1. What is this item?
This system uses thermal energy generated from biomass (organic waste, agricultural residues) to drive a generator. Biomass is combusted to produce heat, which is converted into electricity via a thermal engine or steam turbine. If biomass fuel is insufficient, fuel briquettes (compressed organic material) are used as an alternative. As a last resort, diesel can be used to generate power, ensuring the farm's energy needs are met in an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective manner.
2. How is the Quantity Estimated?
• Biomass Supply: Estimate the amount of biomass waste generated from the farm or nearby sources (in tons/year).
• Energy Generation: Biomass can produce ~3–5 kWh per kg of dry biomass. Thus, a farm requiring 10,000 kWh/month will need ~2,000–3,500 kg of dry biomass per month.
• Backup Fuel: Estimate how much fuel briquettes and diesel are needed to cover shortfalls when biomass is insufficient. This will depend on the farm's location, climate, and the availability of biomass resources.
3. What are the Cost Components?
• Biomass Power Generator (thermal engine or steam turbine)
• Biomass Storage & Handling System (bins, conveyors, shredders, drying equipment)
• Burner/Combustion Chamber (designed for biomass feedstock)
• Fuel Briquette Storage & Delivery System
• Diesel Generator Backup (if required for extended backup)
• Cooling & Ventilation Systems (for temperature control)
• Control Panels & Automation (for switching between fuel types)
• Installation & Commissioning (system integration, testing, training)
• Annual Maintenance (service contracts, fuel supply management)
• Permits & Regulatory Compliance (environmental clearances, emissions testing)
4. Going Rates & Per Unit Cost
• Biomass Power Generator:
o Biomass Power System: ₹6,000–₹10,000 per kW installed (depends on capacity, system complexity)
o Biomass Burner and Fuel Handling: ₹50,000–₹1,50,000 (depending on automation level and farm size)
o Fuel Briquettes: ₹4–₹8 per kg (varies based on local market and availability)
o Backup Diesel Generator: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per kVA (installed cost, same as traditional diesel genset)
Example:
For a 50 kW biomass power system, total installed cost:
• Generator: ₹3–₹5 Lakhs
• Burner and handling system: ₹1–₹2 Lakhs
• Briquette storage & supply system: ₹50,000–₹1 Lakh
• Backup Diesel Generator (50 kVA): ₹2 Lakhs
Total Estimate ≈ ₹6–₹10 Lakhs
5. Fuel Consumption & Running Costs:
• Biomass Efficiency: 1 ton of biomass can produce around 3,000–5,000 kWh depending on moisture content and combustion efficiency.
• Backup Fuel:
o Fuel Briquettes: ~1–2 kg per hour for 1 kW of output (depending on fuel type and generator load).
o Diesel Backup: Similar to a traditional DG, ~0.25 L/kWh for a 50 kW genset.
• Annual Fuel Cost (depending on usage and availability):
o Biomass: Cost is mostly operational (collection, handling).
o Fuel Briquettes: ₹4,000–₹6,000 per ton, depending on local availability.
o Diesel: ₹70–₹90 per liter.
Example Fuel Cost:
If the generator operates 8 hours/day, using biomass as the primary fuel:
Biomass: 1 ton per month = ₹15,000–₹20,000
Briquettes (for backup): 500 kg = ₹2,000–₹4,000
Diesel: If used in backup, ₹10,000/month for 2–4 hours of operation.
This thermal biomass-based power system can be a great sustainable option for farm operations, reducing dependency on grid power and diesel while managing waste effectively. It’s cost-effective in the long run but needs initial investment in infrastructure and fuel management systems.
