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Electricity Generation Based On Biomass Residue: Scope, Relevance And

Applications

Conference Paper · December 2014

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.3171.3606

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 6th BSME International Conference on Thermal Engineering (ICTE 2014)

Electricity Generation Based On Biomass Residue: Scope, Relevance

And Applications
Imrul Reza Shishira, Abul Kalam Azadb, Tanjim Ahmedc
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology
b
School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University
c
Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology.

Abstract

Biomass is one of the prospective sources of renewable energy to produce electricity in different countries in the world.
Bangladesh has more potential for biomass resources for electricity generation. For this reason, it can be considered as one of
the prospective country for bio-energy generation. The objective of this work is to analyze the feasibility of recovering energy
from the major sources of biomass residue in Bangladesh. The agricultural crop residues, industrial crop wastes and city green
wastes etc. is investigated and discussed in this paper. The concept will be contributed substantially to harness solid waste
management system. The review found that the technique can give a new pathway for waste management and reduce the major
disposal problem of biomass residue. The productive use of the waste can supply the required energy to meet the growing energy
demand in Bangladesh.
(ICTE 2014).

Keywords: Biomass; waste management; electricity generation; Bio-energy

Introduction:

Bangladesh is a country with huge demand of energy. In recent years, the demand has overtaken the present
consumption of 321 KWH [1]. At present the country is capable of producing 10,416 MW (June 2014) [1]. But the
production is still too poor to meet the total demand. As, Bangladesh depends mostly on fossil fuel for energy
production, scarcity of fossil fuel and expensive procedures are causing difficulties in increasing production of
energy. So, non-conventional and renewable energy sources are becoming popular every day. As a promising source
of energy, biomass has a great potential to play in context of Bangladesh. It can become the real weapon to fight
against energy crisis in developing country like Bangladesh.

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +8801723104361

E-mail address: [email protected]
Shishir, Imrul Reza / BSME-ICTE 2014 2

Bangladesh Energy Scenario:

Bangladesh is basically a gas dependent country in energy production sector. A recent study shows the distribution
of resource in energy production as below;
Table 1: Resource Distribution [2]
Source Percentage of Usage (%)
Gas 81%
HSD 8%
Coal 3%
HFO 3%
Hydro 3%
Fossil oil 2%

This shows a huge dependency on fossil fuel with a least chance of sustainability. Fossil fuels are limited and their
conversion into energy is expensive. So, for country like Bangladesh, Biomass may be a perfect solution for energy
crisis.

Main Biomass Resources in Bangladesh:

Being an agricultural country, Bangladesh has a huge opportunity in using Biomass as a source of energy. The main
resources from plantation residues are abundantly wasted in Bangladesh. These residues can produce a huge amount
of energy in a cost effective process. Main resources can be rice straws. Sugarcane bagasse and other agricultural
residues can be productive in terms of converting into energy. In last 35 years, dependency on biomass fuels has
increased. In 1980, 236.08 PJ energy was produced from biomass which increased by 1.73% in next 20 years
reaching 356.66 PJ [3]. The distribution of traditional biomass usage in recent years can be shown as;
Table 2: Distribution of Biomasses in accordance to usage [3]
Source Percentage of Usage (%)
Cow dung 20.4
Jute stick 7.5
Rice straw 11.6
Rice husk 23.3
Bagasse 3.2
Fire wood 10.4
Twig and leaves 12.5
Other wastes 11.1

Rice husk has shown a great potential by serving 76.35PJ energy in 1991 which increased to 106.1 in 2004 [3]. As
South and Southeast Asia produces 90% of the total rice produced on earth [4], rice husk will remain first choice as
a biomass for converting into energy in this region.

Technology:

Major technologies involved in conversion of biomass into energy can be specified as,

Gasification: Gasification can be defined as a process of converting carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide,
hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It is done by reacting biomass or fossil fuel at a high temperature (>700 oC).
Combustion is not occurred here and a controlled amount of oxygen sometimes with stream produces syngas or
producer gas as a fuel [5][6]
Shishir, Imrul Reza / BSME-ICTE 2014 3

A flow chart can represent gasification as;

Figure 1: Gasification Procedure

Combustion: Combustion means the burning of fuel which is a chain of exothermic chemical reactions involving a
fuel and an oxidant producing heat and glowing flame. Common formula can be stated as,

Fuel + Oxidizer → Combustion products + Heat energy

Oxygen must be present in case of combustion. In Bangladesh, most of the biomass in rural are go through
combustion process to produce energy but in a very inefficient way [7].

The process progresses as follows;

Figure 2: Combustion Procedure

Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis involves chemical decomposition and physical change of state at an elevated temperature in
absence of oxygen or halogen. This process is endothermic [8], irreversible and a type of thermolysis. This process
helps to turn biomass into syngas and biochar [9]. It also decomposes complex oils into lighter compositions.

