An interdisciplinary approach to designing and evaluating a hybrid solar-biomass power plant
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 9 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
Energy security is a major concern for India and many rural areas remain un-electrified. Thus, innovations in sustainable technologies to provide energy services are required. Biomass and solar energy in particular are resources that are widely available and underutilised in India. This paper aims to provide an overview of a methodology that was developed for designing and assessing the feasibility of a hybrid solar-biomass power plant in Gujarat.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology described is a combination of engineering and business management studies used to evaluate and design solar thermal collectors for specific applications and locations. For the scenario of a hybrid plant, the methodology involved: the analytical hierarchy process, for solar thermal technology selection; a cost-exergy approach, for design optimisation; quality function deployment, for designing and evaluating a novel collector – termed the elevation linear Fresnel reflector (ELFR); and case study simulations, for analysing alternative hybrid plant configurations.
Findings
The paper recommended that for a hybrid plant in Gujarat, a linear Fresnel reflector of 14,000 m2 aperture is integrated with a 3 tonne per hour biomass boiler, generating 815 MWh per annum of electricity for nearby villages and 12,450 tonnes of ice per annum for local fisheries and food industries. However, at the expense of a 0.3 ¢/kWh increase in levelised energy costs, the ELFR can increase savings of biomass (100 t/a) and land (9 ha/a).
Research limitations/implications
The research reviewed in this paper is primarily theoretical and further work will need to be undertaken to specify plant details such as piping layout, pump sizing and structure, and assess plant performance during real operational conditions.
Originality/value
The paper considers the methodology adopted proved to be a powerful tool for integrating technology selection, optimisation, design and evaluation and promotes interdisciplinary methods for improving sustainable engineering design and energy management.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support under the Science Bridge project financed by Research Councils UK (EP/G039992/1) and Department of Science and Technology, India, along with the contributions of colleagues at IIT Delhi and Industrial Boilers Ltd.
Citation
Nixon, J., Kumar Dey, P. and Davies, P. (2013), "An interdisciplinary approach to designing and evaluating a hybrid solar-biomass power plant", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 321-337. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-04-2013-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited