Sugarcane cogeneration

Eletrobras forecasts more than 4,000 MW as the potential of electricity generation from sugarcane origin, with commercially available technologies. However local utilities do not seem interested in electricity purchase from cogenerators. 

Coelho, S, T., Oliveira Jr., S., Zylbersztajn, D. Thcrmo-economic Analysis of Electricity Cogeneration from Sugarcane Origin . In Third Biomass Conference of the Americas. Proceedings. Vol. II, pp. 1631-1640, Montreal, 1997. 

However, a correctly specifically manufactured and configured stoker is an excellent combustor of cellulose waste such as (1) wood—shredded trees to sawdust (2) garbage—refuse-derived fuel (3) bagasse—sugarcane residne (4) industrial residue—paper, plastics, and wood (5) furfural residue (6) peanut shells and (7) shredded tires. Most of these fuels can be bnrned without auxiliary fuel with proper attention to fnel moisture, design heat release, combustion air system design, and preheated air temperature. Cogeneration and the emphasis on renewable fuels have driven increased use of these fuels. Size distribution of the fuel is important from the standpoint of efficiency, availability, and low emissions. 

With regard to the last topic, it is interesting to note the increasing participation of bioelectricity in the total income of sugarcane mills based on the optimization of the existent cogeneration plants and efficient use of the available lignoceUulosic by-products from ethanol and sugar production. 

Dias, M.O.S., Modesto, M., Ensinas, A.V., Nebra, S.A., Filho, R.M., Rossell, C.E.V., 2011. improving bioethanol production from sugarcane evaluation of distillation, thermal integration and cogeneration systems. Energy 36 (6), 3691-3703. 

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