Development of a small scale CHP biomass system for the Luxembourgish market

Global climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Rising ambient temperatures and deterioration of weather patterns are anticipated to result from increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases caused in part by the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and domestic heating purposes. The possibility of a global temperature rise of between 1 degree C and 4.5 degree Celsius has led to considerable research efforts into the effects of changes in temperature and other climatic variables. The increasing use of private capital in the energy industry has altered the focus from the provision of a service to the need to make profits from the production and sale of a commodity. Additionally, with respect to Luxembourg, the dependency on imported energy is an important risk factor. This thesis presents biomass as an essential alternative to substitute for some of the fossil fuels in the domain of heat, cooling and power generation. The results presented show an increase in energy utilisation and thus energy efficiency and reduction in emissions when used in combined generation modes as opposed to single generation. These results are gathered through meticulous analytical models, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and laboratory testing of real life biomass systems. The technologies and analysis investigated here are targeted at those involved in climate change research, providing them with valuable data on the energy analysis of biomass and its associated emissions, highlighting the potential for reduction in pollutions when biomass is used instead of fossil fuels; in energy policy making; investors; engineers; and all others involved in the biomass design and operation of combined generation of biomass applications.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceResearch Council LuxembourgGBUnited Kingdo