Analyzing Performance for Generating Power with Renewable Energy Source using Rice Husk as an Alternate Fuel

Energy demand is increasing continuously due to sharp growth in population and industrial development. The development and installation of energy sources are not keeping pace with spiraling demand of energy. Although energy production has increased manifold but still there is big gap between production and demand. The major energy demand is met by conventional energy sources like coal, petroleum, diesel, and natural gas etc. This causes depletion of fossil fuel reserve and environmental pollution. The use of fossil fuel not only causes environmental impact but also energy security problem. Energy from biomass is renewable energy, being looked at as an alternative of fossil fuel. One of the biomass energy sources is rice husk, which is a very promising renewable energy source as it is indigenous and has environmental benefits. However, the environmental and financial profiles of the electricity generation from biomass must be assessed to ensure reduction in greenhouse gas emission and positive cash flow. Environmental impact potential from rice husk is generally lesser than fossil fuel plants. A dual fuel diesel engine-generation of 800 kW, using rice husk gasifier, is considered for the analysis purpose. Keywords: Renewable energy, Rice husk, Gasification, Dual fuel generation, Energy model, GHG (Green House Gas) emission