Wood-fuelled CHP generator uses automotive parts

Biomass energy expert Talbotts of the UK has launched one of the most efficient wood-fuelled biomass CHP units. The new BG25 CHP unit is believed to be a world-first, given the innovative way in which the company has incorporated automotive technology in order to ensure continuous operation on a self-sustaining generating cycle.

 

The company developed the biomass generator in conjunction with the bio-energy team at Harper Adams University College. The system works by burning waste wood, in the form of pellets, in a combustor that generates hot air through a mile and a half of piping – packed into a compact heat exchanger – the hot air from which then powers a turbocharger, more commonly found on Scania trucks.

 

Whilst much of this heat energy is cycled back through the compressor to charge fresh incoming air and continue to drive the turbocharger, excess energy is captured by a second turbocharger that drives two substantial alternators via a specially designed gearbox.

 

This self-contained system generates 25 kW of power, achieving unprecedented levels of overall efficiency and promising savings of 212 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

 

By using rugged automotive components, the unit is highly durable, runs for long periods without significant servicing and can be repaired simply and easily, with parts readily available, says the company.

 

In addition to electricity generation, the BG25 provides a source of local heating to the location receiving power.

 

Talbotts’ managing director, Paul Firth, comments: ‘The size of the CHP installation can power a hotel, large house, farm or modest industrial complex, but we are aiming to build units with significantly greater output, based on this technology.’

 

 

Air-supported conveyor for German biomass CHP plant

 

Published: Oct 20, 2010

A 20 MW biomass-powered CHP station in Emden, Germany, has specified a totally-enclosed, air-supported conveyor system to feed its new woodchip-fired block, achieving exceptional control of fugitive materials in the strong winds common to its North Sea location.

 

Owned by BKE and managed by Statkraft Markets Nord-West, the facility’s new conveyor installation has proven successful enough to comply with strict dust control specifications and prevent nuisance dust from accumulating on new automobiles in nearby transit lots.

 

The facility converts 130,000 tonnes of biomass into energy each year, with the conveyor transporting 110-120 tonnes per hour.

 

Company officials knew they needed a conveyor with a relatively long span to transport bulk material 167 metres from the ship unloading facility to two storage silos.

 

In addition, because of the proximity to the sea, corrosion protection was essential to the conveyor system’s durability. The system would be expected to operate for extended periods with very little maintenance, preventing the escape or build-up of fugitive material and also protecting the load from rain that would introduce unwanted moisture to the fuel.

 

The company specified a lightweight conveyor design from Martin Engineering.

 

The air-supported conveyor is a simple and economical system that resolves many of the issues encountered with conventional belt conveyors. It employs a film of air rising from a troughed pan to lift the belt.

 

By removing a source of friction and the need for periodic maintenance, air-supported designs can offer significant advantages, including energy, environmental and safety benefits, says Martin Engineering.

 

The Emden plant reports extremely low maintenance service from the air-supported design. The conveyor has exceeded the company’s 98% operational requirement.

 

Biomass energy plant secures $208mn in financing

 Rollcast Energy Inc. announced the closing of $133 million in non-recourse, project financing for the company’s 53.5 MW Piedmont Green Power LLC biomass power plant.

The funding comes from an $82 million construction and term loan and a $51 million bridge loan related to the Treasury grant. Atlantic Power Corp., which owns 60 percent of Rollcast, will also provide $75 million in an equity contribution.

Zachry, the project’s EPC contractor, is expected to begin construction immediately and Rollcast expects the project to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2012. The output from the project will be sold to Georgia Power under a power purchase agreement.

MUFG Power and Utilities and Investec are the lead arrangers and joint bookrunners for the financing. Delta Power Services, a unit of Babcock & Wilcox, will provide operations and maintenance services and an affiliate of Rollcast will be the project's asset manager.