European Bio-Energy Projects
European Bio-Energy Projects
European Bio-Energy Projects
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PROJECT SYNOPSES<br />
<strong>European</strong><br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-<strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Projects</strong><br />
1999-2002<br />
EUR 20808
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Directorate J <strong>Energy</strong><br />
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Interested in <strong>European</strong> research?<br />
RTD info is our quarterly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc).<br />
It is available in English, French and German. A free sample copy or free subscription can be obtained from:<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission<br />
Directorate-General for Research<br />
Information and Communication Unit<br />
B-1049 Brussels<br />
Fax: (32-2) 29-58220<br />
E-Mail: research@cec.eu.int<br />
Internet: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/rtdinfo_en.html<br />
EUROPEAN COMMISSION<br />
Directorate J <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Unit RTD-J-3 New and Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Sources<br />
B-1049 Brussels<br />
Helpdesk : rtd-energy@cec.eu.int<br />
For further information on energy research in the EU,<br />
please refer to the following Internet sites :<br />
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/index_en.htm<br />
http://www.cordis.lu/sustdev/energy
EUROPEAN COMMISSION<br />
<strong>European</strong><br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-<strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Projects</strong><br />
1999-2002<br />
2003 Directorate-General for Research EUR 20808
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Introduction<br />
Renewable energy sources will play an important role in the<br />
sustainable development in the future, protection of the<br />
environment and the security of energy supply being the main<br />
driving forces in the short term.<br />
Amongst the Johannesburg conclusions there was an agreement<br />
to “urgently and substantially increase the share of renewable<br />
energy sources” while the Kyoto protocol implies for the EU a<br />
reduction of 8% of the greenhouse gas emissions (corresponding<br />
to around 600 million tons of CO2-equivalent) between 2008<br />
and 2012 (compared to 1990 level).<br />
Figure 1 presents the energy sources used in the EU in 2000.<br />
Renewable energy share is 6%, the biggest contributions coming<br />
from biomass and large hydropower.<br />
Figure 1: <strong>Energy</strong> sources utilized in the EU in 2000.<br />
To reach the <strong>European</strong> Union’s objective of increasing the share<br />
of renewable energy sources to 12% in 2010 (Council resolution<br />
on renewable energies of May 1998), all the different<br />
technologies, including geothermal, solar and ocean, have to be<br />
supported. Further increasing the use of biomass will be<br />
necessary, and biomass is expected to cover as much as 8%<br />
of the energy supply in 2010.<br />
Today, energy from biomass already contributes to about 4% of<br />
the EU energy supply, predominantly in heat and, to a lesser<br />
extent, in combined heat and power (CHP) applications. <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
accounts for 98% of total renewable heat production. Furthermore,<br />
biomass is the only renewable energy source that can produce<br />
competitively priced liquid fuels for transport. Reduced need to<br />
import oil (67% of oil is for road transport purposes), increased<br />
security of supply, reduction of emissions, improved local<br />
environment and new jobs are the primary benefits.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass based energy systems can be built on a wide variety<br />
of feedstocks and use many different conversion technologies<br />
to produce solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. These fuels can then<br />
be used to provide heat, electricity or to power vehicles. It is<br />
possible to upgrade biomass to obtain fuels that are identical<br />
to or have properties close to those of fossil fuels. This<br />
minimises the need to adapt end-use technologies.<br />
Research and technological development are crucial for the<br />
development of bio-energy. In the Fifth Framework Programme<br />
(1998-2002) bio-energy was dealt with in two parts of the<br />
programme “<strong>Energy</strong>, environment and sustainable development”<br />
and “Cleaner energy systems and economic and efficient energy<br />
for a competitive Europe.”<br />
The research efforts covered the whole chain from production<br />
of feedstock to the end-use. Priority was given to proposals, which<br />
employ an innovative approach to the large-scale production and<br />
use of bioelectricity including CHP applications, and to innovative<br />
technologies that result in gains in conversion efficiency.<br />
For projects focused on technology development, priority areas<br />
were co-combustion of biomass in coal fired electricity plants,<br />
development and optimisation of conversion technologies such<br />
as combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Furthermore, emphasis<br />
was put on biomass operated gas turbines and co-generation.<br />
New and improved technologies for production of biofuels<br />
was an important part of the efforts as well as development<br />
of cost efficient methods for cleaning of biofuels to be used in<br />
combustion engines and fuel cells. Socio-economic and<br />
prenormative research topics were also covered.<br />
This synopsis presents 100 projects supported by the <strong>European</strong><br />
Union in the Fifth Framework Programme. The publication<br />
demonstrates the many possible fields of utilisation of bioenergy<br />
and shows the breadth of the Union’s research and<br />
demonstration efforts and its commitment to develop bio-energy<br />
for the future.<br />
Günther Hanreich Pablo Fernández Ruiz<br />
Director Director<br />
5
Contents<br />
� Forestry<br />
- <strong>Energy</strong> Wood Production Chains in Europe – ECHAINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10<br />
- Integrated <strong>Energy</strong> and Fibre Production by a Sulphur-free and Carbon Dioxide Neutral Process – EFPRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12<br />
� <strong>Energy</strong> Crops<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>-<strong>Energy</strong> Chains from Perennial Crops in South Europe – BIOENERGY CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14<br />
- Large <strong>Bio</strong>ethanol / ETBE Integrated Project in China and Italy – ECHI-T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16<br />
- <strong>Energy</strong> Forest Development on Areas in Central-Eastern Europe, where Agricultural Production is Uneconomical –<br />
An Assessment Study – ENERGY FORESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18<br />
- Big Scale Demonstration of <strong>Energy</strong> Crops Utilisation for <strong>Bio</strong>electricity Generation – BIOELECTRICITY CROPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20<br />
� <strong>Bio</strong>residues<br />
- Maximum <strong>Energy</strong> Yield from Organic Wastes and Decontamination to a High Quality Organic Fertilizer<br />
by a Microbiological Hybrid Process – ENERDEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22<br />
- An Anaerobic Digestion Power Plant for Citrus Fruit Residues – ANDI-POWER CIFRU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24<br />
- Demonstration of an Optimised Production System for <strong>Bio</strong>gas from <strong>Bio</strong>logical Waste and Agricultural<br />
Feedstock – AGROPTI-GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26<br />
- CHP Plant Based on Catalytic Liquid Conversion Process – CATLIQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28<br />
- Power Plant Based on Fluidised Bed Fired with Poultry Litter – DEPR-Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30<br />
- <strong>Energy</strong> from Waste by Gasification and Plasma Cracking of Syngas with Multiple Recovery and Inert<br />
Rendering of Residues – ECO-WASTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32<br />
- Demonstration of Three Innovative Steam Boiler Parts for a Considerably Higher Electricity Recovery Rate<br />
in Waste Incineration – HIGH ENERGY RECOVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34<br />
- Mixed <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuel 38MWe Power Plant Project – MBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36<br />
- Optimised <strong>Bio</strong>mass CHP Plant for Monaghan Integrating Condensing Economiser Technology – MON-CHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38<br />
- Reshment with Advanced <strong>Energy</strong> Yield – READY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40<br />
- Development of an Innovative Acidic Shape-Selective Mineral Catalyst added Pelletised Fuel<br />
from Organic Wastes – ASMICAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42<br />
� Gasification & Pyrolysis<br />
- Catalyst Development for Catalytic <strong>Bio</strong>mass Flash Pyrolysis Producing Promissing Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuels – BIOCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44<br />
- A new Competitive Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>fuel for Heating – COMBIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>gas – MCFC Systems as a Challenge for Sustainable <strong>Energy</strong> Supply – EFFECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48<br />
- Pyrolysis Oil for Heat Generation: Verification of a Second Generation Pyrolysis Process – PYROHEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50<br />
- Straw Gasification for Co-Combustion in Large CHP Plants – STRAWGAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52<br />
- Completion of the Arbre Plant with the Typhoon Gas Turbine – ABRE TYPHOON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54<br />
- Pyrolysis Oil Toxicity Assessment for Safe Handling and Transport – BIOTOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56<br />
- Demonstration of a Flash Pyrolysis Plant – DEMO-PYROLYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58<br />
- EU-Brazilian Industrial Demonstration of Gasification to Electricity – EU-BRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60<br />
- Network Cluster on Thermal <strong>Bio</strong>mass Conversion Implementation – THERMONET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62<br />
- Re-operation of the Vaernamo Gasification Plant and Demonstration for RDF and Used Tyres (TDF)<br />
Gasification – VAERNAMO WASTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64<br />
� Hydrogen From <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
- Decentralised CHP with the <strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe Reformer – BIO-HPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass-Gasification and Fuel-Cell Coupling via High-Temperature Gas Clean-up for Decentralised<br />
Electricity Generation with Improved Efficiency – CLEAN ENERGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68<br />
- A New Approach for the Production of a Hydrogen-Rich Gas from <strong>Bio</strong>mass: An Absorption Enhanced<br />
Reforming Process – AER-GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70<br />
- Hydrogen Rich Fuel Gas from Supercritical Water Gasification of Wine Grape Residues and<br />
Greenhouse Rest <strong>Bio</strong>mass – WINEGAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72<br />
- Efficient and Clean Production of Electricity from <strong>Bio</strong>mass via Pyrolysis oil and Hydrogen,<br />
utilizing Fuel Cells – BIO-ELECTRICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Waste Conversion in Supercritical Water for the Production of Renewable Hydrogen – SUPERHYDROGEN . . 76<br />
7
8<br />
� <strong>Bio</strong>gas<br />
- Advanced Prediction, Monitoring and Controlling of Anaerobic Digestion Processes Behaviour Towards<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas Usage in Fuel Cells – AMONCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78<br />
- Development of an Improved <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery of <strong>Bio</strong>gas by Cooling and Removal of Harmful Substances – EROB . . . . . . . . 80<br />
- Three Step Fermentation of Solid State <strong>Bio</strong>waste for <strong>Bio</strong>gas Production and Sanitation – 3A-BIOGAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82<br />
- Enhanced Production of Methane from Anaerobic Digestion with Pre-processed Solid Waste – DIPROWASTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84<br />
- Optimisation of the <strong>Energy</strong> Valorisation <strong>Bio</strong>mass Matter According to the Philosophy of a Natural Park – ENERGATTERT . . 86<br />
- Sludge for Heat – SFH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88<br />
� Gas Cleaning<br />
- Development of Selective Catalytic Oxidation “SCO” Technology and Other High Temperature NH3 Removal Processes<br />
for Gasification Power Plant – AMMONIA REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90<br />
- Degradation of Tarwater from <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasification – DE-TAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasification for CHP with Dry Gas Cleaning and Regenerative Heat Recovery – DRY GAS CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . 94<br />
- Improvement of the Economics of <strong>Bio</strong>mass/waste Gasification by Higher Carbon Conversion and Advanced<br />
Ash Management – GASASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96<br />
- Tar Decomposition by Novel Catalytic Hot Gas Cleaning Methods – NOVACAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98<br />
- The Influence of Tar Composition and Concentration on Fouling, Emission and Efficiency of Micro and Small Scale<br />
Gas Turbines by Combustion of <strong>Bio</strong>mass Derived Low Calorific Valued Gas – TARGET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100<br />
� Combustion<br />
- Aerosols in Fixed-bed <strong>Bio</strong>mass Combustion – Formation, Growth, Chemical Composition, Deposition,<br />
Precipitation and Separation from Flue Gas – BIO-AEROSOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102<br />
- Application of Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels in New Heating Technologies for Domestic Appliances Based on Cool Flame<br />
Vaporization and Porous Medium Combustion – BIOFLAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104<br />
- Clean <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery from <strong>Bio</strong>mass Waste & Residues – BIOWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106<br />
- Intelligent Process Control System for <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuelled industrial Power Plants – INTCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108<br />
- Elaborated MGO Products for Efficient Flue Gas Treatment with Minimisation of Solid Residues for Waste<br />
to <strong>Energy</strong> Plants – MGO-GAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110<br />
- Optimisation and Design of <strong>Bio</strong>mass Combustion Systems – OPTICOMB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112<br />
- Efficient Industrial Waste-To-<strong>Energy</strong> Utilisation through Fuel Preparation and Advanced BFB Combustion – EIWU . . . . . . . . 114<br />
- Neural Modelling for Reactive Turbulent Flow Simulation – NEMORETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116<br />
- Multi Fuel Operated Integrated Clean <strong>Energy</strong> Process: Thermal Desorption Recycle-Reduce-Reuse<br />
Technology – TDT-3R MULTI FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118<br />
� Co-Firing<br />
- Advanced <strong>Bio</strong>mass Reburning in Coal Combustion Systems – ABRICOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass/Waste FBC with Inorganics Control – BIFIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122<br />
- Combustion Behaviour of Clean Fuels in Power Generation – BIOFLAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124<br />
- Influences from <strong>Bio</strong>fuel (Co-) Combustion on Catalytic Converters in Coal Fired Power Plants – CATDEACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126<br />
- Steering Group for Clean Electricity and Heat Production with Co-Utilisation of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Coal and Reduced<br />
Carbon Dioxide Emissions – CLEANSTEER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128<br />
- Mitigation of Formation of Chlorine Rich Deposits Affecting on Superheater Corrosion under Co-Combustion<br />
Conditions – CORBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130<br />
- Safe Co-combustion and Extended Use of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and <strong>Bio</strong>waste in FB Plants with Accepted Emissions – FBCOBIOW . . 132<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>fuels for CHP Plants - Reduced Emissions and Cost Reduction in the Combustion of High Alkali <strong>Bio</strong>fuels – HIAL . . . . . 134<br />
- Quality of Secondary Fuels for Pulverised Fuel Co-combustion – SEFCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136<br />
- Reduction of Toxic Metal Emissions from Industrial Combustion Plants-Impact of Emission Control Technologies – TOMERED . 138<br />
- Unification of Power Plant and Solid Waste Incineration – UPSWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140<br />
- Maximum <strong>Bio</strong>mass Use and Efficiency in Large-scale Cofiring – BIOMAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142<br />
- Innovative Combined Flue Gas Treatment for Refused Urban Waste – CO-FGT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144<br />
- Novel Reactor System for Utilisation of Unprocessed <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Waste Fuels to Replace Fossil Fuels – HOTDISC . . . . 146
- Studies of Fuel Blend Properties in Boilers and Simulation Rigs to Increase <strong>Bio</strong>mass and <strong>Bio</strong>-waste Materials Used<br />
for Co-firing in Pulverised Coal Fired Boilers – POWERFLAM2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148<br />
- Utilization of Residues from <strong>Bio</strong>mass Co-Combustion in Pulverized Coal Boilers – UCOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150<br />
� CHP<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass Cogeneration Network – BIOCOGEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152<br />
- 13 MW CHP Plant Based on <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasifier with Gas Engines – BGGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154<br />
- A 1MWe <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fluidised Bed Gasifier Power Plant with Catalytic Conversion of Tars – BIO-GASCAT-POWER . . . . . . . . . . . 156<br />
- Small-Scale CHP Plant Based on a Hermetic Four-Cylinder Stirling Engine for <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuels – BIO-STERLING . . . . . . . . . . . 158<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>mass-fired CHP Plant Based on a Screw-type Engine Cycle – BM SCREW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160<br />
- Multi-Agricultural Fuelled Staged Gasifier with Dry Gas Cleaning – LIFT-OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162<br />
- Fuzzy Logic Controlled CHP Plant for <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuels Based on a Highly Efficient ORC-process – LOW EMISSION BIO ORC . . 164<br />
- New Small Scale Innovative <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Bio</strong>mass Combustor – NESSIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166<br />
� <strong>Bio</strong>fuels & <strong>Bio</strong>chemicals<br />
- <strong>Bio</strong>chemicals and <strong>Energy</strong> from Sustainable Utilisation of Herbaceous <strong>Bio</strong>mass – BESUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168<br />
- Integrated <strong>Bio</strong>mass Utilisation for Production of <strong>Bio</strong>fuels – CO-PRODUCTION BIOFUELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170<br />
- Technological Improvement for Ethanol Production from Lignocellulose – TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172<br />
- Project for the Production of 200 Million Litres of <strong>Bio</strong>ethanol in Babilafuente (Salamanca)<br />
from Cereals and Lignocellulose – BABILAFUENTE BIOETHANOL PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174<br />
- Demonstration of the Production of <strong>Bio</strong>diesel from Tallow and Recovered Vegetable Oil (RVO) – BIODIEPRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176<br />
- Sustainable Community through the Production of 30.000 Tm/year of <strong>Bio</strong>-Diesel Starting<br />
from Sunflower, Rapeseed and Palm <strong>Bio</strong>mass – BIODINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178<br />
- Forest <strong>Energy</strong> – A Solution for the Future Power Needs – FORENERGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180<br />
- Development of a <strong>Bio</strong>technological High Yield Process for Ethanol Production Based on a Continuous<br />
Fermentation Reactor – FERMATEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182<br />
� Standards & Guidelines<br />
- Pre-Normative Work on Sampling and Testing of Solid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels for the Development<br />
of Quality Management – BIONORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184<br />
- Standardisation of a Guideline for the Measurement of Tars in <strong>Bio</strong>mass Producer Gases –<br />
TAR MEASUREMENT STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186<br />
- Development of a Standard Method (Protocol) for the Measurement of Organic Contaminants “Tars”<br />
in <strong>Bio</strong>mass Producer Gases – TAR-PROTOCOLL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188<br />
- Waste to Recovered Fuel – TBR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190<br />
� General <strong>Bio</strong>energy Issues<br />
- Thermochemical Conversion of Solid Fuels – Processes of Pyrolysis, Gasification and Combustion<br />
of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Wastes – CONBIOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192<br />
- ERA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Strategy – Short Term Measures to Develop the <strong>European</strong> Research Area for <strong>Bio</strong>energy RTD –<br />
ERA BIOENERGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194<br />
- BIOmass-based Climate Change MITIgation through Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> – BIOMITRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196<br />
- Promotion of EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology in Agro-Industry of High-Potential Third Countries – BIO-SME-TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198<br />
- Clear Data for Clean Fuels – CLEAR DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200<br />
- Accompanying Measure to Assist Technology Transfer of EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass / <strong>Bio</strong>mass Waste Utilisation<br />
Technologies to China – EU CHINA BIOTECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202<br />
- Information Initiative, Concerning <strong>Bio</strong>mass <strong>Energy</strong> Experience from EU Countries – INFBIOMENXP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204<br />
- Waste Management in Island Communities: Strategy to Integrate Waste to <strong>Energy</strong> Policies – WTE-ISLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206<br />
- Accompanying Measure on Critical Technology Selection and Conference for Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery<br />
from <strong>Bio</strong>mass Generated within the <strong>European</strong> Leather Sector – MOND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208<br />
9
ECHAINE Challenges<br />
Objectives<br />
The future development of bioenergy in<br />
Europe depends to a large extent on<br />
the availability of resources and their<br />
possible impacts on the environment.<br />
The fast growing market for wood energy<br />
and other renewables in Europe in recent<br />
years have already raised questions about<br />
their influence on the environment. Some<br />
of these resources are already available<br />
in the physical form of residues from<br />
agriculture and forestry as well as from<br />
their related industries. Most of the bark<br />
could be used internally in the forest<br />
industry for energy purposes. Increasing<br />
quantities of other by-products, mainly<br />
sawdust, are used for the production<br />
of pellets, briquettes and powder for energy<br />
purposes. The marketable quantity<br />
of recycled wood and other waste<br />
materials is increasing for fuel purposes.<br />
One important aspect is that the<br />
assessment of these potentials in the<br />
appraisal of these resources plays a part<br />
in the setting of targets and limits for their<br />
practical utilisation. Another important<br />
aspect is public opinion – how can the<br />
acceptability of renewables be improved?<br />
There are several other factors to take<br />
into account, e.g. noise, visual intrusion,<br />
environmental concerns and even other<br />
non-technical obstacles.<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> wood production<br />
chains in Europe<br />
The main goal of the project is: to provide data<br />
and deal with the key issues in the identification<br />
and evaluation of economical and environmentally<br />
and socially friendly supply chains for utilisation<br />
of energy wood sources for heat/power<br />
production. The main problems to be solved<br />
are: 1) Optimisation of energy wood utilisation<br />
chains; 2) Reducing production costs of energy;<br />
3) Improving the systems environmental<br />
friendliness; 4) Improving public acceptability<br />
of renewables and sustainable development;<br />
5) Creation of market opportunities; and 6) Use<br />
of new ICTs.<br />
Project structure<br />
To reach the above-mentioned goals, 11 work<br />
packages have been targeted as follows: WP1<br />
will detail administrative and scientific coordination<br />
of the project. WP2 is designed to<br />
cover the public dissemination and commercialisation<br />
of project results. Dissemination also<br />
includes the setting up of an innovative<br />
educational web-based tool (ICT). In WP3, socioeconomic,<br />
environmentally friendly production<br />
chains of energy wood are identified and<br />
evaluated. In WP4, the environmental/ecological<br />
impacts associated with the most promising<br />
energy wood production chains are identified<br />
and the impacts recorded. In WP5, socioeconomic,<br />
environmentally friendly production<br />
technology for heat and power production using<br />
energy wood is identified and evaluated. In WP6,<br />
the environmental/ecological impacts associated<br />
with the most promising technologies for energy<br />
wood utilisation for heat and power production<br />
are identified and the impacts recorded. WP7<br />
deals with identifying, describing, and evaluating<br />
the most important socio-economic barriers that<br />
hamper the acceptance of wood for energy<br />
10<br />
production and utilisation. The market structure<br />
and policy issues of the energy wood supply<br />
chains in the participating countries will also be<br />
investigated. WP8 is used for energy and emergy<br />
analysis of the energy wood production and<br />
utilisation. In WP9, available quantities of energy<br />
wood in a medium-time horizon, around ten<br />
years, are determined under different socioeconomic<br />
and ecological considerations. In<br />
WP10, a life-cycle analysis will be carried out for<br />
the energy wood utilisation chains. WP11 deals<br />
with the new information and communication<br />
technologies (ICTs, GIS, web, etc.) and their<br />
relevance for energy wood production chains.<br />
The project will be carried out by an international<br />
team comprising members from nine <strong>European</strong><br />
countries (Sweden, Finland, Germany, Portugal,<br />
Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Bulgaria and<br />
Romania), three of which are from the associated<br />
countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Switzerland).<br />
The team members offer a wide range of<br />
knowledge, covering the whole production chain<br />
“from the raw material source to the chimney”.<br />
The ECHAINE project has a multi-disciplinary<br />
approach and covers several disciplines (e.g.<br />
systems analysis, LCA, energy and emergy<br />
analysis, systems ecology, socio-economics,<br />
management, techniques, ecology, economics,<br />
etc.). Data for analyses are collected from<br />
field experiments, research reports, and<br />
interviews with farmers, forest owners, contractor<br />
companies, and citizens and, to some extent,<br />
from experiences and studies of machinery<br />
prototypes. We will also use a Geographical<br />
Information System (GIS) to join the spatial data<br />
generated in different studies in the project.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The project will result in: 1) A review of energy<br />
wood production chains and energy wood-based<br />
heat and power production, e.g. CHP, in Europe<br />
and in Eastern Europe, and the driving forces for<br />
the implementation of these activities; 2) Links<br />
with international organisations; 3) Market<br />
analysis of energy wood and energy wood-based<br />
heat and power production concerning different<br />
barriers; 4) Policy analysis of energy wood and<br />
energy wood-based heat and power production;<br />
5) An analysis of energy wood and energy woodbased<br />
heat and power production; 6) <strong>Energy</strong><br />
and emergy analysis of energy wood utilisation<br />
chains; spatial distribution of energy wood<br />
resources; 7) A description of selected flagship<br />
projects across Europe; 8) Co-operation between<br />
EU and Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries; and<br />
9) Dissemination of the results through scientific<br />
publications, open seminars, workshops,<br />
educational and training activities as well as by<br />
development of a website including an integrated<br />
interactive GIS- application for the analysis of<br />
spatial information.<br />
The socio-economic, market and<br />
policy implication of energy wood<br />
production<br />
As an innovation, the project will also identify<br />
socio-economic problems resulting from the<br />
production chains for energy wood. The project<br />
will suggest actions needed in order to contribute<br />
joint EU legislation for utilisation of energy wood<br />
and to gain the EU forestry and energy policy<br />
processes and socio-economic aspects,<br />
strategies and options at EU-level for the<br />
implementation of internal and international<br />
commitments. Results and synergetic interactions,<br />
e.g. employment, can in many cases be<br />
translated into other EU countries and even<br />
other parts of the world. This fact can lead to<br />
increased export of goods and services from the<br />
EU, an aspect which is one of the important goals<br />
of the Fifth Framework Programme to create<br />
market opportunities for the Union members.<br />
Environmental impacts<br />
The ECHAINE project also includes a module<br />
that analyses the environmental effects of using<br />
wood as a source of energy and which will<br />
promote preservation of natural resources by<br />
providing information about forestry strategies<br />
beneficial for the environment. These studies will<br />
contribute to an increase in the knowledge about<br />
possible problems, benefits and impacts on the<br />
environment due to production chains for energy<br />
wood and increased use of energy wood.<br />
Research will cover the specific problems of<br />
urban forestry and the possible impact of climate<br />
change on forests, along with adaptation to<br />
climate change, prevention of forest fires and<br />
landslides in, for example, the Mediterranean<br />
ecosystems, carbon cycles and CO2 sequestration.<br />
Also to be considered are cost-effective<br />
forestry management and multifunctional use<br />
of forest resources to ensure proper levels<br />
of biodiversity.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The specific objectives for the first six-month<br />
period are as follows: 1) To initialise the project;<br />
2) Launch a web page (http://www.echaine.org);<br />
3) Publish a first leaflet and poster about the<br />
project; 4) Download information on to the web<br />
page; 5) Gather basic information for the project;<br />
6) Gather basic information for the FAQ activity<br />
on the web page; 7) Initialise the field test<br />
activities; 8) Initialise variable definitions; and<br />
9) Launch a test version of the GIS-tool.<br />
11<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00623<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Wood Production Chains<br />
in Europe – ECHAINE<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Matti Parikka<br />
Swedish University of Agricultural<br />
Sciences Department of <strong>Bio</strong>energy (S)<br />
Tel: +46-18-671639<br />
Fax: +46-18-673800<br />
matti.parikka@bioenergi.slu.se<br />
Partners:<br />
Swedish University of Agricultural<br />
Sciences (S)<br />
Centre for Research and Technology<br />
Hellas (GR)<br />
University of Oulu (FIN)<br />
Centre for Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Sources (GR)<br />
Escola Superior Agrária de Beja (P)<br />
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung<br />
der Angewandten Forschung (D)<br />
ETH Zürich (CH)<br />
SchlumbergerSema Sociedad<br />
Anónima Española (E)<br />
Technical University of Sofia (BG)<br />
Oskar von Miller – Conception, Research<br />
and Design Institute for Thermal Power<br />
Equipment (RO)<br />
Website: http://www.echaine.org<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
EFPRO Challenges<br />
A. <strong>Energy</strong> production and spent<br />
liquor recovery in recovery<br />
boilers<br />
Objectives<br />
The EFPRO project – Integrated energy<br />
and fibre production by a sulphur- free<br />
and carbon dioxide neutral process – is<br />
a research project supported by the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission under the Fifth<br />
Framework Programme. The main objective<br />
of the EFPRO project is to increase the<br />
production of green electricity in the<br />
production of chemical pulp from <strong>European</strong><br />
hardwoods, especially birch and<br />
eucalyptus. This target is to be obtained<br />
by adopting a new sulphur-free chemical<br />
pulping process. Here, the main results<br />
relating to power production and how<br />
power production can be increased in a<br />
sulphur-free process, are reported.<br />
Sulphur-free cooking –<br />
How to get more power from<br />
your process<br />
12<br />
Spent liquor from sulphur-free cookers was<br />
analysed for its chemical composition and<br />
physical properties. The liquors have a net<br />
heating value higher than conventional Kraft<br />
cooking spent liquors. Alternative recovery<br />
boiler processes for the new cooking method<br />
have been evaluated and the work done so<br />
far indicates that considerable improvements<br />
can be achieved compared to present<br />
recovery boiler technologies.<br />
B. <strong>Energy</strong> production and spent<br />
liquor recovery via gasification<br />
The heating value as well as the elemental<br />
composition of sulphur-free spent liquors<br />
confirms the potential for designing a<br />
gasification process. A laboratory-scale study<br />
on spent liquor gasification has been carried<br />
out. The characteristic values of spent liquors<br />
in pressurised and atmospheric conditions<br />
have been used to outline a suitable IGCC –<br />
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle –<br />
plant concept for the sulphur-free cooking<br />
process.<br />
Project structure<br />
The work plan is broken down into five work<br />
packages so that the ultimate objectives can be<br />
achieved in three parallel or consecutive phases:<br />
1. Laboratory and pilot-scale work to provide<br />
pulping spent liquors for studies on energy<br />
production, and to confirm good papermaking<br />
properties of the pulps.<br />
2. Laboratory and engineering work to study<br />
energy production and recovery chemicals<br />
from the spent liquors provided in phase 1.<br />
3. Feasibility study on energy production and<br />
recovery of the cooking chemicals, mainly<br />
provided in phase 2.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The EFPRO project has created contacts between<br />
research organisations in Portugal, France,<br />
Germany and Finland. All participating partners<br />
have their own expertise and the project has<br />
opened up possibilities for exchanging<br />
information and visions on the technical work<br />
needed in future. The EFPRO project has also<br />
brought non-traditional expertise to chemical<br />
pulping process development.<br />
A sulphur-free chemical pulping process with a<br />
high electrical energy output will improve the<br />
quality of life locally at the pulp mills and reduce<br />
CO2 emissions from the process. The reduced<br />
CO2 emissions have a global influence on the<br />
quality of life.<br />
The <strong>European</strong> Union is the leading supplier of<br />
systems and machinery for the chemical pulping<br />
industry. The project will create new products and<br />
possibilities for the <strong>European</strong> supplier industry.
Results<br />
The main result of this project is a detailed<br />
techno-economical description of energy<br />
production and recovery of cooking chemicals as<br />
part of a sulphur-free pulping process. The<br />
project results will be used to decide whether a<br />
larger-scale piloting and further developing and<br />
refining of a sulphur-free and CO2 neutral process<br />
for energy and pulp production is justifiable<br />
using <strong>European</strong> hardwoods as the raw material.<br />
Another expected result of the project is<br />
optimised cooking and bleaching conditions so<br />
that the papermaking properties of the pulps are<br />
at the same level as those of reference pulps.<br />
The pilot tests performed with pulp produced at<br />
pilot scale indicate that the papermaking<br />
properties will correspond to those that can be<br />
achieved using conventional pulp production<br />
methods.<br />
13<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00306<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Integrated <strong>Energy</strong> and Fibre Production by<br />
a Sulphur-free and Carbon Dioxide Neutral<br />
Process – EFPRO<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Kari Ebeling<br />
UPM-Kymmene<br />
Tel: +358-20-4150076<br />
Fax: +358-20-4150334<br />
kari.ebeling@upm-kymmene.com<br />
Partners:<br />
UPM-Kymmene (FIN)<br />
Andritz Corporation (FIN)<br />
Centre Technique de l’Industrie des<br />
Papiers, Cartons et Celluloses (F)<br />
Instituto de Investigação<br />
da Floresta e Papel (P)<br />
Siemens (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOENERGY<br />
CHAINS<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective of this project is to<br />
define and evaluate complete bioenergy<br />
chains from biomass production to<br />
thermochemical conversion for the<br />
production of valuable energy products.<br />
Four energy crops, Arundo donax (giant<br />
reed), Cynara cardunculus (cardoon),<br />
Miscanthus x giganteus (miscanthus) and<br />
Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) will be<br />
cultivated in small and large fields in<br />
Greece, Spain, Italy and France. The crops<br />
have been carefully selected to provide a<br />
year-round availability of raw material.<br />
Each crop will be fully characterised and<br />
subjected to a comprehensive test<br />
programme of combustion, gasification and<br />
fast pyrolysis. The complete chains will be<br />
evaluated in technical, environmental and<br />
economic terms in order to identify the<br />
most promising combinations of biomass<br />
resources and technologies.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>energy chains<br />
from perennial crops<br />
in South Europe<br />
Challenges<br />
In the whole bioenergy chain – biomass<br />
production, processing and conversion<br />
–considerable time and funds have been spent<br />
to date on research solely for biomass production<br />
or energy conversion processes. Little attention<br />
has been paid to measuring and evaluating the<br />
performance of energy crops (perennial or<br />
annual) in an integrated bioenergy chain. The use<br />
of a mixture of crops offers the potential for a<br />
year-round operation without the need to store<br />
large quantities of materials, while feeding<br />
systems developed for energy crops and related<br />
materials would be capable of handling a wide<br />
range of materials with comparable handling<br />
characteristics.<br />
Laboratory tests on the different stages of<br />
handling, pretreating and processing these less<br />
commonly processed materials are an essential<br />
first step towards the development and evaluation<br />
of integrated systems, particularly for comparing<br />
performance on these materials with performance<br />
criteria derived from more orthodox biomass<br />
forms such as wood. Measures of product yield<br />
and product quality are particularly important.<br />
Project structure<br />
Five work packages have been scheduled. WP1<br />
will address the whole biomass production chain<br />
of the four selected perennial crops. WP2 will<br />
address the thermochemical conversion<br />
processes, covering fuel characterisation and<br />
multifuelled tests of combustion, pyrolysis and<br />
gasification of the raw material produced in<br />
WP1. A financial/economic assessment of the<br />
data collected from the previous work packages<br />
will be accomplished in WP3. The overall<br />
14<br />
performance from biomass in the field to a<br />
delivered energy product as heat and or power<br />
will be measured by reference to the component<br />
parts in the chain, starting in the field and<br />
progressing through each stage of handling and<br />
processing. An overall performance model will<br />
be derived to provide consistent comparison<br />
between different bioenergy chains. This will be<br />
complemented in WP4 with an environmental<br />
assessment which will be conducted at all stages<br />
of all bioenergy chains. A list of the best options,<br />
in terms of economic and environmental benefits,<br />
of a combination of biofuels and technology,<br />
will be produced for each country. Finally, the<br />
Work Package 5 (WP5) details the coordination<br />
of the project, dealing with the consortium’s<br />
managerial, exploitation and dissemination<br />
activities.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The project will provide technical and economic<br />
evidence on the evaluation of entire bioenergy<br />
chains, and identification of the best options in<br />
terms of resource and technology to reach the<br />
cost targets for 1 500 €/kWe and 0.05 €/kWh<br />
investment and electricity production cost, as<br />
set by the EU.<br />
One of the most important bottlenecks to<br />
achieving the cost targets is the raw material<br />
cost. Among the cost components, storage<br />
comes high on the list, ranging from 0.45 to<br />
22.69 €/odt, depending on the feedstock<br />
and storage type. Through the multicropping<br />
cultivation and successive harvesting, an<br />
80-90% reduction of the storage cost will be<br />
feasible.
