Analysis of Biomass-fired Boilers in a Polygeneration System for a Hospital

Abstract

This study evaluates the types of biomass that can be used in boilers for the production of steam and hot water for the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital located in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, using average cost of production and business model analysis (Business Model Canvas). The study was conducted to subsidize a system for the optimization of the energy resources to be adopted by the hospital, as the design of a product or service production system can identify opportunities to reduce costs and environmental damage. The energy demand of the hospital was surveyed. Only firewood, sugarcane bagasse and pellets were considered in the analysis, as these are the types of biomass allowed in the specified boiler. The results showed that the pellets were the costliest resource, whereas firewood exhibited the best results considering the average cost of production and the business model. This information supports more consistently the adequate inclusion of this resource in the hospital superstructure and, consequently, the optimization of the polygeneration system, allowing clearer verification of decreased costs and environmental impacts.