Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Level 1 Feasibility Analysis
Prepared for
Company A
Anytown, USA
men?
&EPA COMBINED HEAT AND
POWER PARTNERSHIP

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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Level 1 Feasibility Analysis
Company A
Any town, USA
1. Executive Summary
The EPA CHP Partnership has performed a Level 1 Preliminary Economic Analysis of
the installation of a combined heat and power (CHP) system at the planned Company A
dry mill ethanol facility in Anytown, USA.1 The purpose of this analysis is to determine
whether CHP is technically appropriate at this site and whether CHP would offer
significant potential economic benefit to Company A, in order for the company to make a
decision about whether to fund a more comprehensive study. The analysis has
incorporated data on the electrical and thermal needs of the site, anecdotal data regarding
site operations and existing equipment, and interviews with site personnel about the
planned energy needs of the facility. The results indicate that the site is potentially a good
candidate for a biomass-fueled CHP project.
To run an economic analysis of a system with this level of data required the use of
simplifying assumptions and averages. This preliminary analysis should therefore be
considered an indicator of technical and economic potential only. The EPA CHP
Partnership does not design or install CHP systems and cannot guarantee the economic
savings projected in this analysis. Where assumptions have been made, they are intended
to be realistic or conservative. These assumptions will be detailed in the following report
and suggestions will be provided as to the scope of engineering that would be part of a
Level 2 Feasibility Analysis if Company A chooses to proceed to the next step of project
development.
Construction is planned to begin in one year for the initial phase of a 108 million gallon
per year (MGY) ethanol plant outside of Anytown, USA. The plant will be built in two
phases, each with a capacity of 54 MGY. Steam needs for the first phase of 54 MGY
capacity will be provided by packaged natural gas boilers. The Level 1 CHP analysis
evaluated CHP as an option for the planned second phase of the facility, also sized at 54
MGY. The analysis evaluated two biomass-based boiler options—each generating
approximately 3.1 megawatts (MW) of power through backpressure steam turbines
before sending 150 psig steam to the ethanol production process. The CHP systems were
evaluated in comparison to a baseline that assumed natural gas boilers without power
generation. A 5.3 MW gas turbine CHP system and a non-CHP biomass boiler were also
analyzed for comparison. The two biomass CHP options were evaluated to represent two
biomass fuel supply scenarios: 1) the first option is based on purchasing local biomass
fuel resources (45% moisture) at an average price of $15.00 per ton; 2) the second option
1 The analysis was performed by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc, 1655 N. Fort Myer Drive,
Arlington, VA, 22209. EEA is a technical subcontractor supporting the EPA CHP Partnership.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
is based on receiving biomass wastes (40% moisture) from local suppliers that would pay
Company A a $20.00 per ton tipping fee. Table 1 presents the economic comparison of
the various options. The comparisons are based on an average displaced electricity price
of $0.0467/kilowatt-hour (kWh) and an average projected natural gas price of
$9.40/million British thermal units (MMBtu).
Table 1 - Economic Comparison of CHP Options

Base System -
Natural Gas
Boilers/ no CHI
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP -
Purchased Woo
Fuel
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP -
1/Vood Waste Fui
Gas Turbine CH
il
3 Boiler/No CHP -
Purchased Woo(
Fuel
CHP System Capacity (kW)
n/a
3,100
3,100
5,300
n/a
Net Installed Costs
n/a
$19,202,296
$19,202,296
$5,925,700
$15,709,240






Purchased Electricity Costs
$2,118,312
$926,565
$926,565
$143,182
$2,118,312
Natural Gas Boiler Costs
$14,765,520
$3,168,073
$3,168,073
$3,513,720
$3,168,073
CHP Fuel Costs
$0
$2,467,713
($3,016,094)
$12,576,875
$2,262,071
Incremental O&M Costs
$0
$893,172
$1,020,768
$253,764
$791,095
Standby Charges
$0
$111,600
$111,600
$190,800
$0
Annual Operating Costs
$16,883,832
$7,567,123
$2,210,912
$16,678,341
$8,339,550
Annual Operating Cost Savings
n/a
$9,316,709
$14,672,920
$205,491
$8,544,282