Furthermore, multifuelled tests of combustion,<br />
pyrolysis and gasification processes for the four<br />
selected crops will contribute to the security of<br />
feedstock supply to the energy plant.<br />
Fuel availability and associated costs play an<br />
important role in finding economic incentives<br />
for the introduction of biofuels-based energy<br />
production. A fuel-flexible system would increase<br />
plant availability and, at the same time, probably<br />
reduce the operating costs through limited<br />
feedstock storage costs.<br />
The results and information obtained will be of<br />
significant use for policy-makers in south<br />
<strong>European</strong> countries and/or regions, as well as<br />
in the EU. Scientists working in this field, biomass<br />
producers, manufacturers and users of biofuels<br />
will be able to use the results to optimise<br />
processes and production chains in technical,<br />
economic and environmental terms.<br />
Progress to date<br />
� The four selected crops have been established<br />
in large- and small-scale fields. The establishment<br />
of giant reed, cardoon and switchgrass<br />
in all fields has been carried out successfully,<br />
while miscanthus seems to be more sensitive<br />
to the soil and climatic conditions.<br />
� Fuel characterisation tests on feedstock<br />
samples from each crop are ongoing,<br />
depending on the harvesting time of each<br />
crop. Preliminary tests of combustion and<br />
gasification have also been performed. In<br />
most cases, as the chemical composition<br />
of the perennial crops is closer to the chemical<br />
characteristics of straw rather than to woody<br />
biomass fuels, the technological solutions<br />
developed for the combustion of straw should<br />
be considered for the evaluation of these<br />
crops.<br />
� A cost analysis and economic model is being<br />
prepared.<br />
� The environmental characteristics of the<br />
biomass production relative to those of<br />
conventional agricultural production have been<br />
investigated. Based on the data collected, an<br />
input grid for all activities accomplished during<br />
plant establishment has been generated and<br />
life-cycle inventories have been compiled. The<br />
environmental impacts for accomplished lifecycle<br />
steps were calculated on a countryspecific<br />
and crop-specific basis.<br />
� A conclusive interpretation of the results so far<br />
is not yet possible as most of the crops have<br />
not even completed their first growing cycle.<br />
15<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00524<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-<strong>Energy</strong> Chains from Perennial Crops<br />
in South Europe – BIOENERGY CHAINS<br />
Duration: 45 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Myrsini Christou<br />
Centre for Renewable<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Sources<br />
Tel: +30-210-6603300, -394<br />
Fax: +30-210-6603301<br />
mchrist@cres.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
Centre for Renewable<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Sources (GR)<br />
Universidad Polytecnica de Madrid (E)<br />
Institut National de la Recherche<br />
Agronomique (F)<br />
University of Bologna (I)<br />
University of Aston (UK)<br />
Institut für Umweltstudien (D)<br />
TU Graz (A)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
Agricultural University of Athens (GR)<br />
Institut für Energie und Umweltforschung (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Komninos Diamantaras<br />
Tel: +32-2-2955831<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
komninos.diamantaras@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ECHI-T Challenges<br />
Objectives<br />
The project aims to demonstrate the<br />
feasibility of sweet sorghum cultivation for<br />
the renewable and sustainable production<br />
of transport fuels (bio-ethanol, and even<br />
bio-hydrogen and bio-methanol), energy<br />
(electricity and heat) and other products<br />
(such as animal feed, pulp for paper,<br />
charcoal, activated coal, etc.) in Europe<br />
and abroad. During the project, a detailed<br />
technical, economic and financial study on<br />
an Integrated <strong>Bio</strong>energy Complex based on<br />
sweet sorghum was performed, the main<br />
goal being to define the plant configuration<br />
and logistics, from biomass receipt to<br />
product supply: three possible sites were<br />
selected, two in The People’s Republic of<br />
China and one in Italy. Also, a preliminary<br />
environmental impact assessment and an<br />
evaluation of the socio-economic benefits<br />
(i.e. job creation) were carried out. Finally,<br />
the results achieved in the project were<br />
summarised in a comprehensive brochure,<br />
with the aim of disseminating the<br />
information to target groups in China and<br />
the <strong>European</strong> Union.<br />
Large-scale production<br />
of bio-ethanol from sweet<br />
sorghum<br />
The main issue addressed by the project is to<br />
increase the technical knowledge about ethanol<br />
production from sweet sorghum; the alcohol<br />
production, in fact, is usually obtained (in Brazil<br />
and Europe) from sugar beet, so there is a<br />
general lack of know-how on its production from<br />
sweet sorghum. The cultivation of this dedicated<br />
crop is common in China, thus providing the<br />
necessary skills to carry out the project. The<br />
other main issue in the project concerns<br />
consideration of the fact that the processing of<br />
sweet sorghum can be done using existing<br />
commercial technologies, but the application of<br />
these technologies to this crop is very innovative<br />
and research activity is needed. Furthermore,<br />
the integrated processing of an energy crop<br />
into several products with high added value (e.g.<br />
chemicals) has not been implemented to date.<br />
Project structure<br />
A variety of knowledge in energy and agriculture,<br />
industrial experience and several technologies for<br />
defining the proposed innovative commercial<br />
bioenergy complex is the novelty factor of the<br />
proposed project. The objective of the feasibility<br />
study for the projects in Italy and China is, in fact,<br />
the definition of each single step needed to<br />
implement the bioenergy system: first, the<br />
selection of the sweet sorghum varieties for<br />
bio-ethanol production; secondly, analysis of the<br />
entire chain from the harvesting to the supply of<br />
the feedstock for the production of bioethanol,<br />
combined heat and power and other products;<br />
finally, identification of the best configurations for<br />
the three sites, the related economic analysis,<br />
16<br />
the ‘project-financing plan’, and assessment of<br />
the environmental impact and of the main legal<br />
issues. Therefore, the implementation of such<br />
a project requires a large number of partners to<br />
make an all-inclusive feasibility study possible:<br />
13 partners from six countries and three<br />
continents participated in this two-year project:<br />
The project comprises 14 tasks:<br />
1. Identification of sweet sorghum seeds;<br />
evaluation of productivity<br />
2. Preliminary configuration of the three<br />
complexes<br />
3. Preliminary identification of technologies<br />
4. Study of logistics<br />
5. Evaluation of sweet sorghum production<br />
cost and co-products value<br />
6. Techno-economic assessment of the<br />
cogeneration plant<br />
7. Preliminary study of the bio-ethanol plant<br />
8. Techno-economic assessment of the DDG<br />
(Distillers’ Dried Grains) plant<br />
9. General layout of the three complexes<br />
10. Economics of the three complexes<br />
11. Environmental impact analysis of the three<br />
complexes<br />
12. Project financing plan<br />
13. Identification of legal aspects; market analysis<br />
14. Dissemination of results
Expected impact<br />
The integrated sweet sorghum complex can<br />
contribute to the achievements of policies and<br />
objectives of both <strong>European</strong> Member States and<br />
developing countries. The production of<br />
renewable energy at a competitive cost, the<br />
diversification of energy supply, the production<br />
of vegetal proteins (DDG) and permanent job<br />
creation are goals relevant to the first group of<br />
countries; the fight against poverty and<br />
unemployment, a phenomenon typical of rural<br />
and remote areas, and the innovation and<br />
development of advanced technologies are very<br />
important for the second group.<br />
Results<br />
Scheme: <strong>Bio</strong>energy Village.<br />
The ECHI-T project examined a wide range of<br />
bioenergy schemes based on sweet sorghum in<br />
Italy and The People’s Republic of China. A<br />
survey of the three sites has been carried out,<br />
and areas suitable for sweet sorghum cultivation<br />
and the related industrial processing activities<br />
have been identified. Two different approaches<br />
have been chosen: the first one aimed at<br />
designing a large-scale centralised scheme to be<br />
adopted in Basilicata (Italy) and Dongying (P.R.<br />
China), while the second one, based on smallscale<br />
clustered units suitable for rural areas<br />
and probably lower quality soils, was evaluated<br />
for Huhhot (P.R. China).<br />
The project demonstrated that the integrated<br />
bioenergy scheme is technically feasible on the<br />
basis of existing commercial technologies, even<br />
if minor adaptations are necessary. The<br />
economics of the projects are favourable, even<br />
if some support is needed to make the<br />
investment more economically sound, given the<br />
favourable impact on the environment and the<br />
connected socio-economic benefits. Moreover,<br />
the scheme in Europe and abroad is eligible for<br />
several financial measures supporting renewable<br />
energy projects, such as Structural Funds or<br />
CO2 trading, which could significantly improve the<br />
returns on investment. In addition, the possibility<br />
of combining the production of bio-ethanol from<br />
sweet sorghum with bio-ethanol from other crops<br />
could extend the use throughout the year of the<br />
ethanol production plant, and therefore improve<br />
the economics.<br />
Sorghum plantation © Tommaso Guicciardini.<br />
17<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2000-80130<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Large <strong>Bio</strong>ethanol / ETBE Integrated<br />
Project in China and Italy – ECHI-T<br />
Duration: 18 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Angela Grassi<br />
ETA - Energia, Trasporti, Agricoltura<br />
Angela.Grassi@etaflorence.it<br />
Partners:<br />
ETA Renewable Energies (I)<br />
EUBIA - <strong>European</strong> <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Industry Association (B)<br />
SIEMENS Power Generation (D)<br />
WIP Renewable Energies (D)<br />
ENERGIDALEN (S)<br />
BAFF - <strong>Bio</strong>Alcohol Fuel Foundation (S)<br />
Delta - T (USA)<br />
ISCI - Istituto Sperimentale<br />
Colture Industriali (I)<br />
SORGHAL (B)<br />
COTEI (I)<br />
Berwin Leighton Paisner (B)<br />
CAREI - China rural <strong>Energy</strong> Industry<br />
Association (P.R. China)<br />
Beijing E&E <strong>Bio</strong>mass Development<br />
(P.R. China)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Helmut Pfrüner<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965487<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966882<br />
helmut.pfruener@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
© Courtesy of Geo-Montan Ltd.<br />
Permission by Geo-Montan Ltd.<br />
ENERGY<br />
FORESTS<br />
Objectives<br />
The main goal of the project is to classify<br />
energy plants and low quality agricultural<br />
land to help farmers and decision-makers<br />
to choose the best types of biomass and<br />
planting sites for growing energy crops.<br />
We shall analyse the socio-economic<br />
implications and environmental effects<br />
of biomass planting and design a new<br />
computerised database to support<br />
decision-makers.<br />
We are advocating biomass planting and<br />
renewable energy related research is one<br />
of our main priorities. The consortium<br />
operates a website, organises meetings,<br />
and publishes a newsletter.<br />
The lessons learned will be summed up in a<br />
comprehensive final report entitled ‘<strong>Energy</strong><br />
Forests for Re-cultivation’, which will be<br />
available in hard-copy format.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass:<br />
Reclaiming our oldest<br />
energy source<br />
Problems addressed<br />
Increasing reliance on renewable energy is an<br />
important priority of the <strong>European</strong> Union, since<br />
it can reduce the dependence on imports and<br />
prevent future imbalances in the energy market.<br />
What is more, increasing productivity in the<br />
agricultural sector and unfavourable market<br />
conditions, such as overproduction, constrain<br />
land use and acreage dedicated to plant<br />
cultivation. This decline in traditional agricultural<br />
activities creates a surplus of land and labour and<br />
has repercussions on our rural communities.<br />
We would like to promote a more rational use of<br />
low quality agricultural land and present energy<br />
forest planting as a viable alternative to<br />
unprofitable agricultural activities. We intend to<br />
offer would-be entrepreneurs guidance and help<br />
them cope with major investment risks.<br />
Barriers to overcome<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> production from biomass is not always a<br />
popular proposition. We often encounter<br />
obstacles such as weak infrastructure, steep<br />
production costs, lack of history and public<br />
support, or just pure and plain conservatism.<br />
Although biomass planting has a far greater<br />
potential in Hungary then other types of<br />
alternative energy sources, it is often completely<br />
ignored by policy makers and professional<br />
organisations. To help overcome these barriers<br />
we would like to inform stakeholders of the<br />
potential benefits of biomass planting and the<br />
verdict of our experts.<br />
18<br />
Project structure<br />
The consortium carrying out this project consists<br />
of five members from four different countries, two<br />
educational and research institutions and three<br />
SMEs. The project is fully funded and was made<br />
possible by a grant from the budget of the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Union’s 5th Framework Programme.<br />
The 18 month long collaboration officially started<br />
in December 2002 and the first preparatory<br />
stage has been completed in May 2003.<br />
The execution is divided into six blocks, called<br />
work packages, each of which is either focused<br />
on a specific field of research or related to<br />
project management. Each work package has a<br />
strict deadline and an organisation that is<br />
responsible for its execution.<br />
Work packages 1 and 2 are dedicated to project<br />
management and dissemination. Scientific work<br />
will start in work package 3 (land classification)<br />
with the characterisation of potential planting<br />
sites. Work package 4 (energy forest plantation)<br />
deals with the optimal selection of biomass<br />
types. Work package 5 (socio-economic outcomes)<br />
will discuss the effects of biomass planting.<br />
Since work package 6 (the re-cultivation of open<br />
cut mining sites) is very important in some<br />
parts, it will run for almost the entire duration of<br />
the project.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
We hope that biomass planting will gain more<br />
acceptance and popularity, and that the risks and<br />
start-up costs involved could be reduced<br />
significantly.<br />
Our research will help stakeholders to consider<br />
planting energy crops as a real alternative by<br />
supplying them with hard data. By influencing the<br />
public opinion we will certainly contribute to a<br />
better climate for future initiatives.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project was launched in December 2002 and<br />
four and a half months later we can report<br />
progress on two fronts.<br />
At our start-up meeting we agreed to focus on<br />
three reference areas, one in Poland, one in<br />
Hungary and one in the Czech Republic. So far<br />
we have reviewed the Hungarian literature with<br />
a special emphasis on little known pioneering<br />
experiments, carried out by timber companies<br />
and forestry engineers in the past. In the case<br />
of Poland, we have characterised the most<br />
common biomass types.<br />
As regards software development, we have<br />
defined the essentials required of the proposed<br />
database and the corresponding land classification<br />
methodology. Our earliest results will be made<br />
public in our first newsletter coming out in mid-May.<br />
Forestry experiment<br />
© Courtesy of Erik Temesvari, 2003 /<br />
Permission by Erik Temesvari.<br />
Source: ‘Toward a <strong>European</strong> Strategy for Security of <strong>Energy</strong> Supply.’<br />
From the Green Paper adopted by the <strong>European</strong> Commission on<br />
29 November 2000 © <strong>European</strong> Communities, 2001.<br />
19<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Security in Europe<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-80647<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Forest Development on Areas in<br />
Central-Eastern Europe, where Agricultural<br />
Production is Uneconomical – An<br />
Assessment Study – ENERGY FORESTS<br />
Duration: 18 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Pal Rozsnoi<br />
Geo-Montan<br />
Tel: +36-30-9147584<br />
Fax: +36-12-492105<br />
prozsnoi@hotmail.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Geo-Montan (HU)<br />
Geonardo Environmental Technologies (HU)<br />
Central Mining Institute (PL)<br />
Vodnj Zdroje GLS Phraha (CZ)<br />
Centre for Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Sources (GR)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Komninos Diamantaras<br />
Tel: +32-2-2955851<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
komninos.diamantaras@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Brassica Carinata field.<br />
BIOELECTRICITY<br />
CROPS<br />
Objectives<br />
The scientific objective of this project is to<br />
obtain reliable data about all the processes<br />
related to the utilisation of crops as<br />
biomass for the generation of energy on a<br />
large scale. The project aims to compile,<br />
compare and analyse concrete information<br />
on both the global process and each of its<br />
parts, paying special attention to the<br />
growing and the logistics of the raw<br />
material (in this case Brassica Carinata<br />
and Triticale). This is in order to decrease<br />
the market risk and uncertainty that<br />
surround this subject and to increase<br />
the interest of the actors related with it.<br />
The technical objective of this project is<br />
to apply the obtained information to<br />
demonstrate and widely disseminate the<br />
viability of the utilisation of energy crops<br />
at an industrial scale and its benefits, and<br />
to identify improvement points to exploit<br />
in the present or future projects.<br />
Large scale demonstration of<br />
energy crops for combustion<br />
in a power plant<br />
Challenges<br />
Nowadays, there is no real data about the large<br />
scale utilisation of energy crops. The only solution<br />
is to take references of other types of biomass (for<br />
example, straw) but take into account that the straw<br />
is a secondary product of a food crop, instead<br />
of a crop cultivated for the generation of energy.<br />
The lack of reliable data about investment costs,<br />
running costs, etc. is a significant barrier for the<br />
large scale introduction of energy crops.<br />
Increasing the knowledge in this area means<br />
increasing the confidence in these kinds of<br />
renewable energy sources and decreasing its<br />
market uncertainty.<br />
Therefore, it can be said that this project will<br />
contribute to reduce the investment costs through<br />
the decrease of the financial risk associated<br />
with such investment.<br />
Project structure<br />
This is the first <strong>European</strong> demonstration project<br />
carrying out industrial scale tests jointly on the<br />
cultivation, harvesting, logistics and combustion<br />
of an energy crop. 15 000 tons of Brassica<br />
Carinata and 720 tons of Triticale are grown to be<br />
used specifically in an existing biomass 25 MWe<br />
combustion power plant located in Sangüesa<br />
(Spain), and devoted 100% to the generation and<br />
sale of bioelectricity to the grid. The project is<br />
developed in six work packages:<br />
20<br />
WP1: Demonstration of field performance.<br />
A total of 1 500 Ha of Brassica Carinata<br />
and 90 Ha of Triticale are grown in the<br />
course of three years, according to the plan<br />
below. Results obtained from the different<br />
situations are studied.<br />
WP2: Harvest and logistics.<br />
This task consists of biomass collection,<br />
handling, packing, storage and transport to<br />
the combustion plant.<br />
WP3: Economical assessment.<br />
WP4: <strong>Energy</strong> balance and environmental impact.<br />
WP5: Combustion tests.<br />
The objective of this work is to determine<br />
the characteristics, quality and combustion<br />
behaviour of the studied crops.<br />
WP6: Dissemination.<br />
The consortium consists of six partners:<br />
• EHN División <strong>Bio</strong>masa. The biomass branch of<br />
EHN, a renewable energy promoter, Spain<br />
• Tech-Wise. Engineering and consultancy in<br />
energy with biomass, Denmark<br />
• ITGA. Agrarian technical institute, Spain<br />
• CIEMAT. Research centre, Spain<br />
• Fundación Soriactiva. Non-profit organisation<br />
for the development of the Soria region, Spain<br />
• SAIS. Agro-industrial organisation of sorghum,<br />
France
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
This project evaluates, in an integrated scheme,<br />
the profitability of both Brassica Carinata and<br />
Triticale for power production by reproducing and<br />
evaluating the whole supply and energy generation<br />
chain on a real scale. Major scientific and<br />
technological prospects are the ‘decrease of<br />
uncertainty’ degree related to biomass energy<br />
and the possibility of ‘promoting future R&D’ and<br />
‘demonstration projects’ on the identified<br />
improvement points.<br />
On the one hand, a significant saving in the cost<br />
of energy is expected at the end of the project,<br />
which could be approximately 10%, beginning<br />
with the cost of energy produced with straw<br />
(0,08 euro per kWh). In the long term, there will<br />
be a clear improvement potential in all the<br />
economic areas mentioned above, thanks to the<br />
exploitation of the improvement points that are<br />
going to be identified in this project.<br />
On the other hand, the exploitation plan includes<br />
the encouragement of biomass penetration in<br />
Southern Europe, for example the creation of<br />
biomass plants in the Mediterranean area. As a<br />
first step, the aim of the project is to develop an<br />
effective supply chain of new Mediterranean<br />
energy crops up to the production plant, taking into<br />
account not only the farmers but also the final<br />
electric or heat utility and all the intermediate<br />
actors. The restricting factors for developing the<br />
energy crops on a large scale will also be identified<br />
and measured.<br />
Concerning the environmental impact, the project<br />
also addresses the large scale generation of<br />
Crop Region Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total<br />
(hectares)<br />
Brassica Navarra 100 250 400 750<br />
Carinata (Spain)<br />
Soria (Spain) 100 250 400 750<br />
Triticale Le Lauragais 30 30 30 90<br />
(France)<br />
Total 230 530 830 1 590<br />
WP1: Demonstration of field performance.<br />
electricity with reduced CO2 emissions from<br />
biomass. In particular, the project will produce<br />
15 720 tons of energy crops and be able to create<br />
an electricity generation of nearly 20 GWh (that is<br />
10% of the annual production of a 25 MW biomass<br />
power plant).<br />
This will therefore mean the elimination of the use<br />
of 15 720 tons of coal, thus avoiding the emission<br />
of about 20 000 tons of CO2, 321 tons of SO2 and<br />
48 tons of NOx. The effect will be similar to the<br />
purification effect of 970 000 trees.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project started on 1 February 2003 and will<br />
last for 36 months. In June 2003, the state of the<br />
project is:<br />
• The plots of Brassica Carinata and Triticale<br />
have been sown and the crops are growing<br />
• The common methodology for essays and<br />
measurements in the land plots, in order to<br />
obtain comparable results (agricultural, energy<br />
and economic) in every plot, has been<br />
established<br />
• The process of data collection (agricultural,<br />
energy and economic) from the plots has<br />
started.<br />
21<br />
Sangüesa’s 25 MW combustion power plant<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-605-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Big Scale Demonstration of <strong>Energy</strong> Crops<br />
Utilisation for <strong>Bio</strong>electricity Generation –<br />
BIOELECTRICITY CROPS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Alfredo Erviti Lopez<br />
EHN Division <strong>Bio</strong>masa<br />
aerviti@ehn.es<br />
Partners:<br />
EHN (E)<br />
Tech-Wise (DK)<br />
ITGA (I)<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
Fundacion Soriactiva (E)<br />
Société Agro-industrielle du Sorgho (F)<br />
Institut Technique des Céréales et des<br />
Fourrages (F)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ENERDEC Challenges<br />
Objectives<br />
Based on an existing organic waste<br />
treatment hybrid process B.S.F.C., in which<br />
the waste is separated into a liquid fraction<br />
for anaerobic digestion and a solid fraction<br />
for composting, the project objective of<br />
ENERDEC (Maximum energy yield from<br />
organic wastes and decontamination<br />
to a high quality organic fertiliser by<br />
a microbiological hybrid process) is<br />
to establish an environmentally beneficial<br />
process with optimised utilisation of all<br />
output mass flows in terms of maximum<br />
energy yield and valuable soil fertiliser,<br />
by performing the following measures:<br />
• improving energy production for different<br />
new organic waste materials;<br />
• upgrading the biogas for use in<br />
the natural gas grid and in fuel cells;<br />
• depletion of heavy metals and salt<br />
in raw material to improve compost<br />
quality; and<br />
• development of an economically<br />
acceptable method to reduce N and P<br />
contaminations in the liquid digested<br />
residues for recycling into the process<br />
and environmental protection.<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> and high-quality<br />
fertiliser from biowaste<br />
The project’s approach is based on the state of<br />
the art of the following disciplines: organic waste<br />
composting and digestion, biogas up-cleaning,<br />
reduction of organic waste contaminants, and<br />
environmental contamination through liquid<br />
manure fertilising.<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> production from organic wastes, based<br />
on biological methods, can only be achieved by<br />
generation of biogas via the digestion process.<br />
We want to achieve maximum energy yield from<br />
the digestion process by means of an innovative<br />
digestion technology and optimised process<br />
control of wastes from slaughterhouses and the<br />
leather industry.<br />
Fuel cells (FC) have been developed mainly with<br />
natural gas as the fuel. The introduction of<br />
biogas into the natural gas grid requires the<br />
removal of inert components in order to improve<br />
energy density and to meet existing standards.<br />
The main parameters that may require removal<br />
in an upgrading system are H2S, water, CO2,<br />
and halogenated and silicon containing<br />
compounds. Closing the gap between 50 ppm<br />
(state of the art) and 10 ppm H2S (required<br />
by the FC) will be achieved by an especially<br />
reliable biotrickling filter, as well as technologies<br />
to remove siloxanes, CO2 and CxHy compounds.<br />
Today, reduction of organic waste contaminants<br />
can only be achieved either by mixing the material<br />
with non-contaminated additives (e.g. wood), or<br />
by the addition of complexing agents and<br />
separation of the soluble metal complexes. The<br />
Komptech-Farwick`s B.S.F.C. process (<strong>Bio</strong>waste<br />
Separation Fermentation Composting) is able<br />
to reduce heavy metals and salt contamination<br />
22<br />
in organic wastes exclusively by dry mass splitting<br />
to produce an up-cleaned compost without<br />
dilution methods. The aim is to optimise depletion<br />
of heavy metals and salt in the raw material for<br />
composting by improving the separation process<br />
performed through a mash-separator.<br />
Furthermore, an economically acceptable method<br />
to reduce N and P contamination in the liquid<br />
digested residues has to be developed. The<br />
new technology will smooth the way for the<br />
construction of small, autonomous plants which<br />
are highly adapted to local situations.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
ENERDEC will help to create a set of technologies<br />
for use in the fields of renewable energy,<br />
biotechnology, agro-industry and environmental<br />
protection. These technologies will help to<br />
strengthen the competitiveness of the SMEs<br />
involved by expanding their competence and<br />
experience in the waste-treatment and energyproduction<br />
sectors, as well as contributing to the<br />
sustainable care of the environment by recycling<br />
waste into the product cycle.<br />
As a technological impact, the digestion process<br />
will be combined with the improved composting<br />
technology to establish a new B.S.F.C. technology<br />
of solid organic waste treatment systems on<br />
the market and to restructure existing plants.<br />
A concept for decontamination of liquid digested<br />
residues, which must be both economically and<br />
ecologically attractive, will raise the acceptance<br />
of such technologies. Another main impact<br />
should be the application of a biological biogas<br />
purification system to pass the up-cleaned biogas<br />
into the natural gas grid.
Figure 1: Enrichment and depletion of substances in the waste solid after<br />
the B.S.F.C. separation process, on the basis of dry weight – (Source TU<br />
Wien 2000).<br />
Progress to date<br />
After half a year, work on the project is<br />
progressing according to schedule.<br />
In the digestion part of the project, different<br />
types of organic wastes, such as kitchen waste,<br />
slaughterhouse waste and pulper waste, were<br />
pre-processed under different conditions and<br />
tested for their digestion behaviour, their potential<br />
for biogas formation, and the composition of<br />
liquid digested residues. The slaughterhouse<br />
wastes were investigated in more detail: After<br />
separation into five fractions, each was<br />
processed in continuous lab-scale digestion<br />
units as a basis for specific loading calculations.<br />
For the methodological development of a<br />
purification treatment for the digested residues,<br />
two different reactor types – a sequencing batch<br />
reactor (SBR) and a fluidised bed reactor (FBR)<br />
– were installed at laboratory scale and operated<br />
using centrifuged digested residue to maintain<br />
the process parameters. Nitrification was<br />
observed to be quite good, as was denitrification,<br />
but the latter process depends on the availability<br />
of carbon which might be insufficient. Currently,<br />
tests are running with the addition of an external<br />
carbon source. COD could be degraded from an<br />
initial 10 g/l to concentrations below 1 g/l.<br />
Centrifugation experiments on digested residues<br />
on a technical scale provided the necessary<br />
amount of digested liquid for these investigations.<br />
Arrangements for experiments on the reduction<br />
of heavy metals and salt content in the solid<br />
products of the B.S.F.C. process have now been<br />
finalised – a survey of the process was<br />
performed by detailed monitoring of the method.<br />
A suitable filter arrangement was planned for the<br />
biogas upgrading tasks. As a first step, a<br />
laboratory-scale biotrickling filter is actually being<br />
constructed in order to optimise H2S removal.<br />
The lab tests started in July and will run until<br />
December. Based on the results, a prototype will<br />
be constructed and combined with membrane<br />
and activated carbon technology for the removal<br />
of the detrimental compounds. This prototype<br />
system will be tested under field conditions in<br />
Spain in March 2004.<br />
It is presumed that in 2004 a second organic<br />
waste treatment plant at industrial scale will be<br />
available near Vienna for on-site investigations.<br />
Figure 2: Laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor for treatment of digested<br />
residues at IFA Tulln, Austria.<br />
23<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2002-30030<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Maximum <strong>Energy</strong> Yield from Organic<br />
Wastes and Decontamination to a High<br />
Quality Organic Fertilizer by a<br />
Microbiological Hybrid Process – ENERDEC<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Martin Wellacher<br />
Komptech-Farwick GmbH<br />
Tel: +43-3126-5050<br />
Fax: +43-312-505180<br />
m.wellacher@komptech.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Komptech-Farwick (A)<br />
Profactor (A)<br />
Institut für Agrartechnologie in Tulln (A)<br />
ETP Energietech Anagenbau (A)<br />
Entsorgungs- und Verwertungs GmbH<br />
Eggertshofen (D)<br />
Scuola Agrario del Parco di Monza (I)<br />
Indutherm (E)<br />
Societá Estense Servizi Ambientali (I)<br />
Matadero Frigorifico del Nalon (E)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Jeroen Schuppers<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957006<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
jeroen.schuppers@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ANDI-POWER<br />
CIFRU<br />
Objectives<br />
This project aims to demonstrate an<br />
efficient and viable solution for the<br />
management of residues from small and<br />
medium-size citrus juice industries.<br />
The developed methodology is based on<br />
the anaerobic digestion of this biomass<br />
stream and succeeds not only in the<br />
adequate management of this waste<br />
stream but also provides an excellent<br />
investment plan generating a significant<br />
energy amount from renewable<br />
(=sustainable) sources.<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> utilisation<br />
of citrus fruit residues<br />
Challenges<br />
The management of the Solid Waste stream<br />
resulting from the Citrus Fruit Juicing Process<br />
is considered the major problem of the juicing<br />
industries.<br />
Uncontrollable disposal induces odours, insect<br />
reproduction and pollution on surface and in<br />
underground water. On the other hand, sanitary<br />
landfilling generates leakages of high <strong>Bio</strong>logical<br />
Oxygen Demand value (BOD=120.000 mg/l)<br />
which it is impossible to treat conventionally.<br />
The most common way of disposing citrus fruit<br />
residue safely is by processing it to produce<br />
animal food. The main disadvantage of this<br />
method is the consumption of huge amounts of<br />
energy but also the amount of leakage is a<br />
problem as it is difficult to treat it conventionally<br />
due to the high concentration.<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> production by citrus fruit residue<br />
provides an alternative solution that will greatly<br />
contribute to the solution of the juicing factories’<br />
solid wastes disposal problem.<br />
The major advantages of the proposed method<br />
are the following:<br />
- Complete elimination of the juicing factories’<br />
solid wastes,<br />
- Utilisation of the energy content of the citrus<br />
residue,<br />
- <strong>Energy</strong> production from Renewable,<br />
- <strong>Energy</strong> Sources.<br />
24<br />
The citrus fruit residue is fed to the energy<br />
production power plant where, through their<br />
anaerobic digestion and under very strictly<br />
controlled conditions, biogas is produced. The<br />
methane content of this biogas is high enough<br />
so that when it is fed to gas engines thermal and<br />
electric energy is produced. The sludge that<br />
comes from the anaerobic digestion of citrus fruit<br />
residue is treated in a special way and leads to<br />
the production of fertiliser (compost) with a high<br />
purity and considerable sustenance for the soil.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project implementation strategy is based on<br />
a team of excellence and relies on a multidisciplinary<br />
approach in order to execute a logical<br />
and performance-guided sequence of work<br />
packages for the successful completion of the<br />
project. The aim is to demonstrate a full-scale<br />
anaerobic digestion plant fed with citrus fruit<br />
residue producing renewable energy. The scope<br />
of the project is to design, manufacture, install,<br />
commission, operate, optimise and monitor<br />
the citrus rejects anaerobic digestion plant for<br />
the supply of 2 MWe to the public grid and<br />
8000 tons/a steam to industrial applications.<br />
The innovative process has been designed to<br />
process citrus residue to biomass suitable for<br />
continuous anaerobic digestion and power<br />
generation, an approach that can find numerous<br />
applications in equivalent industries in Greece<br />
and the EU. The consortium will be led by<br />
ENVITEC, the most experienced company in
Greece on environmental technologies, while<br />
SCHWARTING UMWELT will provide technical<br />
expertise for the fermentation part. The plant will<br />
solve a major environmental problem for the<br />
juice factory owner, CHRISTODOULOU, and when<br />
it becomes known, to similar industries. The<br />
project risks are low since the main components<br />
of the plant are either proven on pilot scale or<br />
are based on optimised proven technologies.<br />
However, the integration of all components is<br />
unique. The work is divided into Work Packages<br />
covering the design, procurement, construction<br />
and assembly, commissioning, demonstration,<br />
marketing and dissemination of the programme’s<br />
results. It will also include actions to improve the<br />
acceptability of bioenergy by the local population.<br />
These last WPs, although not technical, are<br />
considered very critical in order to overcome<br />
non-technical barriers for bioenergy penetration.<br />
The project will prove the technical and economic<br />
viability of the proposed innovative technology and<br />
its suitability for power generation. The technology<br />
also has very high export potential thus<br />
supporting <strong>European</strong> SMEs.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The results expected from the project will<br />
demonstrate the successful design and<br />
implementation of an anaerobic digestion plant<br />
with biogas generation fuelled by citrus fruit<br />
residue. Operation and monitoring over a period<br />
of one year will demonstrate the overall technical<br />
reliability, environmental soundness and<br />
economic viability of this technology.<br />
Dissemination activities carried out during<br />
the course of the project will raise awareness<br />
and encourage replication of the opportunities<br />
and potential of the proposed technology, not<br />
only in the <strong>European</strong> Union but also on a worldwide<br />
scale.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project is at the design phase, while<br />
construction of the digestion plant is in the<br />
pipeline.<br />
25<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-364-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
An Anaerobic Digestion Power Plant<br />
for Citrus Fruit Residues – ANDI-POWER<br />
CIFRU<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Panagiotis Kalogeropoulos<br />
ENVITEC SA<br />
Tel: +30-210-6855560<br />
Fax: +30-210-6855564<br />
envitec@envitec.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
ENVITEC (GR)<br />
Christodoulou Bros (GR)<br />
Schwarting Umwelt (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2992093<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
AGROPTI-GAS<br />
Objectives<br />
Many cities are looking for vehicle fuels<br />
and waste management systems that are<br />
environmentally friendly and cost effective.<br />
This full-scale system for co-digestion of<br />
biological municipal waste and agricultural<br />
feedstock will demonstrate a new way of<br />
meeting these needs. A process technique<br />
that allows a unique low water content will<br />
enable a cost effective production and<br />
distribution system.<br />
The objectives are to demonstrate:<br />
1. A process technique with components<br />
to enable the co-digestion of easily<br />
degradable, solid biomass as a<br />
municipal, source-sorted, biological<br />
waste with agricultural feedstock<br />
2. <strong>Bio</strong>gas being competitive as a vehicle<br />
fuel and waste management system<br />
3. The advantages for the farmer to be part<br />
of the system.<br />
AGROPTI-gas<br />
Demonstration of an<br />
optimised production<br />
system for biogas<br />
Challenges<br />
• To demonstrate techniques for the co-digestion<br />
of biological solid waste and agricultural<br />
feedstock with minimised fresh water<br />
addition/dilution<br />
• To demonstrate how the integrated system<br />
can contribute to a lower environmental impact<br />
and sustainable resource management<br />
• To demonstrate how an information and<br />
communication forum will improve the mutual<br />
understanding in integrated rural-urban cooperations<br />
• To carry out the introduction of a system for<br />
profitable production of renewable energy in<br />
the form of biogas as a vehicle fuel<br />
Project structure<br />
In order to demonstrate and evaluate this novel<br />
concept we have gathered a dedicated group<br />
consisting of one municipality, different biological<br />
and technical researchers and a regional<br />
agricultural association. The partners come from<br />
Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Bulgaria.<br />
To structure the work that will be needed during<br />
the project's different phases it as been divided<br />
into nine work packages; Co-ordination,<br />
Procurement, Building, Communication, Analysis<br />
of socio-economic aspects, Dissemination,<br />
Evaluation of the co-digestion process, Evaluation<br />
of the rural-urban biogas system and Conclusions<br />
with a final report.<br />
26<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The AGROPTI-gas project will demonstrate a<br />
novel concept for the profitable production of<br />
renewable energy in the form of biogas as a<br />
vehicle fuel. A full-scale system for co-digestion<br />
of biological household waste and agricultural<br />
feedstock will be built and the digested slurry will<br />
be used as a natural fertiliser. By using novel<br />
process techniques, including new components,<br />
a unique low water content production and<br />
distribution system can be achieved, which<br />
optimises the whole system including logistics.<br />
If the demonstration in full-scale proves<br />
successful, the system has a large potential in<br />
Europe with large environmental benefits as an<br />
outcome. The environmental benefits are in the<br />
form of decreased emissions of greenhouse<br />
gases, improved air quality in the cities due to<br />
cleaner vehicle fuel and optimal circulation of<br />
nutrients with less need for artificial fertiliser.
