Process Simulation and Environmental Impact Assessment of Power Generation from Cassava Pulp and Corncob through Biomass Gasification
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Abstract
This research investigates the simulation of a biomass gasification combined cycle power generation system and the assessment of its global warming potential (GWP). Process simulations were conducted using Aspen Plus V.12.1 to investigate the effects of gasification temperature and the steam-to-biomass ratio on power generation. Two types of biomass widely available in Thailand, namely cassava pulp and corncob, which are residues from the starch and feed mill industries, respectively, were selected as feedstocks. The results indicated that the optimum operating conditions for maximizing total power generation were a gasification temperature of 1000°C and a steam-to-biomass ratio of 1. Both biomass feedstocks exhibited comparable power generation performance. However, cassava pulp achieved a higher total power output of 4,726.87 kW and a net power output of 2,693.69 kW. In addition, the environmental impact in terms of GWP was evaluated under a cradle-to-gate system boundary. The results revealed that both biomass feedstocks exhibited comparable GWP values, with cassava pulp having a GWP of 0.032 kgCO2e/kWh, which was slightly lower than that of corncob under the optimal operating conditions.
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