Cycle Analyses of 5 and 20 MWe Biomass Gasifier-Based Electric Power Stations in Hawaii

Abstract

Thermodynamic cycle analyses of biomass gasifier-based electric power stations at two scales, nominally 5 and 20 MWe (net electric power output), were performed to assess process performance and viability. Various configurations (Rankine, simple, steam-injected gas turbine, and combined cycles) of a 5 MW stand-alone power station were modeled and a 20 MW biomass-based integrated gasifier combined-cycle cogeneration facility at a sugar factory was simulated. Information gained from these analyses will be applied to determine whether biomass gasification-based electricity production is practicable in Hawaii and other sugar producing locales.