Energy conception of an integrated system - I. Analysis of available data and its processing

Fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas dominate in current energy production plants. However, their burning is evidently characterized by large carbon footprint. This fact combined with the observable trend of rising prices of fossil fuels, their unclear future availability together with the afore mentioned negative impact on the environment increases the interests in renewable and alternative fuels. This paper describes a methodology of integration of perspective biomass-based solid fuel into complex systems supplying heat and/or power. Modification of the approach used for industrial and municipal sector as well as the difference between new design and retrofit of an existing system are mentioned. The need for tackling several problems (fuel availability, environmental legislation, limited funds) is emphasized. The procedure is demonstrated through real industrial case study.