(758e) Aspen PLUS Modeling of the Utilization of Equine Waste for Localized Heating Via Fast Pyrolysis

ARS/USDA is investigating the local utilization of equine waste as an alternative and replacement fuel source for heat generation using bio-oil produced via fast pyrolysis at the equine rehabilitation facility at Morrisville State College (MSC) with potential expansion to local farms. The Aspen Plus based simulation models the production of pyrolysis oil and its combustion in an existing boiler for the generation of hot water. Ultimate and proximate analysis on the manure and its pyrolysis products enabled the defining of the manure as a non-conventional compound and the pyrolysis products as conventional compounds based on stoichiometric formula. This results in quantifying the production of pyrolysis oil and bio-char which are valuable and sustainable energy sources that can be utilized at the local facility. Pyrolysis oil can be used as fuel in an existing hot water boiler system at MSC that produces hot water for the facility via diesel. The results show potential for displacing the diesel fuel by the pyrolysis oil produced from the locally generated equine waste, while also alleviating a waste disposal problem. Based on mass and energy balances of the system, heat integration is possible. Using a portion of the co-product bio-char for combustion provides all the heat required to run the pyrolyser. The fluidized bed pyrolyser will circulate sand from the pyrolysis unit through a combustion unit for reheating and then return it hot to the pyrolysis unit. Excess bio-char can be utilized in surrounding soils acting as a soil amendment. By incorporating the heat sources and heat integration in the model, energy requirements to run the system are significantly reduced. The mass and energy balances generated by Aspen Plus will be the basis for a Techno Economic Analysis for locating such a system at MSC; this will be presented and discussed further.