Techno-Economic Analysis of Gasification-Based Power Generation from Olive Tree Pruning in the kabylia Region.

This study investigates the modelling and the simulation of a biomass-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) system using olive tree pruning to produce electricity and low-temperature heat (40degC hot water). The proposed configuration integrates a 500 kW downdraft gasifier, a 100 kWe externally fired gas turbine, and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The generated syngas has the following composition: CO (20%), H2 (16%), CO2 (11.98%), CH4 (2.98%), and N2 (48%), with a lower heating value of 4.72 MJ/kg and a gasification efficiency of 73%. The turbine exhaust gases supply the ORC to enhance the heat recovery and the electricity production. Seven ORC working fluids are analysed: cyclohexane, R113, R245fa, benzene, methanol, isopentane, and pentane are evaluated. Isopentane delivers the highest electrical power with 35.4 kW, increasing the net power output from 75.8 kWe to 111.2 kWe and improving overall plant efficiency from 16.41% to 23.4%. Additionally, an economic analysis is conducted, evaluating the project's profitability using four key parameters: net present value, profitability index, internal rate of return, and payback period. The findings demonstrate favourable economic outcomes, primarily due to the low cost of the biomass fuel. The study highlights the potential of such systems to support sustainable, decentralised energy production in rural regions.

Work In Progress