Small Modular Power System for Clean Energy Generation

Authors

  • Prab S. Sethi California Energy Commission

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2214

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to design, develop and demon-
strate a 50-kW modular gasi fication system for grid-connected combined
heat and power using forest residue.
Building on the success of the previous 12.5-kW small modular
biomass project, this new project will result in the development and
demonstration of a 50-kW small modular biopower (SMB) system de-
signed for a parallel connection to the local utility grid and capable of
continuous operation. This project will support the goal of a commer-
cially viable small modular biopower system.
A SMB system will be designed and developed and tested in a
two-phase program. The first phase involves a one-year R&D program
to design, fabricate, and factory test a 50-kW system. During second
phase, this new first of its kind unit will be grid-connected, and field
demonstrated in California for two years.
The SMB system shall be designed to meet or exceed The California
Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards, including nitrogen ox-
ides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter, for a combined
heat and power distributed generation system. The engine/generator set
will be capable of operating 24 hours per day, 6 days per week.
This project supports the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER)
program objectives of improving cost competitiveness of the biomass
energy conversion technologies and reducing environmental risks and
cost of electricity.

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Author Biography

Prab S. Sethi, California Energy Commission

Prab S. Sethi, P.E., is a Project Manager at the California Energy
Commission, Sacramento. He has supervised research, development and
demonstration of a large number of projects, including strategic value
analysis for renewable technologies, ultra low NO x burner systems, ad-
vanced Kalina combined cycle demonstration power plant, field testing
of thermo chemical reactor/pulse combustor and fluidized bed gasifier
system, advanced gas absorption heat pumps, compact vacuum insula-
tion for freezers and refrigerators, thermal/photovoltaic concentrator/
receiver, and solar double-effect absorption chiller systems. In addition,
he has served as a member of the Technical Evaluation Committee to
review and rank proposals submitted to the California Energy Commis-
sion for research, development and demonstration co-funding.
Previously, Mr. Prab has worked more than 15 years in supervisory
and project management positions with Bechtel Corporation in Los An-
geles and Phoenix, and with Sargent & Lundy Engineers in Chicago for
design, project management, contract administration, licensing, construc-
tion, and system testing of power plants, petro-chemical and industrial
plants. Mr. Prab has an MBA Honors degree from University of Chicago,
and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of
Wisconsin, Madison. He may be contacted at psethi@energy.state.ca.us.

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Published

2007-01-10

How to Cite

Sethi, P. S. . (2007). Small Modular Power System for Clean Energy Generation. Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 22(1), 40–48. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2214

Issue

2007: Vol 22 Iss 1

Section

Articles