Novel combined feedstock micro-scale biomass generation plant for remote power supply - modelling and simulation results

Providing power to remotely located areas by using conventional grid-connection can incur high losses and prohibitive costs. Generating power locally is a suitable alternative, and using renewable energy carriers brings further benefits by attaining energy self-sufficiency. A biomass generation plant using locally available feedstock to produce electricity is an efficient way of providing remote areas with competitive and reliable electricity. A novel micro-scale plant design combining thermochemical and biochemical treatment has been developed. It can provide electricity to a level as small as 50kWe, which fits the size of a remote village. This paper describes the modelling and simulation of the plant design in chemical engineering simulation software. It also covers studies undertaken to address sizing issues, to match domestic demand estimated by load profiles, and operation simulation results. It will be shown that such a system is a feasible and economic solution for reliable and continuous remote power supply.