Abstract:
Biomass combustion is a sustainable energy solution that reduces dependency on fossil fuels
while minimising carbon emissions. This study aims to design and simulate a biomass combustion
cogeneration unit to replace diesel combustion in industries. This study follows a systematic
approach to designing and simulating a biomass combustion cogeneration unit. Data
collection was conducted from the current diesel-based system to understand operational parameters.
Elemental and laboratory analyses were performed to determine the calorific values
of Rubber-wood chips and Gliricidia sawdust, which are utilised as renewable fuel sources.
The biomass combustion system was designed and simulated using EBSILON software, by designing
a 2.5 MW power and 2 MW generated system, which enabled a detailed modelling of
thermodynamic processes and system efficiency. The analysis of electrical efficiency and Combined
Heat and Power (CHP) efficiency reveals variation based on the fuel types used in the
combustion unit. The simulation results indicate the mass flow rates for diesel, Gliricidia sawdust,
and Rubber-woodchips were 0.17 kg s−1, 0.3042 kg s−1, and 0.3003 kg s−1, respectively.
CHP efficiency was highest for diesel at 75.40%, followed closely by Rubber-wood chips at
74.94%, and Gliricidia sawdust at 73.97%. Among tested fuels, diesel showed the highest nonrenewable
CO2 emission of 0.4954 kg s−1, while Gliricidia 0.4411 kg s−1 and rubber wood
0.1647 kg s−1 emitted renewable carbon-neutral CO2. These findings suggest that although
diesel provides the highest electrical and CHP efficiency, rubber woodchips and Gliricidia sawdust
are near alternatives. The study demonstrates that biomass combustion reduces emissions,
enhances economic feasibility by cutting diesel reliance, and optimises energy efficiency, showing
viability for sustainable operations.
