Title : Comparative analyses and optimizations of hybrid biomass and solar energy systems based upon a variety of biomass technologies
Abstract:
The escalating global energy demand, coupled with the pressing need to mitigate climate change, has intensified the search for sustainable and economically viable power solutions. While fossil fuels have historically dominated the energy landscape, their finite supply and severe environmental repercussions- ranging from greenhouse gas emissions to ecological degradation have necessitated a paradigm shift. Concurrently, the plummeting costs of renewable energy technologies have made hybrid systems increasingly attractive. Among these, the integration of solar photovoltaics (PV) with biomass conversion processes stands out as a particularly promising strategy, offering a synergistic approach that leverages the intermittent nature of solar power with the dispatchable reliability of biomass. This study rigorously evaluates the techno-economic and environmental performance of a PV/biomass hybrid renewable energy system (HRES), specifically comparing three distinct biomass utilization pathways: pyrolysis, direct combustion, and gasification.
To optimize the complex interplay of components and objectives, the hybrid system is modeled using a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), a robust evolutionary computational technique capable of navigating a vast solution space to identify Paretooptimal configurations. The selection of the most superior layout is governed by a balanced set of critical criteria: maximizing the fraction of renewable (green) energy generation, minimizing harmful emissions, and reducing both the cost of energy (COE) and the net present cost (NPC) over the project's lifetime. The comparative analysis reveals a clear performance hierarchy. The system employing biomass pyrolysis significantly outperforms its counterparts. Specifically, the COE for the pyrolysis-based system is 17% lower than that of the gasification-based scenario (Scenario 1) and 38% lower than the direct combustion scenario (Scenario 2). Furthermore, the economic advantages extend to capital expenditure, with the pyrolysis configuration exhibiting a 17% and 65% reduction in NPC, alongside a 15% and 37.5% decrease in total system costs, respectively, compared to the same scenarios.
These findings underscore the distinct operational and economic benefits of pyrolysis, which produces valuable bio-oil and syngas with lower emissions and higher energy conversion efficiency than direct combustion or gasification for this specific application. By systematically comparing all essential aspects—from economic viability and emission profiles to energy yield—this research conclusively demonstrates that the HRES incorporating biomass pyrolysis emerges as the most cost-effective and environmentally preferable option. This insight is pivotal; it not only provides a clear directive for system designers but also contributes a foundational framework for future research. By identifying pyrolysis as the foremost biomass power production technology for hybridization, this study simplifies the complex decision-making process, enabling researchers and policymakers to more confidently design and deploy decisive, high-performing HRES that utilize biomass as a principal, sustainable energy source. Ultimately, this work advances the practical implementation of integrated renewable systems, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
