Techno-economic and environmental analysis of bioenergy production from granulated coconut shell using aspen plus software

Abstract

This study explores quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomass pyrolysis using Aspen Plus V14, focusing on granulated coconut shells. The investigation illustrated that a throughput of 20 kg/h of coconut shells could proficiently yield 25.6 kWh of energy within an hour time frame at a pyrolysis temperature of 700°C, signifying a substantial energy output from this biomass substrate. The computed higher heating value of 14.36 MJ/kg further accentuates the considerable energy density of the material, thereby rendering it a promising feedstock for bioenergy generation. Incorporating data from a 10-kW biomass plant, the research employs Aspen Plus tools for in-depth economic, energy, and sensitivity analyses. With 10 lakhs Indian Rupees capital investment and 3.5 lakhs Indian Rupees annual operational costs, the project boasts an impressive total revenue of 7.4 lakhs Indian Rupees yearly. Financial metrics include a net present value of Indian Rupees 15.27 lakhs and a substantial internal rate of return at 24.10 %. The project’s viability is supported by a commendable 4-and-a-half-year payback period. The energy analysis underscores the heat exchange efficiency, featuring high coefficients at various temperatures. The examination of gas composition exhibited a reduction in carbon dioxide concentrations concomitant with rising temperatures, indicating a more effective conversion of the biomass into syngas at higher thermal conditions. In essence, this research reinforces the viability of granulated coconut shells in the context of sustainable energy generation and the effective conversion of biomass. • Aspen Plus for coconut shell bioenergy. • Rigorous validation: energy, environment, sensitivity,economics. • Economics: NPV ₹15.27 L, IRR 24.10 %, 4.6-yr payback. • Energy: 25.6 MW output, 20k mass/hour. • Heat Transfer: 61.4 – 166.4 kcal/hr-sqm-K.

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