Cost Effective, Low Capacity, Biomass Fired Power Plant

In view of the growing energy scarcity in rural areas of developing economies, it is necessary to explore alternate means of electric power generation. In this context distributed power generation becomes significant. Stirling engine based system is an attractive option for distributed power generation. Biomass, especially bush waste which is abundantly available in Namibia, can be gainfully used as a fuel for the Stirling engine. Briquetting the bio-mass and firing it externally in a furnace or stove will provide the necessary heat source for the engine. A conventional electric power generator can be coupled to the engine. Units of rating 1-5kW will cater to the power needs of individual or group of dwellings. The expected cost of generation is 0.233 N$/kWh which compares well with other modes of power generation. This paper explains the basic concepts and the design aspects of biomass fired Stirling engine system.