Technical-economic analysis of an innovative cogenerative small scale biomass gasification power plant

The use of biomass waste in high efficient low pollutants emissions micro-cogeneration plants overcomes the main biomass barriers: competition with the food and material uses, dispersion of a low energy density fuel and high emissions. This paper is focused on a small (100 kWth) steam gasification fluidized bed and hot gas conditioning system. In fact, the gasification without air leads to a high calorific value gas; the hot gas conditioning allows reducing pollutants by converting more gas; the fluidized bed allows a better process and heat transport management. Beside the design analysis, a technical and economic analysis is proposed. In particular, the feasibility study has been carried out through the main methods of NPV (Net Present Value) and PBP (Pay Back Period) assessment. The study highlights the economic viability of the proposed system, which has always a acceptable PBT and a positive NPV despite the small plant size.