Modelling and experimental analysis of a small-scale olive pomace gasifier for cogeneration applications: A techno-economic assessment

Abstract

A 2-D numerical simulation approach was implemented to describe the gasification process of olive pomace in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The numerical model was validated under experimental gasification runs performed in a 250 kWth quasi-industrial biomass gasifier. The producer gas composition, H2 / /CO ratio, CH4 /H2 ratio, cold gas efficiency and tar content were evaluated. The most suitable applications for the potential use of olive pomace as an energy source in Portugal were assessed based on the results. A techno-economic study and a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the feasibility and foresee the main investment risks in conducting olive pomace gasification in small facilities. Results indicated that olive pomace gasification is more suitable for domestic purposes. The low cold gas efficiency of the process (around 20%) turns the process more appropriate for producer gas production in small cogeneration facilities. Olive pomace gasification solutions showed viable economic performance in small cogeneration solutions for agriculture waste-to-energy recovery in olive oil agriculture cooperatives. However, the slender profitability may turn the project unattractive for most investors from a financial standpoint.