Use of biomass for fuel purposes: case study – sugarcane bagasse

• Grant number: 00/03087-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2000
• End date: September 30, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Azucena Nebra de Pérez
• Grantee: Silvia Azucena Nebra de Pérez
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present project centers on the study of the use of biomass for fuel purposes focusing on different aspects of the problem based on a case study, that of sugarcane bagasse. This project is based on the results of previous research which has been developed by the group both in the areas of drying and in the evaluation of the use of energy in thermal equipment. One of the aspects dealt with is that of the drying of the biomass, proposing to this end the study of cyclonic dryers. The ultimate objective is to obtain a viable proposal for an industrial dryer, which will contribute to energy savings in the furnaces. The other aspect deals with the analysis of the use of energy in the industrial plant. This part of the work was split into two areas: thermo-economic analysis / optimization of the factory’s cogeneration plant and of the sugar production process. The objectives of each of these areas are different, but concomitant. The analysis/ optimization of the cogeneration plant aims to obtain greater generation of electrical energy for the production process and a decrease in the consumption of process steam. (AU)