Experimental and economic study of small-scale CHP installation equipped with downdraft gasifier and internal combustion engine

The economic analysis was performed taking into account policies and regulations in the Polish energy market sector. The study showed that it is more profitable to use the generated electricity and heat for its self-consumption rather than selling it on the market. Even with the supporting policies the payback time is not less than about eight years. Taking into account calorific value and limited local biomass availability, it seems justified that the described CHP installation is suitable for decentralised power generation such as small farms or horticultural businesses, where the produced electricity and heat can be sufficiently utilised. This technology also contributes to reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which is one of the most problematic issues for energy sector today.