Aim of this project is to investigate the potential for substitution of coal through biomass according to the process variety used (direct or indirect co-firing). Potential problems that may arise with individual plant components due to biomass co-firing will be studied in detail. Limiting factors for raising further the biomass fraction above the currently usual levels will be identified, discussed and as far as possible quantified.

At the beginning of the project the biomasses which are to be studied will be screened for fuel suitability using criteria parameters such as availability, price, heating value and composition. Preference will be given to relatively cheap biomasses which are regionally available in sufficient quantities (low ranked biomass). Only in case of direct co-firing higher value biomasses will also be considered. 

After identifying the most promising technologies IET will simulate these with detailed models. Subsequent simulations will yield the best possible process integration configurations within the overall plant process and will make it possible to study more accurately partial aspects of biomass co-firing. In modelling, experimental results generated by parallel combustion tests of the IFK (University of Stuttgart) will also be used as boundary conditions.