Development of a new concept hybrid solar-biomass cogeneration system

A new concept of a system for the cogeneration of heat and electrical power is presented. Theconcept is based on hybrid use of two renewable energy sources, direct solar (thermodynamic solar)and biomass (indirect solar energy). Biomass combustion is conducted using a fluidized bedcombustor. A second source of energy, given by the direct irradiation of the bed with a concentratedsolar radiation, is integrated in the same system, using the fluidized bed as solar receiver. A Stirlingengine converts heat into electricity. A Scheffler type mirror is adopted to allow irradiation of thesystem in a fixed focal point. Advantages of the proposed solution are illustrated and somepreliminary results on the performance of the system, obtained with a simple model, are presented.