The Benefits Of Biomass Cogeneration On Efficiency

Along with the need to better utilize renewable and alternative energy sources, making better use of the energy source and efficiency are also areas that need more attention. To make better use of a biomass energy source, cogeneration is an area of potential. Cogeneration in term of biomass for heating as well as electrical generation. Many believe the future of the electrical network is less towards large scale power plants and more towards small scale electrical generators feeding the grid. By producing both heat and electricity can dramatically increase the efficiency of the amount of energy captured from the biomass. There are two main ways in which both heat and electricity can be generated for cogeneration. One of them being modern closed loop steam engines. These units are far more efficient than previous steam systems, and recycle the hot water, so only a small amount of energy is required to turn that hot water back into steam to move the pistons, which in tern mover the generator to produce electricity. Using modern alloys these engines use deionised water as both the lubricant and working fluid. Pared up to a small pellet stove or boiler, residual heat energy from the flue for example could be used to generate electricity. This electricity could then be used to power the property, and it not required sent into the grid.

Biomass Gasification and CHP Units

Gasification is the other alternative to the closed loop steam engines. Gasification is the process of breaking down biomass into its core components into a gaseous fuel called syngas. This syngas if properly filtered burns very cleanly. To generate heat the gas can be burnt directly, or to generate heat and electricity can be used in an standard internal combustion engine to generate both electricity and heat. With a one to one ratio of syngas to air, the gas can be used to power the engine. The waste heat coming from the engine and exhaust gases can be used to heat the property. Gasification is also gaining ground as a reliable form of clean energy production, which again can use the current infrastructure of internal combustion engine but with low carbon.

Biomass Pellet and Compressed Fuels

However for gasification cogeneration systems to work efficiently and reliably, the units prefer a standardized fuel source. Biomass in its raw form is anything but consistent. Changes range from size, density and moisture content. All of these factors effect the gasification process. Therefore to help the gasifier work efficiently, compressing the biomass into pellets can make a significant difference. Pellets have a much higher density, and low moisture content. As the pellets also have a consistent size they flow well through the gasifier reactor, reducing bridging issues.

Pellet Mill Equipment and Pellet Making

Pellet making required several processes. Initially the biomass must be reduced in size comparable to a dust. Then depending on the chosen biomass this dust may require drying. A moisture content of around 15% is required to form a high density pellet and reach the required compression temperatures. Once the material is sufficiently dried, it is then metered into the pellet mill where final pellet compression takes place. The compression from the rollers against the material and die generates heat. Heat is very important in the process and without enough heat a quality wood pellet cannot be produced. Please click below for more.

Biomass Pellet Mill Guide

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - The Benefits Of Biomass Cogeneration On Efficiency