Simple Payback, Years
n/a
2.1
1.3
28.8
1.8






Conclusions from this preliminary analysis include:
•	Both the biomass-based CHP systems and the gas turbine CHP system are good
matches with the planned steam and power needs of the second phase of the
Anytown, USA facility.
•	The biomass-based CHP systems represent significant savings in operating costs
compared to the natural gas boiler baseline. Annual cost savings range from
approximately $9,300,000 for option 1 (based on purchased wood supplies) to close
to $15,000,000 for option 2 (where Company A is paid to accept wood wastes).
Simple paybacks for both biomass CHP options are 2.1 years or less.
•	Installation of a biomass boiler represents a significant energy cost savings for
Company A even without CHP. A wood boiler system without the steam turbine
generator would generate about $8,500,000 in annual operating cost savings
compared to the natural gas boiler baseline. Adding the steam turbine generator
increases the annual savings by close to $800,000 at an estimated incremental capital
cost of $3,500,000.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
• Anytown, USA might offer incentives for biomass systems that could further enhance
the economics of the CHP systems.
2. Preliminary Analysis Details and Assumptions
Facility Description
Company A is about to break ground on a $150 million state-of-the-art ethanol plant to
be located in Anytown, USA. When completed, the plant will produce 108 millions
gallons of ethanol a year, as well as co-products consisting of distillers dried grains with
solubles (DDGS) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The plant will be constructed in two 54
MGY phases. Phase 1 ground breaking and construction start-up is planned to begin
within one year. The plant is expected to run continuously 24 hours a day, 350 days per
year (8,400 hours/year).
Energy Requirements and Costs
Energy is the second largest cost of production for dry mill ethanol plants, surpassed only
by the cost of the corn itself. The Company A facility will use significant amounts of
steam for mash cooking, distillation, and evaporation. Steam needs for the first phase of
54 MGY capacity will be provided by three 1800 horsepower, packaged, natural gas
boilers (180 MMBtu/hr total capacity). Natural gas will also be used for drying by-
product solids (DDGS). Electricity will be used for process motors, grain preparation,
and a variety of plant loads. As summarized in Table 2, each of the 54 MGY phases of
the project are projected to have an average electricity demand of 5.4 MW and an average
steam demand of 136,000 lb/hr of 150 psig steam (150 MMBtu/hr).2 The three Phase 1
natural gas boilers have 30 MMBtu of excess steam capacity that will be utilized by
Phase 2. Company A has secured a five-year contract for purchased power at an average
rate of $0.0467/kWh. Company A also projects a long term delivered price of natural gas
of $9.40/MMBtu.
2 The facility will eventually include an adjacent C02 recovery plant that will have an average electric
demand of 3,500 kW.
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Company A	Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Table 2 -Projected Energy Requirements and Cost Summary

