Large-scale gasification-based coproduction of fuels and electricity from switchgrass

Eric D. Larson, Haiming Jin, Fuat E. Celik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

160 Scopus citations

Abstract

Large-scale gasification-based systems for producing Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) fuels (diesel and gasoline blendstocks), dimethyl ether (DME), or hydrogen from switchgrass - with electricity as a coproduct in each case - are assessed using a self-consistent design, simulation, and cost analysis framework. We provide an overview of alternative process designs for coproducing these fuels and power assuming commercially mature technology performance and discuss the commercial status of key component technologies. Overall efficiencies (lower-heating-value basis) of producing fuels plus electricity in these designs ranges from 57% for F-T fuels, 55-61% for DME, and 58-64% for hydrogen. Detailed capital cost estimates for each design are developed, on the basis of which prospective commercial economics of future large-scale facilities that coproduce fuels and power are evaluated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)174-194
Number of pages21
JournalBiofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining
Volume3
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Bioengineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Keywords

  • Biomass
  • DME
  • Economics
  • Fischer-Tropsch
  • Gasification
  • Hydrogen

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