THERMO ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A BIOMASS MICRO COGENERATOR IN AN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF TUSCANY CHIANTI HILLS

The possibility of installing and operating a 300 – 600 kWe micro cogeneration system in an existing industrial park of Tuscany Chianti hills was investigated by the means of thermodynamic and costs analysis. The study was based on the analysis of the local agricultural and industrial wastes potential within an of up to 5 kilometres transport distance, which defines the power plant size. The optimisation of heat recovery, related to the local utilities, was a further essential aspect which addressed the power cycle layout. The option of providing heat for a local system of waste water treatment was also considered and evaluated. The possible options of electrical generator drivers such as internal combustion engine and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) were evaluated and compared. The thermodynamic and costs analysis was carried out referring to four possible scenarios, defined by the availability of primary biomass fuel. A sensitivity analysis to the variable cost of fuel was also performed in terms of payback period and Net Present Value. The study lead to the conclusion that the investigated area might be an interesting site for installing a biomass micro cogeneration power plant, with both energy and economic profitability for the local companies, especially if coupled with the water treatment system. Moreover, it might potentially become a reference point for experimental analysis of biomass micro cogeneration systems in Italy.