Modeling and Analysis

Large-scale gasification-based coproduction of fuels and electricity from switchgrass

  1. Eric D. Larson1,*,
  2. Haiming Jin2,
  3. Fuat E. Celik3

Article first published online: 4 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1002/bbb.137

Issue

Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining

Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining

Special Issue: The Role of Biomass in America's Energy Future

Volume 3, Issue 2, pages 174–194, March/April 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Larson, E. D., Jin, H. and Celik, F. E. (2009), Large-scale gasification-based coproduction of fuels and electricity from switchgrass. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 3: 174–194. doi: 10.1002/bbb.137

Author Information

  1. 1

    Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, NJ, USA

  2. 2

    SNC-Lavalin, Houston, TX, USA

  3. 3

    University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA

*Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-1003, USA.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 4 MAR 2009
  2. Article first published online: 4 MAR 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 22 JAN 2009
  4. Manuscript Revised: 21 JAN 2009
  5. Manuscript Received: 23 OCT 2008

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Keywords:

  • biomass;
  • gasification;
  • DME;
  • Fischer-Tropsch;
  • hydrogen;
  • economics

Abstract

Large-scale gasification-based systems for producing Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) fuels (diesel and gasoline blendstocks), dimethyl ether (DME), or hydrogen from switchgrass – with electricity as a coproduct in each case are assessed using a self-consistent design, simulation, and cost analysis framework. We provide an overview of alternative process designs for coproducing these fuels and power assuming commercially mature technology performance and discuss the commercial status of key component technologies. Overall efficiencies (lower-heating-value basis) of producing fuels plus electricity in these designs ranges from 57% for F-T fuels, 55–61% for DME, and 58–64% for hydrogen. Detailed capital cost estimates for each design are developed, on the basis of which prospective commercial economics of future large-scale facilities that coproduce fuels and power are evaluated. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

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