Biomass CHP plant

Biomass CHP plant - Cogeneration

Introduction

Biomass plants represent a sustainable and efficient solution for the production of thermal and cogenerative energy. They use a wide range of biofuels derived from agricultural, forestry, and industrial residues, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to waste recycling.

Typical Biofuels

1. Sawdust residues or sawmill by-products
2. Bark
3. Wood dust and chips
4. Pellets
5. Furniture waste
6. Chipboard dust
7. Recycled wood
8. Olive pomace and pits
9. Prunings and branches
10. Barley dust
11. Malt dust
12. Rice husk
13. Almond shells
14. Sunflower husk
15. Coffee husk and spent grounds
16. Corn cobs
17. Coconut shells and husks
18. Empty fruit bunches
19. Palm kernel shells
20. Cotton ginning residues, stalks
21. Paper

Sectors of Heat Utilization
Biomass plants can be employed in various industrial sectors to meet thermal needs at different temperature levels. Below are some of the main applications:

1. Greenhouses (40°C): Hot water to maintain optimal plant growth conditions.
2. Fish farms (50°C): Hot water to maintain ideal conditions for aquaculture.
3. District heating (80°C): Hot water for urban heating networks.
4. Drying (90°C): Hot water for agricultural and industrial drying processes.
5. Sawmills (95°C): Hot water for wood drying.
6. Pellet production (100°C): Hot water for wood pellet production.
7. Rice (105°C): Hot water for rice processing.
8. Food industry (115°C): Hot water for various food preparation and preservation processes.
9. Trigeneration (120°C): Hot water for combined heat, power, and cooling production.
10. Laundries and ironing plants (140°C): Steam for washing and ironing processes.
11. Malt production (150°C): Steam for malt processing.
12. MDF/plywood production (160°C): Steam for wood panel production.
13. Breweries (165°C): Steam for beer production.
14. Chemical processes (170°C): Steam for various chemical applications.
15. Pulp and paper (180°C): Steam for pulp and paper manufacturing.
16. Dairy industry (190°C): Steam for pasteurization and other dairy processes.
17. Vegetable oil refining: Steam for oil refining.

Conclusions
The adoption of biomass plants for thermal and cogenerative applications offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. By using biofuels derived from residues and waste, it is possible to achieve significant energy savings and reduce environmental impact. Biomass plants therefore represent a valid and sustainable solution for the future of clean energy.