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Integrated torrefaction vs. external torrefaction – A thermodynamic analysis for the case of a thermochemical biorefinery

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  • Clausen, Lasse R.

Abstract

Integrated and external torrefaction is analyzed and compared via thermodynamic modeling. In this paper, integrated torrefaction is defined as torrefaction integrated with entrained flow gasification. External torrefaction is defined as the decentralized production of torrefied wood pellets and centralized conversion of the pellets by entrained flow gasification. First, the syngas production of the two methods was compared. Second, the two methods were compared by considering complete biorefineries with either integrated torrefaction or external torrefaction. The first part of the analysis showed that the biomass to syngas efficiency can be increased from 63% to 86% (LHV-dry) when switching from external torrefaction to integrated torrefaction. The second part of the analysis showed that the total energy efficiency (biomass to methanol + net electricity) could be increased from 53% to 63% when switching from external torrefaction to integrated torrefaction. The costs of this increase in energy efficiency are as follows: 1) more difficult transport, storage and handling of the biomass feedstock (wood chips vs. torrefied wood pellets); 2) reduced plant size; 3) no net electricity production; and 4) a more complex plant design.

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  • Clausen, Lasse R., 2014. "Integrated torrefaction vs. external torrefaction – A thermodynamic analysis for the case of a thermochemical biorefinery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 597-607.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:77:y:2014:i:c:p:597-607
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.09.042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hamelinck, Carlo N. & Faaij, André P.C. & den Uil, Herman & Boerrigter, Harold, 2004. "Production of FT transportation fuels from biomass; technical options, process analysis and optimisation, and development potential," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(11), pages 1743-1771.
    2. Prins, Mark J. & Ptasinski, Krzysztof J. & Janssen, Frans J.J.G., 2006. "More efficient biomass gasification via torrefaction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(15), pages 3458-3470.
    3. Clausen, Lasse R. & Elmegaard, Brian & Houbak, Niels, 2010. "Technoeconomic analysis of a low CO2 emission dimethyl ether (DME) plant based on gasification of torrefied biomass," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 4831-4842.
    4. Clausen, Lasse R. & Elmegaard, Brian & Ahrenfeldt, Jesper & Henriksen, Ulrik, 2011. "Thermodynamic analysis of small-scale dimethyl ether (DME) and methanol plants based on the efficient two-stage gasifier," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 5805-5814.
    5. Uslu, Ayla & Faaij, André P.C. & Bergman, P.C.A., 2008. "Pre-treatment technologies, and their effect on international bioenergy supply chain logistics. Techno-economic evaluation of torrefaction, fast pyrolysis and pelletisation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(8), pages 1206-1223.
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    1. Butera, Giacomo & Fendt, Sebastian & Jensen, Søren H. & Ahrenfeldt, Jesper & Clausen, Lasse R., 2020. "Flexible methanol production units coupling solid oxide cells and thermochemical biomass conversion via different gasification technologies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    2. Zhang, Zhiqing & Duan, Hanqi & Zhang, Youjun & Guo, Xiaojuan & Yu, Xi & Zhang, Xingguang & Rahman, Md. Maksudur & Cai, Junmeng, 2020. "Investigation of kinetic compensation effect in lignocellulosic biomass torrefaction: Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    3. Butera, Giacomo & Gadsbøll, Rasmus Østergaard & Ravenni, Giulia & Ahrenfeldt, Jesper & Henriksen, Ulrik Birk & Clausen, Lasse Røngaard, 2020. "Thermodynamic analysis of methanol synthesis combining straw gasification and electrolysis via the low temperature circulating fluid bed gasifier and a char bed gas cleaning unit," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    4. Doddapaneni, Tharaka Rama Krishna C. & Praveenkumar, Ramasamy & Tolvanen, Henrik & Rintala, Jukka & Konttinen, Jukka, 2018. "Techno-economic evaluation of integrating torrefaction with anaerobic digestion," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 272-284.
    5. Clausen, Lasse R., 2015. "Maximizing biofuel production in a thermochemical biorefinery by adding electrolytic hydrogen and by integrating torrefaction with entrained flow gasification," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 94-104.
    6. Holmgren, Kristina M. & Berntsson, Thore S. & Andersson, Eva & Rydberg, Tomas, 2015. "The influence of biomass supply chains and by-products on the greenhouse gas emissions from gasification-based bio-SNG production systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(P1), pages 148-162.

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