Use of third-generation biofuels in self-contained power generation systems based on contemporary steam piston engines

An alternative concept is studied for third-generation biofuel production and use in low capacity self-contained cogeneration installations, making it possible to optimize the whole production cycle for conversion of biomass energy into thermal and electrical energy. It is shown that the use of contemporary steam piston engines instead of internal combustion engines in small thermal electric power plants with a capacity up to 1 MW makes it possible to use boiler biofuel prepared by simplified waste-free technology based on energy-efficient low-temperature processes with a marked (by a factor of 1.3–1.5 compared with steam turbines, and by a factor of 1.25–2 compared with diesel power stations) improvement in the efficiency of converting heat of combustion into electrical energy. Development of cogeneration systems of this class makes it possible to reduce the dependence of consumers on natural monopolies in the field of power supply due to the use of local (in this case renewable) fuel resources.