Gasifier-based power generation: Technology and economics

Abstract

The paper describes a 100 kW power generation system installed at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under a project sponsored by the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of India. The system consists of a wood gasifier utilising the waste wood from a saw mill and a diesel engine genset. The performance of the total system and its elements are presented along with economics of operation. To bring out the economics of using such renewable energy devices for power generation, some realistic situations are considered for which the effective cost of power and the pay-back period for the investment are evaluated. The economics is compared with that of a similar system of 3·7 kW capacity. © 1993 the Indian Academy of Sciences.