Implementation of a biomass-fired co-generation plant supplied with an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) as a heat source for small scale heat distribution system – A comparative analysis under Polish and German conditions

• Configuration scenarios for biomass ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) plant implementation as heat source of heat distribution system were built.
• Technical and economic inputs for analysis of constructing ORC and IC-engine plants in Polish and Germany were defined.
• NPV (net present value) index and payback times for each configuration scenario were derived and sensitivity analysis was conducted.
• Oversized biomass plant is profitable in Germany (DPBT (discounted payback time) = 9.2 years) but completely unprofitable in Poland (DPBT > 15 years).
• The most cost-effective is scenario with implementation downsize case biomass plant in Germany: DPBT = 8.9 years.

Technical and economic analysis of construction of an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) cogeneration plant under Polish and German conditions is the subject of the paper. The analyzed plant consists of an ORC module or a CHP (Combined Heat and Power) gas engine unit and gas boilers. Taking into account different technical configurations (operating mode as well as capacity due to different sizing of the units) on one side, and different financial support mechanisms (mainly on the operating level) on the other side, the comparative cost-benefits analysis has been made. On the basis of the technical analysis, the basic economical indexes: NPV (net present value) and payback times have been derived for each analyzed scenario and the results have been compared and discussed. The sensitivity of NPV for tags prices has been also examined and the results have been commented.