Research On The Assessment Of Energy Conversion Technologies For Agricultural Residues

The improper disposal of agriculture residues(ARs)(such as open burning of straw)in China leads to waste of energy potential and serious environmental problems.At the same time,China's energy consumption is in the first place in the world,and the energy dependence on foreign countries is increasing year by year,so the energy security problem cannot be ignored.In this context,converting ARs to energy is of importance for regional energy and environmental sustainability.In order to help decision-makers select optimal technologies among multiple alternatives and promote the development of ARs-to-energy industries,this study conducts integrated assessment and prioritization of seven bioenergy technologies(BETs).An assessment criteria system consisting of four aspects(environmental,technological,economic and social aspects,in total 15 criteria)is constructed.Although using biomass energy instead of fossil energy can reduce the generation of pollutants from the end,it will produce environmental pollution in the physical or chemical transformation process.Therefore,this study evaluates the process of straw utilization from the perspective of the whole life cycle,in order to fully reflect the environmental,technical and economic performances during by the process of straw utilization.Combined with the results of the life cycle environmental and technoeconomic assessments and the advices from two groups of experts(composed of scholars and engineers in the field of biomass energy),the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)is adopted to determine the weights of the criteria and quantify the performances of the BETs.Based on the results of the fuzzy AHP,the Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje(VIKOR)method is finally employed to determine the sustainability sequence of the BETs.From single-dimensional performance,direct-combustion power generation has the best environmental benefit;briquette fuel has the best economic benefit.From performances of integrated-dimensions,direct-combustion power generation,gasification power generation and briquette fuel are recognized as the most sustainable technologies under both the environmental priority situation and economic priority situation.The results of sensitivity analysis are consistent with the previous conclusions,and then verify the rationality of the weight and the reliability of the conclusion.So we should focus on these three technologies.The final ranking is inclined to change over time,due to changes in the government guidance,technological development and other factors.The methods and results presented are also expected to provide reference to development planning of other types of bioenergy.