Techno-Economic Analysis of a Small-Scale Biomass-to-Energy BFB Gasification-Based System

In order to limit global warming to around 1.5–2.0 °C by the end of the 21st century, there is the need to drastically limit the emissions of CO2. This goal can be pursued by promoting the diffusion of advanced technologies for power generation from renewable energy sources. In this field, biomass can play a very important role since, differently from solar and wind, it can be considered a programmable source. This paper reports a techno-economic analysis on the possible commercial application of gasification technologies for small-scale (2 MWe) power generation from biomass. The analysis is based on the preliminary experimental performance of a 500 kWth pilot-scale air-blown bubbling fluidized-bed (BFB) gasification plant, recently installed at the Sotacarbo Research Centre (Italy) and commissioned in December 2017. The analysis confirms that air-blown BFB biomass gasification can be profitable for the applications with low-cost biomass, such as agricultural waste, with a net present value up to about 6 M€ as long as the biomass is provided for free; on the contrary, the technology is not competitive for high-quality biomass (wood chips, as those used for the preliminary experimental tests). In parallel, an analysis of the financial risk was carried out, in order to estimate the probability of a profitable investment if a variation of the key financial parameters occurs. In particular, the analysis shows a probability of 90% of a NPV at 15 years between 1.4 and 5.1 M€ and an IRR between 11.6% and 23.7%.

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Techno Economic Analysis of Biomass to Methanol Plant Based on Gasification of Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202122600040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 226 ◽

pp. 00040

Author(s):

Rudy Heryadi ◽

Syukri Muhammad Nur

Keyword(s):

Economic Analysis ◽

Cost Estimation ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Operating Cost ◽

Economic Feasibility ◽

Small Scale ◽

Manufacturing Cost ◽

Empty Fruit Bunch ◽

Plant Design

Biomass from palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is considered as potential renewable energy sources to be developed in Indonesia. Palm EFB can be efficiently converted into valuable and useful methanol products through gasification. Research about methanol synthesis from various biomass has been done. However, Little research about methanol production based on palm empty fruit bunch gasification has been found, and no research yet on technoeconomic analysis of methanol plant construction based on palm empty fruit bunch gasification. The purpose of this research is to find early-stage feasibility of small-scale methanol plant model based on gasification of palm EFB. Method methanol plant design, investment cost estimation, operating cost estimation, and calculation to estimate profitability in terms of economic feasibility parameters. Economic analysis calculated that the total investment to build a methanol plant in this study was USD 87 508 479 with manufacturing cost per annum USD 6 127 014. Net Present Value (NPV) calculated was USD -51 721 064 and IRR at 1.1 %. Based on NPV and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) value, the construction of methanol plant is not feasible. Feasibility predicted to be obtained when the capacity of the plant increased fivefold.

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SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14082189 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 2189

Author(s):

Cesare Caputo ◽

Ondřej Mašek

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Agricultural Waste ◽

Tracking Error ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Small Scale ◽

Energy Access ◽

Efficient System ◽

Pyrolysis Unit

Energy access and waste management are two of the most pressing developmental and environmental issues on a global level to help mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change. They are particularly relevant in Sub–Saharan Africa where electrification rates are significantly below global averages and rural areas are lacking a formal waste management sector. This paper explores the potential of integrating solar energy into a biomass pyrolysis unit as a potentially synergetic solution to both issues. The full design of a slow pyrolysis batch reactor targeted at biochar production, following a strict cost minimization approach, is presented in light of the relevant considerations. SPEAR is powered using a Cassegrain optics parabolic dish system, integrated into the reactor via a manual tracking system and optically optimized with a Monte-Carlo ray tracing methodology. The design approach employed has led to the development an overall cost efficient system, with the potential to achieve optical efficiencies up 72% under a 1.5° tracking error. The outputs of the system are biochar and electricity, to be used for soil amendment and energy access purposes, respectively. There is potential to pyrolyze a number of agricultural waste streams for the region, producing at least 5 kg of biochar per unit per day depending on the feedstock employed. Financial assessment of SPEAR yields a positive Net Present Value (NPV) in nearly all scenarios evaluated and a reasonable competitiveness with small scale solar for electrification objectives. Finally, SPEAR presents important positive social and environmental externalities and should be feasibly implementable in the region in the near term.

