Modelling and Viability Study of a Biomass PowerPlant Fired with Pteris vittata in Bangladesh

Pteris vittata shows great potential as a source of biomass energy because of its comparatively higher heating value, easy availability and higher productivity. Proper analysis is required to assess the scope of pteris vittata as biofuel in power sectors. This study investigates the thermodynamic and financial viability of using pteris vittata as bio feedstock in biomass power plants in Bangladesh. A pteris vittata fired power plant model is built and studied to assess the performance of both belowground and aboveground parts of pteris as feedstock. Key thermodynamic performance parameters of the plant namely power generation by the system, gross and net heat rate, and thermal efficiency are studied for ambient temperature data of Bangladesh over one year period. Besides, the financial analysis of the cycle and pollution control measures are also discussed. From this study, it is found that a pteris vittata fired power plant can generate up to 8.5 GWh annual energy with annual capacity factor of about 68.13% and a net heat rate of about 14.84 (MMBtu/MWh) for an annual biomass feed rate of about 9000 ton. Besides, the cycle can be operated in an environment friendly way for a levelized electricity cost of 0.126 $/kWh, which can be a sustainable energy technology to meet the demand of industry 4.0.