As the global push for cleaner energy intensifies, biomass-fired power systems emerge as practical alternatives to fossil fuels especially for regions seeking localized, renewable energy solutions. This research presents a thermodynamic, environmental, and economic assessment of a lab-scale biomass-fired open cycle power plant, designed to operate independently without fossil fuel support. Through proximate and ultimate analyses, biomass fuels such as date seeds and olive cake were evaluated and shown to offer lower emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compared to traditional coal. The system achieved a stable combustion temperature of 818 °C, enabling self-sustaining operation. The plant reached an energy efficiency of 12 % and exergy efficiency of 16.4 %, with minimal ash deposition and significantly reduced NOx emissions. Economically, it demonstrated a levelized cost of electricity of approximately 0.1 USD/kWh, alongside a positive net present value and a payback period of 5.5–6.5 years highlighting its feasibility for small-scale, off-grid applications.
(PDF) Techno-Economic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Biomass Combustion for Sustainable Power Generation