Project structure.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The pre-project is now finished and the application<br />
for the environmental permit was sent to the<br />
County Administration Board in September 2002.<br />
There have been a number of meetings with<br />
local interest groups and with surrounding<br />
municipalities. Negotiations are in progress with<br />
these municipalities about the delivery of<br />
biowaste, and with farmers about the delivery of<br />
silage and digested slurry. The tender documents<br />
for the public tender have been produced and are<br />
now out on the market. A PowerPoint presentation<br />
showing the animated <strong>Bio</strong>gas plant, together<br />
with the animated pump station, has also been<br />
produced. (See pictures above)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas plant animation. <strong>Bio</strong>gas pump animation.<br />
27<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-484-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Demonstration of an Optimised Production<br />
System for <strong>Bio</strong>gas from <strong>Bio</strong>logical Waste<br />
and Agricultural Feedstock – AGROPTI-GAS<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Steve Karlsson<br />
Municipality of Växjö<br />
Tel: +46-4-7041000<br />
Fax: +46-4-7041580<br />
Steve.Karlsson@kommun.vaxjo.se<br />
Partners:<br />
Municipality of Växjö (S)<br />
University of Southern Denmark (DK)<br />
Federal Agricultural Research Centre (D)<br />
Bulgarian Association of Investors (BG)<br />
Lantebrukarnas Ekonomi (S)<br />
Purac (S)<br />
Stiftelsen JTI (S)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
CATLIQ Challenges<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective of the project is to<br />
develop a catalytic process for the<br />
conversion of biomass with a high water<br />
content into fuels for energy production.<br />
The process will treat several feed types,<br />
like sewage sludge or liquid manure, at a<br />
considerably lower price than conventional<br />
conversion processes. The organic fraction<br />
of the biomass is converted into hydrogen,<br />
methane and liquid fuels like hydrocarbons<br />
or alcohols. One objective of the project is<br />
to control the fuel composition by<br />
controlling the process conditions. Another<br />
objective of the project is to study the<br />
performance of the catalyst under applied<br />
process conditions.<br />
In particular, the objective of the project<br />
is to demonstrate the process, first in<br />
laboratory scale and then by operating<br />
a proof-of-concept plant with a capacity<br />
of 100 kg/h sewage sludge. The results<br />
of the POC plant tests will serve for the<br />
optimisation of the process, and as a design<br />
basis for a full-scale demonstration plant.<br />
Catalytic conversion<br />
of aqueous biomass<br />
The flow sheet of the catalytic conversion<br />
process, named the CatLiq process, is shown in<br />
figure 1. The feed is mixed into a re-circulation<br />
stream, heated and fed to the catalytic reactor<br />
in which the biomass is converted. Upon<br />
depressurisation the product is separated into<br />
gas and liquid fuels, and the liquid fuel is further<br />
separated into oil and water-soluble substances.<br />
The major challenges of the project are technical<br />
issues connected to the catalytic conversion; how<br />
to avoid catalyst de-activation, and the formation<br />
of soot or tars during pre-heating of the feed.<br />
Another important issue is to control the fate of<br />
the inorganic fraction of the biomass, i.e. to<br />
prevent accumulation of inorganic particulate<br />
in the process equipment.<br />
Further challenges are how to achieve full<br />
conversion of the biomass organics and, at the<br />
same time, force the product composition<br />
towards a desired fuel type by controlling the<br />
process conditions.<br />
28<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The knowledge created in the project will be<br />
used to design and verify a process for catalytic<br />
conversion of all kinds of biomass with high<br />
water content, constituting an economical,<br />
competitive alternative to conventional treatment<br />
processes for such wastes. The process will be<br />
made available to the market worldwide and is<br />
expected to create a number of impacts.<br />
One impact is to provide a means for treating<br />
aqueous organic wastes at a considerably lower<br />
cost than conventional processes, like farmland<br />
deposition. The treatment plants are scalable to<br />
be installed directly at the various waste sources,<br />
like waste water treatment facilities, industrial<br />
waste sources etc., and are expected to create<br />
widespread employment at the waste generation<br />
facilities. Another impact is that the process is<br />
a source of CO2 neutral fuels, with the fuel type<br />
being adaptable to local requirements.
Progress to date<br />
The process of the proposed scheme is verified<br />
on sewage sludge feedstock at laboratory scale,<br />
with the experiments proving acceptable<br />
conversion rates of sewage sludge, and the<br />
production of the expected fuels, e.g. methane,<br />
hydrogen, methanol and hydrocarbon oils, at<br />
the given process conditions.<br />
An existing pilot plant at Forschungszentrum<br />
Karlsruhe is currently under reconstruction to<br />
serve as the POC plant for the process. During<br />
2004, the POC plant will be used to further<br />
verify the process scheme, particularly the<br />
potential of controlling the product distribution<br />
and the fuel quality.<br />
Figure 1: The CatLiq process scheme.<br />
29<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-393-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
CHP Plant Based on Catalytic Liquid<br />
Conversion Process – CATLIQ<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Tommy Larsen<br />
FLS Miljø<br />
Tel: +45-36181100<br />
Fax: +45-36174599<br />
tol@flsmiljo.com<br />
Partners:<br />
FLS Miljø (DK)<br />
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (D)<br />
Kjeld Anderson Environmental<br />
Consulting (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
DEPR-Project Challenges<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of the DEPR project is to<br />
design, develop and monitor the operation<br />
of a commercially viable, fluid-bed<br />
combustion plant. This will be capable of<br />
burning 350,000 t.p.a. of Dutch poultry<br />
litter, whilst complying with the following<br />
stringent air emission standards:<br />
(10mg/Nm3 for total dust, 150mg/Nm3 for NOx and 100mg/Nm3 for SO2, dry flue<br />
gas with 6% O2).<br />
The plant is to be built at Moerdijk in the<br />
Netherlands, and must operate efficiently<br />
and reliably for at least 7,500 hours per<br />
annum, generating at least 225,000 MWh<br />
p.a. of ‘green’ electricity. If this is<br />
achieved, the plant will represent a<br />
sustainable solution to the long-term<br />
problem of poultry litter disposal, by<br />
converting a difficult agricultural waste<br />
into renewable power. The valuable<br />
phosphate and potash content of the<br />
poultry litter will be recovered as a dry<br />
powdered ash, capable for use as an<br />
organic fertiliser feedstock.<br />
It is expected that the DEPR plant will<br />
avoid the production of around 80,000 t<br />
of CO2 equivalent per annum.<br />
Sustainable power from<br />
Dutch poultry litter<br />
To achieve the overall aim of the project, we have<br />
had to balance the financial risk limitations of the<br />
project sponsor with the technical risk perceived<br />
by the ‘Turnkey’ contractor, who is required to<br />
build a plant which is three times bigger than<br />
any similar facility currently operating worldwide.<br />
In addition, we have had to provide comfort to<br />
financial investors that the project will not only<br />
achieve its performance requirements at handover,<br />
but will be capable of doing so for its<br />
projected life of 20 years.<br />
The vast majority of the income to this scheme<br />
will result from the sale of electrical power.<br />
Over the last 18 months, the Dutch green<br />
power market has been in a state of turmoil,<br />
following radical changes in government<br />
support mechanisms, combined with two<br />
national elections.<br />
The plant will consume about 25% of the national<br />
poultry waste produced in the Netherlands.<br />
It has had to be demonstrated that this could<br />
be procured and delivered on a ‘just in time’,<br />
long-term basis, for a known cost. This task<br />
has been further compounded by the recent<br />
outbreak of Newcastle’s disease within the<br />
Netherlands, which has restricted the free<br />
transport of fuel and caused bankruptcy amongst<br />
potential fuel suppliers.<br />
30<br />
Project structure<br />
The project has been developed by a consortium<br />
of participants comprised of an energy company<br />
from the Netherlands (Essent Milieu), an<br />
engineering company from the UK (EPR), a<br />
foundation representing the Dutch poultry<br />
farmers (DEP), and a Dutch special purpose<br />
development company (DEPR).<br />
It is possible that the selected ‘Turnkey’<br />
contractor will also join the consortium at a<br />
later stage.<br />
The development of the project is divided<br />
into three work packages. The first phase<br />
encompasses the basic engineering, permitting,<br />
production of tender documents and contract<br />
negotiations. The second phase covers awarding<br />
contracts and plant construction. The final phase<br />
commences on plant commissioning and covers<br />
monitoring and information dissemination during<br />
the early phase of operations.<br />
The main responsibilities are as follows:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources has coordinated<br />
the internal communication and financial<br />
administration of the project team.<br />
Essent assisted with the co-ordination and<br />
communicated with its related companies with<br />
regards to the purchase of land, integration of<br />
cooling water, electrical grid connections and<br />
gas supply.<br />
DEP was responsible for the fuel supply contracts<br />
with over 450 producers. It also played a major role<br />
in negotiating the ash off-take arrangements.<br />
DEPR was responsible for obtaining the<br />
necessary permits and providing project<br />
management during the basic engineering phase.<br />
It will be responsible for managing the ‘Turnkey’<br />
contractor during construction, with particular<br />
emphasis on quality and ensuring a smooth<br />
transition between the project phases.
Construction Details of DEPR-Plant.<br />
Expected impact<br />
The benefits resulting from the successful<br />
operation of this plant are significant, both on<br />
a local scale and on a <strong>European</strong> scale. At<br />
the local level it will provide a secure future for<br />
450 Dutch poultry farmers by providing them with<br />
a guaranteed safe disposal route for their poultry<br />
litter waste. It is hoped that the successful<br />
demonstration of this plant will stimulate the<br />
construction of a second facility within the<br />
Netherlands and generate interest, particularly<br />
from within Eastern Europe.<br />
The Netherlands alone produces in excess of<br />
1million tonnes of litter per annum. Much of<br />
this is spread on farmland with the consequent<br />
risk of land and water contamination through<br />
leaching of the highly soluble nitrates and<br />
phosphates present in the litter. This can lead<br />
to seasonal, toxic algal blooms, resulting in the<br />
rapid poisoning of local water sources.<br />
Combustion of the litter in the DEPR plant will<br />
covert these soluble elements into 50,000 t.p.a.<br />
of an easily manageable organic ash, which it is<br />
hoped will form the basis for a new sustainable<br />
fertiliser industry.<br />
The most obvious benefit resulting from<br />
this facility will be the generation of over<br />
225,000 MWh pa of renewable electricity from<br />
a sustainable agricultural fuel source. It is<br />
expected that the plant will avoid the production<br />
of 370 g/kWh of CO2 when compared with a<br />
CCGT facility, which will equate to an annual<br />
net CO2 avoidance of around 80 000 tonnes.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Scheme of DEPR-Plant.<br />
Due largely to the Dutch political uncertainty<br />
and an outbreak of disease in the Dutch flock,<br />
progress has been slower than originally<br />
expected. Nevertheless, DEPR has pressed<br />
ahead and completed a number of key<br />
milestones. The ‘Turnkey’ EPC O&M contractor,<br />
(a consortium of Siemens Nederland NV and<br />
Austrian <strong>Energy</strong> & Environment AG) has been<br />
appointed. The project is now fully permitted<br />
and the ash has been classified as a ‘product’<br />
allowing it to be more easily traded.<br />
The recent ratification of the Dutch Government’s<br />
MEP Laws (June 2003) will allow the DEPR<br />
project to move forward to a financial close this<br />
autumn. Construction is expected to commence<br />
before the end of the year and the plant should<br />
be operational during 2005.<br />
31<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-75-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Power Plant Based on Fluidised Bed Fired<br />
with Poultry Litter – DEPR-Project<br />
Duration: 44 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
John Hewson<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources Ltd.<br />
Tel: +44-1789-265000<br />
Fax: +44-1789-262891<br />
jhewson@eprl.co.uk<br />
Partners:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources (UK)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Systems (NL)<br />
Stichting Duurzame Energieproductie<br />
Pluimveehouderij (NL)<br />
NV Elektriciteits-Produktiemaatschappij<br />
Zuid-Nederland (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
ECO-WASTE<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective is to build and demonstrate<br />
a commercial operating PyroArc plant<br />
south of Trondheim in Norway. The capacity<br />
of the plant is 10 500 tonnes of waste per<br />
year and it will be possible to treat all<br />
sorts of waste, except radioactive.<br />
The plant will recover the energy from<br />
the combustible part of the waste and slag<br />
and metal from the non-combustible part.<br />
The energy will be recovered as hot water<br />
and electric power. The hot water will be<br />
utilised in the local grid and the electric<br />
power will be used partly internally, the<br />
rest being exported on the local net. Slag<br />
can be sold as a construction material<br />
while the metal can be sold to foundries for<br />
the production of simple foundry products,<br />
for example counter-weights on trucks.<br />
The plant will generate no, or very little,<br />
residue (for example ash) which has to be<br />
put in landfill.<br />
The PyroArc waste to energy<br />
process utilising gasification,<br />
plasma and vitrification<br />
technology<br />
Challenges<br />
Owing to increased public awareness for the<br />
environment and new regulations, there is a<br />
rising market for gasification processes.<br />
Many attempts have been made to achieve the<br />
great benefits of waste gasification. Most of the<br />
available, commercial gasification processes for<br />
waste today are combusting the produced gas<br />
directly after the gasification to prevent tar causing<br />
operational problems in the system downstream.<br />
The results are processes that are more or less<br />
equal to traditional incineration processes.<br />
Heading needed here<br />
The two stage PyroArc process is decomposing all<br />
the tar components formed in the gasifier by an<br />
integrated plasma generator into a decomposition<br />
reactor immediately after the gasifier. With this,<br />
all the advantages of using a gasification process<br />
are being achieved. It is producing a clean fuel gas,<br />
recovering the sensible heat, decomposing all<br />
toxic and harmful components, recovering energy<br />
and material efficiently and no, or very limited,<br />
amounts of waste is being produced that has to<br />
be put in landfill.<br />
32<br />
The PyroArc Process<br />
The process comprises a feed system, a melting<br />
shaft gasifier, a plasma generator system, a<br />
decomposition reactor, a gas quencher, an<br />
energy-recovery system and a dust collection and<br />
gas cleaning system.<br />
Solid waste materials are charged into the shaft<br />
gasifier through a lock hopper system. The<br />
organic components are converted into a partly<br />
oxidised syngas, while the remaining inorganic<br />
species melt. The syngas consists mainly of<br />
carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide,<br />
water and nitrogen but is also associated with<br />
a rather high content of tar-forming components<br />
(complex HC) and chlorinated hydrocarbons.<br />
Depending on the moisture of the feed, the<br />
temperature of the syngas will be around<br />
400 – 700 °C when it leaves the gasifier. In the<br />
consecutive plasma generator system and<br />
decomposition reactor, the gas decomposes<br />
completely due to the high temperature<br />
(3000 – 5000 °C) of the plasma-jet and its<br />
strong dynamic impact on the syngas which<br />
provides a homogeneous temperature of more<br />
than 1 100°C to all fraction of the syngas. Liquid<br />
waste will be fed directly into the plasma<br />
generator system.
The most important feature of the PyroArc<br />
process is that all the waste material that leaves<br />
the process has been exposed to sufficiently high<br />
temperatures for the decomposition of toxic<br />
elements. The products are a fuel gas, a leach<br />
resistant slag, molten metal and small amounts<br />
of secondary dust that may be subjected to the<br />
recovery of zinc.<br />
About 65% of the energy content of the waste is<br />
available as heat of combustion in the fuel gas,<br />
and almost 30% as sensible heat.<br />
The uniqueness of the process is the plasma<br />
generator system and the way it is used to<br />
decompose the syngas into a harmless fuel gas<br />
without any contents of tar. The main features<br />
of the plasma generator system are:<br />
1. a complete decomposition of the highly toxic<br />
halogenated organic compounds,<br />
2. the higher heating value of the produced fuel<br />
gas, and<br />
3. the decomposition of any tar components.<br />
The flow sheet of the PyroArc process.<br />
Project structure<br />
EnviroArc technologies (Norway) is the<br />
coordinator of the project. The partners will be<br />
ScanArc (Sweden), SINTEF (Norway), Trønder<br />
Energi (Norway), Sita (Sweden) and CF Nielsen<br />
(Denmark).<br />
The execution of the project will be carried out<br />
in three groups of tasks. The different groups are:<br />
1. R&D focusing on a special topic within the pretreatment,<br />
thermal unit, gas cleaning and<br />
energy production system<br />
2. design, construction, commissioning and start<br />
up of the PyroArc plant<br />
3. commercial operation of the plant.<br />
The Plasma generator.<br />
33<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-702-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> from Waste by Gasification and<br />
Plasma Cracking of Syngas with Multiple<br />
Recovery and Inert Rendering of Residues<br />
– ECO-WASTE<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Steinar Lynum<br />
EnviroArc Technologies<br />
Steinar.Lynum@EnviroArc.com<br />
Partners:<br />
EnviroArc Technologies (NO)<br />
ScanArc (S)<br />
SINTEF (NO)<br />
Trønder Energi (NO)<br />
C.F. Nielsen (DK)<br />
SITA (S)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
HIGH ENERGY<br />
RECOVERY<br />
Objectives<br />
One of the main objectives is to achieve<br />
waste incineration with steam parameters<br />
higher than shown thus far to reach a<br />
considerably better efficiency in electricity<br />
generation than is common in existing<br />
waste-incineration processes. In Europe,<br />
gross rates of 25% are accomplished at<br />
best in stand-alone waste incineration.<br />
To go beyond 34% gross rate will mean<br />
an improvement of 36% in electrical energy<br />
from waste recovery. This implies no less<br />
than a new set standard in the waste-toenergy<br />
field. That is also true for the net<br />
rate reached which will be well above 30%.<br />
There are three main objectives for the HR-<br />
AVI project:<br />
• net electric efficiency > 30%<br />
• availability > 90%<br />
• overall operational cost reduction –<br />
10% compared to the existing<br />
Amsterdam incineration lines<br />
A so-called RAMSE (Reliability,<br />
Availability, Maintainability, Safety,<br />
Environment) analyses based on<br />
waste-to-energy experience statistics<br />
collected over the last 85 years will<br />
further improve the design and<br />
performance over the years.<br />
Towards maximising<br />
energy from waste<br />
recovery<br />
Challenges<br />
The city of Amsterdam will extend its existing<br />
waste incineration plant with two new lines, the<br />
HR-AVI, high-energy recovery waste incineration.<br />
One of the main objectives of the new plant<br />
design is to raise the steam parameters to reach<br />
considerably higher efficiency in electricity<br />
generation than is common in existing wasteincineration<br />
processes.<br />
A number of interdependent measures are being<br />
taken in order to deal with raised steam<br />
parameters and to avoid corrosion of boiler<br />
tubes. The boiler is designed for high steam<br />
parameters and is based on innovative elements<br />
to allow this highly conditioned steam to be<br />
generated. Three innovative installation parts<br />
will be at the heart of the demonstrated design:<br />
1. The superheater temperature will rise from<br />
400° to 440°C.<br />
Higher steam parameters cause unavoidable<br />
massive corrosion on the superheaters, if<br />
conventional materials and conventional boiler<br />
designs are used. In order to overcome this<br />
limitation:<br />
- New alloys with a high corrosion resistance<br />
will be applied; and<br />
- The incineration process, the boiler design<br />
and the flue gas flow will be thoroughly<br />
optimised to minimise corrosion attack.<br />
2. A reheater will be used after the first turbine<br />
stage. High steam parameters permit a further<br />
increase of process efficiency by using steam<br />
reheating which has not been applied in any<br />
other waste-to-energy plants to date.<br />
34<br />
3. A larger economiser will reduce the actual<br />
boiler outlet temperature to 180°C and thereby<br />
minimise flue gas losses. Besides that, a<br />
second and third economiser in the flue gas<br />
treatment facility will provide extra energy<br />
recovery.<br />
A main limitation to process efficiency is the<br />
flue gas temperature at the boiler outlet.<br />
This temperature is normally in the range of<br />
200 to 240°C, and the remaining energy<br />
contents of the flue gases are not used. The<br />
high efficiency boiler will utilise the energy of<br />
the flue gases down to a temperature of<br />
180°C. <strong>Energy</strong> recovery with the second and<br />
third economiser is possible due to the special<br />
patented heat exchanger with an economically<br />
acceptable lifetime.<br />
A number of other measures will accompany<br />
these main features. They represent advanced<br />
techniques and will further contribute to the<br />
improvement of heat transfer in the boiler or<br />
otherwise improve the performance. The<br />
balanced combination of all the measures must<br />
guarantee undisturbed functioning at the level<br />
being pursued.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is structured in four stages:<br />
1. Design;<br />
2. Tendering, construction and installation;<br />
3. Commissioning; and<br />
4. Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination.
At the moment the second stage of the project<br />
is ongoing. The tendering and contracting<br />
procedure for the main parts of the installation<br />
is in preparation.<br />
Afval Energie Bedrijf, part of the administration<br />
of the city of Amsterdam, which is also the<br />
principal contractor for the FP5 project, will<br />
coordinate the project. Furthermore, there are<br />
two assistant contractors mainly responsible for<br />
the global design of the high-energy concept<br />
and for the evaluation and dissemination<br />
programme.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The present project can act as a pilot for a new<br />
generation of waste-to-energy plants in Europe<br />
and far beyond. It will bring the efficiency of<br />
electricity generation in waste incineration<br />
processes to a new level and will form the basis<br />
for further development. The effects on the CO2reduction<br />
potential will be substantial.<br />
On the <strong>European</strong> scale – with 220 million tonnes<br />
per year of household waste and household-like<br />
municipal waste – the potential with over 34%<br />
gross efficiency waste-fired power plants is a<br />
base load electricity production of approximately<br />
25,000 Mwe which is roughly twice the installed<br />
capacity in the Netherlands.<br />
Progress to date<br />
By concluding the Basic Design Report the<br />
outlines of the new incineration lines have been<br />
defined. The two lines will have the following<br />
qualifications:<br />
Nominal waste flow<br />
(two lines) 67.2 t/h<br />
Availability (design) > 90 %<br />
Yearly waste flow 530,000 t<br />
Electric output 63.55 MWel<br />
Gross efficiency 34.0 %<br />
Net efficiency 31.3 %<br />
The highest standards are being pursued as<br />
regards the burden on the environment. The<br />
guaranteed emission level will be clearly below<br />
Dutch flue gas emissions limits. In the worst<br />
case, NOx will be on the same level as the Dutch<br />
limit – 70 mg/m3. 35<br />
Turbine Expansion laws.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-189-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Demonstration of Three Innovative Steam<br />
Boiler Parts for a Considerably Higher<br />
Electricity Recovery Rate in Waste<br />
Incineration – HIGH ENERGY RECOVERY<br />
Duration: 72 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Wilhelm Sierhuis<br />
Gemeentelijke Dienst Afvalverwerking<br />
Tel: +31-20-5876201<br />
Fax: +31-20-5876200<br />
Wil_Sierhuis@afvalenergiebedrijf.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
Gemeentelijke Dienst Afvalverwerking (NL)<br />
Wandschneider und Gutjahr<br />
Ingenieurgesellschaft (D)<br />
WijdevenSutmuller & Partners (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
MBF<br />
Objectives<br />
The Mixed bio-fuel 38 MWe power plant<br />
project started on 1 January 2000 with<br />
FLS Miljø (DK) as the project coordinator,<br />
and <strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources Ltd. (UK)<br />
as a partner.<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
design, build, own and operate a mixed<br />
bio-fuel 38 MWe power plant in the UK.<br />
The plant’s major sub-systems comprise<br />
the biomass handling, firing system,<br />
supercritical boiler, flue-gas cleaning<br />
system, and turbine island.<br />
The firing system, consisting of feeding<br />
equipment, firing grate and furnace,<br />
had to be upgraded to accommodate<br />
biomass consisting primarily of miscanthus<br />
(with wood chips or straw as a substitute),<br />
poultry litter, and sludge.<br />
The eligible work packages for this<br />
project are:<br />
WP 1 Miscanthus Establishment and<br />
Logistics<br />
WP 2 Upgraded <strong>Bio</strong>mass Firing System.<br />
Mixed biofuel 38 MWe<br />
power plant<br />
Project structure<br />
FLS Miljø is the project coordinator and is<br />
responsible for all technical aspects and<br />
execution of this project. EPR is responsible for<br />
work package 1.<br />
The purchaser of the power generating plant<br />
will be <strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources Corby Limited<br />
(Corby, UK). The supplier of the plant will be<br />
FLSm and the plant will be constructed under a<br />
turnkey contract and operated and maintained<br />
under the same contract.<br />
Challenges<br />
The objective of the eligible part of the project<br />
is to demonstrate two innovative aspects of<br />
the plant. The first is the short rotation crop<br />
handling since miscanthus will be used as a<br />
primary biofuel on a commercial scale for the<br />
first time in UK. Miscanthus is a fast- growing,<br />
stiff-strawed biomass with good combustion<br />
characteristics. The second innovative part is<br />
the upgraded biomass firing system to burn the<br />
combination of miscanthus, poultry litter, sludge,<br />
and natural gas.<br />
36<br />
Expected benefits<br />
The major benefit of this project to the EU will be<br />
a yearly electrical output of some 256,500 MWh<br />
of CO2-neutral green energy while burning<br />
miscanthus for the first time in UK, and at high<br />
electrical efficiency of 35%. If this plant burnt<br />
coal it would generate 338,000 tonnes of CO2<br />
per year.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Miscanthus establishment and logistics<br />
9 ha of miscanthus has been established. It was<br />
planted at the beginning of May 2000 at a rate<br />
of approximately 3 rhizomes/m2. Plant growth<br />
has been monitored and conditions assessed<br />
approximately once a month. All plants look<br />
healthy and vigorous with no evidence of disease.<br />
A series of events and open days were<br />
undertaken to encourage farmers and growers<br />
to participate in a 500 ha demonstration trail.<br />
These events were successful and a number of<br />
potential host farmers have been identified.<br />
Several potential miscanthus growers have<br />
successfully applied for DEFRA-<strong>Energy</strong> Crops<br />
Scheme establishment grants. Additional growers<br />
have been identified and plan was to establish<br />
500 ha by June 2003.<br />
During 2000, Anglian Straw Ltd. successfully<br />
demonstrated the harvesting of miscanthus<br />
from trail plots using mower conditioner by<br />
producing high-density Hesston bales.
