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Power Generation from Forest Residues
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- Author / Creator
- Thakur, Amit
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The overall objective of this study is to develop techno-economic models for the assessment of power generation cost and optimum power plant size using forest residues as feedstock in Alberta. At the optimum size of the plant, the cost of generation of power is minimum. In this research two supply chains for utilization of forest residues in a centralized power plant were investigated. In the first option, the residues are collected, piled and chipped along the roadside in the forest. In the second option, collected and piled forest residues are compressed and bundled. These bundles are transported to the plant using a standard log haul truck. The theoretical optimal size without the constraint of the unit size of the boiler is 524 MW with a power generation cost of $74.20 /MWh for in-wood chipping. Similarly, for the bundling method, the theoretical optimum is 520 MW with power generation cost $87.30 /MWh. At an unit of boiler of 300 MW, the optimum size of the power plant is same as the unit size of the boiler. The power generation costs at this size are $75.50 and $88.50 /MWh for in-wood chipping and chipping at plant option, respectively. Total life cycle emissions in power generation through the two supply options are: 17.56 gCO2/kWh (in-wood chipping) and 15.8 gCO2/kWh (chipping at plant) at the optimal size. Biomass based power is currently not economical compared to coal based power in Alberta. At an average price of $60 /MWh coal based electricity generation, the carbon credit required for the biomass based power to be competitive for two options are $28.20 /tCO2 and $29.60 /tCO2 at theoretical optimum and 300 MW power plant size for in wood chipping. The same cost was $41.50/tCO2 and $42.90/tCO2 for chipping at plant respectively.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2011
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.