Feasibility study of biomass power plant construction in Srayaisom sub-district

Abstract

This research aimed to study the feasibility of constructing a biomass power plant in the Srayaisom sub-district by investigating the factors related to biomass type, quantity, and properties.  The experiment started with field visits to explore various data, including basic information about sub-districts, cultivation information and the number of cultivated areas, yield per rai, and biomass information in the Srayaisom sub-district to select the type and calculate the quantity of the biomass. The biomass was analyzed for its energy properties by proximate, ultimate, and heating value analysis. Finally, these data were used to estimate the appropriate size of the biomass power plant. The results of field surveys showed that biomass suitable for power plant production was rice husk, rice straw, sugarcane leaves, and bagasse because of their low cost and ease of collection compared to other types of biomass. The energy properties analysis found that all four types of biomass were suitable for use in electricity generation.  Bagasse has the best overall properties due to having the high volatile matter, the highest fixed carbon content, the highest heating value (83.83%, 11.00%, and 18.61 MJ/kg, respectively), and the lowest ash content (5.17%). The rice husk had the lowest overall properties and the highest ash content (31.18%).  When calculating the appropriate power plant size, it was found that a very small power plant (VSPP) with a capacity of less than 10 MW was the suitable size.  This was due to the very small biomass power plants that have been promoted by the government in terms of power purchases, research and development guidance, and legislation to facilitate the construction of power plants.  However, other factors should be investigated, such as the economic value, local acceptance, and the ability to collect, store, and transport biomass.