Isometric view of Corby Mixed <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuel plant.<br />
Design and engineering of the Corby plant<br />
The design and engineering of the Corby plant<br />
was divided into the following main sections:<br />
Fuel supply, reception and storage; boiler; fluegas<br />
treatment system; steam turbine plant and<br />
cooling system; water supply treatment and<br />
storage, ash handling and storage, generator, and<br />
control and instrumentation.<br />
The design basis was for nominal plant with a<br />
capacity of 38 MWe (net) based on mixed biofuels<br />
and 10% of natural gas. Mixed biofuel of nominal<br />
and maximum composition based on input<br />
power was:<br />
• Straw (miscanthus) nominal 58%, max. 90%<br />
• Poultry litter nominal 10%, max. 10%<br />
• Natural gas nominal 10%, max. 20%<br />
• Wood chips max. 15% (emergency operation,<br />
no poultry litter)<br />
The design, including all process calculations,<br />
detailed engineering, and layouts of the Corby<br />
plant was completed by FLSm by the summer<br />
of 2001.<br />
Process flow diagram for nominal load normal operation. Boiler layout for Corby Mixed <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuel plant.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Miscanthus development has been delayed<br />
due to severe wet weather in the UK, in particular<br />
in September 2000, and foot and mouth disease<br />
which made it difficult to persuade farmers<br />
to establish new crops. In the initial project<br />
planning it was expected to use commercial<br />
waste partially (as packaging) with gate fee, but<br />
that was not possible.<br />
Using straw as major fuel had a major negative<br />
impact on the project economics.<br />
The partners had a Non Fossil Fuel Obligation<br />
(NFFO) contract for 14 MW and were expecting<br />
to aggregate other NFFO contracts for MBF<br />
38 MWe plant. However, since each contract<br />
requires separate power output, the aggregation<br />
was not economically attractive. Furthermore,<br />
it was found out that the grid can only accept<br />
25 MWe so the economy of scale was disrupted,<br />
making plant economics unviable.<br />
Even though the Corby plant will not be built, the<br />
know-how obtained in the design and engineering<br />
of this plant can in future serve as a basis for<br />
the commercial offer and project execution for<br />
MBF plant of any size.<br />
37<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-394-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Mixed <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuel 38MWe Power Plant<br />
Project – MBF<br />
Duration: 54 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Vladimir Boscac<br />
FLS Miljø a/s<br />
Tel: +45-36181001<br />
Fax: +45-36174599<br />
vlb@flsmiljo.com<br />
Partners:<br />
FLS Miljø (DK)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
MON-CHP<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective is to build a 28 MW<br />
optimised biomass fired CHP plant in<br />
Monaghan, Ireland, and demonstrate a<br />
bubbling fluidised bed boiler with high<br />
plant availability of 92% and innovative<br />
integrated condensing economiser<br />
technology. The energy will be produced<br />
from spent mushroom compost (a world<br />
first). An overall energy efficiency<br />
(including auxiliary load) of 44.5%, heat to<br />
power ratio of 1 and an electrical efficiency<br />
of 26% will be achieved, reducing<br />
investment and operating costs by 18%.<br />
132 kt of CO2 emissions (O.5kg/kWh)<br />
will be avoided. A serious environmental<br />
problem, which has become a major barrier<br />
to the expansion of agricultural and<br />
horticultural businesses in the region,<br />
will be solved and the position of <strong>European</strong><br />
SMEs in the world market for biomass<br />
will be strengthened.<br />
A Solution to agricultural waste<br />
problems in Ireland – Development of an<br />
innovative biomass combined and heat<br />
plant in County Monaghan<br />
Challenges<br />
The mushroom and poultry industries in Ireland<br />
are mainly concentrated in the border counties<br />
of Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh and Tyrone. Waste<br />
spent mushroom compost (SMC) and poultry<br />
litter (PL) materials are disposed of locally<br />
through various methods. Land spreading is<br />
currently the main disposal route for wastes<br />
arising from these industries, but there is<br />
insufficient associated acreage to safely absorb<br />
these materials. As a result, groundwater and<br />
surface water in the county is becoming<br />
contaminated with excess nutrients, particularly<br />
phosphorous. Current and future legislation,<br />
including the EU Directive on Drinking Water<br />
Quality and the 1998 Phosphorous Regulations,<br />
will place limitations on current, unsustainable,<br />
agri-waste disposal practices within the region.<br />
Current waste management practices for SMC<br />
and PL are having a negative impact on the<br />
environment. Further expansion and current<br />
sustainability of the industries are in question due<br />
to restrictions imposed by the local authorities<br />
on land spreading and the move to reduce the<br />
amount of organic waste sent to landfill. The<br />
increase in land spreading of spent waste with<br />
associated high phosphorous concentrations<br />
has resulted in water quality deterioration in the<br />
area. Unless an alternative use for this material<br />
is found it will negatively impact on the sustained<br />
development of these industries. If these<br />
industries, which have tight profit margins, are<br />
to continue to develop in an environmentally,<br />
sustainable and economic manner then an<br />
alternative disposal method must be found to<br />
deal with the current waste problems. Interest<br />
was therefore stimulated into the research and<br />
development of cleaner, more environmentally<br />
friendly, disposal options for these materials<br />
and the promotion of a sustainable indigenous<br />
energy supply that will reduce reliance on<br />
imported fuels.<br />
The main aims of the project are, therefore, to<br />
provide solutions to the agri-environmental<br />
problems in County Monaghan, Ireland, whilst<br />
38<br />
simultaneously generating renewable energy.<br />
If Ireland is to honour its agreement to limit its<br />
growth in emission of greenhouse gases to 13%<br />
by 2010, then we must increase our use of<br />
energy from renewable sources immediately.<br />
An investigation into various renewable energy<br />
resources in Ireland found biomass to be a<br />
largely unexploited resource with huge potential.<br />
The project will make the first use of condensing<br />
economiser technology in a biomass CHP plant.<br />
CHP is considered an important element of the<br />
EU CO2 reduction policies and the use of biomass<br />
in CHP is an important factor in the increased<br />
usage of this environmentally friendly option.<br />
The facility will be unique in its ability to exploit<br />
a previously unutilised energy source; spent<br />
mushroom compost. Under normal operating<br />
conditions, the plant will generate an average<br />
22.5MW of electricity using biomass-based fuels.<br />
20 MW of this will be exported to the national grid.<br />
The proposed biomass CHP power plant will<br />
generate electricity using a spreader stoker<br />
boiler or similar technology, like the Bubbling<br />
Fluidised Bed and a conventional steam turbine<br />
generator. The steam turbine generator will be<br />
designed for a gross generating capacity<br />
(including export power and on-site use) of<br />
22.5MW. The thermal capacity of the biomass<br />
power plant at peak electrical capacity will be<br />
approximately 80MW. The biomass power plant<br />
will operate 24 hours per day, 8 200 hours per<br />
year and is expected to have an annual on-line<br />
availability of 92%.<br />
Project structure/<br />
Partnership approach<br />
A special purpose company, RENEWtech Limited,<br />
was set up to develop the project and the project<br />
developer is a wholly owned Irish company.<br />
South Western Co-operative Services Limited, in<br />
conjunction with four other partners from three<br />
EU Countries, received partial funding from the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission Research Department<br />
to build and operate the plant. Numerous
meetings and discussions have taken place<br />
between the parties. Public consultation<br />
meetings have been held with the local<br />
community, public bodies, Environmental<br />
Protection Agency and the planning authorities.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The utilisation of renewable energy in Ireland is<br />
very low with just over 3% of our energy coming<br />
from renewables – predominantly in the area of<br />
wind-power. There are currently no industrial<br />
CHP biomass developments in operation in<br />
Ireland but there is clearly a need to use<br />
renewable sources of energy if we are to sustain<br />
current rates of economic development.<br />
The project involves the replacement of electricity<br />
from a traditional power plant fired with fossil<br />
fuels with electricity produced from a biomass<br />
fired CHP Plant. The plant will use a boiler that<br />
will be fired with SMC and PL, and will be<br />
equipped with a complete system for a third<br />
biomass fuel, such as wood chips. The boiler will<br />
be capable of maintaining 100% load on two out<br />
of the three fuels. Produced steam will be used<br />
in a steam turbine generator set for the<br />
production of electricity – the efficiency is<br />
increased by recovering energy from the hot and<br />
humidified drying air from the fuel dryers by<br />
means of a condensing economiser unit. This<br />
energy is used for the pre-heating of combustion<br />
air and boiler feed water. Combustion of biomass<br />
is CO2 neutral, and the plant will reduce the<br />
CO2 production by 132 Kt. per annum. CHP is<br />
considered an important element of the EU CO2<br />
reduction policies and the use of biomass in CHP<br />
is an important factor in increasing the usage of<br />
this environmentally friendly option.<br />
The diversion of poultry litter and spent<br />
mushroom compost away from landfill and land<br />
spreading and its use in the production of green<br />
electricity will result in a reduced dependence on<br />
fossil fuels and an avoidance of 188kt C02 per<br />
annum to the atmosphere. This is in line with the<br />
Irish Government policy for promoting alternative<br />
energy and meeting our Kyoto Agreements.<br />
The development of this plant represents the first<br />
power plant in the world to burn a combination<br />
of poultry litter and spent mushroom compost.<br />
The development introduces a new, renewable<br />
energy, fuel source that was previously regarded<br />
as waste and also ‘state of the art’ technologies<br />
to convert this waste into an economical and<br />
environmentally friendly energy source.<br />
The generation of renewable energy is being<br />
actively promoted in the EU and while there is no<br />
commercial plant currently in operation utilising<br />
SMC as a raw material, there are a number of<br />
similar developments in operation globally that<br />
use other biomass-based fuels, including PL.<br />
The project will contribute 134GWh per annum<br />
to the EU target of 18% total gross electricity<br />
generation of the EC produced by CHP by 2010.<br />
The production of low cost energy with positive<br />
environmental benefits is the core of the<br />
Monaghan <strong>Bio</strong>mass Project. It will also contribute<br />
43 ktoe to the EU target of 135 Mtoe from<br />
biomass by 2010 and will contribute 14MWth to<br />
the EU target of 10GWth of biomass installations<br />
by 2003. In addition, demonstration of this<br />
project will strengthen the position of <strong>European</strong><br />
SME’s in the world market for biomass energy<br />
products and services and open the development<br />
of biomass CHP technology in Ireland.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Figure 1: Benefits of <strong>Bio</strong>mass <strong>Energy</strong>.<br />
The total timeframe for the project has been<br />
determined at 40 months and includes all<br />
aspects of the development. From identification<br />
and quantification of potential fuel resources;<br />
assessing potential site suitability from economic,<br />
social and environmental perspectives; applying<br />
for planning permission and obtaining an<br />
Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence from the<br />
Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);<br />
plant construction, commissioning and operation.<br />
A planning application, including a detailed<br />
39<br />
Environmental Impact Assessment, has been<br />
submitted for the development of the project.<br />
Upon receipt of planning permission, detailed<br />
work on the project engineering will continue and<br />
it is anticipated that this will take place towards<br />
the end of 2003. The construction period for<br />
the project is 18 months and it is therefore<br />
anticipated that an operational demonstration<br />
plant will be available in 2005.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-20229-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Optimised <strong>Bio</strong>mass CHP Plant for<br />
Monaghan Integrating Condensing<br />
Economiser Technology – MON-CHP<br />
Duration: 58 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Tim Cowhig<br />
South Western Services Co-operative<br />
Society Ltd<br />
Tel: +353-2-341271<br />
Fax: +353-2-341304<br />
Tim.Cowhig@sws.ie<br />
Partners:<br />
SWS (IRL)<br />
Aalborg Energie Technik (DK)<br />
Emvertec (UK)<br />
Integrated <strong>Energy</strong> Systems (UK)<br />
McCarron Poultry (IRL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing<br />
Figure 2: Site Location Map in<br />
Relation to Surrounding Environs.
READY<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of the original development<br />
was to design a process fulfilling the<br />
required quota whilst being economically<br />
and ecologically acceptable. While these<br />
goals could be fulfilled, further<br />
improvements (mainly on the energy yield)<br />
shall make the process ecologically and<br />
economically better. The objective of the<br />
research programme, with the acronym<br />
READY (RESHMENT Advanced <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Yield), is to improve the energy yield by a<br />
number of adaptations to the process and<br />
the equipment applied during it.<br />
While the overall energy yield (heat) will<br />
not be changed dramatically, the use of<br />
electrical energy shall be greatly reduced<br />
and the production of electrical energy<br />
shall be improved.<br />
The process will be sustainable in itself<br />
meaning that only reusable or recyclable<br />
products shall be aimed at. Recycling of the<br />
Zn/Pd fraction is still costly because of the<br />
large halogens content. Therefore, an<br />
objective is to find a means to lower the cost<br />
of such recycling by pre-processing it before<br />
sending it to the secondary Zn-industry.<br />
In order to fulfil the EU directive, not only<br />
must technologies be available but the<br />
market must also allow the building and<br />
operating of such plants. Another objective<br />
is, therefore, to study the feasibility of<br />
implementing such plants in the EU,<br />
considering the socioeconomic<br />
environment.<br />
RESHMENT – A novel<br />
approach for revalorisation<br />
of shredder residues<br />
Introduction<br />
The valorisation of shredder residue (SR),<br />
particularly from the automotive sector, has<br />
become an objective in the EU with the directive<br />
2000/53/EC. This directive asks for a weight<br />
quota for reuse, recycling and recovery of endof-life<br />
vehicles, which are usually shredded in<br />
order to recover and recycle metals. The<br />
remainder, a broad mixture of plastic, tissues,<br />
paper, wood and inorganic materials including<br />
metals, must be processed as well in order to<br />
fulfil the quota. Also this residue contains toxic<br />
materials, particularly heavy metals.<br />
The RESHMENT process was developed in order<br />
to fulfil the required quota. At the same time it<br />
is able to inertise toxic residues from MSW<br />
incinerators using a small part of the energy of<br />
the SR at very high temperature, avoiding the use<br />
of other (fossil) energy sources for such<br />
inertisation. The process still possesses a great<br />
potential for further improvement, particularly in<br />
its energy yield. The first commercial plant with<br />
55’000tpy is being planned in Switzerland and<br />
further development will improve its already<br />
interesting economics.<br />
40<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The large consumption of electrical energy in this<br />
process is due to two reasons: the milling unit<br />
used to prepare the waste for the smelting<br />
cyclone is a big consumer, and the other major<br />
user is the oxygen production used for the<br />
metallurgical process applied. Electrical power<br />
production is limited by the steam parameters<br />
of the heat recovery system because of the<br />
corrosive nature of some of the waste products<br />
contained in the SR. The problems to be<br />
addressed, therefore, are the following:<br />
• Is it possible to increase the size of the<br />
particles fed to the smelting cyclone without<br />
compromising its efficiency, leading to a lower<br />
requirement from the mill?<br />
• Is it possible to improve the mill so that it<br />
consumes less energy to produce the required<br />
particle size?<br />
• Can oxygen be partly replaced by air without<br />
compromising the metallurgical process?<br />
• What measures can be taken to improve the<br />
steam parameters in the waste heat boiler?<br />
In order to approach these problems, the basic<br />
flame behaviour, reaction kinetics and flow<br />
pattern of the smelting cyclone shall be explored<br />
applying CFD technology. Practical tests will<br />
prove the model built and allow adaptations to<br />
fit it environmentally. The model shall be used<br />
to explore the possibility using larger particles<br />
and air. Practical tests will again prove the<br />
modelling.<br />
Zn/Pd fraction pre-processing shall be studied<br />
on a lab-scale level, while the feasibility study will<br />
explore the possibilities to place a plant into a<br />
suitable location where the environmental impact,<br />
as well as economic considerations and logistics,<br />
will play a major role.
RESHMENT - Process.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is structured in four major fields:<br />
a) socioeconomic impact/feasibility,<br />
b) modelling and model testing of the smelting<br />
operation,<br />
c) improvement of the novel mill,<br />
d) development of cheap pre-processing for<br />
the Zn/Pb fraction.<br />
While a) is done by engineers/economists<br />
and lawyers, b), c) and d) are performed by<br />
scientist/engineers, which leads to an<br />
interdisciplinary team covering a wide range<br />
of subjects.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The impact of the improved technology is the<br />
combined solution of two large waste problems<br />
in Europe with a higher energy yield and a lower<br />
cost compared with today’s technologies. The SR<br />
and MSW fly ash will be completely reused and<br />
recycled, while there will be no additional waste<br />
thus fulfilling Europe’s goal of sustainable waste<br />
management. Since emissions from the plant will<br />
be extremely low and energy yield will be high,<br />
such plants will improve the environmental balance<br />
of the region lowering the emissions of CO2.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The programme has just started making the first<br />
improvements to the mill, already showing a better<br />
outcome on energy consumption. Further results<br />
shall be known within the next six months.<br />
41<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-2001-743<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Reshment with Advanced <strong>Energy</strong> Yield –<br />
READY<br />
Duration: 30 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Trifilo Actelios<br />
Actelios SpA<br />
Trifilo.Actelios@Falck.it<br />
Partners:<br />
Actelios (I)<br />
Schafer Elektrotechnik (D)<br />
Sondermaschinen (D)<br />
Cinar (UK)<br />
CTU – Conzepte Technik Umwelt (CH)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ASMICAF<br />
Objectives<br />
The target of this co-operative (CRAFT)<br />
EU project is to develop a prototype<br />
process for binding harmful substances<br />
with the production and use of a secondary<br />
fuel pellet from organic wastes by adding<br />
inexpensive inorganic compounds such as<br />
lime, alumina and an acidic mineral<br />
catalyst. The process will provide a<br />
solution for cleaner energy production,<br />
utilising hard-to-treat organic waste like<br />
light-shredder fraction from car recycling,<br />
industrial waste, sewage sludge or<br />
municipal solid waste (MSW).<br />
Among the important properties of the<br />
designed secondary fuel pellet will be that<br />
it is odourless, sterile, storable,<br />
transportable, unleachable, inexpensive,<br />
compact, has a high calorific value (even<br />
on changing refuse fractions) and emits<br />
almost no halogenides, sulphur, heavy<br />
metals and tars when combusted or<br />
pyrolysed. With these qualities it will be<br />
possible to produce clean energy from<br />
organic wastes in smaller, decentralised<br />
plants in a highly economical way.<br />
Clean energy from refuse<br />
derived fuel<br />
Challenges<br />
Despite increased efforts in the EU member<br />
states to reduce the amount of wastes (or trials<br />
to recycle it), the question for an economical and<br />
ecological solution for hard-to-treat wastes, like<br />
light-shredder fractions from car recycling,<br />
industrial wastes, sewage sludge or even<br />
municipal solid wastes, is still there. The problem<br />
gets more pressing with newer, ecologicallywelcomed<br />
regulations that forbid the questionable<br />
landfill of untreated wastes in the EU member<br />
states over the next years (Council directive<br />
1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste).<br />
The production of clean energy from nonrecyclable<br />
organic wastes by thermal treatment<br />
is a solution to this problem, substituting fossil<br />
fuels. Classic thermal treatment plants are huge,<br />
centralised industrial systems with the objective<br />
to mineralise. Enormous efforts are taken into<br />
account to hold to the very tight limits for<br />
emissions that are regulated in the EU member<br />
states (Council directive 2000/76/EC on the<br />
incineration and co-incineration of waste).<br />
The waste-to-energy conversion efficiency is low<br />
because the plants are designed to incinerate<br />
wastes with low calorific values and most of<br />
the effort goes in the expensive flue gas<br />
treatment which provides an ‘end of the pipe’<br />
solution. The high amounts of chlorine in some<br />
wastes are of special importance as these are<br />
the cause of corrosion of the plant material<br />
and a source for increased emissions of dioxins.<br />
42<br />
This project provides an ecological and<br />
economical solution by producing an inexpensive<br />
secondary fuel pellet from hard to treat organic<br />
wastes and inorganic additives like lime, alumina<br />
and an acidic mineral catalyst, which bind harmful<br />
substances during the production and use of the<br />
fuel. The result is a reduction in effort for the flue<br />
gas treatment. The designed secondary fuel<br />
pellets will be odourless, sterile, storable,<br />
transportable, unleachable, inexpensive, compact<br />
and have a high calorific value even on changing<br />
refuse fractions.<br />
Using combined heat and power generators<br />
(CHP), energy can be yielded after combustion<br />
or pyrolysis of the pellets. Due to the binding<br />
capabilities of the inorganic additives that is<br />
achieved by a specialised pelletising method,<br />
the amount of halogenides, sulphur, tars and<br />
heavy metals that are emitted when combusted<br />
or pyrolysed, are minimised. The resulting<br />
residues are unleachable and can be used as<br />
construction material.<br />
The problem of changing refuse qualities will<br />
be solved by using intelligent process control<br />
technology which will permit the production of<br />
a high quality secondary fuel with constant<br />
binding capabilities and a high calorific value.
Project structure<br />
The project is organised as an EU CRAFT project<br />
under the acronym ASMICAF (development of an<br />
innovative acidic shape-selective mineral catalyst<br />
added pelletised fuel from organic wastes) with<br />
two RTD performers and five SME contractors<br />
from four EU member states.<br />
Figure 1 represents the structure of the<br />
consortium. The consortium’s SME members<br />
provide solutions for pyrolysis, waste management<br />
and process control technology. The RTD<br />
performers are providers of intelligent control<br />
technologies, chemical analytics and environmental<br />
engineering.<br />
The research during the project is focussed on<br />
the development of an intelligent process control<br />
technology, the pelletising process and the<br />
analysis of combustion and high temperature<br />
pyrolysis behaviour of the pellets on different<br />
compositions.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
After the successful implementation of the<br />
ASMICAF prototype process, a pilot plant is<br />
planned to start the exploitation of the results.<br />
The expected environmental impact will be that<br />
an economical way to produce clean energy<br />
from hard-to-treat organic wastes will be available,<br />
which conserves fossil fuels and treats the<br />
wastes prior to use as a construction material.<br />
The plant will be economically feasible, even on<br />
a small scale, which will reduce the transport of<br />
the wastes to the plant for utilisation and ease<br />
the location of a heat sink for the thermal energy<br />
of the used cogeneration system.<br />
A recent study from Frost and Sullivan estimates<br />
a demand of 166 large scale thermal treatment<br />
plants which would be commissioned between<br />
2003 and 2009 across the <strong>European</strong> countries.<br />
They expect a diversification in the waste<br />
treatment industry with great market potentials<br />
for newer technologies, realised by small and<br />
medium sized enterprises (SME) in a market<br />
that is currently dominated by large companies.<br />
This emerging market is envisaged and a<br />
successful exploitation will give new opportunities<br />
for the <strong>European</strong> SME contractors of the project<br />
and can give new employment possibilities.<br />
Results<br />
First publishable results are expected at the<br />
end of 2003 and will be available from the<br />
project’s website.<br />
Figure 1: Structure of ASMICAF.<br />
43<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT2002-30024<br />
Title: Development of an Innovative<br />
Acidic Shape-Selective Mineral Catalyst<br />
added Pelletised Fuel from Organic<br />
Wastes – ASMICAF<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Christoph Friedrich<br />
University Witten-Herdecke<br />
Tel: +49-2302-914-7788<br />
Fax: +49-2302-914-777<br />
friedrich@ibis-uwh.de<br />
Partners:<br />
TECCON Innovation (D)<br />
INASMET (E)<br />
Relux Recycling & Umwelttechnik (D)<br />
TRADEBE (E)<br />
Private Universität Witten-Herdecke (D)<br />
BSMA (F)<br />
PYROMEX (UK)<br />
Website:<br />
http://www.ibis-uwh.de/Projekte/asmicaf<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOCAT<br />
Objectives<br />
The scope of this project is to develop an<br />
efficient technology for the conversion of<br />
biomass to clean and renewable liquid<br />
bio-oil. This is in order to facilitate its<br />
introduction to the <strong>European</strong> energy<br />
market as a renewable fuel for diesel<br />
engines or as a source of high value<br />
chemicals. The technology will be based<br />
on catalytic biomass pyrolysis using new<br />
innovative porous catalysts and novel<br />
reactors.<br />
Production of bio-oil via<br />
catalytic biomass pyrolysis<br />
Challenges<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass flash pyrolysis (BFP) is a very promising<br />
thermochemical process for the production of<br />
liquid products (up to 80%wt on biomass).<br />
However, large-scale applications are still under<br />
careful consideration because of the high<br />
upgrading costs required for BFP liquids. In this<br />
project the possibility for the production of stable<br />
liquid bio-fuels from biomass flash pyrolysis in<br />
a single stage catalytic process is being<br />
investigated. This is achieved through mild<br />
cracking reactions taking place in the presence<br />
of appropriate catalysts within the pyrolysis<br />
process and prior bio-oil condensation, without<br />
the use of external hydrogen.<br />
Project structure<br />
The initial phase of the project includes<br />
fundamental studies for the development and<br />
bench scale evaluation of the appropriate new<br />
catalysts. In a second phase the most promising<br />
catalysts are scaled up and evaluated in pilot<br />
scale in three reactor technologies. Finally the<br />
bio-oil is tested in diesel engines while phenols<br />
separated from bio-oil are tested as wood<br />
adhesive. The experiments performed provide the<br />
basis for kinetic and reactor modelling studies<br />
along with technoeconomical studies of the<br />
integrated technology.<br />
44<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Upon the successful development of a catalytic<br />
biomass pyrolysis process, the interest and<br />
application of pyrolysis oils will be increased. This<br />
will have a positive impact on the environment<br />
since the use of this renewable bio-fuel will help<br />
Europe to meet the target of the Kyoto Protocol,<br />
that is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions<br />
by 8 % up to 2010 (300 tn CO2 reduction/tn of<br />
biomass). Moreover, the project will enforce the<br />
biomass role in the <strong>European</strong> energy balance. By<br />
developing a promising technology, the cost and<br />
risks of fossil fuel imports will be eliminated and<br />
the project will help to contribute to the EU goal<br />
of increasing the share of renewable energy<br />
sources to 12% in the <strong>European</strong> energy market<br />
by the year 2010. The project will also have a<br />
positive impact on the development of a new<br />
market for the non-fuel applications of bio-oil<br />
(substitution of petrochemicals with biochemicals)<br />
with a much higher added-value. Taking into<br />
account all these applications of bio-oil, the<br />
contribution to the rural economy will be<br />
important and new employment opportunities will<br />
be created in Europe. Regarding the exploitation<br />
of the project results, it concerns the<br />
development of new processes (BTG, CPERI), new<br />
catalysts (GRACE, SINTEF) and bio-adhesives<br />
(ARI). A further scaling up of the catalytic biomass<br />
pyrolysis process is foreseen and this could be<br />
the subject of a future EU demonstration project.
Results of catalytic processes.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project has completed its first year and the<br />
main work was mainly devoted to the synthesis<br />
and evaluation of new, innovative, catalytic<br />
materials (based on mesoporous MCM-41 and<br />
zeolitic ZSM-5) for biomass catalytic pyrolysis<br />
using three different biomass feeds. Both types<br />
of catalysts were evaluated in a bench scale<br />
reactor. The results (see figures above) showed<br />
that the type of catalysts can completely alter the<br />
composition of the bio-oil received from biomass<br />
pyrolysis. From this evaluation the best ZSM-5<br />
and MCM-41 catalysts regarding the bio-liquid<br />
quality were identified and proposed for scale up<br />
studies in the three pilot plants.<br />
The pilot plant testing of biomass catalytic<br />
pyrolysis is in progress and up-to-date preliminary<br />
tests were carried out in a fluid bed and in a<br />
circulating fluid bed reactor. Modelling studies,<br />
taking into account decomposition kinetics and<br />
the relevant transport phenomena, were also<br />
performed based on literature data and data<br />
provided from the partners. Regarding the<br />
extraction of useful chemicals from bio-oil, an<br />
effective separation procedure was developed<br />
based on the washing of bio-oil with<br />
dichloromethane (DCM) and small amounts of<br />
acetone. A liquid-liquid extraction scheme was<br />
applied in order to separate and analyse the oil<br />
components into different groups on the basis of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-oil production via biomass catalytic pyrolysis.<br />
their polarity: neutrals, phenols, acids and bases.<br />
Finally the specifications of bio-oil, which are<br />
required to run it in diesel engines, were<br />
established and it was found that the fuel acidity<br />
and the high temperature stability are the most<br />
important properties. Moreover, the use of biooil<br />
as a substitute for petroleum phenol, for the<br />
production of Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) synthetic<br />
resins (which are commonly applied in wood<br />
panel manufacture), was tested using a noncatalytic<br />
bio-oil. It was found that even this liquid<br />
could be used at substitution levels up to 30%.<br />
Catalytically produced bio-oil is going to be tested<br />
in diesel engines and in PF production in the next<br />
phase of the project.<br />
➞ ➞<br />
45<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00510<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Catalyst Development for Catalytic<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Flash Pyrolysis Producing<br />
Promissing Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>-Fuels – BIOCAT<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Angelo Lappas<br />
Centre for Research & Technology Hellas<br />
Tel: +30-2310-498100<br />
Fax: +30-2310-498180<br />
angel@aliakmon.cperi.certh.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
Centre for Research & Technology<br />
Hellas (GR)<br />
Grace (D)<br />
DECHEMA (D)<br />
Foundation for Technical & Industrial<br />
Research at the Norwegian Institute of<br />
Technology (NO)<br />
Royal Institute of Technology (S)<br />
Adhesives Research Institute (GR)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
COMBIO<br />
Objectives<br />
The general aim of the project is to verify a<br />
new liquid biofuel chain for heat production<br />
and entry into the heating fuel market.<br />
Liquid biofuel will be produced from forestry<br />
residue by fast pyrolysis. The objectives<br />
are to solve technical problems related<br />
to the issue, and to address the principal<br />
economic uncertainties. These include<br />
generation of process performance data<br />
of pyrolysis oil production, defining<br />
preliminary fuel specifications, generating<br />
oil combustion data to develop a fuel with<br />
less emissions, improving fuel quality,<br />
and finally improving the economic<br />
competitiveness of the whole bioenergy<br />
chain.<br />
A new competitive liquid<br />
biofuel for heating<br />
Challenges<br />
The development work faces many challenges.<br />
Improving the economical competitiveness of<br />
the bioenergy chain and its components is one<br />
of the key factors involved in penetrating into the<br />
heating fuel market. The main competitors in the<br />
market are chips, pellets and light fuel oil.<br />
Fulfilling the specifications and needs required<br />
by users demands a clear vision of the future<br />
needs of the market.<br />
There are certain things to be done concerning<br />
the fuel itself. The first condition is that the fuel<br />
quality needs to be high. To date there has been<br />
no long-term experience with pyrolysis oil at the<br />
pilot and industrial scale due to a lack of<br />
sufficient quantities of suitable quality fuel.<br />
There are also questions to be solved concerning<br />
the fuel’s stability, acidity, and health/safety<br />
issues. It is crucial that the emissions are<br />
reduced to the minumum.<br />
Project structure<br />
A stage-wise approach for R&D work is being<br />
adopted. In general terms, the project includes<br />
pyrolysis oil production (large quantities), longterm<br />
utilisation tests, determination of fuel<br />
specifications, oil quality improvement, and<br />
verification of the whole concept from biomass<br />
to pyrolysis oil use.<br />
Stage 1<br />
First, the issues common to potential applications<br />
(replacing heavy and light fuel oil in boilers) are<br />
addressed and the entire utilisation chain is<br />
verified with the technically least demanding<br />
46<br />
alternative. The common issues include fuel<br />
harvesting, conversion, storage, transportation<br />
and use. The first stage is to verify a continuous<br />
pilot-scale production of pyrolysis oil, followed<br />
by industrial scale use in a boiler. Individual<br />
topics in the chain cannot be optimised<br />
separately but, due to interaction between<br />
stages, the chain has to be considered as a<br />
whole.<br />
Stage 2<br />
For replacement of heavy fuel oil in large boilers<br />
and light fuel oil in intermediate and small<br />
boilers, specifications for pyrolysis oil will be<br />
defined. Feedback from utilisation tests will be<br />
used. Utilisation tests include long-term<br />
combustion tests of biofuel from laboratory<br />
scale to industrial scale. The aim is to generate<br />
fundamental pyrolysis oil combustion data to<br />
help develop higher quality fuels with less<br />
emissions, easy ignition and high stability.<br />
Stage 3<br />
While the pyrolysis oil production and use is<br />
being implemented and developed, work on oil<br />
quality improvement can be started in a PDU<br />
(Process Development Unit) and at laboratory<br />
scale. Pyrolysis oil quality is improved to increase<br />
potential user applications from medium to small<br />
boilers, CHP and eventually to power production.<br />
Use of emulsions and hot vapour filtration are<br />
seen as a means of reducing cost and lowering<br />
emissions in utilisation. Data and feedback<br />
received from combustion tests will be used in<br />
this work.
