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An energy analysis comparing biomass torrefaction in depots to wind with natural gas combustion for electricity generation

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  • Parkhurst, Kristen M.
  • Saffron, Christopher M.
  • Miller, Raymond O.

Abstract

Biomass torrefaction and wind power with natural gas are compared to determine which renewable energy system to adopt when both plant biomass and wind are available. The renewability of both systems was compared in terms of energy return on investment (EROI) by quantifying the fossil energy input and renewable energy output. On the basis of a functionally equivalent amount of electrical power (100MWe) and heat (50MWth), a breakeven wind velocity of 9.875m/s resulted in both systems having the same EROI. In regions with available biomass feedstock, facilities suitable for biomass power and wind velocities below 9m/s, torrefaction is a more renewable approach. Conversely, regions with velocities greater than 10m/s or little access to biomass sources and facilities, wind combined with natural gas is superior. Due to average wind speeds below 10m/s and the wide availability of biomass in Michigan, the torrefaction bioenergy system outperforms the wind–natural gas system.

Suggested Citation

  • Parkhurst, Kristen M. & Saffron, Christopher M. & Miller, Raymond O., 2016. "An energy analysis comparing biomass torrefaction in depots to wind with natural gas combustion for electricity generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 171-181.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:179:y:2016:i:c:p:171-181
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.121
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    2. Adrian Knapczyk & Sławomir Francik & Marcin Jewiarz & Agnieszka Zawiślak & Renata Francik, 2020. "Thermal Treatment of Biomass: A Bibliometric Analysis—The Torrefaction Case," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-31, December.
    3. Sahoo, Kamalakanta & Bilek, Edward & Bergman, Richard & Mani, Sudhagar, 2019. "Techno-economic analysis of producing solid biofuels and biochar from forest residues using portable systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 578-590.
    4. Huang, Yu-Fong & Cheng, Pei-Hsin & Chiueh, Pei-Te & Lo, Shang-Lien, 2017. "Leucaena biochar produced by microwave torrefaction: Fuel properties and energy efficiency," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 1018-1025.
    5. Weinand, Jann Michael & Scheller, Fabian & McKenna, Russell, 2020. "Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    6. De Laporte, Aaron V. & Weersink, Alfons J. & McKenney, Daniel W., 2016. "Effects of supply chain structure and biomass prices on bioenergy feedstock supply," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 1053-1064.
    7. Antonio Pantaleo & Mauro Villarini & Andrea Colantoni & Maurizio Carlini & Francesco Santoro & Sara Rajabi Hamedani, 2020. "Techno-Economic Modeling of Biomass Pellet Routes: Feasibility in Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-15, April.
    8. Singh, Rishikesh Kumar & Sarkar, Arnab & Chakraborty, Jyoti Prasad, 2020. "Effect of torrefaction on the physicochemical properties of eucalyptus derived biofuels: estimation of kinetic parameters and optimizing torrefaction using response surface methodology (RSM)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).

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