Solar biomass hybridization and conceptualizing a framework for solar resource data in India
Student name: Ms Anushka Jain
Guide: Dr Priyanka Kaushal
Year of completion: 2014
Host Organisation: Areva Renewable Energies, Chennai
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Ramesh Chivukula
Abstract: The goal of this study has been to solicit and review the technical and performance data
of biomass gasifier systems (torrefaction and Hydrothermal Carbonization) and develop
preliminary capital cost estimates for the core equipment. Specifically, the assessments
focused on the process developed by AREVA to convert raw biomass through a
continuous and slow solid flow of “moving bed reactor†with a counter-current of hot
neutral gas flow to produce Biocoal.
In order to improve confidence in the predicted economics of these technologies, a
thorough understanding of the basic raw materials required and other engineering
requirements was necessary. Today many industries produce wastes that are often kept
untreated and constitute a big threat for the environment. Investigations of biomass
conversion technologies and processes have been carried out intensively for the past two
decades due to the reduction in the availability of landfill, stricter regulations, and
increasing awareness of the problem.Different feedstocks are investigated in order to find
the most suited to this process. Currently, thermochemical processes for agricultural
biomass to energy transformation seem promising and feasible. The relative advantage of
thermochemical conversion over others is due to higher productivity and compatibility
with existing infrastructure facilities. However, the majority of these processes are still
under development phase and trying to secure a market share due to various challenges,
right from suitable infrastructure, raw material, technical limitations, government policies,
and social acceptance. The knowledge at hand suggests that biomass can become a
sustainable and major contributor to the current energy demands, if research and
development are encouraged in the field of thermochemical conversion for various
agricultural biomass types. In this study, Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) is chosen to
pretreat wet biomass.
Hybrid plants will become an increasingly attractive option as the cost of solar thermal
falls and feedstock, fossil fuel and land prices continue to rise. In the foreseeable future,
solar will continue to rely on subsidies and it is recommended to subsidise preferentially
tri-generation plants.