VTT’s Process Development Unit (PDU).<br />
Stage 4<br />
The complete pyrolysis oil utilisation chain will<br />
be assessed on a technical and economic basis.<br />
Two country specific case studies (Finland and<br />
Italy) will be prepared, illustrating two applications<br />
for pyrolysis oil. Detailed cost and performace<br />
analysis will be carried out, including estimates<br />
of emissions. Cases have been selected to<br />
represent different applications in order to<br />
expand pyrolysis oil utilisation. The objective of<br />
this task is to provide concrete information<br />
about the exploitation possibilities and market<br />
application of the proposed technologies.<br />
Experimental results from other work done in the<br />
project will provide a basis for analysis along with<br />
other published data available.<br />
To implement the work planned, there are seven<br />
partners from three <strong>European</strong> countries: VTT<br />
Processes (Finland), Fortum Oil and Gas Oy<br />
(Finland), Fortum Värme (Sweden), Istituto Motori<br />
(Italy), CSGI (Italy), ETA (Italy) and Vapo Oy<br />
(Finland). Basically, the companies involved in the<br />
project have plans to use and produce pyrolysis<br />
oil, while the R&D organisations are striving to<br />
improve the process and fuel quality.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The pyrolysis process is able to produce high<br />
yields of liquid product which can be shipped,<br />
stored and utilised more economically than solid<br />
fuels on the small to medium-sized scale. Another<br />
significant advantage is that pyrolysis oil provides<br />
an opportunity to bring renewable energy into<br />
cities. It is simple and easy to use, and emissions<br />
are low (CO2-neutral). Also, the technical and<br />
economical attractiveness of transportation<br />
promotes any future use. Pyrolysis oil is a highefficiency<br />
renewable liquid energy which can<br />
even be transported over long distances.<br />
If the development work is successful, the<br />
application may become industrially significant<br />
in Europe in the next few years. The first possible<br />
market area for pyrolysis oil is estimated to be<br />
the northern parts of Europe which includes<br />
Finland, Sweden and the Baltic region. Expansion<br />
to central Europe and beyond is also in sight.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Forestera - driving forces.<br />
The project started at the beginning of 2003. The<br />
first six months have included feedstock delivery<br />
and pyrolysis oil production. This has been<br />
followed by medium boiler tests. Preliminary<br />
emulsification experiments with typical quality<br />
pine saw dust pyrolysis oil (pyrolysis oil emulsion<br />
behaviour characterisation) have been started in<br />
which two oils are handled. In addition, work on<br />
fuel specifications and case studies are ongoing.<br />
The project website will go on-line during the<br />
first year.<br />
47<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2002-00690<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
A new Competitive Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>fuel for<br />
Heating – COMBIO<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Yrjo Solantausta<br />
VTT Processes<br />
Tel: +358-9-4565517<br />
Fax: +358-9-460493<br />
yrjo.solantausta@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT Processes (FIN)<br />
CHR-National Research Council of Italy (I)<br />
Eta - Energia, Trasporti, Agricoltura (I)<br />
Fortum Oil and Gas (FIN)<br />
Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo<br />
Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (I)<br />
Birka Vaerme (S)<br />
Vapo (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Ribe <strong>Bio</strong>gas plant in DK (Krüger©).<br />
EFFECTIVE<br />
Objectives<br />
It is well known that Molten Carbonate<br />
Fuel Cells (MCFC) have high efficiencies.<br />
For example the efficiency of MTU’s HOT<br />
MODULE is approx. 47% (AC) and close to<br />
90%, if the thermal energy can be used,<br />
even when the module is fuelled with<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas. MCFC’s are currently (among all<br />
types of FC’s) best suited for <strong>Bio</strong>gas and<br />
enable electricity generation in avoidance<br />
of valueless heat, usually occurring when<br />
conventional CHP’s (Combined Heat and<br />
Power Units) with an efficiency of approx.<br />
36% (AC) are used. Since biogas is a<br />
mixture of methane and carbon dioxide it is<br />
surprising that the MCFC solely among all<br />
types of fuel cells gains an advantage of<br />
the presence of carbon dioxide. Carbon<br />
dioxide takes part in the electrochemical<br />
cell reaction and has a determining role in<br />
the formation of the electrochemical<br />
potential.<br />
A precondition for the use of <strong>Bio</strong>gas in<br />
MCFC’s is the elimination of accompanying<br />
traces of detrimental gases. Therefore the<br />
RTD-work is twofold: two gas upgrading<br />
units have been developed, and the<br />
endurance of MCFC’s for <strong>Bio</strong>gas use must<br />
be confirmed. Major reasons why<br />
renewable energy projects fail, is the onesided<br />
focus on technical aspects. That is<br />
why non-technical barriers shall be taken<br />
into account.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas – MCFC systems as<br />
a challenge for sustainable<br />
energy supply<br />
Challenges<br />
Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves the breakdown<br />
of organic waste by bacteria in an oxygen-free<br />
environment. The biogas produced as a result is,<br />
as a renewable energy CO2 neutral. By converting<br />
the chemical energy into electrical energy in a<br />
high temperature fuel cell, it is possible to<br />
increase the electricity output in comparison to<br />
conventional CHP).<br />
This does not only produce less CO2 emissions<br />
per produced kWh (in comparison with classical<br />
CHPs) but it also has been proven that using<br />
biogas as fuel is followed by a drastic decrease<br />
of regional emissions of methane.<br />
Furthermore, MCFC’s have the lowest NOx, SO2 and VOC emission-levels compared to other<br />
conventional systems. Another feature of the<br />
high temperature fuel cell is that a part of the<br />
thermal energy, which is created in the<br />
electrochemical process, can be consumed<br />
directly at the location where it is released. This<br />
internal heat removal happens during the<br />
conversion of the methane into the<br />
electrochemical active species, hydrogen, which<br />
is an endothermal process and known as<br />
“Internal Reforming”.<br />
Until now, hardly any experience has been gained<br />
concerning the utilization of biogas in fuel cells.<br />
Innovative aspects are the development of the<br />
gas cleaning units for biogas, to remove<br />
especially H2S, as well as endurance and<br />
performance information on MCFC – gas cleaning<br />
unit. Finally a novel technique, based on adapted<br />
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for the holistic<br />
technology integration is used. QFD will enable<br />
the identification of optimal locations for the<br />
MCFC-<strong>Bio</strong>gas plant compound in Austria, Spain<br />
and Slovakia.<br />
48<br />
The major innovative step is however the<br />
combination of MCFC’s and <strong>Bio</strong>gas technology.<br />
Therefore answers concerning i) the gas<br />
upgrading (reliability, costs…), ii) the endurance<br />
and performance of the MCFC system with<br />
slightly changing gas quality and composition and<br />
iii) the integration of the technology in the market<br />
have to be analysed and/or improved.<br />
Project structure and approach<br />
The multidisciplinary and multisectorial approach<br />
of the project and the composition of the<br />
consortium promises successful teamwork. The<br />
needed critical mass is achieved through a well<br />
balanced consortium: on the one hand a fuel cell<br />
supplier and fuel cell specialists (MTU FC and<br />
CIEMAT), gas upgraders (PROFACTOR and<br />
SEABORNE), socio-economists (STUDIA), biogas<br />
experts (UNI NITRA) and end users (URBASER &<br />
LINZ AG).<br />
The RTD-work is twofold: Two gas cleaning units<br />
have been developed, one based on a biological<br />
and the other on a chemical principle, that reduce<br />
e.g. H2S in <strong>Bio</strong>gas from 300 ppm (=state of the<br />
art) to under 10 ppm. The expected endurance of<br />
MCFC’s using <strong>Bio</strong>gas as fuel is to be confirmed<br />
with two testbeds, each comprising a 300 W<br />
MCFC-lab size stack (figure 1), manufactured by<br />
MTU, and their respective gas cleaning units.<br />
One of the testbeds (mobile) is coupled with the<br />
chemical gas cleaning unit and is being tested in<br />
three different locations with different gas<br />
qualities. The second testbed (stationary) is<br />
coupled with the biological gas cleaning unit and<br />
is meant to be used for long term tests. Nontechnical<br />
barriers such as economic, logistic,<br />
legal and social aspects are being assessed in<br />
Austria, Spain, Germany and Slovakia for the<br />
technology integration of the systems compound.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The large potential for biogas coming from<br />
biogas producing facilities in both agricultural<br />
as well as industrial sectors shows a virgin<br />
area of core business for the involved sectors.<br />
The exploitation of the results is clearly focused<br />
on the promotion of the implementation of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas Plants using MCFC’s. The gas upgrading<br />
systems are to be further developed and<br />
commercialized after the finalization of the<br />
project.<br />
Progress to date<br />
After the first material analysis it can be said in<br />
a preliminary way, that <strong>Bio</strong>gas does not harm the<br />
fuel cell in no way. It moreover increases its<br />
efficiency.<br />
The work performed on the technical side of<br />
the project was the development of both the<br />
chemical as well as the biological gas cleaning<br />
units with their subsequent analytical tests. This<br />
included the setting of common interfaces<br />
between the gas cleaning units, biogas plants<br />
and the MCFC unit.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>logical gas cleaning unit: Preliminary results<br />
show that the H2S concentration in the outlet<br />
biogas is always under 10 ppm with an inlet of<br />
approximately 400 ppm H2S. The chemical<br />
biogas upgrading system has achieved together<br />
with the first MCFC test cycle also values of<br />
under 10 ppm.<br />
Single cell tests have been performed in order<br />
to find out the impact of NH3 on the cells. The<br />
observations were the following: (1) A slight<br />
break through of ammonia was observed.<br />
(2) The amount of ammonia, which broke through,<br />
depended on the applied load. (3) The ammonia<br />
did not cause any additional corrosion on the cell<br />
components during the operation time of about<br />
2000 h. Additional tests should however be<br />
Figure 1: Assembly of MCFC<br />
stack at MTU premises.<br />
done in order to find explanations for the<br />
ammonia break through.<br />
The construction of the 2 testbeds (figure 2)<br />
proved to be more complicated than expected,<br />
in part due to the high safety standards set by<br />
the German TÜV.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The first test cycle was performed at SEABORNEs<br />
location, in Owschlag, Germany. The burn-out<br />
procedure was started on this stack in April<br />
2002 at the facilities of MTU in Ottobrunn,<br />
Germany. Then the stack was cooled down and<br />
delivered to Seaborne, where it was reactivated<br />
at the end of May. After 2,500 h operation the<br />
tests were terminated.<br />
It is likely that the gas composition was not<br />
stable during the experimental run and the CH4 :<br />
CO2-ratio was shifted towards higher amounts of<br />
the CO2 . Therefore the real electrical efficiency<br />
(DC) should be expected to be in the range<br />
between 35 and 52% (DC). Results on the test<br />
operation in Nitra will soon be available.<br />
Figure 2: MCFC Testbed (left<br />
MCFC unit, right controlling unit)<br />
at the Seaborne premises.<br />
49<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-1999-00007<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas – MCFC Systems as a Challenge<br />
for Sustainable <strong>Energy</strong> Supply – EFFECTIVE<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Partners:<br />
- Profactor Produktionsforschung (A)<br />
- Centro de Investigaciones Energeticas<br />
Medioambientales y Tecnologicas (E)<br />
- LINZ AG (A)<br />
- MTU Fuel Cells (D)<br />
- Seaborne Environmental Research<br />
Laboratory (D)<br />
- Slovenska Polnohospodarska<br />
Universitá v Nitre (SK)<br />
- Schlierbach Studienzentrum für<br />
Internationale Analysen (A)<br />
- Urbaser (E)<br />
Contact point:<br />
Steven Trogisch<br />
Tel: +43-7252-884242<br />
Fax: +43-7252-884244<br />
Steven.trogisch@profactor.at<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Antonio Paparella<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957240<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
antonio.paparella@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Figure 1: A view of the building<br />
where the pilot plant is installed.<br />
PYROHEAT<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective of the project is to<br />
demonstrate the technical and economic<br />
feasibility of generating heat from a<br />
pyrolytic liquid (PL) derived from biomass.<br />
The advantage of using a liquid fuel instead<br />
of solid fuels such as bark, sawdust etc. is<br />
well recognised. The specific objectives of<br />
the project are:<br />
• Improve PL quality, increase PL yield and<br />
improve overall operation in a pilot scale<br />
plant producing PL, supporting these<br />
developments with work carried out in<br />
PDU scale<br />
• Produce several tonnes of PL to be used<br />
in combustion tests<br />
• Modify mineral oil burner and boiler for<br />
the use of PL<br />
• Execute a utilisation campaign of PL in<br />
modified boilers<br />
• Assess the potential of the concept at<br />
the base of the project.<br />
A renewable liquid fuel<br />
produced from biomass<br />
suitable for heat generation<br />
Problem addressed<br />
Liquids produced by pyrolysis from biomass are<br />
estimated to be the lowest cost liquid bio-fuel.<br />
A high efficiency (65%) process has been<br />
projected for industrial scale production. However,<br />
the larger units that have been operating in<br />
Europe have not yet been able to reach the<br />
expected efficiency. This is due to the fact that<br />
during scale up of these systems, solutions<br />
have been used that have not been employed on<br />
the laboratory scale work. This project is aimed<br />
at an improved operation of the pyrolysis pilot<br />
plant, owned and operated by ENEL, with an<br />
increase of the efficiency. The PL currently<br />
available for industrial scale utilisation tests all<br />
have unfavourable fuel properties, which hamper<br />
their use. Fuel properties which need most<br />
further improvements are:<br />
• Homogeneity, stability, reactivity<br />
• Viscosity<br />
• Solid content, particle size of solids.<br />
A number of improvements have been suggested,<br />
e.g. hot vapour filtration (HVF), solvent addition<br />
and chemical upgrading in order to improve the<br />
value of PL as fuel. However HVF is not currently<br />
available for large scale application, the addition<br />
of solvents increases cost and chemical<br />
upgrading has been shown to be expensive, if<br />
feasible at all. Removal of solids from PL remains<br />
as one of the critical problems. If solids can be<br />
removed, several other properties affecting fuel<br />
quality will also be improved. Forestera example,<br />
it has been shown that removal of solids<br />
improves stability<br />
50<br />
Differences have been detected in combustion<br />
behaviour of pyrolysis liquid from different<br />
biomasses in both small laboratory scale work<br />
and industrial furnaces. Much of the different<br />
combustion behaviour of PL compared to mineral<br />
oils has been explained through ordinary liquid<br />
fuel properties, e.g. viscosity (injection spray<br />
formation), water content (ignition) or solids<br />
content of PL (unburned particulates). However,<br />
other phenomena are also included as pyrolysis<br />
oils from similar biomasses produced in different<br />
processes (PL with same physical characteristics)<br />
may behave in a different way in combustion.<br />
Although several biomasses have been proposed<br />
as feeds, and tested in laboratory scale pyrolysis<br />
units, there is very little information concerning<br />
the suitability of these liquids for use. Only<br />
pyrolysis oils from bark-free wood have been<br />
combusted in boilers and engines. However,<br />
bark-free wood fuels are probably too expensive<br />
for industrial energy applications.<br />
Pyrolysis oil use<br />
Handling, storage, and health and safety issues<br />
have been developed to assist in future<br />
demonstrations. A manual for sampling (both<br />
laboratory and demonstration level) and fuel oil<br />
analysis of PL has been published by VTT<br />
Of the PL applications considered, technically<br />
closest to feasibility is to use PL in existing<br />
boilers designed for heavy fuel oil (HFO).<br />
Use of PL in medium size boilers designed for<br />
light fuel oil (LFO) appears promising because of<br />
the relatively high cost of LFO. However, this<br />
application is technically more demanding than<br />
replacing HFO.
Project structure<br />
The project is implemented by the following<br />
organisations:<br />
• ENEL Produzione (Italy)<br />
• VTT (Finland)<br />
• Fortum (Finland)<br />
• ARUSIA (Italy)<br />
• CCT (Italy)<br />
ENEL Produzione is operating a pilot facility<br />
(Figure 1) for producing PL at a rated capacity of<br />
about 500 kg/h. This facility adopts the Ensyn’s<br />
RTP technology. The same technology is<br />
adopted by a process development unit (PDU)<br />
operated by VTT (Figure 2).<br />
While ENEL Produzione will overhaul the pilot plant<br />
and improve its operability, VTT will conceptualise<br />
and will test at PDU scale methods for quality<br />
improvements to be integrated in the plant.<br />
Partner ARUSIA, a regional agency for agricultural<br />
development, will supply the feed to the plant and<br />
will assess the economic issues of the<br />
demonstration. The partners CCT and Fortum<br />
(Figure 3) will utilise the pyrolysis oil in small and<br />
large-scale thermal boilers to carry on extensive<br />
combustion trials.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Demonstration of the entire utilisation chain<br />
“biomass to heat” through pyrolysis on an<br />
industrial scale may have a strong impact on the<br />
penetration of biomass in the energy market.<br />
Indeed one of the major drawbacks of the<br />
biomass is its relatively low energy density,<br />
which make its transportation over long distances<br />
unfeasible for economic reasons. This is<br />
particularly true for those biomasses like sawdust<br />
and bark that are often available at large<br />
Figure 2: A view of the process<br />
development unit.<br />
distances from sites where there is an energy<br />
demand: pyrolysis makes the energy associated<br />
to those biomasses transportable.<br />
In this perspective, an energy company is<br />
experimenting with pyrolysis and combustion of<br />
PL with the aim of supplying pyrolysis liquid to<br />
customers as an alternative fuel to the fossils.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The major achievements at this stage of the<br />
project can be summarised as follows:<br />
• The pilot plant operated by ENEL on the site of<br />
Bastardo, destined for the production of large<br />
amounts of oil for combustion tests, has been<br />
restored and upgraded. A second cyclone has<br />
been installed for better separation of the<br />
entrained solids from the pyrolysis vapours.<br />
Several tonnes of PL have been produced.<br />
• Methods for solid removal from pyrolysis oil<br />
have been identified and will be adopted for<br />
improving the quality of the oil produced by the<br />
pilot plant.<br />
• The condenser modifications aiming at reducing<br />
water content of oil, reducing light compounds<br />
causing bad odour and instability, and<br />
improving stability have been identified and<br />
positively tested at PDU scale.<br />
• Constant quality oil with almost constant<br />
content of solids and water has been produced<br />
at PDU scale.<br />
• Boiler and burner parameters for combustion<br />
tests in boilers have been identified. The<br />
design of the new equipment installation has<br />
been completed. Preliminary combustion tests<br />
with PL produced at PDU scale have been<br />
carried out.<br />
51<br />
Figure 3: Test rig with 500 kW furnace for pyrolisis liquid.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00011<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Pyrolysis Oil for Heat Generation:<br />
Verification of a Second Generation<br />
Pyrolysis Process – PYROHEAT<br />
Duration: 42 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Guiseppe Neri<br />
ENEL Produzione SpA<br />
Tel: +39-068-5094604<br />
Fax: +39-068-5094672<br />
nerig@pte.enel.it<br />
Partners:<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
ASURIA (I)<br />
CCT (I)<br />
Fortum Oil and Gas (FIN)<br />
UGM SPA (I)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
STRAWGAS<br />
Objectives<br />
In 1998, Energi E2 and Foster Wheeler<br />
Energia Oy agreed to start a joint project<br />
to develop an atmospheric circulating fluid<br />
bed gasification technology for straw. The<br />
project was initiated by the results from a<br />
preceding development and test for straw<br />
gasification by VTT, which was partly<br />
sponsored by the partners. The gas was<br />
intended as a supplementary fuel in a<br />
modern coal-fired power plant, which also<br />
supplies district heating (CHP). The project<br />
consisted of the development and testing<br />
of a straw feeding system, of gas cleaning<br />
equipment and of procedures to ensure<br />
reuse of the residues. The project was in<br />
preparation for a demonstration gasifier<br />
with a thermal input of 100 MWth. The use<br />
of straw would be approximately 150 000<br />
tonnes per year. The energy efficiency from<br />
straw to electricity would be almost 40%.<br />
The project could lead to demonstration of<br />
an efficient and clean method of using<br />
straw for power production on a large<br />
scale. The method is clean, since strawgas<br />
is burnt in a boiler with modern fluegas<br />
cleaning equipment.<br />
Straw gasification –<br />
Demonstration of<br />
technology and economics<br />
Challenges<br />
Straw gasification technology, including gas<br />
cooling and cleaning, was further developed<br />
in this project by Energi E2 and Foster Wheeler<br />
Energia Oy during 1999-2001. The high alkalinity<br />
and chlorine content of straw requires removal<br />
of these harmful components from the gas<br />
before it is burned in the integrated boiler.<br />
Three pilot-scale trials were executed on<br />
straw gasification in a 3 MWth CFB gasifier.<br />
Furthermore, filter ash treatment was tested<br />
and developed at pilot scale.<br />
In addition to the pilot-scale testing, process<br />
validation and design study covered gasification<br />
of 100% straw and a fuel mix of straw and wood.<br />
In the design study a full-scale straw gasification<br />
plant of 100 MWth and its integration with an<br />
existing large CHP plant was investigated. The<br />
practical solutions of all unit operations were<br />
developed. The budget for a complete plant was<br />
calculated and consequently the overall project<br />
economy was assessed.<br />
Project structure<br />
Partners<br />
• Energi E2 is a major energy producer in<br />
Denmark. ENERGI E2 owns and operates seven<br />
central power stations and ten local CHP plants<br />
in eastern Denmark and has a share in seven<br />
hydropower plants in Sweden. The total<br />
production capacity amounts to 4100 MW<br />
electricity and 2.900 MJ/s heat. Besides<br />
producing energy, ENERGI E2 is trading<br />
electricity on the international power exchanges<br />
and sells energy to large outfits.<br />
Energi E2 is the market leader in the field of<br />
straw-based power production.<br />
52<br />
• Foster Wheeler Energia Oy (FWEOY) is a Finnishbased<br />
operating company of the Foster Wheeler<br />
Corporation. Foster Wheeler Energia Oy’s<br />
products are power plants, steam generators,<br />
gasifiers and auxiliary equipment for the utility<br />
and industrial markets. The company is famous<br />
for its energy production systems, based on<br />
circulation fluidised bed technology (CFB).<br />
Services also include engineering,<br />
manufacturing, erection services, power plant<br />
repairs and modernisation.<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia Oy is the leading<br />
fluidised bed technology supplier in the world,<br />
with long experience in biomass combustion<br />
and gasification.<br />
Project<br />
As a first phase, a test programme comprising<br />
four separate test series for straw gasification<br />
in a 3 MWth atmospheric CFB gasifier with gas<br />
cleaning, was carried out by Foster Wheeler<br />
Energia Oy and ENERGI E2. The project also<br />
included development of the straw feeders,<br />
based on the ideas of, and carried out by<br />
TK-<strong>Energy</strong> from Denmark. The test series<br />
consisted of three gasification trials on straw and<br />
one on the burning of filter ash in a CFB combustor.<br />
Secondly, in parallel with the testing programme,<br />
a design study was conducted with a view to<br />
creating a decision basis for erecting a 100 MWth<br />
demonstration plant.<br />
The plant designed in the study is a complete<br />
plant covering:<br />
• straw storage, conveying and preparation<br />
facilities;<br />
• feeding system for straw;<br />
• feeding system for wood chips;<br />
• CFB gasifier;<br />
• silos and feeding systems for make-up<br />
materials;<br />
• inert gas system;
• syngas cooler;<br />
• baghouses for syngas cleaning;<br />
• ash handling systems;<br />
• ash incineration system;<br />
• syngas burners in existing PC boiler;<br />
• instrumentation and control; and<br />
• powering.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The results of the process validation and design<br />
study could be the technical and economical<br />
basis for a decision to build a demonstration<br />
plant and, furthermore, to commercialise<br />
gasification and co-combustion technology based<br />
on the utilisation of straw as a fuel in the gasifier.<br />
Since straw is a major biomass resource in<br />
large parts of Europe, this project can help to<br />
increase the share of renewable energy in the<br />
energy system, and to improve economy and<br />
employment in the agricultural sector.<br />
Results<br />
Pilot-scale tests<br />
Four test series were conducted:<br />
• Running in of test pilot plant with straw pellets;<br />
• Tests with loosely cut straw and a specially<br />
designed cutter;<br />
• Tests with loosely cut straw; long-term testing<br />
with gas cleaning, etc.;<br />
• Burning of filter ashes in a low-temperature CFB.<br />
During the three gasification trials, more than 220<br />
tonnes of pelletised and loose straw were<br />
gasified during over 400 operational hours.<br />
Detailed test reports have been prepared for all<br />
test periods. The following conclusions can be<br />
drawn from the pilot test programme:<br />
• Loose straw gasification is technically feasible;<br />
• In spite of high alkaline fuel, smooth, stable<br />
operation could be achieved;<br />
Foster Wheeler CFB gasifier.<br />
• Wood and straw may be gasified together and<br />
trouble-free operation can be reached;<br />
• Carbon conversion was in the range of 95-<br />
97%;<br />
• Gas cooler could be kept clean both by soot<br />
blowing and by spring hammering;<br />
• 3 M’s filter operated well without blinding by<br />
tars, and it also removed also alkalis and<br />
chlorides quantitatively at 350-370°C from<br />
the synthesis gas;<br />
• PAH were formed in the gasification conditions<br />
but dioxins and furans were not; and<br />
• The optimal gasification conditions were<br />
validated in the project.<br />
The actual gasification process with gas cleaning<br />
had already proved technically feasible during<br />
testing.<br />
Commercial-scale design study<br />
In the study, straw price was fixed at €5.6/GJ or<br />
€83.1/tonne and the price of wood chip price was<br />
€4.3/GJ or €40.2/tonne. The price of saved<br />
coal was fixed at €1.3/GJ. The market price<br />
of electricity was €21.4/MWh and that of heat<br />
€ 1.7/GJ. The expected CO2 and SO2 taxes<br />
and biomass incentives were included in the<br />
evaluation. After these, the income from sales of<br />
electricity would be €53.6/MWh for the first ten<br />
years, and €34.8/MWh thereafter. The predicted<br />
income from the sale of heat would be €8.2/GJ.<br />
The total investment was calculated at M€42.3<br />
and the annual straw consumption would be about<br />
150 000 tonnes. After incineration, the ashes<br />
could be recycled back to the fields as -a fertiliser<br />
so as to recover the nutrients and minerals.<br />
The design study results indicated that the<br />
economy of a 100MWth gasifier integrated with<br />
an existing large CHP plant is sensitive to fuel<br />
Diagram showing the main process of the 100 MWth straw gasifier.<br />
53<br />
and energy prices and, at present, biomass fuel<br />
which is slightly cheaper than straw should be<br />
available for profitable operation in Denmark.<br />
To summarise, it could be concluded that straw<br />
gasification is technically feasible. However, with<br />
the fuel and energy price levels in year 2001,<br />
investment in a 100 MWth straw-fired CFB gasifier<br />
would not have been profitable in Denmark.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00004<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Straw Gasification for Co-Combustion<br />
in Large CHP Plants – STRAWGAS<br />
Duration: 12 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Juha Palonen<br />
Tel: +358-10-3937439<br />
Fax: +358-10-3937681<br />
juha.palonen@fwfin.fwc.com<br />
Partners:<br />
EK Energi Power Ltd (DK)<br />
Foster Wheeler Energie (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
ABRE TYPHOON<br />
Objectives<br />
ARBRE is an 8 MWe <strong>Bio</strong>mass-fuelled<br />
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle<br />
(BIGCC) plant built by Arbre <strong>Energy</strong> Limited<br />
at Eggborough, UK. The primary objective<br />
of Project ARBRE is to demonstrate that<br />
BIGCC technology has reached industrial<br />
reliability and can therefore be scaled-up<br />
and replicated internationally.<br />
The main objectives of the ARBRE<br />
TYPHOON contract were:<br />
• to complete the construction of<br />
the ARBRE plant through the integration<br />
of the gas turbine and combined cycle<br />
and gasifier,<br />
• the commissioning and first operation<br />
of the plant,<br />
• to demonstrate and monitor<br />
the performance of the plant.<br />
Completion of plant<br />
construction and<br />
commissioning of project<br />
ARBRE – a wood-fuelled<br />
combined-cycle plant<br />
Challenges<br />
The main challenge of the project is to<br />
demonstrate the efficient generation of electricity<br />
from biomass at a relatively large scale. IGCC<br />
technology (Figure 1) is employed since it is<br />
recognised as the most efficient process for<br />
power generation.<br />
Project ARBRE will contribute to the aim of<br />
increasing the energy conversion efficiency above<br />
35% for small-scale gas turbines. The second<br />
generation plant based on BIGCC technology<br />
is expected to further improve the efficiency to<br />
45%. Reduction in CO2 emissions of 58 million<br />
tonnes per annum will be demonstrated by<br />
the operation of the ARBRE plant using a CO2<br />
neutral and low sulphur- and chlorine-containing<br />
energy crop.<br />
54<br />
Project structure<br />
Since the technical and financial scale and<br />
challenges faced by Project ARBRE cannot be<br />
satisfactorily resolved by any single company<br />
or country, a <strong>European</strong> partnership comprising<br />
Kelda Group Plc (under the non-regulated<br />
subsidiary First Renewables Ltd.) (UK), TPS<br />
Termiska Processer AB (S) and Alstom Power UK<br />
Limited (UK) was formed.<br />
Kelda is the coordinator of the EC contract<br />
and is responsible for the overall project<br />
management, plant engineering and fuel supply<br />
technologies and logistics. TPS is the gasifier<br />
technologist and Alstom is the gas turbine<br />
technologist.
Figure 1: Typical BIGCC process scheme.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The ARBRE demonstration project will advance<br />
the ‘state of the art’ by demonstrating on a<br />
significant scale BIGCC power generation in<br />
a <strong>European</strong> context. The technologies and<br />
non-technical approaches developed and<br />
demonstrated will be exploitable across Europe<br />
and overseas.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Construction of the ARBRE plant has been<br />
completed (Figure 2) and commissioning was<br />
on-going when Arbre <strong>Energy</strong> Limited was placed<br />
in liquidation in July 2002. Much effort has<br />
been made since that time to reconstruct the<br />
project to allow the commissioning to be<br />
completed and the plant be put into commercial<br />
operation, but as of June 2003 it is not known<br />
whether such efforts will be successful.<br />
Figure 2: Arbre plant in June 2001.<br />
55<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-20065-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Completion of the Arbre Plant with the<br />
Typhoon Gas Turbine – ABRE TYPHOON<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Michael Morris<br />
Termiska Processer AB<br />
Tel: +46-15-5221300<br />
Fax: +46-15-5263052<br />
Michael.Morris@tps.se<br />
Partners:<br />
Termiska Processer (S)<br />
KELDA (UK)<br />
Alstom Power (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
Kyriakos.Maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
BIOTOX<br />
Objectives<br />
The aim is to comprehensively assess<br />
the toxicity and eco-toxicity of a<br />
representative bio-oil after the preliminary<br />
screening of a wide range of bio-oils from<br />
different processes and temperatures in<br />
order to:<br />
- identify the best operating conditions,<br />
avoiding or minimising the formation of<br />
toxic products from the composition of<br />
the bio-oils,<br />
- produce a comprehensive and definitive<br />
MSDS with the proper preventative and<br />
remedial procedures to adopt during<br />
the production, transport and use of<br />
bio-oils,<br />
- produce fast pyrolysis bio-oils with a low<br />
impact on human health and the<br />
environment by avoiding bio-oils<br />
production presenting potential toxic<br />
characteristics.<br />
Pyrolysis oil toxicity<br />
assessment for safe<br />
handling and transport<br />
Challenges<br />
Pyrolysis is one of the three main thermochemical<br />
routes to convert biomass into useful<br />
primary energy products. Fast pyrolysis has<br />
benefited from an active research programme<br />
since the 1980’s in order to obtain bio-oils,<br />
which can be used in engines for the generation<br />
of electricity or after refining in transport. Today,<br />
several demonstration plants are operating in<br />
Europe and North America where significant<br />
quantities of bio-oils are produced for research<br />
and development purposes and several<br />
commercial plants are at an advanced stage of<br />
planning. Thus for a commercial development, the<br />
question of safety procedures for human health<br />
and environment preservation is raised.<br />
In the project, the relationship between process<br />
parameters on the one hand and chemical<br />
composition and toxicity for human health and<br />
environment on the other will be investigated, so<br />
as to recommend the operating conditions to<br />
produce bio-oils with the lowest impacts. Then the<br />
optimised compositions of bio-oils will be<br />
submitted to the mandatory tests required by the<br />
EU legal authority, the objective being the definition<br />
of secure handling and storage procedures, in<br />
order to control the risks related to the product<br />
for the population and the environment.<br />
56<br />
The effects of different ways of exposure<br />
(inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) will be<br />
quantified, as well as the effects of long term<br />
exposures. The impacts on the environment will<br />
also be evaluated by biodegradability, chemical<br />
oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen<br />
demand (BOD) and the effects on bio-organisms.<br />
A MSDS safety procedure and guidelines for<br />
bio-oils use and transport will be published in<br />
order to allow oil producers to legally market and<br />
transport on the <strong>European</strong> market.<br />
Methodology and approach<br />
The project will proceed in four steps as follows:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-oils production and procurement<br />
Oil composition strongly depends on feedstock,<br />
pyrolysis technology and process conditions.<br />
Therefore, bio-oils will be produced from different<br />
reactors (fluid bed, rotating cone, circulating<br />
fluid bed, ablative pyrolysis, vacuum pyrolysis),<br />
and under different conditions and temperatures<br />
(450 to 600°C) in order to relate those<br />
parameters to oil composition, toxicological<br />
characteristics andbiodegradability.
<strong>Bio</strong> oil is an easy-to-use liquid.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-oils analysis and screening tests<br />
It will concern the chemical and physical analyses<br />
of the oils, the determination of concentration<br />
ranges in each chemical family and the<br />
characterisation of the oils versus operating<br />
conditions. These analyses will be completed<br />
with toxicological screening tests for a first<br />
evaluation of bio-oils toxicity and biodegradability.<br />
Complete toxicological and eco-toxicological<br />
test<br />
A complete set of analyses will be carried out on<br />
a selected oil, representative of the market and<br />
based on the previous results, to test its<br />
comportment in terms of toxicology, eco-toxicology<br />
and biodegradability.<br />
Recommendations for safety procedures<br />
and dissemination of the results<br />
This will include the redaction of MSDS safety<br />
procedure and guidelines for the use of bio-oils<br />
and transport preparation as well as the<br />
elaboration of recommendations on the best<br />
operating conditions to be used to obtain friendly<br />
products. The dissemination will be done through<br />
the pyrolysis <strong>European</strong> network “PyNe”.<br />
Project structure<br />
The structure of the consortium is defined to<br />
ensure dissemination and utilisation of the<br />
results, as producers and users are involved<br />
in the project through the pyrolysis <strong>European</strong><br />
network “PyNe”. During the different meetings<br />
of the steering committee they will be asked<br />
to give feedback on their own experience, give<br />
their opinions on the tests performed and<br />
participate in the definition of the safety<br />
procedures to be applied. This will enhance<br />
awareness among the producers and end-users,<br />
and the procedures defined will be directly<br />
applicable on industrial sites.<br />
Expected results<br />
Chemical analysis of bio-oil.<br />
An appropriate assessment of the risk involved,<br />
and the definition of the best practice for the<br />
production of the most benign bio-oil in terms of<br />
health and the environment, will contribute to<br />
reduce the production costs and make pyrolysis<br />
bio-oil more competitive. In addition, the<br />
knowledge of the parameters potentially<br />
responsible for toxicity will limit production<br />
losses. The MSDS safety procedure will allow a<br />
free exchange of the bio-oil throughout Europe<br />
and the world. The results will be widely published<br />
on the existing PyNe’s website, as well as in<br />
the newsletter.<br />
57<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-744-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Pyrolysis Oil Toxicity Assessment for Safe<br />
Handling and Transport – BIOTOX<br />
Duration: 30 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Philippe Girard<br />
Cirad Forêt<br />
philippe.girard@cirad.fr<br />
Tel: +33-467614475<br />
Partners:<br />
Cirad (F)<br />
Aston University (UK)<br />
BFH Laboratory (UK)<br />
CIT (F)<br />
Care (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
DEMO-<br />
PYROLYSIS<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objectives and challenges are:<br />
• to establish warranty conditions for a<br />
commercial pyrolysis plant and for<br />
pyrolysis oils,<br />
• to provide a sound technical and<br />
economical basis for future oil production<br />
facilities,<br />
• to combust the oil in existing combustion<br />
chambers and establish standards and<br />
warranty conditions during long tests.<br />
The partnership consists of five partners<br />
from four countries, including a technology<br />
supplier, an engineering company, a<br />
construction / exploitation company, and<br />
two future end-users. It is envisaged that<br />
fast pyrolysis systems will be competitive<br />
with alternative bio-energy technologies<br />
because of the relatively low investment<br />
costs, and also because the plant will be<br />
located on the premises of a biomass<br />
treatment company. The infrastructure is<br />
present, and operators are available.<br />
Demonstration of<br />
a fast pyrolysis plant –<br />
the rotating cone:<br />
from biomass to bio-oil<br />
Problems addressed<br />
Research on a 5 t/d (1 MWth) flash pyrolysis<br />
system (with heat carrier flow, heat generation<br />
system, oil collection etc.) has been completed<br />
in previous EC-projects. A larger reference project<br />
is being established to overcome the present<br />
shortcomings of pyrolysis processes: to convince<br />
potential end-users and to determine the plant’s<br />
operating performance, the oil production price<br />
and process availability. Insight in these<br />
parameters is a pre-condition to establish the<br />
warranty conditions, not only for the present<br />
installation but also for future (and competing)<br />
pyrolysis processes.<br />
It is expected that the present demonstration<br />
plant will have the following characteristics:<br />
• low specific capital investment costs,<br />
• reliable operation,<br />
• low operational costs, low maintenance, and<br />
high availability;<br />
• production of a consistent quality bio-oil,<br />
• end-use demonstration by combustion in a<br />
boiler.<br />
The main advantage of flash pyrolysis, compared<br />
to gasification or combustion, is that the liquid<br />
fuel has a much higher energy density and is<br />
much easier to handle and cheaper to store<br />
than a solid fuel (such as wood or charcoal).<br />
Uncertainties of pyrolysis processes are those<br />
with respect to process availability, reliability<br />
and gaseous and particulate emissions (in the<br />
production facility, and in the end-use of the<br />
oil). These are due to the fact that the proposed<br />
large-scale system will be the first of a kind and<br />
the aim of the present project is to tackle such<br />
problems.<br />
58<br />
In certain countries in Europe, the expected<br />
price is now already competitive with industrial<br />
light fuel oil due to, for example, green pricing.<br />
The oil produced in this project is also of interest<br />
to substitute the coal in coal-fired power plants.<br />
Pyrolysis oils can be easily applied to replace coal<br />
in coal-fired power plants. It is a realistic estimate<br />
that, upon successful demonstration of the<br />
present project, 20 to 30 pyrolysis plants of<br />
50 t/d based on this technology can be sold all<br />
over Europe within the next ten years.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The detailed design of the anticipated pyrolysis<br />
plant is now finalised (see figure1). The proposed<br />
plant consists of a fuel intake system, a flash<br />
pyrolysis system (including the reactor, a char<br />
combustion section and the heat carrier supply<br />
system), the oil collection and storage system,<br />
the gas cleaning section incorporating an<br />
electrostatic precipitator system, and a gas<br />
cleaning device. Figure 2 shows a process flow<br />
diagram of the demonstration plant with a<br />
capacity of 2 t/hr (corresponding to 10 MWth).<br />
The main parts are a biomass storage system,<br />
the rotating cone pyrolysis reactor, a char<br />
combustion section, the bio-oil collection system,<br />
several heat exchangers, blowers, various<br />
pyrolysis pumps and a flue gas filter. The<br />
demonstration plant will be installed at a waste<br />
treatment facility where the infrastructure for<br />
feed supply is already present. The bio-oil will be<br />
delivered to a heat production facility where it will<br />
be used to replace fossil fuels. If required, the<br />
hot gases can be used to dry the feedstock<br />
material.