Phase 1
Phase 2
Average Peak Electric Demand (kW)
5,400
5,400
Annual Average Electricity Consumption (kWh)
45,360,000
45,360,000
Average Steam Demand (lb/hr)
136,000
136,000
Average Steam Demand (MMBtu/hr)
150
150
Annual Steam Consumption (MMBtu)
1,260,000
1,260,000
Existing Boiler Capacity3 (MMBtu/hr)
150
30
Annual Operating Hours
8,400
8,400
Average Purchased Power Costs ($/kWh)
$0.0467
Projected Delivered Natural Gas Price ($/MMBtu)
$9.40
Combined Heat and Power Options
Several CHP options were evaluated. All were designed to provide the 109,000 lb/hr of
150 psig steam required by the Phase 2 facility. Two are based on generating high
pressure steam (800 psig, 700°F) in a biomass/wood-fired boiler, expanding this steam
through a back pressure steam turbine to generate power, and using the low pressure
steam (150 psig, 400°F) exhausting from the turbine for process needs (Figure 1). Both
boiler/steam turbine CHP options are technically identical—a 110,000 lb/hr stoker boiler
and a 3.1 MW back pressure steam turbine generator. The difference between the options
is in the biomass/wood waste fuel sources. The first option is based on purchasing locally
available wood waste resources (45% moisture) at an average price of $15.00/ton. The
second option is based on utilizing urban wood wastes and other biomass wastes (turkey
litter) from nearby sources (average of 40% moisture) and receiving a tipping fee of
$20.00/ton.
Figure 1: Boiler/Steam Turbine CHP
Fuel
Boiler
Water
nr
High-Pressure Steam
4
Steam
Turbine
Power
Steam
To Process
3 Phase 1 includes three 1800 horsepower boilers that have 30 MMBtu/hr of excess steam capacity that will
be utilized by Phase 2.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
A gas- or combustion turbine-based CHP system was included in the analysis for
comparison. Gas turbines have long been used in CHP applications, and the steam that
can be generated from hot turbine exhaust matches the steam conditions (temperature and
pressure) that the Company A facility requires. In this option, shown in Figure 2, a 5.3
MW packaged gas turbine, fueled by natural gas, drives an electric generator. Energy in
the high temperature (900 to 1000°F) exhaust from the gas turbine is recovered to
generate steam in the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). Because the steam
produced in the HRSG will be less than the plant steam requirements, duct burners would
be used to generate additional steam. (The turbine exhaust still has about 15% oxygen
which is sufficient to support further combustion.)
Figure 2: Gas Turbine CHP
Water
Steam
To Process
Heat Recovery
Steam Generator
Fuel
t
Hot Exhaust Gases
Fuel
Combustion
Turbine
SHTy
Power
A final option considered in this analysis was a non-CHP biomass/wood waste boiler.
This system is similar to the boiler/steam turbine CHP options except that the boiler
generates lower pressure steam (150 psig), which is sent directly to the ethanol process
without generating power in a steam turbine. The key performance parameters of all four
options are presented in Table 3.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Table 3 - CHP System Key Performance Parameters
System
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
Gas
Turbine/HRSG
Wood
Boiler/No CHP
Generating Capacity, kW
3,100
3,100
5,300
0
Boiler Efficiency, %
70%
70%
90%4
70%
Gas Turbine Electric Efficiency, %
n/a
n/a
26.9%5
n/a
Boiler/HRSG Outlet Steam Pressure, psig
800
800
150
150
Process Steam Pressure, psig
150
150
150
150
Unfired HRSG Steam Flow, Ibs/hr
n/a
n/a
26,000
n/a
Steam Flow to Process, Ibs/hr
109,000
109,000
109,000
109,000
Availability
98%
98%
95%
98%
Screening Analysis
Electricity Production
The average power demand for Phase 2 of the dry mill ethanol facility is estimated to be
5,400 kilowatts (kW); annual Phase 2 electricity consumption is estimated to be
45,360,000 kWh based on 8,400 hours per year operation. Assuming system availabilities
of 98% for the boiler/steam turbine systems and 95% for the gas turbine, the CHP
systems will provide 56% (boiler/steam turbine CHP) to 93% (gas turbine CHP) of Phase
2 electricity needs. Table 4 shows the electricity supply balance for the Phase 2 facility
for the no-CHP base case and for the four options analyzed.
Table 4 - Annual Electricity Generation
System
Base Case
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
Gas
Turbine/HRSG
Wood
Boiler/No
CHP
Average Demand, kW
5,400
5,400
5,400
5,400
5,400
Generating Capacity, kW
0
3,100
3,100
5,300
0
Purchased Electricity, kWh
45,360,000
19,841,000
19,841,000
3,066,000
45,360,000
Generated Electricity, kWh
0
25,519,000
25,519,000
42,294,000
0
Recommended Activities for Level 2: Electric demand for Phase 2 appears to be
relatively level based on the initial data provided by Company A; however, assumptions
on peak, average, and base electric loads should be reviewed in detail and specific
seasonal and/or daily variations should be identified and included for system sizing and
detailed economic calculations. A detailed electric profile would enable an accurate
4	Supplemental steam raising efficiency for gas turbine HRSG duct burner
5	Higher Heating Value efficiency, based on Manufacturer A's packaged gas turbine
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
analysis of purchased power savings and would ensure that the system is sized correctly
for the application.
Budgetary Installation Costs
Preliminary budgetary cost estimates were developed for each option and included the
following equipment:
•	Wood boiler/steam turbine CHP options - 110,000 lb/hr stoker boiler (800 psig,
700°F); wood receiving and preparation yard and equipment; 3.1 MW
backpressure (150 psig exhaust) steam turbine generator; basic switchgear and
controls; an electrostatic precipitator and ancillaries
•	Gas turbine CHP - Manufacturer A6 packaged gas turbine generator; 150 psig
HRSG with supplemental firing capability (110,000 lb steam/hour); basic
electrical switchgear and controls
•	Wood boiler/no CHP - 110,000 lb/hr stoker boiler (150 psig); wood receiving and
preparation yard and equipment; an electrostatic precipitator and ancillaries
Budget costs are based on a turnkey installation and include engineering, labor, and
commissioning. The cost estimates were based on published data and discussions with
turbine developers and boiler/HRSG suppliers, with engineering rules-of-thumb applied
for the cost of additional equipment and engineering, installation, and permitting costs.
Total installed cost estimates for the four systems are detailed in Table 5 below.
6 In a customized feasibility analysis, the EPA CHP Partnership would name actual equipment
manufacturers to form the basis of this analysis.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Table 5 - Budgetary Cost Estimates
CHP System
Gas Turbine/HRSG
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
Wood Boiler/No
CHP
Etesigfi Capacity (kW)
5,300
3,100
3,100
0
Turbine Gsnset Cost, $/kW
$450
$300
$300
n/a
Turbine Gsnset Cost
$2,385,000
$930,000
$930,000
$0
HRSG ($300/kW)
$1,060,000
-
-
-
Wbod HandhrgTtep Yard
-
$2,000,000
$2,000,000
$2,000,000
Stoker Boiler