The process can be operated as the flow diagram below;

Shishir, Imrul Reza / BSME-ICTE 2014 4

Figure 3: Pyrolysis Procedure

Economic and environmental analysis and energy efficiency of electricity generation from biomass resources:

Biomass is always cost effective in terms of energy conversion. Most importantly, resources, most of the times, are
wastes. So, using biomass for energy conversion does not need any extra attention for resources. These resources
also emit less carbon and sulphates in comparison to fossil fuel. As, such, these are environment friendly sustainable
source of energy. [10][11]

In some cases, bio fuel crops compete with food crops. But, biomasses are part of food corps. So, competition will
never arise here. Biomass also absorbs carbon during its growth. So, carbon emission during energy conversion can
be sum up as zero. [10]

Result of a study is shown below figuring a comparison between different source of energies in terms of cost and
carbon emission. This can also show the eligibility of biomass to be a sustainable energy source. [11]

Figure 4: Comparison of efficient energy sources

Challenges for biomass based power generation:

There are few challenges in using biomass as a mainstream resource of energy as; this technology is still a
developing one. Especially in Bangladesh, finance in this sector is very poor. Also, the supply chain is a big issue
for getting residues at proper time. There is no straight government policy in this sector to motivate private
investment either. Technical support is also rare in Bangladesh. So, organizations willing to take such projects as
being demoralized by the reluctance and lack of knowledge of proper authority and common mass. As a result,
putting on a power plant on commercial basis is quite a challenge here. [12][113][14]
Shishir, Imrul Reza / BSME-ICTE 2014 5

Case study of biomass based power plant:

In Bangladesh, two power plants under finance of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) are in
production. One of them is at Kapashia, Gazipur, another at Chilarong, Thakurgaon. Their specifications are shown
below;
Table 3: Salient Features of Two Biomass Based Power Plants
Feature Kapashia Chilarong
Capacity 250MW 400MW
Project cost BDT 25 million BDT 64.25 million
Authority Dreams Power Private Limited (DPPL) Sustainable Energy & Agro-resource Limited (SEAL)
Major Fuel Rice Husk Rice Husk
Conversion Method Gasification Gasification
Beneficiaries Sorrounding 300 households A silica factory, irrigation pumps and numerous rice mills

Figure 5: Biomass based power plant at Kapashia, Gazipur, Bangladesh

Conclusion:

As, fossil fuel is turning out to be a non-sustainable energy solution, present world needs a sustainable, cost effective
and environment friendly energy solution. In this context, Biomass can play a vital role in solving energy problem
all through the globe. Biomass, also being waste itself, biomass based power plant can also be a good solution for
waste management. So, for a better and greener earth encouragement with logical and financial support should be
provided to biomass based power plants. With less carbon emission and greater efficiency, no doubt, biomass is
going to be one of the best choices for energy production in future world.
References:

[1] Official website of power division of Bangladesh, http://www.powerdivision.gov.bd/user/brec1/30/1

[2] A study of green infra bangla, http://greeninfrabangla.com/593/

[3] M. Ahiduzzaman. “Rice Husk Energy Technologies in Bangladesh” Agricultural Engineering International: the CIGR Ejournal.
Invited Overview No. 1. Vol. IX. January, 2007.

[4] T.B. Reed, Biomass Gasification Principles and Technology, Noyes Data, Park Ridge, NJ, 1981

[5] Clean Renewable Fuel from the Plasma Gasification of Waste, www.waste-management-world.com
Shishir, Imrul Reza / BSME-ICTE 2014 6

[6] S. K. Patra and P.P. Datta, Technical Digest, Insights into Biomass Gasification Technology

[7] M. Rofiqul Islam, M. Rabiul Islam and M. Rafiqul Alam Beg, “Renewable energy resources and technologies practice in
Bangladesh”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2006), doi:10.1016/j.rser. 2006.07.003

[8] He, Fang; Weiming Yi; Xueyuan Bai (September 2006). "Investigation on caloric requirement of biomass pyrolysis using TG–DSC
analyzer". Energy Conversion and Management 47 (15–16): 2461–2469. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2005.11.011

[9] Lehmann, Johannes. "Biochar: the new frontier". Archived from the original on 2008-06-18. Retrieved 2008-07-10

[10] Biomass energy and its benefits, The public utilities commission of Ohio, http://www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/index.cfm/industry-
information/industry-topics/biomass-energy-and-its-benefits/

[11] Biomass vs. Other Alternative Energy: High Reliability, Low Cost, http://www.viaspace.com/biomass_versus_alternatives.php

[12] Renewable Energy World, Wednesday, August 6, 2014; http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/02/biomass-an-

emerging-fuel-for-power-generation

[13] Potentiality of Biomass Energy for Electricity Generation in Bangladesh, M. S. Islam & T. Mondal, Department of Electrical &
Electronic Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

[14] Mafakheri, F.; Nasiri, F. (2014). "Modeling of biomass-to-energy supply chain operations: Applications, challenges and research
directions". Energy Policy 67: 116. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2013.11.071

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