Design of Energy Systems with Biomass Utilization using Gasification and Torrefaction in Quicklime Plants

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the benefits of fuel switching to biomass in energy intensive industries such as quicklime plants. Biomass gasification and torrefaction are biomass processing technologies utilized in offering an alternative thermal source, partially replacing fossil fuels. Such transition facilitates the drastic reduction of emitted CO₂ and other hazardous substances but is accompanied by significant additional process infrastructure requirements. Process simulation based analysis enables the evaluation and assessment of the heat integration solutions for the renewable fuel transformation technology with the existing production unit. Definitely, a higher overall efficiency can be achieved with biomass gasification based on a carbon emissions analysis. However, torrefaction improves plant flexibility, especially under intermittent or highly variable biomass supply due to the ability of the plant to store effectively the processed solid fuel.