$5,500,000
$5,500,000
$4,750,000
Electrostatic Precipitator and Ancillaries

$1,700,000
$1,700,000
$1,700,000
Other Equipmsnt (e.g, iilcitonnccL ancillaries)*
$861,250
$1,519,500
$1,519,500
$1,267,500
Total Equipmsrt Cost
$4,306,250
$11,649,500
$11,649,500
$9,717,500
Constriction (60% of total equipmal cost)
$2,583,750
$6,989,700
$6,989,700
$5,830,500
Engineering (7% of Total Equip + Constriction)
$482,300
$1,304,744
$1,304,744
$1,088,360
Pemitting'sitirg (3% of Total Equip + Constriction)
$206,700
$559,176
$559,176
$466,440
Coitirt*cixy (3% of Total Equip + Conslniction)
$206,700
$559,176
$559,176
$466,440
Total Installed Costs
$7,785,700
$21,062,296
$21,062,296
$17,569,240
Costs. VkW
$1,469
$6,794
$6,794
n/a
* Other Equipment costs assumed to be 25% ofgenset andHRSG equipment costs for gas turbine CHP, assumed to be 15% qfgenset, boiler, wood
handling and ESP equipment costsfor wood-fired systems
Adoption of any of the above options would avoid the purchase of an additional 110,000
lb/hour of natural gas packaged boiler capacity for Phase 2. This avoided capacity is
estimated to represent $1,860,000 in avoided costs, which were credited against the total
costs outlined above for each option ($1,060,000 for boilers and ancillaries; $800,000 for
installation and engineering).
Recommended Activities for Level 2: Following the electrical and system
size/application decisions detailed in the previous sections, substantial preliminary design
engineering (30%) would enable an accurate installation cost to be determined for each
option considered in the Level 2 analysis. Assumptions about the availability of excess
capacity from the existing (Phase 1) natural gas boilers and the estimate of avoided boiler
costs need to be confirmed. Installation cost issues will have the single biggest impact on
the return on investment for the project.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Emissions
Wood-fired systems of this size are assumed to require electrostatic precipitators for
exhaust clean-up based on pending EPA rules. The gas turbine system is assumed to be
able to meet emission requirements with dry low nitrogen oxide (NOx) combustion; no
exhaust clean-up requirements are included in the analysis.
Recommended Activities for Level 2: This analysis did not consider the existing
emissions at the Phase 1 facility nor how the introduction of wood or gas-fired CHP
might affect overall emission levels at the facility (both Phase 1 and 2) or permitting
(Prevention of Significant Deterioration [PSD]) thresholds. The level 2 analysis should
evaluate costs associated with ongoing environmental compliance and reporting, and
determine any additional requirements CHP might trigger. Once a decision to proceed
with the project has been made, the site should engage qualified consultants to manage
the environmental compliance, including confirmation of any anticipated requirements
for emission permits and reporting processes and securing of construction permits.
Utility Interconnection
All options considered here would be designed to operate in parallel with the utility and
will need to meet the local electric utility's interconnection and safety requirements.7
Recommended Activities for Level 2: Engage in preliminary discussions with the
servicing utility regarding interconnection and capture all costs associated with meeting
interconnection requirements.
Maintenance
Incremental maintenance requirements for each system on a per kWh basis are provided
in Table 6. The costs for the wood/biomass boiler systems include incremental non-fuel
operations and maintenance (O&M) costs for the boiler and electrostatic precipitator,
wood yard and preparation, and steam turbine and generator. The costs were estimated to
be slightly less for the wood boiler/no CHP system because of the absence of O&M costs
for the steam turbine generator (estimated to be $0.004/kWh). The O&M costs for the gas
turbine system are based on a service contract with the turbine supplier. Significant
incremental labor costs are also included in the table for the wood/biomass systems to
reflect the operation of the wood yard and fuel preparation facilities and for the
complexities of the stoker boiler itself. An incremental labor cost was added to the
7 "Parallel" with the utility means the on-site generation system is electrically interconnected with the
utility distribution system at a point of common coupling at the site (common busbar) and facility loads are