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Agricultural Residue Management for Sustainable Power Generation: The Poland Case Study

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11135907 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (13) ◽

pp. 5907

Author(s):

Valerii Havrysh ◽

Antonina Kalinichenko ◽

Anna Brzozowska ◽

Jan Stebila

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Spatial Distribution ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Agricultural Waste ◽

Energy Utilization ◽

Evaluation Methodology ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Energy Potential ◽

Agricultural Residue

The European Union has set targets for renewable energy utilization. Poland is a member of the EU, and its authorities support an increase in renewable energy use. The background of this study is based on the role of renewable energy sources in improving energy security and mitigation of climate change. Agricultural waste is of a significant role in bioenergy. However, there is a lack of integrated methodology for the measurement of its potential. The possibility of developing an integrated evaluation methodology for renewable energy potential and its spatial distribution was assumed as the hypothesis. The novelty of this study is the integration of two renewable energy sources: crop residues and animal husbandry waste (for biogas). To determine agricultural waste energy potential, we took into account straw requirements for stock-raising and soil conservation. The total energy potential of agricultural waste was estimated at 279.94 PJ. It can cover up to 15% of national power generation. The spatial distribution of the agricultural residue energy potential was examined. This information can be used to predict appropriate locations for biomass-based power generation facilities. The potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions ranges from 25.7 to 33.5 Mt per year.

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Dynamic Economic Dispatch On Micro Grid Electrical Systems Using Quadratic Programming

JAREE (Journal on Advanced Research in Electrical Engineering) ◽

10.12962/j25796216.v2.i1.39 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Heri Suryoatmojo

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Quadratic Programming ◽

Electric Power ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Economic Dispatch ◽

Small Scale ◽

Distributed Power Generation ◽

Optimal Capacity ◽

Micro Grid ◽

Dynamic Economic Dispatch

Currently the needs of electric power increased rapidly along with the development of technology. The increase in power requirements is contrary to the availability of sources of energy depletion of oil and coal. This problem affects the national electrical resistance. To meet the needs of large electric power with wide area coverage is required small scale distributed power generation. This distributed generation (DG) of renewable energy sources sought to minimize the use of energy resources such as oil and coal and connected to the micro grid and use the battery as a power balance. Because of there are many DGs and the use of batteries, therefore it is important to determine the optimal power generation of each plant as well as the use of battery based on the optimal capacity so that requirement of electric power can be met with minimal cost each time. This optimization is known as Dynamic Economic Dispatch. In this study, the methods of Quadratic Programming is required to solve the optimization problem.

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Optimal Design and Techno-Economic Analysis for Corncob Particles Briquettes: A Literature Review of the Utilization of Agricultural Waste and Analysis Calculation

Applied Science and Engineering Progress ◽

10.14416/j.asep.2021.10.006 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asep Bayu Dani Nandiyanto ◽

Nissa Nur Azizah ◽

Gabriela Chelvina Santiuly Girsang

Keyword(s):

Optimal Design ◽

Literature Review ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Large Scale ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Agricultural Waste ◽

Raw Material ◽

Variable Cost ◽

Scale Production

Corncob is usually disposed of directly as waste, creating problems in the environment, while it can be converted into valuable materials. This research aimed to evaluate the literature review on briquette production from agricultural waste (using non-binder and cold press with a binder) and the current works on techno-economic analysis, to propose an optimal design for the production of briquette from corncob waste, and to perform a techno-economic analysis based on the selected optimal processing method. The engineering perspective based on stoichiometry and mass balance showed the potential corncob briquette manufacture in both home and large scales due to the possible use of inexpensive and commercially available equipment and raw materials. The economic perspective [based on several economic evaluation factors (i.e., gross profit margin, payback period, break-even point, cumulative net present value, return of investment, internal rate return, and profitability index) under ideal and non-ideal conditions by considering internal (i.e., sales, raw materials, utilities, and variable cost) and external aspects (i.e., tax)] confirmed the prospective development of the project in the large-scale production with a lifetime of more than 18 years. The main issue in the project is the raw material (i.e. tapioca flour), giving the most impact on the project’s feasibility. Even in severe conditions, the project is feasible. The great endurance was also confirmed in the case of a higher tax rate. This study demonstrates the importance of producing corncob-based briquettes for improving the economic value and giving alternatives for problem solvers in the utilization of agricultural waste.

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Development of a reactor with carbon catalysts for modular-scale, low-cost electrochemical generation of H2O2

Reaction Chemistry & Engineering ◽

10.1039/c6re00195e ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 239-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 61

Author(s):

Zhihua Chen ◽

Shucheng Chen ◽

Samira Siahrostami ◽

Pongkarn Chakthranont ◽

Christopher Hahn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Renewable Energy ◽

Water Purification ◽

Low Cost ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Great Benefit ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Small Scale ◽

Electrochemical Generation ◽

Carbon Catalysts

Small-scale reactors for H2O2 production that can couple to renewable energy sources would be of great benefit for decentralized water purification.

