Biomass conversion into synthetic liquid fuel and electric energy: comparison of prospective technologies

Abstract

Abstract Based on an analytical review, a scheme of a unit for dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis based on woody biomass was selected and its mathematical model was developed. The model adequately reflects the thermodynamic processes that occur in the components of the unit. It is included in the model of a power plant for combined DME and electricity production. The mathematical model of the plant was used to investigate different options of gasification agent. The DME synthesis plant was compared with the methanol synthesis plant investigated earlier in terms of a complex economic index – internal rate of return. The findings demonstrate that the selling price of electricity generated from these plants plays an essential part in the determination of the efficiency area of the methanol or DME synthesis plants.