Simulation Studies of Biomass Transport in a Power Plant with Regard to Environmental Constraints

One of the methods to lower CO2 emissions from an existing coal plant is the implementation of biomass co-firing. Thus the carbon emission level of gas-fired power plants (550 kg/MWh) can be achieved. The result is a significant increase of the fuel volumes that are acquired, handled and finally supplied to the power plant units. A necessary extension of a complex logistic system for transporting biomass may increase noise emissions. Environmental regulations require to analyze the impact of this expansion on possible exceedance of the allowed noise thresholds. For a comprehensive assessment of the concept of expanding the power plant's biofuel supply system (BSS), a digital simulation model was built to dimension system elements and verify its correctness of the proposed solutions. Then, a dedicated noise emission model was built for the purposes of mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures for the planned expansion of the BSS, which showed the possibility of exceeding the permissible noise levels at night in selected locations. The article presents the results of a simulation analysis of the efficiency of the BSS in a power plant located in an urbanized environment, taking into account optional shutdowns of facilities generating too much noise at night. The results of the simulation indicate the possibility of securing fuel supplies also under strict restrictions. The use of digital, spatial simulation models of a complex, cyclical-continuous transport system to control its operation in conditions of constraints is an effective method of solving environmental conflicts at the design stage of the extension of industrial installations in urbanized areas.