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Economic Analysis of Small-Scale Aquaculture Enterprise in Ghana; a Case Study of Sunyani Municipality

Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research ◽

10.9734/ajfar/2019/v3i230031 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Melody Abena Anokyewaa ◽

Berchie Asiedu

Keyword(s):

Economic Analysis ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Fish Farming ◽

Small Scale ◽

Gender Distribution ◽

Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽

Start Up ◽

The Republic ◽

And Gender

Aims: This study analyses the economic performance and gender distribution of the small-scale aquaculture of Ghana using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Cash flow as well as gender distribution of the small-scale aquaculture of Ghana. Study Design: This study is exploratory in its design. The study identified certain relationships and associations. Data was gathered from a sample drawn from a population. Questionnaire-based interview was designed and administered to the small scale fish farmers in the Sunyani metropolis. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be employed for the study. A case study method will also be used due to the fact that it has the benefit of permitting for an intensive collection of data required to fulfil the goals of the research Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Sunyani Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of the Republic of Ghana between November 2017 and February 2018. Methodology: The study randomly selected 20 farms out 40 farms and farmers interviewed using questionnaire. A 600 m2 pond was further selected as a model of the small-scale aquaculture and used to perform the economic analysis. Results: The total start-up capital for a 600-meter square pond is estimated at $2693.15. Huge part, 56.9 percent, of the amount goes into fixed investment like pond construction, acquisition of land, and farm buildings. The economic analysis shows a viable industry with an estimated NPV of $605.4484 and IRR of 24.19 percent. With gender, the study reveals a huge gap in man-woman distribution in the fish farming trade. Majority of the farms surveyed did not females, with the male having 77 against the female with 23%. Conclusion: The study has found a viable aquaculture industry with high profitability that can improve the livelihood of fish farming households.

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Economic Analysis of a Low-cost Apple Harvest-assist Unit

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech03548-16 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 240-247

Author(s):

Zhao Zhang ◽

Paul H. Heinemann

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Occupational Injuries ◽

Low Cost ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Apple Orchard ◽

Apple Production ◽

Using Data

A low-cost apple (Malus domestica) harvest-assist unit was recently developed to assist employees with fresh apple harvesting. This study reports on the economic analysis of this apple harvest-assist unit. Annual costs of the harvest-assist unit were calculated, including ownership and operational cost. Annual cost savings by increasing apple harvest efficiency, decreasing occupational injuries, improving work productivity in training, pruning, and thinning, and eliminating expenditures on purchasing ladders were calculated. When the annual costs are smaller than annual savings, the unit benefits apple orchard owners positively. Economic analysis results using orchard yields ranging from 25 to 45 Mg·ha−1 demonstrated that when the apple orchard area was larger than 7.6 ha, the unit always benefited orchard owners positively; when the orchard area was smaller than 4.2 ha, the unit always benefited orchard owners negatively. For large orchards, more than one unit was required to satisfy the operational needs. Of the top four U.S. apple production states, Washington, New York, and Michigan, benefitted from purchasing four units, three units, and two units, respectively, per typical farm. However, an average-sized orchard in Pennsylvania, would not benefit, due to small orchard size and low yield. A net present value (NPV) analysis was determined using data from Washington State, which yielded a return on the 8-year investment in the machinery of $888.44.

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Experimentally economic analysis of ORC power plant with low-temperature waste heat recovery

International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies ◽

10.1093/ijlct/ctaa032 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lei Li ◽

Leren Tao ◽

Qingpu Li ◽

Yongpan Hu

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Power Plant ◽

Low Temperature ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Waste Heat ◽

Water System ◽

Cooling Water ◽

Economic Feasibility ◽

Electricity Production ◽

Commercial Application

Abstract Due to the low boiling point of organic fluids, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an effective way to improve the recovery efficiency of low-temperature waste heat. An ORC power plant was established with an actual generating capacity of 16.3 kW. As the ORC technology is in the initial stage of commercial application, a technical and economic analysis has been conducted in this paper. Through analysis of each part investment of the power generation plant, it is found that the ORC system part accounts for 61% of the total initial investment, and the larger the power generation scale, the larger the proportion. An economic model has been proposed to study the economic feasibility of low-temperature industrial waste heat conversion in this plant. The influences of the installation of cooling water system, preheater, superheater, loan ratio, interest rate on electricity production cost (EPC) and profit are analyzed. According to the analysis, the lowest EPC of the plant is 0.46 Yuan/(kW • h).

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