Development of Studies on Advanced Power Generation Based on Combined Cycle Using a Single High-Pressure Fluidized Bed Boiler and Consuming Sugar Cane Bagasse

Following preliminary studies on power generation processes consuming sugar cane bagasse, the present one indicates the theoretical possibility of substantial gains of efficiency presently achieved at conventional mills. Although using the same basic proposition as before, i.e., a highly pressurized fluidized bed boiler to provide steam above the critical temperature to drive the steam-turbine cycle while the flue-gas is injected into gas turbines, the present configuration is an evolution from a preliminary study because it applies a more elaborate arrangement of equipment. As before, the present round also indicates that an important technical hurdle represented by problems of feeding solid particles to pressurized vessels might be overcome through the application of a slurry injection. Here, the alternative of a thicker slurry, with 40% (wt) solids, is considered. A comprehensive simulator for boilers and gasifiers and a process simulator to predict the main features of the steam and gas turbine branches are applied. Without too much effort, the present process might be applied to other biomass.