Thermodynamic Assessment of a Biomass Gasification-Driven Tri-generation Chemical Loop Combustion Setup: A Colombian Case Study

Zea J.; Martínez B.; Risco M.L.-D.; Rocha-Meneses L.; Sierra J.; Yepes H.A.; Arrieta C.E.; Gómez Montoya J.P.; Arredondo C.A.; Vanegas E. · Green Energy and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-88995-0_5

Resumen

As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, the importance of innovative technologies that meet various energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions is growing. In hot regions like northern Colombia in Latin America, where cooling demand is significant but heating demand is low, tri-generation systems offer efficient solutions for the simultaneous generation of cooling, heating, and power. This study examines the thermodynamic performance of a biomass gasification-based chemical looping combustion (CLC)-driven tri-generation system using a system proposed in the literature. The setup consists of a biomass gasification-driven CLC module, functioning as the main heat provider for two gas turbines, an organic Rankine cycle for power production, an absorption chiller for cooling, and two heat exchangers for heating purposes. The objective is to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of this system. Our findings highlight the potential of this innovative technology in addressing the energy needs of hot, rapidly developing regions like northern Colombia while reducing carbon emissions. A comprehensive thermodynamic investigation was conducted to determine the system’s optimal operational parameters. Under optimized conditions, the system exhibits notable energy and exergy efficiencies of 45.17% and 20.83%, respectively. A substantial portion of the exergy losses is within the gasifier and CLC sections. Specifically, the gasifier, air reactor, and fuel reactor account for 19.27%, 24.20%, and 22.24% of the exergy losses. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impacts of various parameters, like operating pressure, reactor temperature, and stream temperature, on the energy and exergy efficiencies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú