heat and power systems in today’s energy market will address energy scarcity, global warming, as well as energy-saving problems. This review highlights the system design for fuel cell CHP technologies. Key among the components discussed was the type of fuel cell stack capable of generating the maximum performance of the entire system. The type of fuel processor used was also noted to influence the systemic performance coupled with its longevity. Other components equally discussed was the power electronics. The thermal and water management was also noted to have an effect on the overall efficiency of the system. Carbon dioxide emission reduction, reduction of electricity cost and grid independence, were some notable advantages associated with fueling cell combined heat and power systems. Despite these merits, the high initial capital cost is a key factor impeding its commercialization. It is, therefore, imperative that future research activities are geared towards the development of novel, and cheap, materials for the development of the fuel cell, which will transcend into a total reduction of the entire system. Similarly, robust, systemic designs should equally be an active research direction. Other types of fuel aside, hydrogen should equally be explored. Proper risk assessment strategies and documentation will similarly expand and accelerate the commercialization of this novel technology. Finally, public sensitization of the technology will also make its acceptance and possible competition with existing forms of energy generation feasible. The work, in summary, showed that proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM fuel cell) operated at a lower temperature-oriented cogeneration has good efficiency, and is very reliable. The critical issue pertaining to these systems has to do with the complication associated with water treatment. This implies that the balance of the plant would be significantly affected; likewise, the purity of the gas is crucial in the performance of the system. An alternative to these systems is the PEM fuel cell systems operated at higher temperatures.

Radial Inflow Turbine Assessment for Small-Scale Concentrated Solar Rankine Combined Heat and Power Technology

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Sunter ◽  
Van P. Carey ◽  
Zack Norwood
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Geometric Parameters ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Brayton Cycle ◽  
Analysis Tools ◽  
Radial Inflow Turbine

Recent studies suggest that small scale (5–10kW) distributed solar Rankine combined heat and power could be a viable renewable energy strategy for displacing fossil fuel use in residential buildings, small commercial buildings, or developing rural communities. One of the primary obstacles of scaling down solar Rankine technology to this level is finding an appropriate expander design. This paper considers the radial-inflow turbine for such an application. Although well-tested methodologies exist for design analysis of radial inflow turbines, existing analysis tools are generally focused on machines using a combustion gases in a Brayton cycle. Use of Rankine cycle working fluids under conditions optimal for small scale Rankine solar systems result in turbine operating conditions that can be dramatically different from those in combustion-based Brayton cycle power systems. This investigation explored how analysis tools developed by NASA and others for conventional Brayton cycle power systems can be adapted to analyze and design radial inflow expanders for small scale Rankine solar combined heat and power systems. Using a 1D model derived from analysis methodologies used by NASA for conventional aerospace gas turbine power applications, the effect of reduced power output on performance is explored. Since the model contains several non-dimensional variables, a variety of geometries are surveyed, and performance sensitivity to various geometric parameters is observed. The interplay between radial inflow turbine performance and cycle efficiency for the system is examined in detail. Several fluids are compared to access how critical temperature and the shape of the saturation dome affect thermodynamic performance of the cycle and efficiency of the turbine. Conclusions regarding optimal fluids and geometric parameters for the radial-inflow turbine are discussed.

Reducing Residential and Commercial Energy Consumption in the US: The Role of Water Heaters

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Twomey ◽  
Susan Conover ◽  
Michael E. Webber
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Water Heaters ◽  
The Us

Residential and commercial water heating in the United States consumed nearly 3,700 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of primary energy in 2010. Nearly half of this primary energy was lost as waste heat at the point of power generation to provide electricity for electric water heaters. In the residential sector alone, water heating accounted for 17% of total 2010 on-site energy, use or about 1,960 trillion BTUs. Of this amount, about 22%, or 440 trillion BTUs, was consumed by residential electric water heaters. However, 1,380 trillion BTUs of primary energy was required to produce this retail electric power at the power station, indicating that electricity generation is much less efficient than directly burning fuels for water heating. This study analyzes 2010 baseline primary energy consumption for water heating in the US by considering energy conversions and end-use efficiencies in the residential and commercial sectors. In order to assess more energy and carbon-efficient means of heating water, we defined four additional scenarios in order to quantify potential energy savings by replacing electric water heaters with more efficient, commercially available technologies. The scenarios ranged in scope and technology deployment, and resulted in energy savings of 10–25% and carbon dioxide emission reductions of 10–20%. Although future deployment of water heating technologies is not likely to replicate any specific scenario, the conclusions drawn from this study are useful in guiding policy incentives and consumer behavior in regards to choosing between water heating technologies.

Research on Effect of Introducing Clean Energy in Compact City

2011 ◽  
Vol 361-363 ◽  
pp. 870-874
Author(s):  
Ling Jing ◽  
Jing Bo Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Combined Heat And Power ◽  
Compact City ◽  
System A

This paper focuses on the effect of introducing clean energy in compact city. As is well known, carbon-dioxide emissions from burning gas are about half the level from coal. It is cleaner to generate electricity with natural gas than coal. When it is used for combined heat and power (CHP) system, utilization ratio and utilize benefit could be advanced considerably. This paper chooses a case in Changchun to research the effect. Three energy supply systems are set up, namely boiler system (system A) and two combined heat and power systems (system B and system C). The intensity of energy consumption of Changchun could be reckoned according to the intensity of energy consumption of Tokyo and the ratio of Degree-day of the two cities. Likewise, equipment efficiency, equipment price, energy price, CO2 emission intensity and depreciation rate are postulated. According to calculated and given data to calculate primary energy consumption, CO2emission, initial cost, annual operation costs and payback periods. The results are as follows: CHP systems (system B and system C) energy saving rates are respectively 22.9% and 8.0%, CO2 reduction rates are respectively 24.6% and 10.0%, payback periods are respectively 7.8 and 4.3 years relative to the boiler system (system A). Comparing the results of three systems, it could conclude that CHP systems (system B and system C) using natural gas would be attractive options when introducing energy system in compact cities.

