Biomass - Energy Toolbox

There is a range of well proven and established technologies that can be used for either the production of usable heat or for power, or for both. The choice depends on the power required and the level of support that can be provided. For situations where the power requirement is geared towards a small community or estate (100 kW) then the developer has the choice of :-

Small-scale gasifiers linked to an internal combustion (IC) engine

Pyrolysis linked to an IC engine.

Fuel substitution using bio-diesel or ethanol

Stirling engine

As well as the basic steam-based power unit.

At a larger scale (around 2MW) then the choices change to: -

Steam turbine

Gasifiers linked to gas turbines

As size of the installation increases then more advanced gasifier technology is appropriate with fluid bed systems becoming more appropriate for systems over 5MW. Any choice of biomass fuelled power plant will depend upon the scale of operation and the feedstock characteristics. An analysis of the current situation of developments in the technology is presented in the conference paper prepared by A. Hollingdale of NRI.
View Paper [PDF 389Kb]

In terms of experience gained in Sri Lanka, reference should be made to the conference paper prepared by Mr L.P. Jayasinghe, the President of BEASL.
View Paper [PDF 511Kb]