Decision support system based planning of biomass gasification system for decentralised energy generation

Biomass gasification is a promising source of decentralised electricity generation, especially in regions having abundant biomass resources. Parameters associated with demand-side and supply-side of biomass gasification-based electricity generation are integrated to develop a decision support system (DSS). The DSS platform enables to analyse wide variety of probable options concerning biomass gasification-based electricity generation. Geographical Information System (biomass assessment), Artificial Neural Network (performance analysis of gasifier), Cost modeling (scale-based cost estimation including levelised cost of electricity) have been the major components of the DSS architecture. Electricity generation using Dhaincha as feedstock in a mild steel made gasifier with a producer gas engine resulting in a levelised cost of electricity of 0.20 $/kWh was identified as the most economical combination for biomass gasification-based electricity generation in Sonitpur district of Assam, India as demonstrated by the DSS.