Optimization of the Exergy, Energy and Environmental Performance of a Biomass Power Plant for Electricity Generation Using the Rankine-Hirn Cycle Method for Sustainable Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/6qv8e187Keywords:
Biomass, Fuel, Dehydration, Enthalpy, ElectricityAbstract
Among renewable energy sources, biomass offers notable advantages compared to fossil fuels regarding both cost and environmental effects. However, the high moisture content in biomass can adversely impact its combustion efficiency, leading to lower flame temperatures and an increase in the emission of harmful gases, which may cause operational and ecological challenges. Thus, it is necessary to dehydrate biomass before combustion for electricity generation. To enhance energy efficiency and reduce drying costs, an effective thermal integration between the steam power plant and the biomass drying process is crucial. This research conducts enthalpy evaluations on a biomass power facility utilizing agricultural waste, specifically dried banana peels, as fuel. The goal is to analyze energy efficiency, exergy, and CO2 emissions. The Rankine-Hirn cycle is employed to model the biomass power plant, focusing on exergy and environmental impacts. A custom Matlab code was developed to generate the results. Findings indicate that the ideal output enthalpy from the pump is 450 kJ/kg, corresponding to a peak exergy efficiency of 41%. The optimal enthalpy at the turbine outlet is 200 kJ/kg, yielding an energy efficiency of 95%. Maximum energy efficiency, reaching 88%, occurs when the enthalpy at the turbine inlet attains its optimal level of 3400 kJ/kg. This system can be used to generate electricity in areas where access is limited.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ghislain Junior Bangoup Ntegmi, Elie Simo, Bernard Bali Tamegue (Author)
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