Experience from set-up and pilot operation of an in-house developed biomass-fired ORC microcogeneration unit

This paper provides an insight into the early commercial development and pilot operation of a 50 kW thermal and 2 kW electrical output biomass-fired microcogeneration (mu CHP) ORC unit. The aim of this work is to share the experience and the field data from the pilot installation of this unit in a village where it provides the heat and electricity for municipality buildings. The transition from the laboratory unit into the commercial one are discussed. The mu CHP ORC unit, though initially burdened by some issues, successfully operated in the first two heating seasons and reached the parameters of the laboratory twin unit. The unit was so far operated for over 3000 h, reaching total heat production of 125 MWh and gross electricity production of 2.34 MWh. The operational data from the first two heating seasons are presented along with issues (especially regarding expander reliability) and the development towards their mitigation. Economic considerations of investment into biomass mu CHP ORC system are discussed. The different paradigm that authors adopted shows that economic performance cannot be the only parameter for investment evaluation, but the investor needs to assess additional benefits from the mu CHP system while implementing the cost-benefit analysis. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper provides insights into the early commercial development and pilot operation of a biomass-fired microcogeneration ORC unit, sharing operational data, issues, and economic considerations. The unit successfully operated for over 3000 hours, reaching significant heat and electricity production. The different paradigm adopted by the authors highlights the importance of assessing additional benefits beyond economic performance in investment evaluation.