Cogeneration Scenario

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In this scenario we consider the utilization of on-site cogeneration facility for heat and electricity production. This scenario assumes that a natural gas, fuel oil or coal fueled boiler is currently being used.

In a common cogeneration configuration (as shown in the schematic above) the biomass is burnt in a boiler which produces steam to drive a steam turbine. The steam turbine generates electricity and the waste steam is utilized for heat. For more details about cogeneration follow this link

This scenario uses the calculated energy content of the biomass (for more details see the Biomass calorific value calculator) to determine the amount heat generated by the cogeneration plant and compares this with the equivalent heat produced using the current boiler system. A number of assumptions are made in this calculation including the calorific value of the biomass and natural gas, fuel oil or coal and the efficiencies of the boilers

The electricity generated in the process is also calculated. The dollar value of this is assumed to be the avoided cost (i.e. the cost of purchasing the same amount of electricity from a retailer, note that this is different from the price that the electricity could be sold back to the supplier).

The heat and electricity generated from the biomass and the heat produced by the current fuel are given by the following equations:

The efficiencies used in this calculation are given here.

Last modified: Thu Dec 14 17:19:55 New Zealand Daylight Time 2006