TECHNOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE UTILIZATION OF RICE STRAW RESIDUE FROM THE CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO VALLEY FOR ON-FARM POWER GENERATION

摘要

Agricultural residues are an alternative source of energy because 1) they are renewable, 2) they are a result of current production technologies, and 3) they exist in rather large quantities. This report deals with a specific crop residue, rice straw, grown in a particular area, the California Sacramento Valley. This area of California can produce approximately 2 million tons of straw which has enough energy to provide 30% of the fuel requirements for a 1000 megawatt plant. Currently this rice straw is burned after each harvest season, resulting in objectionable air pollution.nThis report examines alternative uses for rice straw in order to put energy use in perspective. Conversion processes are also discussed with a major emphasis placed on gasification.