3-D drawing of the envisaged pyrolysis plant. A schematic flow diagram of the fast pyrolysis system.<br />
The hardware costs for the pyrolysis plant are<br />
estimated on a basis of commercial quotations.<br />
In 2002 a large area of land was acquired on<br />
which to locate the pyrolysis unit. In the same<br />
year, (draft) delivery contracts with electricity<br />
companies and industrial partners were<br />
established. Since the beginning of 2003, a<br />
dryer has become available which is to be<br />
integrated with the pyrolysis plant.<br />
Commercial exploitation<br />
After the construction of the plant and one year<br />
of demonstration, a consortium will exploit it on<br />
a commercial basis. The demo-phase will yield<br />
oil from wood and from industrial / agricultural<br />
residues. The oil will be used in combustion<br />
research, used at the location for substituting<br />
natural gas used in the dryer and sold on a<br />
commercial basis. Small amounts of bio-oil will<br />
be made available for research at universities and<br />
institutes, and in ongoing and new <strong>European</strong><br />
projects. Negotiations with other representatives<br />
of large electricity production plants, district heat<br />
boiler facilities and chemical plants are ongoing.<br />
Following the demonstration phase, the installation<br />
will be operated on a commercial basis.<br />
59<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-233-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Demonstration of a Flash Pyrolysis Plant –<br />
DEMO-PYROLYSIS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Robbie Venderbosch<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group<br />
Tel: +31-53-4892897<br />
Fax: +31-53-4325399<br />
venderbosch@btgworld.com<br />
Partners:<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
Ansaldo Ricerche (I)<br />
ASM Brescia (I)<br />
Kara <strong>Energy</strong> Systems (NL)<br />
AS Ener EA (EE)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
EU-BRIDGE<br />
Objectives<br />
The strategic aim of the project is to<br />
address the climate issue by developing<br />
technology for the high-efficiency<br />
generation of electricity from biomass.<br />
The two main objectives of the EU-BR-IDGE<br />
(EU-Brazil Industrial Demonstration of<br />
Gasification to Electricity) project are:<br />
• to demonstrate advanced biomass-fuelled<br />
integrated gasification – gas turbine<br />
(BIG-GT) combined-cycle technology<br />
(Figure 1) in the largest installation<br />
of its kind in the world, through<br />
the construction and operation of<br />
a 32 MWe power plant in Mucuri, Bahia,<br />
Brazil, based on eucalyptus wood from<br />
dedicated sustainable plantations; and<br />
• to prepare for commercial tests in this<br />
power plant using sugar cane trash<br />
and bagasse, by conducting a supporting<br />
research programme on these<br />
agricultural residues.<br />
Demonstration of <strong>European</strong><br />
biomass IGCC technology<br />
in Brazil<br />
Challenges<br />
The main challenge of this project is to prove the<br />
technical and commercial potential of BIG-GT<br />
technology when applied to woody biomass and<br />
agricultural residues such as sugar cane trash<br />
and bagasse.<br />
The major advantage of BIG-GT technology is<br />
its high conversion efficiency to electricity of<br />
more than 40%.<br />
Estimates made by USAID indicate that the use<br />
of BIG-GT technology will permit 50,000 MW<br />
power to be generated from cane residues worldwide.<br />
The use of advanced conversion technology<br />
in the sugar cane industry also has the advantage<br />
that emissions harmful to the atmosphere<br />
can be significantly reduced as a result of a<br />
change in traditional harvesting of cane which<br />
normally consists of setting huge areas of cane<br />
fields ablaze during the harvesting season.<br />
By harvesting the cane trash for energy<br />
production, the production of local air pollutants<br />
can be avoided, as can those hydrocarbons<br />
contributing to climatic impact, during the fires<br />
following the harvest.<br />
60<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium comprises TPS Termiska<br />
Processer AB (S), Sistemas de Energia<br />
Renovável, SER (Brazil), Centro de Tecnologia<br />
Copersucar, CTC (Brazil), and Thomas Koch<br />
Energi AS, TKE (DK).<br />
As part of achieving the first objective of the<br />
project, TPS is to be responsible for the basic<br />
engineering of the demonstration power plant<br />
and will also assist SER in the procurement,<br />
erection, start-up and initial monitoring of the<br />
plant’s operation.<br />
As part of achieving the second objective of the<br />
project, TPS will perform pilot-plant tests on<br />
sugar cane trash and bagasse. CTC will be<br />
responsible for all activities to be carried out in<br />
Brazil including the studies of agricultural issues,<br />
harvesting machinery, and fuel quality aspects.<br />
TKE is to conduct tests in a prototype strawfeeding<br />
system specifically developed for the<br />
feeding of straw-like fuels to a gasifier.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Agricultural residues from sugar manufacturing<br />
from cane comprise a biofuel of immense<br />
potential in developing countries. Estimates<br />
made by USAID indicate that about 50,000 MWe<br />
could be generated by BIG-GT technology from<br />
cane residues available worldwide, amounting to<br />
2,800 TWh/year that could be generated in the<br />
80 developing countries where sugar cane is<br />
grown, representing 170% of the current<br />
generating capacity in these countries.
Progress to date<br />
Project progress, as of July 2003, was as follows:<br />
- Despite a number of delays in the design and<br />
construction of the demonstration plant, many<br />
hurdles have been overcome. SER has not yet<br />
been able to finalise the structure of the project<br />
organisation and the financing necessary to<br />
start construction of the plant. However, it has<br />
recently been confirmed that the GEF grant<br />
allocated for the plant is still available and the<br />
World Bank has also reconfirmed their interest<br />
in the technology. The World Bank has also<br />
expressed a wish to expand the scope of the<br />
demonstration plant to include changing the<br />
main feedstock from eucalyptus wood to sugar<br />
cane trash and bagasse. The implications of<br />
this change are now being considered.<br />
- The research work conducted (including the<br />
development and evaluation of sugar cane<br />
trash recovery systems, gasification tests<br />
at up to 2 MWth scale, and prototype feeder<br />
tests) as part of achieving the second objective<br />
of the project has been completed. The<br />
individual task objectives have been met<br />
in all the work areas.<br />
Figure 1: Process scheme of a typical BIG-GT plant.<br />
61<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-489-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
EU-Brazilian Industrial Demonstration of<br />
Gasification to Electricity – EU-BRIDGE<br />
Duration: 60 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Michael Morris<br />
Termiska Processer AB<br />
Tel: +46-15-5221300<br />
Fax: +46-15-5263052<br />
Michael.Morris@tps.se<br />
Partners:<br />
TPS (S)<br />
Centro de Tecnologia Copersucar (BR)<br />
Thomas Koch Energias (DK)<br />
Consórcio SER – Sistemas de Energia<br />
Renovel (BR)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
THERMONET<br />
Objectives<br />
ThermoNet is constituted from two<br />
complementary networks – PyNe<br />
(the <strong>Bio</strong>mass Pyrolysis Network) and<br />
GasNet (the <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasification Network).<br />
Each network provides a platform for<br />
discussion and information exchange on<br />
scientific and technological developments<br />
on biomass pyrolysis and biomass<br />
gasification, and also on related<br />
technologies for the production of liquid<br />
fuels, electricity and chemicals.<br />
The networks also aid the development<br />
of the technologies. The EC <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Programme sponsors them both; PyNe<br />
is also sponsored by IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy and<br />
GasNet by Novem.<br />
PyNe and Gasnet<br />
thermal biomass conversion<br />
networks<br />
Challenges<br />
The Networks meet regularly and review a range<br />
of technical and non-technical topics that are<br />
pertinent to each network and, in particular,<br />
address issues where there is an overlap and a<br />
common interest. The meetings include focused<br />
seminars and workshops with invited experts<br />
where appropriate and the topics covered by<br />
the ThermoNet Cluster are shown in the diagram<br />
below. New developments and ongoing activities<br />
are also covered in the PyNe and GasNet<br />
newsletters that are both published biannually.<br />
Project structure<br />
The concept for the project started in 1995 with<br />
a network on fast pyrolysis of biomass for liquid<br />
fuels and it has expanded into ThermoNet, which<br />
is a cluster of two networks on thermal<br />
processing of biomass for fuels and electricity.<br />
One of the networks addresses biomass<br />
pyrolysis, known as PyNe, and the other,<br />
addressing biomass gasification, is known as<br />
GasNet. Each network has its own work<br />
programme but they share a common focus on<br />
the commercialisation and market implementation<br />
issues of their respective technologies.<br />
The thermal processing of biomass has the<br />
potential to offer a major contribution to meeting<br />
the increasing demands of the bio-energy and<br />
renewable energy sectors and to meet the targets<br />
set by the EC and member countries for CO2<br />
mitigation. The networks provide a forum for all<br />
involved and interested in gasification and<br />
pyrolysis of biomass and waste to discuss,<br />
review and address technical and non-technical<br />
62<br />
issues that inhibit rapid and widespread<br />
implementation of these technologies.<br />
The ThermoNet project was initiated in June<br />
2001 and runs for 36 months, ending in May<br />
2004. The total project cost was €1.2 million<br />
with a contribution from the EC of €0.8 million<br />
and additional contributions from IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy<br />
and Novem.<br />
The benefits<br />
The networks encourage the discussion and<br />
resolution of technical issues and the global<br />
promotion of pyrolysis and gasification with a<br />
commitment to the wide dissemination of information.<br />
For example, outputs include:<br />
• two hard-backed reference publications on<br />
the pyrolysis of biomass,<br />
• one hard-backed edited version on the<br />
conference proceedings on pyrolysis and<br />
gasification of biomass and waste,<br />
• the publication of a biannual newsletter for<br />
each network<br />
• organising conferences, workshops and<br />
seminars.<br />
The networks provide a forum to explore and help<br />
advance the technologies. They aid more rapid<br />
and effective market penetration through<br />
dissemination and active resolution of technical<br />
problems. They actively promote the technologies<br />
to both industry and policy- and decision-makers.<br />
They act as a unified body in proposing research<br />
topics and take the initiative in new projects; for<br />
example in examining the competitiveness of<br />
pyrolysis liquids in the marketplace and promoting<br />
a study on the toxicity of bio-oil in order<br />
to establish a standard for approval and<br />
authorisation for use in the EU.
Progress to date<br />
Both networks regularly organise seminars and<br />
workshops, arrange visits to commercial plants<br />
and research and development facilities,<br />
commission special reports, publish biannual<br />
newsletters and a website and actively promote<br />
biomass conversion technologies and applications<br />
for the resultant bio-fuels. Technical<br />
advances in the topics are achieved through<br />
specially focussed workshops and through<br />
commissioned work from specialists in the area.<br />
Both pyrolysis and gasification of biomass have<br />
benefited considerably from the interactions<br />
promoted in the networks and from the high<br />
profile publicity resulting from the publications.<br />
63<br />
Thermonet Structure.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-168-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Network Cluster on Thermal <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Conversion Implementation – THERMONET<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact points:<br />
Cluster Coordinator:<br />
Tony Bridgwater, Aston University (UK)<br />
a.v.bridgwater@aston.ac.uk<br />
PyNe Network Coordinator:<br />
Tony Bridgwater, Aston University (UK)<br />
a.v.bridgwater@aston.ac.uk<br />
GasNet Network Coordinator:<br />
Harrie Knoef, BTG, (NL)<br />
knoef@btg.ct.utwente.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
Aston University (UK)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2992093<br />
Fax: +32-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Figure 1: The Värnamo<br />
Demonstration Plant.<br />
V AERNAMO<br />
W ASTE<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of this demonstration project<br />
is to re-commission the Värnamo<br />
Gasification Plant and demonstrate its<br />
operational capability with 100% RDF<br />
and up to at least 25% used tyres (TDF).<br />
These waste recovered fuels are attractive<br />
due to their low cost and are produced<br />
throughout the EU and other developed<br />
economies. The technology involved<br />
(pressurised gasification) is innovative<br />
and this is the only IGCC plant operated<br />
by biomass fuels worldwide. The proposed<br />
technology is targeting the medium range<br />
of power applications (10-20MWe) for<br />
which there is no reliable waste<br />
gasification technology available in<br />
the market. The plant will generate<br />
6MWe and 9MWth for district heating.<br />
The implementation of this project<br />
not only provides an accelerated<br />
penetration of IGCC technology but will<br />
also address energy production from<br />
low-cost waste fuels found in abundance<br />
all over the EU.<br />
Re-operation of the Värnamo<br />
gasification plant<br />
(RDF - TDF use)<br />
Challenges<br />
The main targets of the project are:<br />
• to evaluate the performance, environmental<br />
data, fuel flexibility, system designs, and the<br />
operation and performance of individual<br />
components of the IGCC plant for 100% RDF<br />
and 25% TDF<br />
• to implement the appropriate modifications<br />
to plant systems and components, so as to<br />
conform to the functional and environmental<br />
requirements made, with satisfactory<br />
availability and operating economy for this<br />
and future plants<br />
• to evaluate the operating and maintenance<br />
costs of the plant, so that future plants can be<br />
economically built<br />
• on the basis of the results of the test programme,<br />
to analyse the technical and economic<br />
opportunities available for the technology.<br />
Project structure<br />
The overall objective of the project is to “perform<br />
a long operational test of untested, waste fuels<br />
in the Värnamo IGCC plant and derive reliable<br />
assessment of technical, environmental and<br />
economic performance of an entire fuel-toelectricity<br />
waste thermal conversion technology”.<br />
In order to meet this objective a consortium, led<br />
by a private company (Helector S.A.) and also<br />
incorporating a research institute (CRES/partner)<br />
and a utility company (Sydkraft AB), has been<br />
assembled. It has worked out the details of<br />
properly re-operating and modifying the Värnamo<br />
plant so as to carry out extended tests on RDF<br />
and TDF fuels.<br />
64<br />
In order to carry out the project, seven work<br />
packages (WPs) have been scheduled:<br />
WP1: Project coordination<br />
WP2: Adjustments for the reduction of plant<br />
operating costs<br />
WP3: Product gas conditioning prior to electricity<br />
generation<br />
WP4: Test campaign for Refuse Derived Fuel<br />
(RDF)<br />
WP5: Test programme for Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF)<br />
WP6: Plant emissions monitoring and environmental<br />
performance<br />
WP7: Technoeconomics, market studies and<br />
dissemination activities<br />
Expected impact<br />
Cleaner energy systems, including renewable<br />
energies:<br />
• large scale generation of electricity from<br />
biomass and waste<br />
• more efficient biomass conversion systems<br />
• integration of renewable energy sources into<br />
energy systems.<br />
Economic and efficient energy for a competitive<br />
Europe:<br />
• improving the efficiency of new and renewable<br />
energy sources.<br />
In addition to the above, this proposal will<br />
contribute significantly to the following thematic<br />
priorities:<br />
• more energy efficient gas turbines, and,<br />
• optimisation of CHP systems.
Finally, the project will contribute to the overall<br />
aims and objectives of the Commission’s White<br />
Paper on Renewables, the Campaign for Take-Off<br />
and to the new directive for RES-based electricity<br />
generation.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The Värnamo Demonstration Plant was built<br />
during the period between 1991 and 1993, and<br />
was subsequently used in a comprehensive<br />
development and demonstration programme<br />
in which the technology, environmental impact,<br />
fuel flexibility and economics were evaluated. The<br />
Värnamo plant, see Figure 1, is now the world’s<br />
only existing complete and proven IGCC plant on<br />
biomass and waste fuels. Pressurised thermal<br />
gasification of solid fuelsand the subsequent<br />
combustion of the gas thus produced in a gas<br />
turbine, followed by a steam turbine cycle, is a<br />
technology that offers high electrical efficiencies.<br />
Using today’s gas turbine technology, net<br />
efficiencies in the order of 40 - 50% are perfectly<br />
feasible. Operation of the Värnamo plant has<br />
demonstrated that the technology performs very<br />
well. The fuel flexibility is wide and the emissions<br />
are low comparedto the present conventional<br />
biofuel-fired electricity generation systems.<br />
Figure 2: Simplified process diagram for the Värnamo IGCC Plant.<br />
65<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-723-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Re-operation of the Vaernamo Gasification<br />
Plant and Demonstration for RDF<br />
and Used Tyres (TDF) Gasification –<br />
VAERNAMO WASTE<br />
Duration: 42 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Ioannis Boukis<br />
Tel: +30 210 9976760<br />
Fax: +30 210 9976799<br />
IBookis@tomi.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
HELECTOR (GR)<br />
SYDKRAFT (S)<br />
CRES (GR)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIO-HPR<br />
Objectives<br />
Decentralised conversion of biomass and<br />
wastes requires cheap and efficient<br />
conversion systems with a power range<br />
below 1 MW thermal input. Common<br />
concepts with integrated gasification of<br />
biomass and internal combustion engines<br />
are still not commercially available due to<br />
the so-called tar problem.<br />
The “<strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe Reformer” concept<br />
comprises a quite simple solution for this<br />
problem: Hot gas cleaning avoids<br />
condensation of tars and allows the use of<br />
these tars in micro turbines and in high<br />
temperature fuel cells. However suitable<br />
small-scale engines like gas turbines and<br />
fuel cells require hydrogen rich fuel gases<br />
with comparably high heating values. The<br />
conversion of solid biomass and organic<br />
wastes in decentralised plants especially<br />
demands a small-scale gasification system<br />
which is able to produce high calorific<br />
product gases with a simple,<br />
easy-to-handle gasification set-up<br />
and thus so-called allothermal or<br />
indirect gasification.<br />
Indirect gasification solves<br />
tar problem<br />
Challenges<br />
The <strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe Reformer design focuses<br />
on small-scale combined heat and power systems<br />
(CHP-systems) with hot gas cleaning and micro<br />
turbines. Hydrocarbons and tars condense at<br />
temperatures below 200 – 250°C forming tar<br />
layers in the piping or in the engine. Conventional<br />
internal combustion engines require fuel gas<br />
inlet temperatures below 100°C, whereby the<br />
condensation of tars cannot be avoided.<br />
Appropriate gas cleaning technologies are too<br />
expensive for small-scale systems and cause<br />
additional environmental problems. Possible<br />
solutions are systems with hot gas cleaning<br />
and micro turbines. Hot gas cleaning avoids<br />
quenching of the product gas, associated<br />
efficiency losses and the condensation of tars.<br />
However micro turbines require heating values<br />
above 10000 kJ/kg. The required heating values<br />
are only achievable by means of allothermal<br />
gasification in fluidized bed gasifiers. A new<br />
concept – indirectly heating of a gasifier by<br />
means of high temperature heat pipes –<br />
promises to improve the performance of indirect<br />
heated gasifiers significantly.<br />
The expected heating value of the product gas<br />
allows its combustion in standardized micro<br />
turbines without significant modification of the<br />
combustion chamber.<br />
The hot gas cleaning will not only avoid the<br />
condensation of tars it will also allow the reduction<br />
of the gasifier dimensions. The tar content<br />
depends not only on the reaction conditions like<br />
excess steam ratio, temperature and pressure it<br />
depends also on the retention time of the product<br />
gas in the reactor. Accepting higher tar<br />
concentrations will therefore allow the reduction<br />
of the height of the reactor and will reduce the<br />
necessity for costly catalysts.<br />
66<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is aimed at the development and<br />
demonstration of two prototypes for a smallscale<br />
allothermal gasifier. The first prototype<br />
will test the main components of the gasifier<br />
separately. The second prototype comprises an<br />
integrated design, which meets the requirements<br />
of a commercial application.<br />
The consortium consists of six partners from<br />
Germany, Austria and Greece. The RTD partners<br />
are the Technische Universität München<br />
(Coordination), University of Stuttgart and<br />
National University of Athens. Industrial partners<br />
are the companies DMT, Germany (engineering)<br />
Luft- und Feuerungstechnik (former Polytechnik,<br />
manufacturer), Austria and Saarenergie, Germany<br />
(end user). An NAS extension of the project<br />
includes three additional partners from Hungary<br />
(University of Budapest), Romania (ICCPTE) and<br />
Cyprus (Hyperion). The project extension will<br />
focus on the gas cleaning and micro turbine<br />
subsystems in order to demonstrate the whole<br />
system.<br />
Expected impact<br />
Due to political boundary conditions there is<br />
actually a large demand for biomass conversion<br />
systems especially in Central Europe and<br />
Scandinavian countries. Within a few years more<br />
than one thousand heating plants with a power<br />
range between 100 kW and a few MW thermal<br />
input will be established in Bavaria and Austria<br />
alone. The German market for heating plants with<br />
wood chips amounts actually to approximately<br />
50-60 M€ per year. The investment costs for the<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe Reformer will not considerably<br />
exceed the costs for heating plants. Heating grid,<br />
housing and the ancillaries like fuel feeding<br />
system, control system, boiler and flue gas
treatment dominate the cost structure of both the<br />
heating plant and the Heatpipe Reformer plant.<br />
Additional power revenues will increase the income<br />
of the commissioner significantly and will therefore<br />
contribute to the competitiveness of small-scale<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe Reformer plants.<br />
The policies of the <strong>European</strong> Commission will<br />
further enhance the demand for an increasing<br />
application of renewable energies and thus the<br />
demand for small-scale biomass conversion plants.<br />
The implementation of heat pipes into small-scale<br />
allothermal gasification systems will solve the<br />
key problem of this gasification technology and will<br />
therefore lead to cost effective systems.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The first part of the project concentrated mainly<br />
on preliminary detail experiments and the design<br />
of a first Heatpipe Reformer prototype and its<br />
main components.<br />
Detail experiments (fluidized bed heat transfer,<br />
composition of the product gas, measuring of<br />
the hydrogen diffusion rate in different types of<br />
heatpipes, feeding system) and successful<br />
gasification experiments with a preliminary smallscale<br />
gasification set-up (10-50 kW) are already<br />
finished successfully. These experiments<br />
confirmed that it is possible to establish<br />
allothermal gasification with temperatures above<br />
800°C by means of heat pipes and thus provided<br />
a first ‘proof-of-concept’.<br />
The commissioning of the first prototype has also<br />
been finished. The design of this allows the testing<br />
and investigation of the main components of the<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>HPR separately in order to optimize the final<br />
layout. The heating value of the syngas gas<br />
reached above 10000 kJ/kg and thus meets the<br />
requirements of commercially available micro-<br />
Cycle layout of a<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>HPR/microturbine<br />
CHP-plant.<br />
turbine systems. The ongoing tests will investigate<br />
the performance with varying gasification<br />
conditions such as. pressure and temperature and<br />
will focus on a successful 72 hour demonstration<br />
of the concept. The basic and detailed design for<br />
a second prototype (integrated design which<br />
comes close to a commercial solution) is going on<br />
and will be finished in 2003.<br />
Present cost estimates show that the <strong>Bio</strong>HPR<br />
concept promises an economical solution for<br />
many applications. Volume production – especially<br />
volume production of the heat-pipes – assures<br />
further cost reductions which will probably allow<br />
the generation of power not only with agricultural<br />
residues but even with costly energy crops like<br />
miscanthus or willow salix. The prototypes will be<br />
tested with wood pellets, straw pellets and pellets<br />
produced from cotton stalk residues.<br />
Concept of the<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Heatpipe<br />
Reformer.<br />
67<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00311<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment, Sustainable<br />
Development<br />
Title:<br />
Decentralised CHP with the <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Heatpipe Reformer – BIO-HPR<br />
Duration: 39 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Jürgen Karl<br />
TU München<br />
Tel: +49-89-289-16269<br />
Fax: +49-89-289-16271<br />
karl@ltk.mw.tum.de<br />
Partners:<br />
TU München (D)<br />
Universität Stuttgart(D)<br />
National Technical University<br />
of Athens (GR)<br />
Deutsche Montan Technologie (D)<br />
Luft und Feuerungstechnik (A)<br />
SAAR Energie (D)<br />
Budapest University of Technology<br />
and Economics (HU)<br />
Oskar Von Miller - Conception,<br />
Research and Design Institute for Thermal<br />
Power Equipment (RO)<br />
Hyperion Systems Engineering (CY)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
CLEAN<br />
ENERGY<br />
Objectives<br />
There is a very strong interest worldwide in<br />
the development of technologies that allow<br />
the coupling of biomass gasification and<br />
fuel cell systems to have high-energy<br />
efficiency, ultra-clean environmental<br />
performance and near-zero greenhouse gas<br />
emissions. In this field numerous RTD<br />
programs are in progress in U.S.A. and<br />
other countries; this project is addressed<br />
at strengthening the co-operation among<br />
member States of EU, to maintain<br />
competitiveness in the global market.<br />
The technical programme is aimed at<br />
demonstrating the industrial feasibility of<br />
the integration of biomass steamgasification<br />
with a Molten Carbonate Fuel<br />
Cell (MCFC) for clean and renewable power<br />
generation. Achieving the above objectives<br />
involves the assembly and operation of an<br />
integrated pilot plant that includes: a<br />
500 kWth gasifier, a hot gas clean-up<br />
system and a 125 kWe MCFC, as well as<br />
an ancillary work programme focused on<br />
key areas of direct relevance to the<br />
optimisation of the plant performance.<br />
Progress in coupling<br />
biomass gasification and<br />
MCFC stack<br />
Challenges<br />
To improve the efficiency of <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasification<br />
and Fuel Cell coupling.<br />
To prove the technical feasibility of this integration<br />
by operating a pilot plant which includes:<br />
• a 500 kWth fast internally circulating fluidised<br />
bed (FICFB) gasifier for catalytic biomass<br />
steam-gasification, with ancillary units;<br />
•a gas clean-up system for sulphur and chlorine<br />
compounds removal by adsorption on a basic<br />
powder, and ceramic candle fine particle<br />
filtration;<br />
• a 125 kWe MCFC.<br />
To carry out accompanying research activities<br />
in selected key areas which includes:<br />
• cold modelling studies of the fluid-dynamic<br />
behaviour of the gasifier in the presence of<br />
power load changes at the fuel cell<br />
• development of a comprehensive model for<br />
the gasifier, which combines overall reaction<br />
kinetics and heat transfer processes with<br />
fluidisation dynamics.<br />
• detailed simulation of the whole system and<br />
its components to develop optimal operation<br />
and control strategies.<br />
• catalyst upgrading, characterisation and testing<br />
over a wide range of operating conditions.<br />
To estimate investment and operating costs.<br />
Project structure<br />
The Consortium is composed of universities,<br />
industries and a national research agency. The<br />
University of L’Aquila (Italy), project co-ordinator,<br />
is involved in tasks related to the engineering of<br />
the integrated pilot plant and lab tests of catalytic<br />
steam gasification. The Technical University of<br />
Vienna (Austria) studies the system simulation<br />
68<br />
and performs gasification tests in its 100 kW th<br />
facility. The University College of London (United<br />
Kingdom) is involved in CFD comprehensive<br />
modelling of the fluidised bed gasifier and cold<br />
model tests. The University of Strasbourg (France)<br />
optimises the preparation of a purposely<br />
developed Ni/olivine catalyst and provides it for<br />
tests at process conditions.<br />
The companies are Ansaldo Ricerche S.r.l (Italy)<br />
and Pall - Schumacher GmbH (Germany) involved<br />
in the Hot Gas Clean-Up System (dechlorination<br />
reactor, cyclone and ceramic candle filter) and<br />
Ansaldo Fuel Cell S.p.A. (Italy) which provides the<br />
MCFC stack and designs the fuel cell BoP. The<br />
Italian National Research Agency ENEA assembles<br />
and operates the integrated pilot plant.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass-to-electricity systems based on<br />
gasification have a number of potential<br />
advantages. Projected process efficiencies are<br />
much higher than direct combustion systems.<br />
Process efficiencies are comparable to high<br />
efficiency coal-based systems, but can be achieved<br />
at a smaller scale of operation.<br />
Thus, not only does biomass close the carbon<br />
cycle, but gasification based systems, due to<br />
their high efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions per<br />
megawatt of power generated over conventional<br />
biomass power plants.<br />
Fuel cells hold great promise for both stationary<br />
and mobile electric power applications. The energy<br />
efficiency of these systems has been projected<br />
to approach 55% or even higher if cogeneration<br />
opportunities can be utilised. MCFC is a leading<br />
candidate for integration into advanced power
Gasification product gas composition during extended operation.<br />
cycles with gasification, because it operates at a<br />
temperature close to that of biomass gasification<br />
and up-to-date hot gas clean-up technologies. In<br />
addition MCFC is able to convert CO via an internal<br />
water gas shift reaction.<br />
In conclusion, integrated biomass gasificationfuel<br />
cell power systems offer an attractive<br />
combination of high energy efficiency, ultra-low<br />
environmental emissions, and near zero net<br />
greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for<br />
distributed power applications, given that with<br />
these systems high efficiency is possible even in<br />
low capacity units.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The activities developed regarding the existing<br />
gasifier have been:<br />
Pilot plant modifications and experimental runs<br />
which check and verify the values of the operating<br />
parameters and the fuel gas properties and<br />
composition, the site layout (to allow pilot plant<br />
extension), and the commissioning and<br />
construction of the steelwork structure needed to<br />
assemble the hot gas clean-up section.<br />
Regarding the new section of the pilot plant, the<br />
detailed design of the different components of the<br />
hot gas clean up system has been completed. The<br />
construction and assembling activities are in<br />
progress, and in the next phase the absorption<br />
reactor, the cyclone and the filter will be mounted<br />
and operated.<br />
The design of the MCFC system has been<br />
completed and almost all the components of the<br />
fuel cell stack have been bought and the fuel cell<br />
stack construction is expected in the next phase.<br />
The work programme accompanying the pilot plant<br />
Integrated gasification<br />
– fuel cell pilot plant<br />
located in Trisaia<br />
(Italy).<br />
design, construction and operation includes the<br />
following activities to be carried out: the facility<br />
available for cold modelling experimental studies<br />
of the fluid-dynamic behaviour of the gasifier in the<br />
presence of power load changes at the fuel cell<br />
has been refurbished and adapted to simulate<br />
different operating conditions of the gasifier;<br />
development of a comprehensive model for the<br />
gasification section of the FICFB reactor, combining<br />
overall reaction kinetics and heat transfer<br />
processes with fluidisation dynamics; the kinetic<br />
model to be implemented in the computer code<br />
has been chosen, and this (a commercially<br />
available CFD code) has been adapted to impose<br />
boundary conditions compatible with the<br />
geometrical structure of the gasification chamber;<br />
detailed simulations of the whole system and its<br />
components; improvement and optimisation of the<br />
preparation procedure of the Ni/Olivine catalyst,<br />
to achieve the optimum quantity of Nickel<br />
deposited and linked to the olivine structure;<br />
study of the reforming of tars, methane and the<br />
catalyst deactivation by coke deposition;<br />
preparation of a large quantity of Ni/Olivine catalyst<br />
(260 kg); catalytic gasification tests in bench and<br />
pilot scale facilities, which produced satisfactory<br />
results regarding the fuel gas quality (high hydrogen<br />
and low tar content), the Ni/Olivine activity as a<br />
function of running time, the low level of coke<br />
deposition on the particle surface and the<br />
resistance of catalyst particle to mechanical<br />
stresses.<br />
69<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00314<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass-Gasification and Fuel-Cell Coupling<br />
via High-Temperature Gas Clean-up for<br />
Decentralised Electricity Generation with<br />
Improved Efficiency – CLEAN ENERGY<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Antonio Germanà<br />
Universita degli Studi di L’Aquila (I)<br />
Tel: +39-0862-414214<br />
Fax: +39-0862-434203<br />
germana@ing.univaq.it<br />
Partners:<br />
Universita degli Studi di L’Aquila (I)<br />
TU Wien (A)<br />
University College London (UK)<br />
Université Louis Pasteur (F)<br />
Ansaldo Ricerche (I)<br />
Schumacher Umwelt- und Trenntechnik (D)<br />
ENEA (I)<br />
Ansaldo Fuel Cells SpA (I)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
AER-GAS<br />
Objectives<br />
Development of a new, efficient and low<br />
cost single step process (Absorption<br />
Enhanced Reforming, AER) for clean<br />
biomass conversion into a hydrogen rich<br />
gas (H2 conc. > 80 vol. %) with low tar<br />
content.<br />
Development and selection of efficient<br />
catalytic CO2 absorbent bed materials with<br />
improved mechanical and chemical<br />
stability for the AER process.<br />
Design of an AER biomass plant with<br />
investment costs less than 800 €/kW and<br />
energetic efficiency for H2 production<br />
higher than 75%.<br />
New approach for biomass<br />
gasification to hydrogen<br />
Challenges<br />
The main characteristic of the proposed process<br />
for efficient and low cost conversion of biomass<br />
is the CO2 removal in the reaction zone of the<br />
gasifier. Due to the shifting of the reaction<br />
equilibrium the hydrogen concentration increases<br />
significantly. Therefore, the single step generation<br />
of a product gas with high hydrogen content for<br />
fuel cell applications is achievable. As the CO2<br />
absorption is a highly exothermic reaction, the<br />
realised heat is integrated directly into the<br />
endothermic gasification/reforming process.<br />
The spent absorbent has to be regenerated in a<br />
subsequent process step (Figure 1).<br />
The main advantages of the AER process are<br />
summarised as follows: a) product gas with<br />
a hydrogen content higher than 80 vol. %,<br />
b) complete CO2 removal from the product gas,<br />
c) in situ heat supply for the endothermic<br />
biomass conversion process (thermally selfsustaining<br />
conversion process), d) easy CO<br />
cleaning for fuel cell applications of the product<br />
gas, and e) simple conversion technology.<br />
For the realisation of the proposed technology,<br />
a fluidised bed reactor will be employed<br />
containing a CO2 absorbent, e. g. dolomite. The<br />
development of a catalytic absorbent material<br />
with high tar cracking efficiency is also a key<br />
aspect of the AER process. Therefore, the<br />
ongoing project work is focused on the<br />
investigation of different natural and synthetic<br />
absorbent materials with regard to their CO2<br />
absorption capacity, chemical and mechanical<br />
stability under real process conditions with<br />
repeated absorption – regeneration steps. The<br />
process parameters defined in a fixed bed and<br />
70<br />
in a fluidised bed reactor will be applied to a<br />
circulating fluidised bed system (Fast Internally<br />
Circulating Fluidised Bed, FICFB reactor), that<br />
allows a continuous production of hydrogen<br />
parallel to absorbent regeneration.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is co-ordinated by the Centre for<br />
Solar <strong>Energy</strong> and Hydrogen Research, Stuttgart,<br />
Germany (ZSW). There are four work packages<br />
(WP) which address the technical and economic<br />
objectives.<br />
WP 1 concentrates on the development and<br />
improvement of a catalytic absorbent material<br />
which is a core component of the AER process.<br />
Natural materials (dolomite marble litter, raw<br />
dolomite, olivine) and synthetic materials<br />
(chemically modified absorbents, e.g. by addition<br />
of silica, alumina or zirconia) are investigated as<br />
CO2 absorbents mainly by thermal gravimetric<br />
analysis (Figure 2).<br />
The catalytic activity of the investigated bed<br />
materials is characterised by dependence on<br />
their physical (morphology and surface area)<br />
and chemical (bulk and surface) properties. The<br />
performance of the bed material is determined<br />
applying a fixed bed AER reactor. Pre-selected<br />
materials are provided to the partners of the WP<br />
2 and WP 3.<br />
In WP 2, the AER process is investigated in<br />
fluidised bed (FB) reactors. The main goals are<br />
the determination of the mechanical stability of<br />
the bed materials as well as the definition of<br />
optimal operation conditions for fluidised bed<br />
operation (temperature, residence time, etc.)<br />
to provide a product gas with a high hydrogen and<br />
a low tar content.
