Welcome to the Energy Cost Calculator Site! From this site you can link to simple web-based cost calculators that allow you to determine the cost of energy based on your own technical, financial, and economic assumptions.

The link below is to a calculator that computes the level annual cost of energy in both current and constant dollars for a generic biomass power plant using a revenue requirements methodology. We will be adding different web calculators tailored for different types of facilities and processing activities. Several MS Excel spreadsheet examples are also available. The "Calculator Background" link gives a brief review of the methodology and the results you should obtain when running the calculator with the default input values.

To use the Calculator, replace the default values with your own values in the top frame of the page. Then click the "Calculate" button at the bottom to see the results in the lower frame.

Some of the entries can be input in SI (metric) or conventional (English) units, so make sure to check the appropriate button for the units you are using!

These calculators are intended to be simple and easy to use. There are many more complex models that should be used for more detailed analyses.

We hope you find the calculator useful. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

  • Calculator Background

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  • Web Calculator

    • Economic examples downloadable as MS Excel spreadsheets:

    Generic Biomass Power Plant Model:

    Similar to the web calculator, this is a simplified model for facilities generating only power from biomass.

    Combined Heat and Power Model:

    This generic model incorporates sale of heat in combined heat and power operations (CHP).

    Biomass Gasification/Power Generation Model:

    This model is based on a biomass gasifier supplying fuel gas to a power generation module. Includes dual fuel capability, for example, pilot diesel used along with producer gas in a diesel engine. Allows for CHP operation.

    Biogas Model:

    Includes assumptions for analyzing an anaerobic digester and power generation system, such as a dairy manure or waste water treatment facility. Allows for CHP operation.

    Landfill Gas-to-Energy Model:

    This model includes assumptions appropriate for power generation systems using landfill gas. Allows for CHP operation.

    Sensitivity Analyses for selected parameters are included in the models.

    Download models in single Excel workbook

    Disclaimer: Models are intended only as examples for use in estimating costs of energy from biomass. The University of California, the California Biomass Collaborative, or the California Energy Commission makes no warranties regarding the use of these models, and can assume no liability for damages caused by their use. Use at your own risk.

     Questions or Comments? email to the Web Developer

    California Biomass Collaborative
    Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
    University of California
    Davis, CA 95616-5294
    http://biomass.ucdavis.edu
    email: biomass@ucdavis.edu

    Sponsored by the California Energy Commission PIER Renewables Program