Cogeneration potential in Indian sugar mills: a case study

Abstract

The Indian sugar industry has massive potential for the cogeneration of electrical power. The sugar manufacturing process generates bagasse as a byproduct from cane‐crushing. This bagasse can be used as a fuel for the boilers employed in steam raising for the process use and cogeneration. In this study, the potential for power cogeneration in a typical plant under the existing boiler‐turbine configuration has been estimated. An alternative configuration requiring capital investment in machinery has also been studied. The cost of cogenerating power, including the cost of fuel, operations and capital services wherever necessary, has been calculated for both these cases, using a linear optimisation method. The exercise allows for the use of multiple fuels, namely bagasse and coal, for cogeneration throughout the year including the cane‐crushing season and the off‐season. The per unit supply price of cogenerated power thus computed has been compared with the utility's own cost with a view to selling the surplus cogenerated power to the grid.