Figure 1: <strong>Energy</strong> flows of the AER process.<br />
The activities in WP 3 are concentrated on the<br />
realisation of the AER process in a pilot scale<br />
FICBF reactor with continuous operation of the<br />
reforming and regeneration steps. The<br />
regeneration of the spent absorbent will be<br />
carried out using the heat released in the<br />
combustion of char residues. Both process<br />
steps, the reforming and the absorbent<br />
regeneration are connected in terms of material<br />
flow and heat transfer.<br />
WP 4 deals with the techno-economic assessment<br />
of the gas and electricity production costs based<br />
on the experimental AER gasification results of<br />
WP 1, 2 and 3. A design of a 1 MW and a 50 MW<br />
unit including the required additional units for<br />
industrial applications and for CHP (Combined<br />
Heat and Power) generation from the AER-gas will<br />
be carried out. Furthermore, the market potential<br />
of this new technology will be estimated.<br />
Exploitation<br />
The AER process is an innovative gasification<br />
technology which enables an efficient<br />
conversion of biomass into a hydrogen rich<br />
gas. As the product gas is expected to be a<br />
clean gas with low tar and COx content, various<br />
applications can be considered (e.g. PEM fuel<br />
cells, fuel synthesis, CHP). The AER process is<br />
applicable to a wide range of biomass<br />
feedstock.<br />
Progress to date<br />
A synthetic/improved CO2 absorbent material<br />
with high cycle stability for fluidised bed (FB)<br />
applications was developed. An improved catalyst<br />
for tar (phenol) reforming/ cracking with excellent<br />
performance has been produced. A test facility<br />
to characterise bed materials under FB conditions<br />
was built and different types of dolomites have<br />
been characterised in terms of mechanical and<br />
chemical stability. In a first experiment with<br />
biomass gasification in an AER FB reactor<br />
hydrogen concentration higher than 60% has<br />
been achieved. The integration of the new<br />
process in the pulp production was identified as<br />
a promising application of the process.<br />
Figure 2: Cycling behaviour of natural dolomite in thermal<br />
gravimetric analysis.<br />
71<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00545<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
A New Approach for the Production of<br />
a Hydrogen-Rich Gas from <strong>Bio</strong>mass:<br />
An Absorption Enhanced Reforming<br />
Process – AER-GAS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Michael Specht<br />
Zentrum für Solarenergie und<br />
Wasserstoffforschung (ZSW)<br />
Tel: +49-711-7870-218<br />
Fax: +49-711-7870-200<br />
michael.specht@zsw-bw.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Zentrum für Solarenergie und<br />
Wasserstoffforschung (D)<br />
Foundation of Research and<br />
Technology – Hellas (GR)<br />
Proplan (CY)<br />
University of Cyprus (CY)<br />
TU Wien (A)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Paul Scherrer Institut (CH)<br />
IVE Weimer (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
WINEGAS<br />
Objectives<br />
Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of<br />
slurries of bioresidues generates hydrogen<br />
rich fuel gas for powering engines,<br />
electricity production and heating. Specific<br />
project objectives are:<br />
•development and testing of a bioslurry<br />
feed preparation process for pressed wine<br />
grape residues (trester) and greenhouse<br />
biowaste (kasafval).<br />
• development and testing of a high<br />
pressure bioslurry pumping step of 350<br />
bar.<br />
• development and measurement of the<br />
bioslurry conversion process by<br />
supercritical water gasification at 300<br />
bar and 600 °C using a 10-30 l/hr bench<br />
scale unit (20 kWth ) to produce a<br />
hydrogen rich clean fuel gas.<br />
•identification of applications of the fuel<br />
gas for steam and electricity production.<br />
•techno-economic analysis of the process<br />
using Life-Cycle-Analysis techniques.<br />
• validation of the bench scale experiments<br />
in a large scale 100 l/hr pilot unit with<br />
trester slurry.<br />
• design of a 1 MW demonstration unit for<br />
the conversion of trester to hydrogen rich<br />
fuel gas.<br />
The main goal of the project is the<br />
reorientation of rest-biomass collectors and<br />
processors to produce a valuable green<br />
biomass slurry for hydrogen production<br />
using supercritical gasification.<br />
Hydrogen-rich fuel gas from<br />
supercritical water gasification<br />
of wine grape residues<br />
and greenhouse rest biomass<br />
Challenges<br />
The EU-15 wine production is 157 million hl<br />
resulting in a rest product of 4.7 million wet<br />
tons per year of trester with a moisture content<br />
of 70%. Utilisation as compost and fertiliser is<br />
limited due to the high moisture content,<br />
accumulation of pesticides and additives such<br />
as copper, boron and arsenic and labor intensive<br />
mulling practices. Combustion is difficult at the<br />
high moisture content and emissions of VOC’s<br />
(ethanols) that exceed the TA Luft criteria.<br />
Landfilling is limited due to land shortages.<br />
The first <strong>European</strong> working bench scale<br />
continuous flow SCWG unit was designed,<br />
constructed and operated by several of the<br />
partners. The present project continues this<br />
effort with a similar but more advanced 10 l/hr<br />
unit verified in a new 100 l/hr pilot unit.<br />
The EU aims at doubling the current share of<br />
renewable energies in the total energy demand<br />
of its member states from 6% to 12% by the year<br />
2010. The largest contribution is to come from<br />
biomass based energy to be tripled by the year<br />
2010 by adding 120 billion m3 natural gas<br />
equivalent capacity. The EU has an annual<br />
production potential of rest-biomass of 90 Mtoe.<br />
The quantity of CO2 emission saved this way is<br />
225 million tons per year or 6% of the total<br />
energy based CO2 emissions. Thus rest biomass<br />
use can replace fossil fuels and reduce external<br />
dependencies.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project coordinator is Bauer Kompost, a<br />
large trester processor and composter in Bad<br />
Rappenau. The first SME contractor is Wiesloch<br />
Winzerkeller in Wiesloch, producing large<br />
72<br />
quantities of wine and trester and interested in<br />
using the hydrogen rich fuel in steam production,<br />
electricity production and heating. The second<br />
SME is Feluwa Pumpen in Muerlenbach, a<br />
specialty producer of patented high pressure<br />
pumps for the chemical industry. The third SME<br />
is Callaghan Engineering in Dublin, who convert<br />
the bench and pilot scale result into the design<br />
for a 1 MW demonstration plant. The fourth SME<br />
is Sparqle International, an engineering firm in<br />
Hengelo, developing supercritical processes. The<br />
fifth SME is Composteringsbedrijf Zuidholland<br />
that collects and composts the rest-biomass<br />
from greenhouses in the ‘Westland’.<br />
The RTD performers are FzK Forschungszentrum<br />
Karlsruhe in Karlsruhe, the owner of the newly<br />
installed 100 l/hr supercritical gasification pilot<br />
unit (Verena unit). The second RTD performer is<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group in Enschede (a<br />
daughter of TNO, Delft), who designed and<br />
constructed the 10 l/hr bench scale unit. The<br />
third RTD partner is Promikron in Delft, who<br />
investigated the biomass slurry production. BTG,<br />
Sparqle and Promikron developed the SCWG<br />
pilot unit. FzK is financing the pilot unit with<br />
Länder funds.<br />
Expected impact<br />
The operation of the SCWG process can be<br />
adjusted for different applications:<br />
• fuel gas for the production of steam and heat<br />
for captive use (boiler concept). The high<br />
pressure steam can be expanded in staged<br />
turbines to produce electricity. The steam is<br />
further used for winery container sterilisation<br />
and distillations.
• combustion of fuel gas in a turbine with<br />
combined cycle for power and steam production.<br />
• utilisation of the fuel gas for power production<br />
in a fuel cell, after removal of traces of H2S and CO.<br />
• production of pure hydrogen at high pressures<br />
for the market, after removal of CH4 , CO and<br />
CO2. It was estimated that hydrogen fuel gas<br />
can be produced at €7/GJ. This is strongly<br />
influenced by negative biomass gate value<br />
(as received at the entrance of the facility),<br />
compactness of the installation and short<br />
reaction times.<br />
The EU estimates for biomass waste are 300<br />
million tons (dry weight basis) of which only 27%<br />
is now recycled commercially. The fuel gas<br />
equivalent using SCWG is 150 billion m3 of natural<br />
gas produced and can prevent 6% of the total<br />
energy related CO2 emission of the EU. Other<br />
sectors that can use the SCWG technology are<br />
waste treatment, sewage sludge handlers,<br />
bioindustries, vegetable processors etc. The<br />
<strong>European</strong> rest biomass potential of 150,000 MW<br />
can lead to the construction of 150,000 small<br />
SCWG units of 1 MW each (similar to a large<br />
windmill) or 300 larger units of each 500 MW. The<br />
design, manufacturing and construction costs<br />
can amount to 150 billion Euros at 100%<br />
penetration or likely 15 billion at 10% penetration.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The SCWG is carried out in both batch and<br />
continuous flow units. The organic laden water is<br />
pumped at 30 MPa through a heat exchanger<br />
into a 15 m long coiled tubular reactor. The coil<br />
inlet is at 500°C. This coil is located in a gas<br />
heated furnace where the slurry is heated to the<br />
reaction temperature of 600°C. During the coil<br />
passage the organics in the slurry are converted<br />
into hydrogen-rich fuel gas. By heat exchange<br />
with cold feed, the reactor product is cooled to<br />
ambient temperature, high pressure steam<br />
condenses and separates from the fuel gas in the<br />
2 stage separator. The produced CO2 can be<br />
separated from the fuel gas by additional water<br />
scrubbing to generate a clean renewable CO2<br />
stream for commercial use. The condensate from<br />
the trester contains all the salts and metals from<br />
the original trester and most of these will crystallize<br />
and precipitate to be reused as fertiliser.<br />
Near the critical temperature of 374°C water acts<br />
as hydrolysis agent for fatty esters, ethers, amines<br />
etc. At 600°C and above a critical density of 0.33<br />
g/cm3 water becomes a strong oxidant resulting<br />
in the complete breakdown of the substrate<br />
structure by transfer of the oxygen from the water<br />
to the carbon atoms of the substrate. Results show<br />
a thermal yield of higher than 70% even at water<br />
contents as high as 90% and up to 54 vol% H2 .<br />
Trester gasification showed 44 vol% H2 , 25 vol%<br />
CH4 , 2% vol CO, 22 vol% CO2 and 8 vol% C2+ .<br />
Hardly any char formation was noted.<br />
Trester compost slurries were fluid up to DOM<br />
content of 20%, cucumber slurries even at DOM<br />
content of 35%. Fresh trester slurry ceased its<br />
fluidity at up to 8% DOM. The bioslurries showed<br />
Bingham fluid behavior and were suitable for high<br />
pressure pumping.<br />
73<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-30010<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Hydrogen Rich Fuel Gas from Supercritical<br />
Water Gasification of Wine Grape Residues<br />
and Greenhouse Rest <strong>Bio</strong>mass – WINEGAS<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Foppe de Walle<br />
Tel: +31-15-2600999<br />
Fax: +31-15-2510194<br />
dewalsev@wxs.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
Bauer Kompost (D)<br />
Wiesloch Winzerkeller (D)<br />
Feluwa Pumpen (D)<br />
Callaghan Engineering (IRL)<br />
Sparqle International (NL)<br />
Composteringsbedrijf Zuid-Holland (NL)<br />
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (D)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
Promikron (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIO-<br />
ELECTRICITY<br />
Objectives<br />
The desire for a sustainable society has led<br />
to research and development activities on<br />
the utilisation of renewable energy<br />
sources. <strong>Bio</strong>mass is considered to be such<br />
a resource. Within the relatively short lifecycle,<br />
no net addition of CO2 to the<br />
atmosphere takes place during the growth<br />
of plants and trees solar energy is stored<br />
as chemical energy (via photosynthesis)<br />
fixing CO2, which can be released via direct<br />
or indirect combustion. The objectives of<br />
this project are to develop and<br />
demonstrate the efficient production of<br />
hydrogen and electricity, using pyrolysis oil<br />
produced from biomass with the integration<br />
in stationary electric power and heat<br />
production plants in remote, out-of gridsituations<br />
(500 kWe) using Molten<br />
Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC). The<br />
development of the integrated fuel<br />
processor (consisting of a reforming<br />
catalyst, a reforming reactor, a syngas<br />
cleaning unit and a fuel cell) is the core<br />
issue of the project.<br />
Electricity from biomass:<br />
clean and efficient<br />
production for use in MCFC<br />
Challenges<br />
Although the conversion of biomass into pyrolysis<br />
oil has been developed to a mature stage, the<br />
pyrolysis oil has to be free of particulates before<br />
it can be used as feedstock for syngas production.<br />
Research will therefore focus on the in situ<br />
cleaning of the hot pyrolysis vapours using a<br />
filter, cyclone, or rotating separator and studies<br />
of periodical flow reversal to de-block the filter<br />
elements and de-dust the fluid bed off-gases.<br />
Particular emphasis will be placed on the coupling<br />
of catalytic materials with reactor configurations<br />
so as to achieve optimal operation of the<br />
reformer system for reforming pyrolysis oil to H2 for MCFC electricity production. The water-gas<br />
shift and the post combustion reactions have<br />
been extensively investigated. In contrast, the<br />
process of reformation of the pyrolysis oil with<br />
steam (hydrogen donor) has not been studied to<br />
any appreciable extent and for this reason it<br />
will be the main technical focus of the project.<br />
Of prime importance is the development of<br />
efficient low-cost catalytic materials for the<br />
reforming reactions that will exhibit sufficiently<br />
high activity and, more important, acceptable<br />
stability with time-on-stream. Therefore, only<br />
specific technological problems originating from<br />
the particular fuel used will be addressed.<br />
Other problems to be solved include the energy<br />
analysis and economic evaluation, and lab-scale<br />
testing in single fuel cell elements.<br />
74<br />
Project structure<br />
Participants in this project are: Ansaldo Ricerche<br />
Srl, Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, ENEA (the Italian<br />
National Agency for New Technology, <strong>Energy</strong> and<br />
Environment), Centre National de la Recherche<br />
Scientific (CNRS) Delegation Rhone-Alpes, the<br />
University of Patras (UPAT), the University of<br />
Twente (UT), and Queens University of Belfast<br />
(QUB). The role of ENEA is to specify the target<br />
productions, unit operation parameters, and<br />
process input parameters. Work done at the UT<br />
will consist of production and optimisation of<br />
pyrolysis oil. A sub-contractor (BTG) will produce<br />
pyrolysis oil (100 kg batches optimised). The UT<br />
as coordinator of the project is also involved in the<br />
management and exploitation of the results. The<br />
role of CNRS is the development of catalysts for<br />
reforming of pyrolysis oil for clean hydrogen<br />
production and post combustion of MCFC exhaust<br />
gas, including activity, selectivity and stability<br />
tests, and regeneration methods. The main task<br />
of the University of Patras is the development and<br />
testing on laboratory scale of advanced types of<br />
reformers and components. Ansaldo Ricerche Srl<br />
(a prime developer of fuel cells) will be responsible<br />
for the system integration, testing and economic<br />
evaluation of the process for stationary fuel cell<br />
applications. QUB will closely collaborate with<br />
UPAT and CNRS. Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells will<br />
work together with UPAT and Ansaldo and will<br />
supply commercial catalyst samples to the<br />
partners UPAT, QUB, CNRS, and Ansaldo.
Wood- <strong>Bio</strong>mass- <strong>Bio</strong>-oil- Electricity chain.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Expected benefits of the bio-electricity process are<br />
a high efficiency, no emission of greenhouse<br />
gases, low overall emission of harmful pollutants,<br />
and zero emission at the electricity production site.<br />
Upon completion of the project, sufficient<br />
knowledge will be available to design and build an<br />
integrated fuel processing system, which converts<br />
biomass into hydrogen-rich feed gas for molten<br />
carbonate fuel cells. Such a fuel processor will be<br />
tested on a scale of 5 kWe, while the gas quality<br />
will be demonstrated by application in laboratory<br />
fuel cells.<br />
Results of academic and applied research carried<br />
out by the universities and research institutes, will<br />
be used by industrial partners to develop and<br />
commercialize the bio-oil electricity system.<br />
Commercial implementation of bio-oil production<br />
technology is expected within the next decade. The<br />
complementary industrial partners in the project,<br />
including a MCFC developer and a catalyst<br />
manufacturer, provide together an excellent<br />
prospect for the implementation of the proposed<br />
technology for clean production of heat and<br />
electricity from bio-oil at remote, out-of-grid<br />
locations.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project started with a kick-off meeting of the<br />
partners on January 2003.<br />
75<br />
Methodology of current project.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00634<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Project Title:<br />
Efficient and Clean Production of<br />
Electricity from <strong>Bio</strong>mass via Pyrolysis oil<br />
and Hydrogen, utilizing Fuel Cells –<br />
BIO-ELECTRICITY<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Wolter Prins<br />
University of Twente<br />
Tel: +31-53-489-2891<br />
Fax: +31-53-489-4738<br />
w.prins@utwente.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
University of Twente (NL)<br />
Ansaldo Ricerche (I)<br />
Johnson Matthey (UK)<br />
ENEA (I)<br />
CNRS Delegation Rhone-Alpes (F)<br />
University of Patras (GR)<br />
Queen’s University Belfast (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
SUPER-<br />
HYDROGEN<br />
Objectives<br />
In the long-term hydrogen is expected to<br />
become an important fuel. In combination<br />
with fuel cells it offers the opportunity of<br />
an intrinsically clean energy supply.<br />
Sustainable hydrogen can be produced<br />
from biomass and waste by application of<br />
the so-called SuperCritical Water (SCW)<br />
gasification process.<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
develop the innovative SCW- gasification<br />
process for cost-effective (< 12 €/GJH2 )<br />
conversion of wet biomass and waste into<br />
clean, renewable, compressed hydrogen<br />
(CH2 ) with an energy efficiency to pure<br />
hydrogen exceeding 60%. Integrated parts<br />
of the SCW process development are:<br />
• the development of a preparation method<br />
to convert wet feedstocks of different<br />
origin into a high-solids content (up to<br />
30 wt%), pumpable slurry<br />
• the development of a multi-functional,<br />
catalytic, membrane reactor to convert<br />
CO and CH4 (>70% conversion) to<br />
hydrogen, and simultaneously separate<br />
the hydrogen (purity > 98 vol%) from<br />
the gas.<br />
Renewable hydrogen from<br />
biomass – <strong>Bio</strong>mass and<br />
waste conversion in<br />
supercritical water<br />
Challenges<br />
In all EU-countries large amounts of wet biomass<br />
and waste streams (e.g. sewage sludge and<br />
vegetables-garden-fruit residues), are produced,<br />
and due to (new) environmental regulations, it<br />
becomes more and more difficult to dispose of<br />
these streams. Landfilling is expensive or even<br />
forbidden. Technologies able to convert these<br />
streams are scarce, expensive or only provide a<br />
partial solution.<br />
A relatively new approach to produce renewable<br />
hydrogen from wet biomass and waste is the<br />
application of the so-called SuperCritical Water<br />
(SCW) gasification process. Supercritical water<br />
conditions are achieved at T>374 °C and P > 22<br />
MPa. The main advantages of this technology are:<br />
• suitable to convert very wet biomass<br />
(> 80wt% moisture) and waste streams<br />
• the produced gas is very clean, and free of tars<br />
and other contaminants<br />
• the raw gas is very rich in hydrogen (50 - 60 vol%)<br />
• the gas becomes available at high pressure,<br />
avoiding expensive compression (e.g. for<br />
storage)<br />
Scientific and technical challenges within the<br />
SuperHydrogen project are mainly related to<br />
feedstock preparation, SCW-process development<br />
and product upgrading.<br />
Feedstock preparation and pressurizing<br />
The SCW process is operated at 300 bar, and the<br />
feedstock needs to be pressurized. Pumping<br />
liquids is simple and pumps for liquid feedstocks<br />
are readily available. Pumping feedstocks<br />
containing solids is much more complex and very<br />
expensive. The objective is to develop a feedstock<br />
preparation method to convert feedstocks of<br />
different nature into a pumpable slurry.<br />
76<br />
SCW process development<br />
The use of supercritical water to produce<br />
hydrogen from biomass has been demonstrated,<br />
but a number of process-related problems need<br />
to be solved such as:<br />
• Design of the heat exchanger; heat integration<br />
is essential for the overall thermal efficiency<br />
of the process.<br />
• Fate of minerals; minerals are present in most<br />
feedstocks; however, the fate of minerals in<br />
the process is unclear.<br />
• High-pressure gas-liquid separator; the high<br />
pressure G/L separator is used to separate the<br />
product gas and the water. However, under the<br />
prevailing conditions (P = 300 bar) part of<br />
the gaseous product will remain in the water<br />
phase (e.g. CO2, NH3 , H2S, but also some H2 and CH4 ). The aim is to maximize the H2- production, but contaminants like NH3 and H2S should remain in the water phase. Absence of<br />
these contaminants avoids the need for<br />
downstream gas processing.<br />
Product upgrading<br />
The hydrogen content is limited by gas phase<br />
equilibrium reactions. In situ removal of H2 will<br />
shift the equilibrium towards H2 . The challenge<br />
is to develop a high-pressure, catalytic membrane<br />
reactor to maximise the hydrogen yield. A properly<br />
selected catalyst will be deposited inside the<br />
membrane to enhance the reforming of CH4 ,<br />
and the water-gas-shift reaction.
Figure 1: Basic process flow diagram of the supercritical water<br />
gasification process.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project covers the whole SCW process-chain<br />
from wet bio-waste feedstocks to compressed<br />
hydrogen. It starts with a selection of suitable<br />
feedstocks in Europe, and ends with a demonstration<br />
of the complete chain from wet biomass<br />
to renewable hydrogen.<br />
In the first phase of the project the individual unit<br />
operations (feed preparation, scw-process, and<br />
product upgrading) will be further developed.<br />
However, to avoid sub-optimization of the unitoperations,<br />
an overall process model will be<br />
developed. This model will be used for the basic<br />
engineering of the process, and provide a rather<br />
accurate cost estimate of the whole process. In<br />
the last year of the project the unit operations<br />
will be combined, and operated simultaneously<br />
(see Figure 1).<br />
Consortium<br />
The project is a joint activity of 3 academic and<br />
4 industrial organisations from 3 EU countries.<br />
Each main task is carried out by combination of<br />
a University/research institute and an industrial<br />
company, to ensure that in each individual task<br />
a good balance will be reached between<br />
fundamental knowledge and industrial practice.<br />
The industrial parties will take the lead in the<br />
exploitation of the technology.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The project aims at the development of a novel<br />
process for the production of clean, compressed<br />
hydrogen from renewable resources (biomass<br />
and waste). Using renewable energy sources<br />
will as such contribute to an increase security and<br />
diversity of energy supply. The proposed<br />
technology can offer an end-solution for the<br />
conversion of wet feedstocks. For many industries<br />
the wet waste streams become increasingly<br />
difficult to dispose of in an environmentally<br />
sound way. Currently, high costs are associated<br />
with this, and the costs are increasing rapidly.<br />
The technology offers the possibility to produce<br />
clean hydrogen and concentrated CO2 from<br />
biomass and waste. The CO2 stream is also<br />
available at elevated pressure (> 150 bar), and<br />
offers good opportunities for sequestration.<br />
However, hydrogen –and probably in particular<br />
renewable hydrogen- is seen as an energy carrier<br />
for the long-term. The gas produced by the SCW<br />
process mainly contains H2 and CH4 , and after<br />
minor conditioning it might be very suitable as<br />
Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) The first applications<br />
of the SCW process are expected for the latter<br />
application. In transition phase, the applications<br />
will shift from SNG to H2 (see Figure 2).<br />
Progress to date<br />
Figure 2: Medium and longterm potential of the supercritical water<br />
gasification process.<br />
The project started in late 2001 with the<br />
development of the individual unit operations. The<br />
work on the feed preparation showed that with<br />
simple, conventional pretreatment techniques<br />
it seems possible to make a slurry with a solids<br />
content of about 20 wt%. A number of tests<br />
have been carried out in the SCW pilot plant<br />
yielding a gas rich in H2 and CH4 , but also large<br />
quantities of CO were observed. However, by<br />
changing the process conditions it is possible<br />
to remove nearly all CO avoiding the need for<br />
downstream CO conversion. The work on the<br />
upgrading reactor started with the preparation<br />
of different membrane samples, which will be<br />
tested with artificial gas. The focus now shifts<br />
to the simultaneous reforming of CH4 and H2 removal as CO conversion seems now less<br />
important.<br />
77<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00555<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development (EESD)<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass and Waste Conversion in<br />
Supercritical Water for the Production of<br />
Renewable Hydrogen – SUPERHYDROGEN<br />
Duration: 60 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Bert van de Beld<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group<br />
Tel: +31-53-486-2288<br />
Fax: +31-53-489-3116<br />
Vandebeld@btgworld.com<br />
http://www.btgworld.com<br />
Partners:<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
University of Twente (NL)<br />
Warwick University (UK)<br />
Dytech Corporation (UK)<br />
TNO-MEP (NL)<br />
Uhde High Pressure Technology (D)<br />
SPARQLE International (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
AMONCO<br />
Objectives<br />
The use of biogas in fuel cells (FC) is the<br />
primary goal of the AMONCO project.<br />
The precondition for the use of biogas<br />
in FCs is the avoidance, or elimination in<br />
respect of a reduction in detrimental trace<br />
gases which are potentially harmful for<br />
fuel cells. Thus, AMONCO has the following<br />
core objectives:<br />
• Comprehensive biogas analyses in quality<br />
and quantity on a detailed level –<br />
identifying harmful trace gases for fuel<br />
cells;<br />
• Avoidance of detrimental trace gases<br />
in biogas through optimal composition<br />
of the feedstock;<br />
• Advanced control of the anaerobic<br />
digestion process to hinder the formation<br />
of trace gases while keeping a high<br />
CH4 yield;<br />
• Suitable and cost-effective biogas<br />
cleaning for its utilisation in fuel cells;<br />
• Investigation and assessment of the<br />
effects of biogas in fuel cells through<br />
single cell tests; and<br />
• Development of techno- and<br />
socio-economic ‘market driven’<br />
implementation strategies.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas in fuel cells<br />
for clean energy generation<br />
Problems addressed<br />
Trace gases, such as H2S, halogenated<br />
hydrocarbons, siloxanes and others, are<br />
frequently present in biogas. These gases lower<br />
the efficiency and durability of fuel cells<br />
significantly. That means the utilisation of biogas<br />
in fuel cells instead of in usual gas engines for<br />
CHP generation causes a dramatic increase in<br />
the required purity of the biogas fuel. In addition,<br />
in order to construct an adjusted cost-effective<br />
biogas cleaning system, knowledge of the<br />
occurrence and formation of those trace gases<br />
is essential. There is no tool currently available<br />
for assessing whether a new substrate can be<br />
safely used in a biogas plant. To cover those userdriven<br />
demands towards an advanced anaerobic<br />
digestion process, it is important to control the<br />
biogas composition under different loading<br />
conditions. The successful management of these<br />
critical loading conditions is highly relevant to the<br />
economy of industrial applications.<br />
Project structure<br />
The major work needed to fulfill these objectives<br />
includes the development of a knowledge-based<br />
decision support tool with the capability to<br />
predict trace gases depending on the fermented<br />
substrates, and a cost-effective cleaning process<br />
able to remove the significant trace gases which<br />
are detrimental to fuel cell systems. On the one<br />
hand, the decision-support tool assists the<br />
operators of biogas plants in selecting the<br />
composition of input substrates causing the<br />
lowest possible concentration of trace gases. On<br />
the other hand, the decision-support tool provides<br />
the ability of the in situ control of the anaerobic<br />
digestion (AD) process towards achieving the<br />
lowest concentration of trace gases while keeping<br />
a maximum yield of CH4.<br />
78<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The AMONCO project aims to overcome<br />
weaknesses of existing biogas FC/CHP<br />
technologies. Relevant <strong>European</strong> markets will be<br />
targeted by specific exploitation activities<br />
including the formation of a business interest<br />
group which will implement the project results.<br />
Further economic efficiency is of crucial<br />
importance for innovative technical developments<br />
in order to gain market access. Therefore, a<br />
continuous economic evaluation of AMONCO’s<br />
technical R&D results is necessary to guide the<br />
technical developments towards marketability.<br />
According to the work plan, the economic<br />
evaluation will start in the second part of the<br />
project. The work will be based on the partners’<br />
vast experience in economic project evaluation<br />
and project finance. In this respect, partner EBV<br />
will adapt and enhance its profound calculation<br />
tool towards the application for the economic<br />
evaluation of AMONCO’s technological achievements.<br />
The potential of this result is a future<br />
general application concerning the economic<br />
evaluation of upcoming biogas/fuel cell projects.<br />
Developed design criteria for biogas fuel cells,<br />
based on the findings of the technical and<br />
non-technical results of the different AMONCO<br />
work packages (all partners will contribute to<br />
this result), along with the conclusions derived<br />
from specific biogas fuel cell designs are<br />
expected to be just two of the major results.
Progress to date<br />
A lot of data must be produced before work<br />
can start on modelling and controlling the<br />
anaerobic process. Therefore, laboratory reactors<br />
with the appropriate sensors and analyses are<br />
being operated by partner IAM and Profactor.<br />
The main goal of these experiments is the<br />
generation of data which can be used to train the<br />
neural network.<br />
A structure of the neural net has been developed<br />
for the neural network as a start to the training<br />
process. This structure is only a first draft and<br />
has to be further developed during the training<br />
process. During a discussion process with those<br />
partners operating industrial biogas plants, the<br />
importance of cheap and reliable measurement<br />
methods was stressed. It was considered<br />
important that, on the one hand a minimum<br />
necessary instrumentation for each partners<br />
biogas-plant was agreed and, on the other, two<br />
versions of the control software would seem to<br />
be necessary – s simpler version for those<br />
continuously operated small biogas plants with<br />
less instrumentation, and a sophisticated version<br />
for plants with full process control. Subsequently,<br />
partner IAM developed a client-server software<br />
solution for the control program. The prediction<br />
program for biogas fermentation with neuronal<br />
networks has been included in a Client/Server-<br />
Software solution. The original prediction program<br />
Figure 1: Laboratory reactors operated by<br />
partner Profactor.<br />
is located on a server on the World Wide Web,<br />
and is waiting for data from the client. Using<br />
the client version it is possible for the user to<br />
select Excel data files, send all necessary<br />
data for prediction to the server, and get<br />
prediction results back to the ‘front panel’ of the<br />
client program.<br />
In addition, two fuel cell stations have been<br />
designed and constructed by partner CSIC and<br />
the first experiments have been carried out.<br />
Partner Profactor has done the analytical<br />
method development for a comprehensive<br />
biogas analyses. And almost all partners were<br />
involved in an intensive study concerning<br />
available sensors and the testing of reliable<br />
methods to measure the main parameters in<br />
large biogas plants.<br />
Figure 2: Example of a client front panel for the control program<br />
developed by IAM.<br />
79<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00518<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Advanced Prediction, Monitoring<br />
and Controlling of Anaerobic Digestion<br />
Processes Behaviour Towards <strong>Bio</strong>gas<br />
Usage in Fuel Cells – AMONCO<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Marianne Haberbauer<br />
Profactor Produktionsforschungs GmbH<br />
Tel: +43-7252-884205<br />
Fax: +43-7252-884244<br />
marianne.haberbauer@profactor.at<br />
Partners:<br />
Profactor (A)<br />
CSIC (E)<br />
Energieverwertungsagentur (A)<br />
University of Natural Resources and<br />
Applied Life Sciences –Vienna (A)<br />
Matadero Frigorifico del Nalon (E)<br />
GASCON (DK)<br />
Slovenska Pol’nohospodarska<br />
Universita V Nitre (SI)<br />
EBV Management (D)<br />
SARIA <strong>Bio</strong>-Industries (D)<br />
Farmatic <strong>Bio</strong>tech <strong>Energy</strong> (D)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>gas Barth (D)<br />
Seaborne (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Jeroen Schuppers<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957006<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
jeroen.schuppers@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
EROB<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
develop a new economical cooling process<br />
to remove harmful trace components and<br />
water from biogas before it is used in gas<br />
engines. On the basis of a preliminary<br />
investigation, it is intended to manufacture<br />
a pilot plant and to connect it on site of a<br />
landfill to a gas engine in operation. An<br />
extensive programme of experimental work<br />
and research is scheduled to find out the<br />
efficiency and the limits of this cooling<br />
process in the removal of harmful<br />
substances such as halogens and organic<br />
silicon compounds.<br />
Development of an improved<br />
energy recovery of biogas<br />
by cooling and removal of<br />
harmful substances<br />
Problems addressed<br />
Renewable energy is by far the largest, most<br />
sustainable, and most ecological energy potential<br />
at mankind’s disposal. Part of this natural energy<br />
supply is the use of biomass potentials and, in<br />
particular, the use of landfill and digester gas.<br />
But when this kind of biogas is utilised for<br />
internal combustion engines, the problems<br />
caused by trace components such as<br />
halogenated hydrocarbons and organic silicon<br />
compounds have interfered with and even<br />
discouraged biogas utilisation. Halogens produce<br />
acids that corrode the metallic surfaces of<br />
engines, while silicon compounds produce<br />
deposits of silica that coat spark plugs, abrade<br />
the surfaces and disrupt valve operation.<br />
Deposits of crystalline silicon dioxides are shown<br />
in Figure 1 on top of a piston.<br />
Project structure and partnership<br />
The theoretical results of separation efficiency<br />
of trace components obtained by the feasibility<br />
check of the exploratory phase have to be<br />
followed up and cross-checked by tests and<br />
analytical investigations under real conditions on<br />
site of a landfill by using different models and<br />
types of plant components. On the basis of<br />
these results, technical and process parameters<br />
have to be defined, determined and optimised<br />
to enable the development and engineering of the<br />
prototype of a standardised gas cooling plant in<br />
module construction. The next steps will be the<br />
manufacture, the installation, the integration<br />
and the start up of the pilot plant connected to<br />
a gas engine of a landfill gas power plant. The<br />
following test runs, using the pilot plant under<br />
different working conditions, will be constantly<br />
controlled by technical and scientific staff.<br />
80<br />
A flow diagram illustrating the sequence of<br />
different steps of the cooling process is shown<br />
in Figure 2.<br />
At the end of the project the results will be<br />
evaluated in respect to an optimised and reliable<br />
technology for the separation of harmful trace<br />
components from biogas, leading to the process<br />
definition and the standardisation of a plant<br />
programme, ready to be offered to the market<br />
of biogas power plants.<br />
The consortium is structured in such a way that<br />
each of the proposers’ participants is extremely<br />
interested in both the results and in the success<br />
of the project. On the one hand, there are two<br />
manufacturers and suppliers of biogas power<br />
stations, constantly confronted with problems and<br />
damage caused by harmful trace components<br />
and very interested in the objectives and the<br />
results of the project. On the other, there is the<br />
supplier of the refrigeration plants as well as the<br />
manufacturer and supplier of all other plant<br />
components, in particular the purpose-built<br />
finned tube heat exchangers in stainless steel.<br />
The interest of both suppliers in the project is to<br />
be involved in future deliveries and to enlarge the<br />
actual programme of activities via a promising<br />
product.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The exploitation of biogas is not being carried out<br />
in the same way all over Europe. The reasons for<br />
this are being created, in the main, by different<br />
legislation, plus lack of know-how and/or financial<br />
benefits. In this respect, the quality of the gas<br />
is a decisive factor as regards the operating<br />
costs. There is a considerable need for action in<br />
Europe to use the potential which already exists.
