Thermoeconomic evaluation of biomass conversion systems

The chapter presents the application of thermoeconomics to the analysis of a sample biomass energy conversion system. Thermoeconomics is aimed at the analysis, optimization and diagnosis of energy conversion systems; it is based on the concept of exergy which is constantly gaining more popularity among engineers and researchers, and the concept of cost. The case study chosen for demonstrating the usefulness of the methodology concerns an integrated biomass gasification and utilization system with an atmospheric fluidized bed gasification unit and a gas turbine unit fed with the produced gas. Definition of fuel and product flows allows one to identify key components responsible for conversion of the largest amounts of exergy. Further concepts of thermoeconomics, such as exergy cost and its formation process allow one to determine the quality of each component of the plant. Attention is paid to the explanation of methodology rather than to particular technological issues, which are explained in the cited references, and are also subject of other chapters of this book.