Cost Analysis Model for Syngas Production Cost Evaluation Using the Graphical User Interface

An economic analysis of a bio-gasification facility requires an understanding of its syngas production cost. The objectives of this study were to develop a Cost Analysis Model (CAM) to determine the costs associated with syngas production at different production capacities. The CAM was developed using on a graphical user interface (GUI) programmed in Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 software, mathematical equations and validated using data from the local bio-gasifier at 60 Nm3h-1 capacity. The cost analysis results showed that the syngas production unit cost decreased from $0.543 Nm-3 to $0.043 Nm-3 by increasing the production capacity from 60 to 1,800 Nm3h-1. The economic analysis using the CAM showed better power relationship between production capacity vs. unit cost (R2 = 0.99) than the relationship between production capacity vs production cost (R2 = 0.97). It is generally suggested that the bio-gasification facility should run at a high production capacity in order to reduce the unit cost of syngas production. The CAM developed in this study could be a useful tool for economic analyses of syngas production at different capacities.