Evaluation of techno-economic feasibility biomass-to-energy by using ASPEN Plus®: A case study of Thailand

The objective of this work is to develop a case-based design process model coupled with technical and economical evaluation around the Biomass Integrated Gasification via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (BIG-FTs) system in Thailand. Two design scenarios were compared using 10 tons per day of woody residues. The first existing scenario, residues were fed for producing 216 kW of electricity (BIG-GT) in which it can be successfully selling to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). The second scenario relies on the production of merchant liquid transportation fuels 490 Lit/day and surplus electricity 11 kW. Regarding to process descriptions, a conceptual design of BIG-FTs system was developed by using process simulator; ASPEN Plus. Calculation of mass and energy balance, equipment sizing and cost estimation in seven major unit operations were performed. The outputs from the simulation were linked to an economic analysis spreadsheet to estimate the return on investment (ROI), price value (PV), payback period (PB) and to do further sensitivity analysis at the different prices of feedstock. The results of the BIG-FTs system can provide useful information for investors, engineers and researchers as an alternative route of biomass utilization. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.