Development of a new concept solar-biomass cogeneration system

A new concept of a system based on a Stirling engine for the combined production of heat and electric power is presented. The system uses two renewable energy sources, direct solar (thermodynamic solar) and biomass (indirect solar energy). Biomass combustion is conducted using a fluidized bed combustor. A second source of energy, given by the direct irradiation of the bed with a concentrated solar radiation, is integrated in the same system, using the fluidized bed as solar receiver. A Scheffler type mirror is adopted to allow irradiation of the system in a fixed focal point. A Stirling engine, integrated into the fluidized bed, converts heat into electricity. Advantages of the proposed solution are illustrated and some preliminary results on the performance of the system, obtained with a simple model, are presented. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.