Analysis and Environmental Assessment of Biomass and Biofuels Usage Possibilities

Abstract

There is presented technical-technological analysis of decentralised energy production in cogeneration cycle using plant biomass and biofuels. It was determined that in perspective in Lithuania power of power plants heated by biofuel shall reach 10-15 MW. Having evaluated the amount of growth of oily cultures in Lithuania, possibilities to use vegetable oil and its blends with mineral diesel in cogeneration power plants were proven. Distribution of energy flows in 1050 kW cogeneration power plant with diesel engine was presented. It was defined that mechanical power of the engine is twice smaller than the obtained heat power of the module. Having performed the environmental evaluation of biofuels, it was determined that the least emission of CO and solid particles to the environment was got using rapeseed oil fuels. However, during its burning bigger amount of NOx gets into the air if compared to mineral diesel or rapeseed ester methyl. Tasks requiring scientific research were formulated. These tasks shall optimise the possibility to use biofuels in cogeneration power plants using internal combustion engines. There is presented technical-economical assessment of cogeneration power plants using rapeseed oil for fuel.