Assaí – An energy view on an Amazon residue

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 58; pp. 76 - 86
• Main Authors: Teixeira, Marcos Alexandre, Escobar Palacio, José Carlos, Sotomonte, César Rodriguez, Silva Lora, Electo Eduardo, Venturini, Osvaldo José, Aßmann, Dirk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Assaí; Biomass; Electricity production; Energy; Euterpe oleracea; Exact sciences and technology; Feasibility; Natural energy; South America; America; Amazon Basin; South America, Amazon R; Euterpe oleracea; Feasibility; Biomass; Assaí; Electricity production; Monocotyledones; Combustion; Vegetable crop; Energy; Residue; Technology; Angiospermae; Rankine cycle; Spermatophyta; Gasification; Internal combustion engine; Economic aspect; Palmae; Electric power production
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2013.08.007

This paper analyzed the technical and economic feasibility of electricity generation using the residues from the exploitation of Assaí, an Amazonian agrosilvicultural product (Euterpe oleracea, Mart). Assaí biomass characteristics as fuel were reviewed based on available literature and its availability assessed. The profile of a typical industrial processing unit was described. The electricity generation cost for a 1 MW conversion systems, considering 5.5 US$ t−1 biomass price, were evaluated: conventional steam cycle with backpressure turbine (66.97 US$ MWh−1), steam cycle with extraction condensation turbine (92.11 US$ MWh−1), organic Rankine cycle (ORC – 122 US$ MWh−1) and a gasifier/internal combustion engine set (102 US$ MWh−1). Based on financial performance, back-pressure steam turbine was the best option, and gasifier/internal combustion should be further considered due its operation flexibility. For any system, minimal electricity commercialization price for economical feasibility found was 150 US$ MWh−1.
•Assaí (Açaí – Euterpe oleracea, Mart) is increasing economic importance and production in the Amazon Area.•Produce a lot of biomass residue with significant impact in the urban and peri-urban area.•Sustainable renewable energy resource to local industry and energy generation (±0.5 TWh year−1).•Cost analysis to identify the best conversion technology suitable to local conditions.•Steam cycle still best options (second gasification and ICE).