met with a combination of grid- and self-generated power. Interconnection requires various levels of
equipment safeguards to ensure power does not feed into the grid during grid outages. A parallel
configuration is in contrast to "grid isolated" operation, wherein the CHP system serves either the entire
facility or an isolated load with no interconnection with the utility's distribution system. Grid isolated
systems typically require increased capacity to cover facility peak demands and redundancy for back-up
support.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
boiler/steam turbine option 2 (using urban wood wastes and turkey litter) to reflect the
additional efforts required to blend fuel stocks and process waste deliveries.
Table 6 - CHP System Non-Fuel O&M Costs
System
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
Gas
Turbine/HRSG
Wood
Boiler/No CHP
O&M Costs, $/kWh
$0.0200
$0.0200
$0.0060
$0.0160
Incremental Labor Costs, $/kWh
$0.0150
$0.0200
$0.0000
$0.0150
Recommended Activities for Level 2: A detailed maintenance proposal from the vendor
of the equipment selected in the final design should be provided and the costs included in
the final economic analysis.
Power Reliability - CHP System as Backup Power
The primary benefit of a CHP system is that it produces power for less money than
separate heat and power. An additional benefit can be the use of the onsite capacity to
provide backup generation in the event of a utility outage. In certain applications, the
value of this additional reliability can outweigh all other factors in the investment
decision.
In order to implement this capability, there are added costs to tie into the existing
electrical systems that are beyond the scope of this level of analysis. Those costs can
include engineering, controls, labor, and materials. The engineering required to analyze
the existing electrical system, determine critical loads, provide a design, and determine
cost to provide backup power from the system can be fairly costly.
The justification for this additional cost should be financial: it pays to do it if there is a
way to account for the benefits in the financial analysis. One simple method is to offset
the turnkey cost of a similarly sized backup generator against the incremental cost of the
CHP system. There are other ways to account for the reliability benefits using
assumptions of avoided catastrophic revenue losses due to utility blackouts. Regardless of
how the benefits are quantified, it is important to provide some estimate that captures
reliability benefits to balance the incremental costs associated with this added capability.
Recommended Activities for Level 2: If islanded operation in the event of a utility outage
is desired, the engineering firm hired to perform the Level 2 analysis should be
experienced in electrical design and use of CHP as a backup system. Extensive review of
the site's existing electrical system and identification of critical loads should be
considered along with the system sizing criteria previously discussed in order to come up
with the optimal system to meet the facility's needs.
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Baseline Energy Costs
As indicated earlier, Company A has secured a five-year contract for purchased power at
an average rate of $0.0467/kWh. Company A also projects a long term delivered price of
natural gas of $9.40/MMBtu. These prices were utilized in the analysis to estimate
displaced power savings and for natural gas savings and costs. The price for locally
available wood waste (45% moisture) was estimated to be $15.00/ton based on Company
A's information, which was used as the basis for the economic screening for boiler/steam
turbine CHP option 1 and for the wood boiler/no CHP option. The boiler/steam turbine
CHP option 2 was based on using urban wood wastes and biomass waste (40% moisture)
that would be delivered to Company A along with a $20.00/ton tipping fee. Table 7
summarizes the energy cost assumptions utilized in the economic analysis.
Standby charges of $3.00/kW per month were assumed for the screening analysis. These
charges are roughly equivalent to the cost of installing emergency diesel generators at the
facility. Standby and backup services are needed to provide power to the facility when
the onsite generators are down either for scheduled maintenance or for an unexpected
outage.
Table 7 - Energy Cost Assumptions

Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Wood
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
Gas
Turbine/HRSG
Wood Boiler/
No CHP
Purchased Electricity Price, $/kWh
$0.0467
$0.0467
$0.0467
$0.0467
Delivered Natural Gas Price, $/MMBtu
$9.40
$9.40
$9.40
$9.40
Wood/Biomass Price, $/ton
$15.00
-$20.008
n/a
$15.00
Wood/Biomass Moisture, %
45%
40%
n/a
45%
Standby Rates, $/kW/month
$3.00
$3.00
$3.00
n/a
Along with system installation costs, energy rates have the most dramatic impact on
return on investment for a CHP system. The sensitivity of project economics to changes
in displaced electric rates is included in the Economic Analysis section of this report.
Recommended Activities for Level 2: The average electricity price of $0.0467 is a
composite of demand and energy charges. A Level 2 analysis would need to evaluate the
tariff schedule in detail, making sure to reflect the entire range of requirements and
charges and the impact of peak demands and system downtime. In addition, the servicing
utility will most likely have specific rates and requirements for standby and backup
power that need to be reflected in the analysis.
8 The negative price reflects a $20.00/ton tipping fee paid to Company A for accepting urban wood waste
and biomass waste (turkey litter).
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
3. Economic Analysis
Annual fuel and electricity consumption is shown in Table 8 for the non-CHP natural gas
base case and for the four options evaluated as part of this analysis. The CHP systems
provide 76% to 78% of the Phase 2 steam demand, depending on CHP system
availability (assumed to be 98% for the boiler/steam turbine systems and 95% for the gas
turbine system); 20% of Phase 2 steam demand is provided by the excess capacity of the
existing Phase 1 natural gas boilers.
Table 8 - Energy Consumption Summary

Base System -
Natural Gas
Boilers/no CHP
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP-
Purchased Wood
Fuel
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP-
Wood Waste Fuel
Gas Turbine CHP
BoilenfNo CHP -
Purchased Wood
Fuel






Pirchased Power, kV\h
45,360,000
19,840,800
19,840,800
3,066,000
45,360,000
Gererated Power, kV\h

25,519,200
25,519,200
42,294,000
0
Nat Gas Boiler Steam, MVBtufyr
1,256,640
269,623
269,623
299,040
269,623
ChP Steam, MIVBti/y

987,017
987,017
957,600
987,017
Nat Gas Boiler Fuel, MVIBtufyr
1,570,800
337,029
337,029
373,800
337,029
ChP Fuel, MVIBti/yr

1,538,208
1,538,208
1,337,965
1,410,024






Table 9 provides annual operating savings and simple payback calculations for each CHP
option based on an average displaced electricity price of $0.0467/kWh and a delivered
price for natural gas of $9.40/MMBtu. Annual operating savings range from $222,000 for
the gas turbine CHP system, to close to $14,700,000 for the wood boiler/steam turbine
CHP system utilizing urban wood and other biomass wastes (this option includes tipping
fees of $20.00/ton paid to Company A). The wood boiler/steam turbine CHP system
fueled by purchased wood waste ($15.00/ton) provides $9,300,000 in annual operating
savings. The wood boiler/no CHP option based on purchased wood wastes provides
$8,500,000 in annual operating savings. Simple paybacks range from more than 28 years
for the gas turbine system to 2.1 years or less for the wood-based systems. Additional
details supporting Tables 8 and 9 are included in the appendix.
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Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Table 9 - Economic Results

Base System-
Natural Gas
Boilers/ no CHP
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP-
Purchased V\food
Fuel
Boiler/Steam
Turbine CHP-
Wbod Waste Fuel
Gas Turbine CHP
Boiler/No CHP -
Purchased V\food
Fuel
Cl-P System Capacity (kVV):
rVa
3,100
3,100
5,300
rVa
Net Installed Costs:
rVa
$19,202,296
$19,202,296
$5,925,700
$15,709,240






Pirchased Electricity Costs
$2,118,312
$926,565
$926,565
$143,182
$2,118,312
Natiral Gas Boiler Costs
$14,765,520
$3,168,073
$3,168,073
$3,513,720
$3,168,073
Cl-P Fuel Costs
$0
$2,467,713
($3,016,094)
$12,576,875
$2,262,071
Incremental C&M Costs
$0
$893,172
$1,020,768
$253,764
$791,095
Standby Charges
$0
$111,600
$111,600
$190,800
$0
Annual Operating Costs
$16,883,832
$7,567,123
$2,210,912
$16,678,341
$8,339,550
Annual Operating Cost Savings:
rVa
$9,316,709
$14,672,920
$205,491
$8,544,282






