Biomass CHP System and Technology

 

Biomass CHP can be a very useful technology for sites that have a constant demand for both heat and electricity, particularly when the site is off the mains gas grid and where biomass fuel is readily available.

Small scale biomass CHP systems can run on either wood pellets or wood chip, however it is essential that the fuel used is of the highest quality and has a very low moisture content (wood chip has less than 15% moisture content typically).

Small scale CHP usually relies on pyrolysis (heating the fuel in the absence of air). This produces syngas which is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a little carbon dioxide. This gas is fed through a spark ignition engine which in essence is the same as a gas powered CHP unit.

Medium and large scale biomass CHP tend to utilise steam to drive a turbine, or Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) that uses a turbine driven by gas which boils at a lower temperature than water, allowing operation at both lower temperatures and pressures.

The capital cost of biomass CHP is substantially greater than for gas powered CHP, while the running costs for both fuel and maintenance are also significantly higher for biomass CHP.

There are some advantages when considering adopting biomass-fueled energy systems. With over 70 years’ experience, ZBG is best positioned to talk you through your project and if biomass CHP, coal CHP or gas CHP is best suited to your needs. Please contact our online customer service if you are interested in any of these technologies about co-generation.