Integrated Biomass Energy System

Abstract

A cyclonic combustor comprising a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape, a biomass feed inlet for receiving biomass particles under pressure, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the ignition zone of the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, and a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner. A direct-fired biomass-fueled pressurized gas turbine system comprising a pressurized feed system, the cyclonic combustor, and a gas turbine. Methods of operating a cyclonic combustor and methods for direct firing a gas turbine.

1 . A cyclonic combustor comprising: 
 a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape;    a biomass feed inlet at one end of the combustion chamber formed through the combustion liner for receiving biomass particles under pressure, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the ignition zone of the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner; and    a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are spaced along the length of the combustion liner from about the biomass feed inlet; and    a cyclonic ash separator comprising: 
 a choke element comprising an opening of reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber, the choke element having an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and  
 a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner, wherein at least a portion of the particulate ash exits the combustion chamber via the particulate ash opening.  
   
     
     
         2 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 1  wherein the combustion chamber comprises an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine.  
     
     
         3 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 2  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         4 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane, wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         5 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane, wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         6 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 1  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the air plenum.  
     
     
         7 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 1  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises: 
 an inner lining having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air feed plenum; and    an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner lining, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the at least one air plenum so that the compressed air is supplied to the air plenum via the cooling plenum.    
     
     
         8 . A cyclonic combustor comprising: 
 a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape and having an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber,    a biomass feed inlet at one end of the combustion chamber formed through the combustion liner for receiving biomass particles under pressure, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the ignition zone of the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, and    a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are spaced along the length of the combustion liner from about the biomass feed inlet;    wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine.    
     
     
         9 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         10 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of tuyeres increase in size along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner.  
     
     
         11 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed along the same plane.  
     
     
         12 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 11  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         13 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 11  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         14 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the air plenum.  
     
     
         15 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises: 
 an inner lining having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air feed plenum; and    an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner lining, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the at least one air plenum so that the compressed air is supplied to the air plenum via the cooling plenum.    
     
     
         16 . The cyclonic combustor of  claim 8  further comprising a cyclonic ash separator comprising: 
 a choke element comprising an opening of reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber, an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and an output in communication with the turbine section of the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas; and    a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner, wherein at least a portion of the particulate ash exits the combustion chamber via the particulate ash opening.    
     
     
         17 . A direct-fired biomass-fueled pressurized gas turbine system comprising: 
 a pressurized feed system comprising: 
 a plurality of chambers wherein a first chamber receives biomass particles at atmospheric pressure and supplies a second chamber with biomass particles under pressure,  
 a first valve positioned at an inlet of the first chamber,  
 a second valve positioned at an outlet of the first chamber to the second chamber, and  
 an air compressor arranged to pressurize the first chamber;  
   a cyclonic combustor for combustion of biomass particles under pressure to produce a combustion gas and particulate ash, the cyclonic combustor comprising: 
 a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape, wherein the combustion chamber has a pressure less than the pressure of the second chamber of the pressurized feed system,  
 a biomass feed inlet at one end of the combustion chamber formed through the combustion liner for receiving the biomass particles from the pressurized feed system, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, and  
 a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner; and  
   a gas turbine comprising: 
 a turbine section comprising an inlet in communication with the combustion chamber for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, wherein the turbine section is driven by the combustion gas.  
   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the pressurized feed system further comprises a rotary valve arranged to feed variable amounts of biomass particles to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the first valve and the second valve are slide gate valves.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the combustion chamber comprises an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of tuyeres increase in size along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the air plenum.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26  wherein each of the at least one air plenum is in communication with a corresponding compressed air feed, wherein the corresponding compressed air feed comprises a valve for controlling the supply of the compressed air to the combustion chamber through the air plenum that is communication with the valve.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises: 
 an inner lining having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air feed plenum; and    an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner lining, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the at least one air plenum so that the compressed air is supplied to the air plenum via the cooling plenum.    
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the gas turbine further comprises a compressor section driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine, wherein the compressor section is arranged to provide the compressed air to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 17  wherein a first portion of the compressed air from the compressor section is supplied to the combustion chamber, and a second portion of the compressed air conveys the biomass particles from the pressurized feed system to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30  further comprising a heat exchanger for cooling the second portion of the compressed air from the compressor section.  
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the gas turbine has a pressure ratio in the range of from about 8:1 to about 20:1.  
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising an electric generator coupled to the gas turbine for generating electric power, wherein the electric generator is driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine.  
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 33  wherein the system is constructed and arranged to generate less than about 10 megawatts of electricity.  
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 33  wherein the gas turbine comprises a single shaft that drives the compressor section and the electric generator.  
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the system further comprises a heat recovery unit in communication with the exhaust stream from the turbine section of the gas turbine.  
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a cyclonic ash separator comprising: 
 a choke element comprising an opening of reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber, an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and an output in communication with the turbine section of the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas; and    a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner, wherein at least a portion of the particulate ash exits the combustion chamber via the particulate ash opening.    
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37  further comprising a transition assembly comprising an inner lining that forms a combustion gas passageway, the combustion gas passageway comprising an inlet in communication with the output of the choke element for receiving the combustion gas, and an outlet in communication with the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas.  
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38  wherein the combustion gas passageway has a smaller cross-sectional area at the outlet than at the inlet.  
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 38  further comprising an outer casing surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner shell, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the plurality of air tuyeres.  
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a cyclonic ash separator comprising an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving a mixture of the combustion gas and particulate ash, wherein the cyclonic ash separator at least partially separates the combustion gas from the particulate ash and further comprises an outlet in communication with the turbine section of the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas.  
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a fuel input system for providing sized and dried biomass particles to the pressurized feed system.  
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a second air compressor arranged to supply compressed air that conveys the biomass particles from the pressurized feed system to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a burner connected to cyclonic combustor.  
     