scholarly journals Presentation, Management, and Outcomes across the Rural-Urban Continuum for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kali Zhou ◽  
Trevor A Pickering ◽  
Christina S Gainey ◽  
Myles Cockburn ◽  
Mariana C Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tumor Stage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Receive Treatment

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of few cancers with rising incidence and mortality in the United States. Little is known about disease presentation and outcomes across the rural-urban continuum. Methods Using the population-based SEER registry, we identified adults with incident hepatocellular carcinoma between 2000–2016. Urban, suburban and rural residence at time of cancer diagnosis were categorized by the Census Bureau’s percent of the population living in non-urban areas. We examined association between place of residence and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were late tumor stage and receipt of therapy. Results Of 83,368 cases, 75.8%, 20.4%, and 3.8% lived in urban, suburban, and rural communities, respectively. Median survival was 7 months (IQR 2–24). All stage and stage-specific survival differed by place of residence, except for distant stage. In adjusted models, rural and suburban residents had a respective 1.09-fold (95% CI = 1.04–1.14, p < .001) and 1.08-fold (95% CI = 1.05–1.10, p < .001) increased hazard of overall mortality as compared to urban residents. Furthermore, rural and suburban residents had 18% (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.10–1.27, p < .001) and 5% (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.09, p = .003) higher odds of diagnosis at late stage and were 12% (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.94, p < .001) and 8% (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88–0.95, p < .001) less likely to receive treatment, respectively, compared to urban residents. Conclusions Residence in a suburban and rural community at time of diagnosis was independently associated with worse indicators across the cancer continuum for liver cancer. Further research is needed to elucidate the primary drivers of these rural-urban disparities.

scholarly journals Energy assessment of different cooling technologies in Ti-6Al-4V milling

2021 ◽  
Vol 112 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3279-3306
Author(s):  
Paolo Albertelli ◽  
Michele Monno
Keyword(s):  
Energy Performance ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Cryogenic Cooling ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Tribological Behaviour ◽  
Dry Cutting ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Energy Assessment ◽  
Energy Models ◽  
Conventional Cooling

AbstractManufacturing craves for more sustainable solutions for machining heat-resistant alloys. In this paper, an assessment of different cooling lubrication approaches for Ti6Al4V milling was carried out. Cryogenic cutting (liquid nitrogen) and conventional cooling (oil-based fluid) were assessed with respect to dry cutting. To study the effects of the main relevant process parameters, proper energy models were developed, validated and then used for comparing the analysed cooling lubrication strategies. The model parameters were identified exploiting data from specifically conceived experiments. The power assessment was carried out considering different perspectives, with a bottom-up approach. Indeed, it was found that cryogenic cooling, thanks to a better tribological behaviour, is less energy demanding (at least 25%) than dry and conventional cutting. If the spindle power is considered, lower saving percentages can be expected. Cryogenic cooling showed its best energy performance (from 3 to 11 times) with respect to conventional cutting if the machine tool perspective is analysed. Considering even the primary energy required for producing the cutting fluids, the assessment showed that cryogenic cooling requires up to 19 times the energy required for conventional cutting.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of the Properties of Wood Flour and Wood Pellets Manufactured from Secondary Processing Mill Residues

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2487
Author(s):  
Geeta Pokhrel ◽  
Yousoo Han ◽  
Douglas J. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Wood Flour ◽  
The United States ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Wood Pellets ◽  
Secondary Processing ◽  
Material Costs ◽  
Mill Residues

The generation of secondary processing mill residues from wood processing facilities is extensive in the United States. Wood flour can be manufactured utilizing these residues and an important application of wood flour is as a filler in the wood–plastic composites (WPCs). Scientific research on wood flour production from mill residues is limited. One of the greatest costs involved in the supply chain of WPCs manufacturing is the transportation cost. Wood flour, constrained by low bulk densities, is commonly transported by truck trailers without attaining allowable weight limits. Because of this, shipping costs often exceed the material costs, consequently increasing raw material costs for WPC manufacturers and the price of finished products. A bulk density study of wood flour (190–220 kg/m3) and wood pellets (700–750 kg/m3) shows that a tractor-trailer can carry more than three times the weight of pellets compared to flour. Thus, this study focuses on exploring the utilization of mill residues from four wood species in Maine to produce raw materials for manufacturing WPCs. Two types of raw materials for the manufacture of WPCs, i.e., wood flour and wood pellets, were produced and a study of their properties was performed. At the species level, red maple 40-mesh wood flour had the highest bulk density and lowest moisture content. Spruce-fir wood flour particles were the finest (dgw of 0.18 mm). For all species, the 18–40 wood flour mesh size possessed the highest aspect ratio. Similarly, on average, wood pellets manufactured from 40-mesh particles had a lower moisture content, higher bulk density, and better durability than the pellets from unsieved wood flour. Red maple pellets had the lowest moisture content (0.12%) and the highest bulk density (738 kg/m3). The results concluded that the processing of residues into wood flour and then into pellets reduced the moisture content by 76.8% and increased the bulk density by 747%. These material property parameters are an important attempt to provide information that can facilitate the more cost-efficient transport of wood residue feedstocks over longer distances.

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