Resumen de Feasibility study of wood-fired cogeneration at a wood products industrial park, Belington, West Virginia
A feasibility study was conducted to determine if a wood-fired cogeneration system is a cost effective source of electricity for 12 companies located within and near a wood products industrial park in Belington, WV. Data were collected from each company regarding the amount and characteristic of residue generated, and quantity and cost of electricity and natural gas usage. The amount of residue generated by all companies included in the study was estimated at 161 tons day−1, of which approximately 97% is above 40% moisture content (wet basis). Size of facility was based upon amount of residue generated and determined to be 2.5 MW. Capital cost was estimated to be $4.3 million; $1720 per kW. Annual operation/maintenance cost was estimated to be $422,000 for the first 5 yr, and $502,000 thereafter. Savings of electricity and natural gas was estimated at $179,513 and $381,163, respectively. Based on a 20 yr investment horizon at a 10% minimum acceptable rate of return and a $0.05023 avoided cost rate, a net present value analysis produced a $5,439,203 return and a 4 yr discounted payback period.