     
         45 . A direct-fired biomass-fueled pressurized gas turbine system comprising: 
 a pressurized feed system;    a cyclonic combustor for combustion of biomass particles under pressure to produce a combustion gas and ash particulate, the cyclonic combustor comprising: 
 a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape and having an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber,  
 a biomass feed inlet at one end of the combustion chamber formed through the combustion liner for receiving biomass particles from the pressurized feed system, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the ignition zone of the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, and  
 a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are spaced along the length of the combustion liner from about the biomass feed inlet,  
 wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine;  
   the gas turbine comprising: 
 a turbine section comprising an inlet in communication with the combustor for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, wherein the turbine section is driven by the combustion gas.  
   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45  wherein the pressurized feed system comprises: 
 a plurality of chambers wherein a first chamber receives biomass particles at atmospheric pressure and supplies a second chamber with biomass particles under pressure;    a first valve positioned at an inlet of the first chamber;    a second valve positioned at an outlet of the first chamber to the second chamber; and    an air compressor arranged to pressurize the first chamber;    
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 45  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 45  wherein the plurality of tuyeres increase in size along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner.  
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 45  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed along the same plane.  
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 49  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 49  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 45  wherein the gas turbine further comprises a compressor section driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine, wherein the compressor section is arranged to provide the compressed air to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 45  further comprising an electric generator coupled to the gas turbine for generating electric power, wherein the electric generator is driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine.  
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 45  further comprising a cyclonic ash separator comprising: 
 a choke element comprising an opening of reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber, an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and an output in communication with the turbine section of the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas, and    a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner, wherein at least a portion of the particulate ash exits the combustion chamber via the particulate ash opening.    
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54  further comprising a transition assembly comprising an inner lining that forms a combustion gas passageway, the combustion gas passageway comprising an inlet in communication with the output of the choke element for receiving the combustion gas, and an outlet in communication with the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas.  
     
     
         56 . A direct-fired biomass-fueled pressurized gas turbine system comprising: 
 a pressurized feed system;    a cyclonic combustor for combustion of biomass particles under pressure to produce a combustion gas and particulate ash, the cyclonic combustor comprising: 
 a combustion liner forming a combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape,  
 a biomass feed inlet at one end of the combustion chamber formed through the combustion liner for receiving biomass particles from the pressurized feed system, wherein the biomass feed inlet is formed so that the biomass particles are introduced into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner,  
 a plurality of air tuyeres formed through the combustion liner for receiving compressed air, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are arranged to introduce the compressed air into the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein the plurality of air tuyeres are spaced along the length of the combustion liner from the biomass feed inlet, and  
 a cyclonic ash separator comprising: 
 a choke element comprising an opening of reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber, wherein the choke element has an input in communication with the combustion chamber outlet for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, and  
 a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner, wherein at least a portion of the particulate ash exits the combustion chamber via the particulate ash opening; and  
 
   a gas turbine comprising: 
 a turbine section comprising an inlet in communication with the combustor for receiving the combustion gas from the combustion chamber, wherein the turbine section is driven by the combustion gas.  
   
