Electrical Network Stability and Performances Improvement Using Biomass Energy: Case of Kalale in Benin

Abstract

The power sector in Benin faces many problems, mainly power instability, low domestic power generation and emission of Carbone dioxide because of the use of fossil energy. The use of renewable energies, including biomass is a possible solution given the availability of this one. We design and built a downdraft gasifier suitable for gasifying the cotton biomass. The gas produced is burned in an internal combustion engine to produce electricity. The electrical network stability is ensure by choosing a very convenient node using Voltage Sensitivity Index method. The produced energy is injected in the network to enhance the capacity of the network and guarantee its optimal function. We made an experiment for a region in Benin and the results show the gasification efficiency of about 85% against gas to electric power efficiency of 35%. The network performances have been increase for 30 % after the suitable node have been chosen.