Modular Biopower System Providing Combined Heat and Power for DoD Installations
EW-200940
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate a modular, renewable energy technology for distributed generation applications by on-site conversion of biomass residues for displacement of conventional, non-renewable heat and power in Department of Defense (DoD) buildings. Through a DoD-focused biomass resource assessment, a host DoD installation will be selected that has a sustainable supply of biomass. The site will be located to maximize the application of waste heat to better assess system economic performance. The biomass assessment also will provide insight into the amount and types of biomass that would be available across DoD.
Technology Description
The BioMax technology uses a thermochemical conversion process to gasify biomass residues in a downdraft gasifier into three fuel gases—hydrogen (20%), carbon monoxide (20%), and methane (2%)—with the balance being mainly nitrogen (45%). The combustible fuel gas is consumed in a standard engine genset to make grid quality AC power, either single or three phase. Waste heat from the engine is converted to clean hot water at 95°C. The BioMax system incorporates (1) standard, modular sub-systems assembled into ISO shipping containers for rapid manufacture, ease of permitting, and quick installation; (2) a feedstock dryer that employs waste heat to dry the biomass as required; (3) dry gas cleanup to eliminate the need for water scrubbers and their harmful liquid effluents; and (4) full automation to reduce labor costs. The demonstration will confirm the ability of the highly automated BioMax to operate for the long periods necessary to maximize cost savings and dispose of biomass residues in an environmentally beneficial manner. The demonstration also will confirm the ability of BioMax to meet local air quality standards and to produce nontoxic ash that can be applied to the land as a soil amendment.
Benefits
Benefits to be provided by this new technology include: (1) high total system efficiency (i.e., 80% in combined heat and power mode); (2) ability to convert biomass waste to heat and power; (3) ability to make heat and power 24 hours/day; (4) low capital costs; (5) power that can be generated when the load demands it; (6) power that can be delivered at a constant output; and (7) high overall power and energy density. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2012)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Mr. King Browne
Community Power Corporation
Phone: 303-933-3135 x103
Fax: 303-933-1497
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.