S rrple Payback, Years
rVa
2.1
1.3
28.8
1.8






The economics of this project are driven not only by the price of wood waste fuel
compared to natural gas prices, but also by the price of electricity that the onsite
generation displaces. Figure 3 maps the sensitivity of the simple payback calculations to
the average price of displaced electricity for the wood boiler/steam turbine CHP system 1
and for the wood boiler/no CHP system (both based on $15.00/ton purchased wood
costs). The simple payback of the CHP system approaches the payback of the non-CHP
wood boiler system as displaced electricity prices increase. Both have a 1.84 year
payback at an average electricity price of $0.09/kWh.
Figure 3 - Sensitivity to Electricity Price
2.5 t	
Qfl
I 2.25
33 1.5 -I	1	1	1	1	1	
0.05 0.06 007 008 009	01
Average Electricity Price, $/k\\h
-~-Wood Boiler CHP -o Wood Boiler No CHP
EPA CHP Partnership
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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Figure 4 shows the sensitivity of the annual operating cost savings to the average price of
displaced electricity for the wood boiler/steam turbine CHP system 1 and for the wood
boiler/no CHP system (both based on $15.00/ton purchased wood costs). Annual cost
savings increase significantly for the CHP system with rising electricity prices. Annual
operating cost savings at $0.09/kWh are $10,400,000 for the CHP case compared to
$8,500,000 for the wood boiler/no CHP option.
h	Figure 4 - Sensitivity to Electricity Price
s.
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.08
0.09
0.1
Average Electricity Price, S/UWli
—Wood Boiler CHP -o Wood Boiler No CHP
Potential CHP and Biomass Incentives in Your State, USA
In a customized site-specific feasibility analysis, the EPA CHP Partnership will identify
local, state, and federal incentive opportunities that encourage the use of CHP and
biomass technologies and that could apply to the project being evaluated.
EPA CHP Partnership
Page 15

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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
4. Conclusions
This analysis evaluated CHP as an option for the planned second phase of Company A's
ethanol facility, sized at 54 MGY. The analysis included two biomass-based boiler
options each generating approximately 3.1 MW of power through backpressure steam
turbines before sending 150 psig steam to the production process. The CHP systems were
evaluated in comparison to a baseline that assumed natural gas boilers without power
generation. A 5.3 MW gas turbine CHP system and a non-CHP biomass boiler were also
analyzed for comparison. The two biomass CHP systems represent two biomass fuel
supply scenarios: 1) based on purchasing local biomass fuel resources (45% moisture) at
an average price of $15.00 per ton; 2) based on receiving biomass wastes from local
suppliers (40% moisture) that pay Company A a $20.00 per ton tipping fee.
Conclusions from this preliminary analysis include:
•	Both the biomass-based CHP systems and the gas turbine CHP system are good
matches with the planned steam and power needs of the second phase of the
Company A facility.
•	The biomass-based CHP systems represent significant savings in operating costs
compared to the natural gas boiler baseline. Annual cost savings range from
approximately $9,300,000 for the option based on purchased wood supplies to close
to $15,000,000 for the option where Company A is paid to accept urban wood wastes
and other biomass wastes. Simple paybacks for both biomass CHP options are 2.1
years or less.
•	Installation of a biomass boiler represents a significant energy cost savings for
Company A even without CHP. A wood boiler system without the steam turbine
generator would generate about $8,500,000 in annual operating cost savings
compared to the natural gas boiler baseline. Adding the steam turbine generator
increases the annual savings by close to $800,000 at an estimated incremental capital
cost of $3,500,000.
•	Anytown, USA might offer incentives for biomass systems that could further enhance
the economics of the CHP systems.
EPA CHP Partnership
Page 16

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Company A
Appendix
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
EPA CHP Partnership
Page 17

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Company A
Level 1 CHP Feasibility Study
Agri Ethanoi Products LLC - Phase 2