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the pressurized feed system comprises: 
 a plurality of chambers wherein a first chamber receives biomass particles at atmospheric pressure and supplies a second chamber with biomass particles under pressure;    a first valve positioned at an inlet of the first chamber;    a second valve positioned at an outlet of the first chamber to the second chamber; and    an air compressor arranged to pressurize the first chamber;    
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the combustion chamber comprises an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and wherein at least one of the plurality of air tuyeres supplies a sufficient amount of compressed air to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine.  
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 58  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane, wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane, wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         62 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the air plenum.  
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the cyclonic combustor further comprises: 
 an inner lining having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner so as to define at least one air plenum between the outer casing and the combustion liner, wherein the at least one air plenum is in communication with the combustion chamber via the plurality of air tuyeres so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air feed plenum; and    an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner lining, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the at least one air plenum so that the compressed air is supplied to the air plenum via the cooling plenum.    
     
     
         64 . The system of  claim 56  wherein the gas turbine further comprises a compressor section driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine, wherein the compressor section is arranged to provide the compressed air to the combustion chamber.  
     
     
         65 . The system of  claim 56  further comprising an electric generator coupled to the gas turbine for generating electric power, wherein the electric generator is driven by the turbine section of the gas turbine.  
     
     
         66 . The system of  claim 56  further comprising a transition assembly comprising an inner lining that forms a combustion gas passageway, the combustion gas passageway comprising an inlet in communication with the output of the choke element for receiving the combustion gas, and an outlet in communication with the gas turbine for supplying the gas turbine with the combustion gas.  
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66  further comprising an outer casing surrounding the inner lining so as to define a cooling plenum between the outer casing and the inner shell, wherein the cooling plenum is in communication with the plurality of air tuyeres.  
     
     
         68 . A method for operating a cyclonic combustor comprising a combustion liner that forms a substantially cylindrically shaped combustion chamber, comprising: 
 supplying biomass particles under pressure to an ignition zone of the combustion chamber, wherein the biomass particles are transferred into the ignition zone with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber;    supplying compressed air to the ignition zone of the combustion chamber in an amount sufficient to ignite the combustion of the biomass particles, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber so that the biomass particles rotate in the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion;    moving the ignited biomass particles from the ignition zone of the combustion chamber to a combustion zone of the combustion chamber;    supplying compressed air to the combustion zone of the combustion chamber in an amount sufficient to complete the combustion of the biomass particles, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the combustion zone with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber so that the biomass particles rotate in the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion;    moving the combustion gas and particulate ash produced from combustion of the biomass particles to a dilution zone of the combustion chamber; and    supplying compressed air to the dilution zone of the combustion chamber in an amount sufficient to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the dilution zone with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber so that the particulate ash and the combustion gas rotate in the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion.    
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68  wherein the compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone, combustion zone, and dilution zone through a plurality of tuyeres formed through the combustion liner.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69  wherein the plurality of tuyeres in the combustion liner are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 70  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 68  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 68  further comprising supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to each zone of the combustion chamber through the at least one plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by the combustion liner and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 68  further comprising: 
 supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to each zone of the combustion chamber through the at least one air plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by the combustion liner and an intermediate liner having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner; and    supplying the compressed air to a cooling plenum in communication with the at least one air plenum, so that the compressed air is supplied to the at least one air plenum through the cooling chamber, wherein the cooling chamber is defined by the intermediate liner and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the intermediate liner.    
     