Plant Consumption Details













Average Pa/\er Demand, kW

5,400




Average Process Steam Demand, Ib/hr

136,000



Average Process Steam Demand, MVBtiVhr

150.0




Excess Boiler Capacity, IVlVBtutr

30.0




Net Average Process Steam Demand, MVBtiVhr
Operating Holts

120.0




8,400



Amual PaAer Consurption, kWi

45,360,000




Annual Therrral Consurption, MVBtu

1,256,640




Plant annual pov\er to heat ratio

0.1




Natural Gas Boiler Efficiency %

80%




Standby Rate $/kW

$3.00




Average Gas Cost STvTVBtu

$9.40
$9.40
$9.40
$9.40

Average Wxxl Cost, $/ton


$15.00
-$20.00
$15.00

IVbistue Contert, %


45%
40%
45%

Average Wxxl Cost, $/MVBtu


$1.60
-$1.96 $1.60

Average Cost of Pov\er ($/kWi):

$0.0467
$0.0467
$0.0467
$0.0467








CHP Options






Prirre IVbver

Gas Turbine
CHP
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Boiler/Stean
Turbine 2
V\food Boiler/no
CHP

CHP Electric Capacity, kW

5,300
3,100
3,100
0

Boiler Efficiency, %


70%
70%
70%

Steam Output, PSIG


800
800
150

Steam Output, F


650
650
400

Steam Flow, Ibtr


109,000
109,000
109,000

Duct Burner Efficiency, %

91.0%




Electrical Efficiency, H-V

26.9%




MVBtutr "Thermal Provided (urfired)

28.6
120.0
120.0
120.0

MVBtutr "nTerrral Provided (fired)

120.0




Pov\erto Fteat Ratio

0.2
0.1
0.1
0.0

System Availability, %

95%
98%
98%
98%

System Fbirs of Operation

7,980
8,232
8,232
8,232

Pov\er Generated Annually, kWi

42,294,000
25,519,200
25,519,200
0

"normal Energy Generated Annually
CFP "Thermal, rvTVBtu'yr

228,228
987,017
987,017
987,017

Duct Burner "nTerrral, IN/IVBtuy

729,372



	
Capital Cost, $

$7,785,700
$21,062,296
$21,062,296
$17,569,240

CFP Capital Costs, $/kW

$1,469
$6,794
$6,794
na

Capital Cost Credit, $

($1,860,000)
($1,860,000)
($1,860,000)
($1,860,000)

Nfet Capital Cost, $

$5,925,700
$19,202,296
$19,202,296
$15,709,240

C&MCost, $/kWi

$0.0060
$0.0200
$0.0200
$0.0160
CFP Incremental Labor, $/kWi

$0.0000
$0.0150
$0.0200
$0.0150








Economics






Enetyy Summeay







Base System
Gas Turbine
CHP
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 1
Boiler/Steam
Turbine 2
V\food Boiler/No
CHP

	
Purchased Pa/\er, kV\jfi
45,360,000
3,066,000
19,840,800
19,840,800
45,360,000
Generated Pov\er, kWi

42,294,000
25,519,200
25,519,200
0
Nbt Gas Boiler Steam, rvTv/Btu^r
1,256,640
299,040
269,623
269,623
269,623
CFP Steam, MN/BtuV"

957,600
987,017
987,017
987,017
Nbt Gas Boiler Fuel, rvTv/Btu^r
1,570,800
373,800
337,029
337,029
337,029
CFP Fuel, MVBtutyr (CFPsystem + dud buret)

1,337,965
1,538,208
1,538,208
1,410,024














Cost Summary






Electricity Costs:
$2,118,312
$143,182
$926,565
$926,565
$2,118,312

Boiler Fuel Costs:
$14,765,520
$3,513,720
$3,168,073
$3,168,073
$3,168,073

CFP Fuel
rVa
$12,576,875
$2,467,713
($3,016,094)
$2,262,071

CFPO&M
rVa
$253,764
$510,384
$510,384
$408,307

CFP Incremental Labor
rVa
$0
$382,788
$510,384
$382,788

Standby Costs
rVa
$190,800
$111,600
$111,600
$0

Total Annual Costs
$16,883,832
$16,678,341
$7,567,123
$2,210,912
$8,339,550

Annual Cost Savings

$205,491
$9,316,709
$14,672,920
$8,544,282

Sirrple Payback (Years):

28.8
2.1
1.3
1.8








EPA CHP Partnership
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