     
         76 . A method for operating a cyclonic combustor comprising a combustion liner that forms a substantially cylindrically shaped combustion chamber, comprising: 
 supplying biomass particles to the combustion chamber under pressure, wherein the biomass particles are transferred into the pressurized combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber;    supplying compressed air to the pressurized combustion chamber, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber so that the biomass particles move through the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion;    burning the biomass particles in the combustion chamber to produce a combustion gas and particulate ash, wherein the combustion gas and the particulate ash move through the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion;    moving a substantial portion of the combustion gas through an opening in a choke element present in the cyclonic combustor, wherein the choke opening has a reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber; and    allowing at least a portion of the particulate ash to exit the combustion chamber through a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner.    
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the compressed air is supplied to the combustion zone through a plurality of tuyeres formed through the combustion liner, wherein the plurality of tuyeres are arranged in a plurality of rows spaced along the length of the longitudinal axis of the combustion liner, wherein each row contains at least one tuyere distributed on the same plane.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is displaced about 90° along the circumference of the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 77  wherein the at least one air tuyere in one or more of the plurality of rows is larger than the at least one air tuyere in the combustion liner with respect to the preceding row.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the combustion chamber comprises an ignition zone, a combustion zone, and a dilution zone arranged longitudinally along the axis of the combustion chamber, wherein a sufficient amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone for ignition of the biomass particles to begin the combustion, wherein a sufficient amount of compressed air is supplied to the combustion zone to complete the combustion of the biomass particles from the ignition zone, and a sufficient amount of compressed air is supplied to the dilution zone to dilute the combustion gas to a temperature suitable for use in a gas turbine.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 76  wherein a substoichiometric amount of compressed air is supplied to the ignition zone.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 76  further comprising supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by the combustion liner and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 76  further comprising: 
 supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by the combustion liner and an intermediate liner having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner; and    supplying the compressed air to a cooling plenum in communication with the at least one air plenum, so that the compressed air is supplied to the at least one air plenum through the cooling chamber, wherein the cooling chamber is defined by the intermediate liner and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the intermediate liner.    
     
     
         84 . A method for direct firing a gas turbine, comprising: 
 supplying biomass particles to a first chamber at atmospheric pressure;    pressurizing the first chamber with compressed air from a compressor;    transferring the biomass particles from the pressurized first chamber to a pressurized second chamber;    transferring the biomass particles from the pressurized second chamber to a pressurized combustion chamber, the pressurized combustion chamber having a generally cylindrical shape, wherein the biomass particles are transferred into the pressurized combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber;    supplying compressed air to the pressurized combustion chamber, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the pressurized combustion chamber with a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the combustion chamber so that the biomass particles rotate in the combustion chamber in a cyclonic motion;    burning the biomass particles in the combustion chamber to produce a combustion gas and particulate ash;    separating at least a portion of the particulate ash from the combustion gas;    supplying the combustion gas from the combustion chamber to a gas turbine comprising a turbine section; and    allowing the combustion gas to expand through the turbine section of the gas turbine so as to generate mechanical energy.    
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84  wherein the biomass particles supplied to the first chamber have a major dimension of less than about 3 millimeters.  
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 84  wherein the step of pressurizing the first chamber occurs with a frequency of about once per minute or less.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 84  wherein the biomass particles are transferred to the pressurized combustion chamber at a pressure in the range of from about 40 pounds per square inch to about 300 pounds per square inch.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 84  further comprising the step of driving a compressor section of the gas turbine with the mechanical energy generated by the turbine section so as to produce a compressed air stream.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 84  wherein at least a portion of the compressed air stream from the compressor section conveys the biomass particles from the pressurized second chamber to a pressurized combustion chamber.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 84  wherein at least a portion of the compressed air stream is the compressed air supplied to the pressurized combustion chamber.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 84  further comprising the step of driving an electric generator with the mechanical energy generated by the turbine section so as to generate electric power  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 84  wherein an exhaust stream from the turbine section is used to provide thermal energy.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 84  further comprising supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by a combustion liner forming the pressurized combustion chamber and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 84  further comprising: 
 supplying the compressed air to at least one air plenum in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber so that the compressed air is supplied to the combustion chamber through the at least one air plenum, wherein the at least one plenum is defined by a combustion liner forming the pressurized combustion chamber and an intermediate liner having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the combustion liner; and    supplying the compressed air to a cooling plenum in communication with the at least one air plenum, so that the compressed air is supplied to the at least one air plenum through the cooling chamber, wherein the cooling chamber is defined by the intermediate liner and an outer casing having a generally cylindrical shape and surrounding the intermediate liner.    
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 84  wherein the step of separating at least a portion of the particulate ash from the combustion gas comprises: 
 moving a substantial portion of the combustion gas through an opening in a choke element in communication with the pressurized combustion chamber, wherein the choke opening has a reduced cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the combustion chamber; and    allowing at least a portion of the particulate ash to exit the combustion chamber through a particulate ash opening defined between the choke element and the combustion liner.    
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95  wherein the combustion gas is supplied to the gas turbine through passageway in a transition assembly, wherein the opening is formed by an inner lining.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96  wherein the pressurized gas is supplied to the combustion chamber through a cooling plenum in communication with the combustion chamber, wherein the cooling plenum is defined between the inner lining of the transition assembly and an outer shell surrounding the inner lining.