Figure 1: Deposites of crystalline SIO2. Figure 2: Flow Diagram flooling Process.<br />
This applies in particular to the Eastern <strong>European</strong><br />
countries where the standards of landfill sites and<br />
sewage plants and the use of biogas in general<br />
are substantially below <strong>European</strong> Union (EU)<br />
standards. The various problem assessments<br />
and synergetic effects of all the EU-oriented<br />
partners in the consortium will result in a<br />
potential of accumulated experience and will<br />
improve the chances of realising and exploiting<br />
the results. In this way, orientation of the project<br />
exclusively according to aspects of the national<br />
markets will be prevented, and <strong>European</strong> market<br />
opportunities are ensured.<br />
The expected results will be disseminated by<br />
various publications and during specific<br />
conferences and workshops at the <strong>European</strong><br />
level. Printed matter and leaflets giving<br />
information about the process, the results<br />
achieved and the plant programme will be<br />
prepared and distributed to potential clients as<br />
well as to organisations and associations<br />
concerned with waste disposal, landfills and<br />
sewage plants. Potential clients with engine<br />
problems in France, Spain, Belgium and Germany<br />
have already been informed about the project and<br />
are anxious to hear about the results. If an<br />
economical way of removing harmful traces can<br />
be found there is no doubt that this will be<br />
introduced successfully on to into the market.<br />
It is the aim of all EU governments to double the<br />
share of renewable energy in EU energy<br />
consumption until 2010 up to 12%. This can only<br />
be achieved using processes and systems that<br />
work under economical conditions. In addition,<br />
a Kyoto objective implies a reduction of 8% in<br />
greenhouse gas emission for the EU between<br />
2008 and 2012. Methane is one of the main<br />
components of biogas and its contribution to the<br />
greenhouse effect is approximately 21 times<br />
more harmful than carbon dioxide. Therefore, the<br />
utilisation and exploitation of biogas is an<br />
effective way to reach the Kyoto target. Since the<br />
intended research in the project will fulfil and<br />
improve energy recovery for landfill and sewage<br />
gas, it will contribute to EU policies.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The specific results to date are as follows:<br />
- Determination of the basic technical<br />
requirements and cost-performance ratio of<br />
different ways of process design and selection<br />
of analytical methods to be applied;<br />
- Theoretical determination of removal<br />
efficiencies of harmful substances from biogas<br />
by cooling;<br />
- Functional tests and optimisation of model<br />
components on site at different temperatures<br />
as regards the analytical and calculated results;<br />
- Promising results of the process have been<br />
analysed at a landfill gas temperature of<br />
-11°C. Reductions of 40% and 80% respectively<br />
have been achieved for the main siloxane<br />
compounds, octamethyltetracyclosiloxane (D4)<br />
and decamethylpentasiloxane (D5);<br />
- Engineering of the pilot plant taking into<br />
consideration all the results and information<br />
obtained from the preceding tasks and adjusted<br />
to the needs of the selected site; and<br />
- Pilot plant manufacture, functional tests at<br />
the manufacturing company, followed by test<br />
runs on site.<br />
81<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-30004<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Development of an Improved <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Recovery of <strong>Bio</strong>gas by Cooling and<br />
Removal of Harmful Substances – EROB<br />
Duration: 22 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Bernd Willenbrink<br />
Pro2 Anlagentechnik GmbH<br />
Tel: +49-2154-488-236<br />
Fax: +49-2154-488-115<br />
b.willenbrink@pro-2.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Pro2 Anlagentechnik (D)<br />
Gascogen NV (B)<br />
Frühauf Kälte- und Klimaanlagen (D)<br />
Roestvrijstaal Apparatenfabriek (NL)<br />
RTD-Performers:<br />
FhG-UMSICHT (D)<br />
PHYTEC (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Jeroen Schuppers<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957006<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
jeroen.schuppers@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
3A-BIOGAS<br />
Objectives<br />
The project aims to develop the 3A process<br />
to prototype size and the series production<br />
of a modular batch system for dry<br />
fermentation with percolation (DM 30-70%)<br />
in the smaller capacity range.<br />
The batch system provides three process<br />
phases (aerobic; anaerobic; aerobic = 3A)<br />
in one reactor. Adequate pore volumes of<br />
the organic input substrate and the proper<br />
use of closed-circuit process water avoids<br />
wastewater and enables 3A-biogas to work<br />
without material conveyance during the<br />
whole process.<br />
The main advantage of the 3A-biogas<br />
process is the production of biogas during<br />
the second phase. Sanitation takes place<br />
within the first step, while maturation of<br />
the end product is reached at the third<br />
step. Top-quality compost for soil<br />
improvement and fertilisation is the<br />
valuable end product.<br />
An optimised low-cost control system<br />
guarantees process stability.<br />
Three-step fermentation<br />
of solid state biowaste for<br />
biogas production<br />
and sanitation<br />
Challenges<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> has to be added to the process (moving<br />
the material) for treating organic substrates in<br />
normal aerobic composting plants. On the other<br />
hand, it is not possible to use the accruing<br />
energy in any way. High volumes of water are<br />
necessary for treatment in conventional<br />
anaerobic liquid biogas plants, and subsequently<br />
this remains as wastewater. As a consequence,<br />
in relation to the quantities of feed material,<br />
high plant and process energy costs are incurred<br />
for material conveyance and maintaining<br />
temperatures.<br />
The 3A-biogas process aims to combine the<br />
positive aspects (producing biogas and topquality<br />
compost directly from solid state input<br />
material) of these two possible treatments and<br />
to avoid the disadvantages.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium consists of six small<br />
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and three<br />
research and technology developers (RTD).<br />
This combination allows for the market-orientated<br />
research and development of the 3A-process. In<br />
a first step, the participating SME partners set<br />
up end-user requirements for the possible<br />
implementation of the technology at the end of<br />
the project. Conclusions have been drawn for the<br />
development of the process. The optimised<br />
process will be developed using the experience<br />
of the partners and a detailed work distribution.<br />
For this purpose, intensive investigation on<br />
substrate composition, sanitation requirements,<br />
82<br />
and cause-effects of the key parameters will<br />
be carried out in close co-operation with SMEs<br />
and RTDs. Furthermore, a simulation tool will<br />
be developed.<br />
Approaching the detailed planning and an<br />
operating control system, two prototype units will<br />
be manufactured. During the project’s second<br />
year, the 3A-biogas prototypes will be tested at<br />
two project partner sites in Austria and Spain.<br />
In addition, a socio-economic assessment,<br />
dissemination, and preparation for exploitation<br />
are integrated parts of the project.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
3A-biogas mainly addresses the communal and<br />
agricultural waste-treatment industry where both<br />
biodegradable wastes and organic residues are<br />
available for the production of biogas. Often,<br />
conventional liquid biogas plants are already<br />
set up with an existing utilisation for the biogas<br />
produced. The additional installation of a<br />
3A-biogas system as a second treatment line<br />
for dry input substrates will lead to several<br />
synergies for end-users, and optimal completion.<br />
The potential for biogas plants in the agriculture<br />
and food sector, for example in Germany, was<br />
estimated by Weiland to be 30,000 – 40,000<br />
plants in total with an annual increase of<br />
150-200. In the year 2000, just 1,000 plants had<br />
been installed, although their number is<br />
increasing significantly. The estimated potential<br />
of energy produced is 753 PJ on the basis of<br />
biogas for all EU Member States. Only a small<br />
amount of this potential is currently being used.
Figure 1: Overview of biological wastes treatment processes and<br />
classification of 3A-biogas.<br />
A considerable fraction of today’s unused<br />
potential will match the advantages of 3A-biogas.<br />
Spain, as well as the Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries,<br />
can be regarded as promising future markets for<br />
biogas plants because of the structure of their<br />
agriculture and food industries and the country’s<br />
need to redevelop the environmental situation.<br />
3A-biogas plants will be able to work as financially<br />
viable in small- to medium-scale applications<br />
up to 3,000 m3/a.<br />
Potential customers include the agro- and food<br />
sectors, the MSW industry, and the biowaste<br />
treatment sector.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The requirements of potential operators of<br />
3A-biogas plants have to be investigated and<br />
the system has to be designed according to<br />
the results obtained. To find the information<br />
required, a questionnaire was created, and<br />
the end-users were asked to fill in their<br />
requirements on the system. The system design<br />
for the prototype units will be developed according<br />
to the information gathered. At the moment,<br />
a control system which observes the whole<br />
3A process is being developed and checked by<br />
a simulation program.<br />
Figure 2: Methane production and temperature development for<br />
3A-biogas process.<br />
To gather general information about the location<br />
of the two planned prototype units, the operator<br />
of biogas and composting plants were asked to<br />
give details concerning their input materials and<br />
processing facilities currently in use. Taking this<br />
data into consideration, a preliminary selection<br />
was made of the substrates which should be<br />
used in the testing phase. Different mixtures of<br />
these selected materials and structure material<br />
are currently being tested in laboratory-scale<br />
tests in Germany. An example of the temperature<br />
curve achieved and the biogas yield is given in<br />
Figure 2. Based on the results of the laboratory<br />
tests, such as on the methane yield or the pH<br />
behaviour, the final decision will be made on the<br />
material for the testing phase.<br />
Furthermore, intensive investigations concerning<br />
the sanitation standards and requirements in the<br />
different Member States and in the EU were<br />
realised. The results of this investigation are the<br />
minimum sanitation requirements of the final<br />
product. First analyses specified the critical<br />
control points of the process.<br />
83<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2002-30026<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Three Step Fermentation of Solid State<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>waste for <strong>Bio</strong>gas Production and<br />
Sanitation – 3A-BIOGAS<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Horst Müller<br />
Müller Abfallprojekte GmbH<br />
Tel: +43-7732-20910<br />
Fax: +43-773-209144<br />
office@tb-mueller.at<br />
Partners:<br />
Müller Abfallprojekte (A)<br />
M. Sirch (D)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>masa del Guadalquivir (E)<br />
Beta Nutror (E)<br />
Hebio Eduard Hiptmair (A)<br />
Inecosa Ingeniería, Estudios y<br />
Construcciones (E)<br />
Profactor (A)<br />
S.I.G. (D)<br />
Universidad de Léon, Instituto<br />
de Recursos Naturales (E)<br />
Website: http://www.3A-biogas.com<br />
EC Scientic Officer:<br />
Jeroen Schuppers<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957006<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
jeroen.schuppers@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing<br />
Figure 3: <strong>Bio</strong>waste.
DIPROWASTE<br />
Objectives<br />
The industrial objective of this project is<br />
to develop a combination of pre-treatments<br />
for municipal, agricultural and other<br />
organic wastes to maximise the waste<br />
throughput for subsequent anaerobic<br />
digestion, and therefore the production of<br />
methane fuel gas. The economic objective<br />
is to determine cost benefits accruing from<br />
pre-treatments combined with anaerobic<br />
digestion. Factors in the assessment<br />
include the requirement for separation of<br />
components in the feed waste stream,<br />
the cost of the pre-processing stage and<br />
pre-treatment steps, the size and<br />
throughput of digesters, the quality of gas<br />
produced, subsequent gas conditioning,<br />
the quality and treatment of residual liquid<br />
and solid waste. The social objectives are<br />
to re-direct solid waste from landfill,<br />
generate electricity from the waste with<br />
improved operation and efficiency,<br />
minimise the subsequent impact on the<br />
environment by generating benign solid<br />
material and minimal liquid effluent, and<br />
allow for local treatment sites in order to<br />
reduce road transport.<br />
Enhanced production of<br />
methane from anaerobic<br />
digestion with pre-processed<br />
solid waste for renewable<br />
energy<br />
Challenges<br />
To tackle the worldwide problem of depletion<br />
of natural, non-renewable fuel sources, the<br />
production of biogas from the digestion of organic<br />
waste is being developed as a renewable energy<br />
source. The principle objective of the Diprowaste<br />
project is to investigate maximising the volume,<br />
proportion and rate of methane production from<br />
anaerobic digestion of organic waste, containing<br />
varying amounts of straw, by using various<br />
pre-treatments of the material.<br />
Project structure<br />
Diprowaste is a two-year research and<br />
development programme funded under the<br />
CRAFT programme of the <strong>European</strong> Commission.<br />
The consortium consists of four SME partners<br />
and two research partners from England<br />
and Germany. Two of the four SMEs have<br />
considerable experience with the installation<br />
and operation of large digesters. Ingenieurbüro<br />
Dobelmann & Kroke GmbH is a general<br />
engineering company which can provide design<br />
work and planning for the infra-structure of large<br />
scale anaerobic digesters, as would be required<br />
for the treatment of municipal waste on a large<br />
scale. Abirer has a special interest in agricultural<br />
waste. <strong>Bio</strong>plex has special interests in farm and<br />
municipal waste. Evans Logistics is a waste<br />
disposal company, new to anaerobic digestion,<br />
and is seeking environmentally friendly methods<br />
for treatment and disposal. The RTD provider,<br />
TTZ, has considerable research experience with<br />
solid waste and bio-degradation and CTech has<br />
84<br />
specialised expertise in different pre-treatment<br />
methods like ultrasonics, thermal treatment and<br />
chemical treatments.<br />
A series of pre-treatment methods will be studied<br />
in the laboratory and their physical and chemical<br />
effect analysed. These pre-treatments will include<br />
thermal methods using ohmic heating and steam<br />
hydrolysis, ultra-sonic and chemical methods, as<br />
well as initial sorting and grinding. Following the<br />
initial study, a systematic programme of work will<br />
be devised to study the anaerobic digestion of<br />
standardised feeds with selected pre-treatments.<br />
Instrumented anaerobic digesters will be set up<br />
and operated in accordance with the experimental<br />
programme initially devised. The effectiveness<br />
of differing pre-treatments will be determined<br />
and correlated to direct physical and chemical<br />
changes that occurred during pre-treatment.<br />
The quality of the final product from the digester<br />
will be assessed and implications on downstream<br />
processing requirements will be determined.<br />
Sufficient tests will be completed to provide<br />
design information to plan industrial scale<br />
pre-treatment systems as well as modifications<br />
to up-stream and down-stream processing.<br />
The anaerobic digestion studies will be extended<br />
to include feeds with a proportion of re-cycled<br />
sludge requiring further digestion. The project will<br />
include engineering design studies and system<br />
evaluation of large-scale plant and an economic<br />
assessment.
Picture 1: Large-scale Digestor Setting.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The objective is to demonstrate that certain<br />
pre-treatments can enhance the production of<br />
biogas and are economically viable. If successful,<br />
it is anticipated the utilisation of pre-treatment<br />
technology will gain rapid acceptance for certain<br />
industrial and agricultural wastes. Other suppliers<br />
of anaerobic digestors are certain to offer<br />
pre-treatment technology if the potential<br />
successes of this project are widely advertised.<br />
On completion of the project there will be two<br />
main deliverables that deserve special attention<br />
for exploitation:<br />
(i) Final design criteria for the processing methods<br />
and the integration into the entire anaerobic<br />
treatment process;<br />
(ii) Any specific results from the laboratory<br />
investigations that show promise for future work.<br />
To enable the SME proposers to assimilate and<br />
exploit the results of the project, sufficient<br />
training will be given by the RTDs to potential<br />
designers and operators of new plant.<br />
The equipment manufacturers will be able to<br />
exploit the results by producing and selling the<br />
developed equipment to other end users.<br />
The end users of the developed equipment will<br />
be able to exploit the technology by receiving<br />
royalties or licence fees on the equipment that<br />
is developed. In addition, by installing the<br />
equipment, they will be able to improve their<br />
competitiveness through providing a more<br />
efficient process, which is also environmentally<br />
advantageous.<br />
After the end of the research phase, many waste<br />
treatment companies are expected to benefit<br />
from the results of the project by adopting the<br />
new treatment process. Also local communities<br />
will be able to initiate schemes which can utilise<br />
the technology and provide low impact on the<br />
environment.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The demonstration plants, to study the effects<br />
of the pre-treatment, have been set up and the<br />
first tests have been carried out.<br />
The pre-treatments, which have been selected,<br />
are Ultrasound and high temperature treatment<br />
from 140 °C to 170 °C using ohmic heating for<br />
up to one hour, prior to anaerobic digestion.<br />
Previous studies have shown that the heat<br />
treatment of sewage sludge prior to digestion<br />
has resulted in enhanced gas production.<br />
85<br />
Picture 2: Small-scale continuous<br />
flow ohmic heater.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: CRAFT-71485-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Enhanced Production of Methane from<br />
Anaerobic Digestion with Pre-processed<br />
Solid Waste – DIPROWASTE<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Jan Kai Dobelmann<br />
ABIRER-Systems<br />
dobelmann@abirer.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Ingenieurbüro Dobelmann + Kroke (D)<br />
ABIRER-Systems (D)<br />
Sundorne Products (UK)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>plex (UK)<br />
C-Tech Innovation (UK)<br />
Verein zur Förderung des<br />
Technologietransfers an der Hochschule<br />
Bremerhaven (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ENERGATTERT<br />
Objectives<br />
Among the renewable energy supplies, the<br />
agricultural biomethanisation is one which<br />
needs to be more exploited, and which<br />
could generate a significant source of<br />
income for the agricultural sector, a sector<br />
which is going through hard times.<br />
Perfectly integrated in this context, the<br />
project ‘ENERGATTERT’ shall, as its main<br />
objective, demonstrate that the<br />
agricultural biomethanisation can be a<br />
renewable energy supply and a<br />
diversification for this profession. It is a<br />
combined project of research and<br />
demonstration which wants to show that<br />
it can be possible to produce energy for a<br />
cost of less than 0.05 €/kWh.<br />
Agricultural biogas<br />
as green energy supply<br />
Context/history of the project<br />
To understand this project, it is important to<br />
place it geographically and read how it came<br />
about. The project was born from an interest<br />
shown by some farmers in the Attert council<br />
for biomethanisation. Attert is a Belgian council,<br />
which has the status of a natural park, which is<br />
situated near the border with Luxembourg and<br />
not far from Germany. Having seen the<br />
development of the biomethanisation in these<br />
two countries, the farmers showed an interest<br />
in a technique that could diversify their own<br />
agricultural activity. At the end of the nineties<br />
in Belgium, like in other <strong>European</strong> countries,<br />
the production of ‘green electricity’ was almost<br />
non-existent.<br />
During 2000-2001, a local association for rural<br />
development decided to initiate a <strong>European</strong><br />
project to research and demonstrate how to<br />
bring together different technical improvements<br />
and envisage making a small-sized system<br />
(100 to 150kWel) viable.<br />
The different countries of the <strong>European</strong> Union<br />
were working on developing the production of<br />
renewable energies, and in Belgium it was<br />
decided to put a policy of ‘green certificates’ to<br />
develop ‘green electricity’ in place.<br />
86<br />
Challenges<br />
The first challenge was to assemble, around a<br />
common project, partners with different<br />
objectives but within the context of achieving a<br />
renewable energy policy. The second challenge<br />
was, from the study of an agricultural installation<br />
already in operation, to try and find an optimal<br />
system of biomethanisation that could be<br />
transposed to other <strong>European</strong> rural regions.<br />
Description of the project<br />
The project is made up of two main parts -<br />
research and demonstration.<br />
A biomethanisation system has been built on a<br />
bovine farm of 350 ABUs (Adult Bovine Unit)<br />
and has been devised so that it is supplied only<br />
by the farm’s biomass (i.e. effluents, energy<br />
plants etc.). The system is constituted with two<br />
digesters of 750 µm3 of capacity able to run in<br />
series or in parallel. The system is equipped<br />
with two co-generation groups (biogas/fuel) of<br />
80 kW that produce electricity and heat.<br />
During the Research, different improvements had<br />
to be found and tested which increased the energy<br />
output of an installation. The successes were:<br />
• the development of a high yield engine,<br />
• the development of a heat exchanger between<br />
the incoming matter inside the digester and the<br />
outgoing effluents to reduce the needs of<br />
calorific energy of the system.
During the Demonstration part of the project, the<br />
different components of the biomethanisation<br />
process will be studied in order to optimise the<br />
running, outputs and profitability. The studied<br />
elements of the research are to find a better mix<br />
of matter to introduce in the system, and the<br />
possibilities of valorisation of the calorific energy.<br />
Moreover, the follow-up will allow the collection<br />
of data to help understand the technical problems<br />
and to analyse the profitability of the system. An<br />
important aspect of this part of the project<br />
concerns the awareness of the biomethanisation<br />
technique and finding a renewable energy supply.<br />
For that, different tools will be developed for<br />
various users: from schoolchildren to the general<br />
public and professionals.<br />
Impact<br />
The project will bring biomethanisation to the<br />
attention of both professionals and politicians,<br />
having found a renewable energy supply and a<br />
durable agricultural diversification. Moreover,<br />
the technical improvement and enhanced<br />
knowledge of the biomethanisation process<br />
could be used in other biomethanisation projects.<br />
The project allows for a comparison in the viability<br />
of the biomethanisation systems inside the two<br />
main policies that exist in the EU: ‘warrant<br />
prices’ and ‘green certificates’.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The biomethanisation system has been built<br />
and has been running since the beginning of<br />
2003. The first tests are in progress and their<br />
results are expected at the end of this year.<br />
Different technological developments have been<br />
realised but must still be improved and tested.<br />
87<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-227-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Optimisation of the <strong>Energy</strong> Valorisation<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Matter According to the<br />
Philosophy of a Natural Park –<br />
ENERGATTERT<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Emmanuel Hannick<br />
Tel: +32-6-3227855<br />
Fax: +32-6-3221698<br />
manuhannick@hotmail.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Au pays de l’Attert (B)<br />
Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgoise (B)<br />
Agrarzentrum für Versuche & Ausbildung<br />
in Ostbelgien (B)<br />
H.J. Schnell (D)<br />
Kessler (B)<br />
Landwirtschaft, Energie an Emwelt (L)<br />
Zentrum für Zukunftsenergiesysteme (D)<br />
Electrabel (B)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
SFH<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective is to design, optimise and<br />
demonstrate the combustion of sewage<br />
sludge using a 1.6MWth fluidised bed<br />
boiler. The boiler will be installed and<br />
operated at a waste water treatment works<br />
in Niepolomice, Poland. The project will<br />
demonstrate a technology not<br />
commercially available at present in this<br />
size. The calorific content of the sludge,<br />
together with excess biogas from the<br />
anaerobic digestion of the sludge in the<br />
normal treatment process, will provide<br />
energy for local heating, increasing the<br />
economic viability of the installation and<br />
reducing the consumption of fossil fuels.<br />
It will provide a cost effective and<br />
environmentally acceptable system for<br />
the disposal of sewage sludge produced<br />
at waste water treatment plants serving<br />
medium to large towns (10,000 to<br />
60,000 inhabitants).<br />
Heat from sewage sludge<br />
Challenges<br />
Fluidised bed combustion is a well-established<br />
technology. Many larger-scale systems are in<br />
operation burning a variety of fuel or wastes,<br />
including sewage sludge, cleanly and efficiently.<br />
Smaller systems are used to burn coal and<br />
various wastes but as yet none have been used<br />
for sewage sludge combustion.<br />
However, experience with relatively small<br />
(1-5MW) fluidised bed combustors (FBC) and<br />
reactors has shown that such combustors might<br />
be adapted for use with sewage sludge. It has<br />
already been shown that small bubbling FBCs<br />
can be used for the thermal utilisation of solid,<br />
liquid and gaseous wastes. To stabilise the<br />
combustion process when using sewage<br />
sludge, the sludge can be combined with other<br />
wastes with a high content of combustible<br />
material, for example wood waste, segregated<br />
municipal waste or other organic materials,<br />
including biogas. In this project the use of wood<br />
chips is envisaged but in laboratory and pilot<br />
scale tests other wastes will be used to aid the<br />
combustion of wet sewage sludge, avoiding the<br />
need for excessive treatment of the sludge prior<br />
to utilisation.<br />
The system being developed combines the<br />
simplicity of lightweight construction with low<br />
production costs and low power requirements.<br />
The technical solutions are based on the modular<br />
system, so that the various parts of the<br />
installation can then be easily modified and<br />
assembled in different ways to suit the<br />
requirements of individual clients.<br />
88<br />
The FBC in the project will be used at the sewage<br />
treatment plant at Niepolomice (a town with<br />
about 50 000 inhabitants). The plant produces<br />
some 2 000 m3/h of raw sewage but this will rise<br />
to 4 500 m3/h in the near future. The FBC will<br />
comprise of a combustor and heat exchangers,<br />
together with a wet scrubbing system for the flue<br />
gas. Part of the heat produced will be used to<br />
heat buildings at the water treatment works.<br />
Waste water from the treatment will be used in<br />
the scrubber. Apart from electrical power, only<br />
wastes will be used in the operation of the<br />
installation. Since the installation will be light in<br />
weight, no expensive site preparation will be<br />
needed. The small size of the installation will<br />
make it possible to fit everything inside a<br />
standard transport container, facilitating transport<br />
and assembly.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is being undertaken by a consortium<br />
of five organisations from three countries, with<br />
each organisation providing specialist knowledge,<br />
skills and/or facilities. The industrial and<br />
commercial partners are all SME’s and roles and<br />
responsibilities are clearly set out in a detailed<br />
work programme and schedule. Meetings are<br />
held at six monthly intervals, or as required by<br />
circumstances, to assess technical and financial<br />
progress.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Urban waste water, or sewage, is generally a<br />
mixture of domestic waste water from sinks,<br />
baths, washing machines and toilets, waste<br />
water from industry and rainwater run-off from<br />
roads and other surfaces. Without treatment<br />
the waste water would damage the water<br />
environment and create public health problems.<br />
Treatment of the sewage and the disposal or reuse<br />
of the resultant sludge helps to protect the<br />
water environment and the use of water for<br />
drinking, recreation and industry as required by<br />
the EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive<br />
and other directives. The <strong>European</strong> Agency<br />
predicts that the amount of sewage sludge will<br />
increase by 50% in the 15 Member States by<br />
2005. The prohibition of the disposal of untreated<br />
waste to landfill will exacerbate the problem of<br />
disposal and incineration is expected to increase<br />
by 300%.<br />
The availability of a boiler of the sizes being<br />
developed in this project, able to combust<br />
sewage sludge, will help Waste Water Treatment<br />
Plants serving medium to large towns to meet<br />
the more stringent demands for water treatment,<br />
and at the same time provide useful heat.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Laboratory tests on the combustion of the sludge<br />
and the proposed supporting waste fuels have<br />
shown that full mineralisation of the sludge is<br />
achieved. The ash produced cannot be utilised,<br />
since it will contain the heavy metals present in<br />
the original sewage, but its disposal at suitable<br />
sites will be possible. The tests have been<br />
repeated at a pilot scale, with a 150 kW<br />
combustor, utilising up to 50 kg/hr of sludge and<br />
bed temperatures of 900ºC. Combustibles in<br />
the ash were less than 1%.<br />
The modelling of the FBC with a recovery of the<br />
heat from the flue gases to determine the<br />
wetness of the sewage sludge as a function of<br />
the air temperature after the heat exchanger is<br />
progressing. This will help to determine the<br />
amount of wood at a selected wetness required<br />
to combust the wet sludge.<br />
Tests have been carried out to determine other<br />
wastes that could be employed as supporting<br />
fuels instead of the wood waste available on the<br />
market. These wastes include shredded waste<br />
paper and cardboard, polymer wastes (PET, PE, PP),<br />
and dried animal wastes withdrawn from use as<br />
animal feed because of the threat of BSE. These<br />
wastes will be tested on the full-scale boiler.<br />
The boiler, distributor, ash cooler, air pre-heater,<br />
ash trap and feeders have been designed for the<br />
1 MW installation that will be installed at the<br />
waste water treatment works at Niepolomice.<br />
As part of the project the equipment will be<br />
demonstrated at Niepolomice for one year and a<br />
full dissemination programme will be undertaken.<br />
89<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-468-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Sludge for Heat – SFH<br />
Duration: 3 years<br />
Contact point:<br />
Arthur Hollis<br />
ETP Ltd (UK)<br />
ArthurHollis@compuserve.com<br />
Partners:<br />
ETP (UK)<br />
ABM SOLID (PL)<br />
Krakow University of Technology (PL)<br />
Urzad Miasta (I)<br />
Gminy Niepolimice (PL)<br />
Ekoservis Slovensko (SK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
AMMONIA<br />
REMOVAL<br />
Objectives<br />
Most renewable fuels contain nitrogen,<br />
which will convert to ammonia during<br />
gasification. This ammonia will form NOx<br />
emission during gas combustion in<br />
gasification power plants, where hot gas<br />
cleanup is used. Removing ammonia from<br />
the hot gasification gas would facilitate<br />
the development of a simple and efficient<br />
method for NOx removal in gasification<br />
plants. Hence, the objective of this<br />
research was to develop two main<br />
technologies for ammonia removal in<br />
gasification plants. First, the<br />
“conventional” approach was the nickel<br />
catalyst based technology for ammonia<br />
removal. This was studied so that the<br />
feasibility of nickel monolith catalyst in<br />
real gasification conditions could be<br />
estimated. Secondly, a “new and<br />
innovative” goal was to develop and study<br />
selective catalytic oxidation (SCO)<br />
processes in order to understand the<br />
underlying mechanism of the reactions<br />
of ammonia and oxidisers on a catalyst<br />
surface. This made it possible to optimise<br />
the process and to promote testing of<br />
the SCO technology in pilot scale.<br />
Innovative and competitive<br />
technology for NOx<br />
abatement<br />
Challenges<br />
During gasification of solid fuels, the fuel nitrogen<br />
is released into the hot gasification gas primarily<br />
as ammonia (NH3), hydrogen cyanide (HCN),<br />
organic compounds (tar-N) or as molecular<br />
nitrogen. The predominant compound in<br />
gasification is usually ammonia. Consequently,<br />
when this gas is combusted, large amounts of<br />
NOx can be formed from the reactive fuel bound<br />
nitrogen compounds.<br />
In gasification applications, NOx emission can be<br />
reduced or almost totally eliminated by reducing<br />
the amount of the fixed nitrogen compounds in the<br />
gas. Even partial reduction of the amount of fixed<br />
nitrogen compounds in the fuel gas will relieve the<br />
demands for the burner and lower the resulting<br />
emission. If the fixed nitrogen (and tar) compounds<br />
could be decomposed at high temperature in the<br />
fuel gas, the formation of liquid waste streams<br />
could also be avoided. Together with efficient<br />
burners, this technology could eliminate the<br />
need for the costly post-combustion flue gas<br />
cleaning technologies such as SCR.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project was focused on developing two main<br />
technologies for ammonia removal: 1) Nickel<br />
catalysts to decompose NH3 in gasification gas<br />
at high temperature, 2) Selective Catalytic<br />
Oxidation process (SCO). The work was divided<br />
into the following main topics:<br />
• Improving the properties of the SCO catalysts<br />
• Testing the SCO process with real gases<br />
90<br />
• Studying the reaction mechanisms behind<br />
the SCO<br />
• Testing nickel monolith catalysts with real gases<br />
• Evaluating the economic feasibility of the both<br />
processes in relevant applications<br />
• Studying NOx formation in gasification cocombustion<br />
applications.<br />
The project was performed by three laboratories<br />
(VTT, Leeds University, Åbo Akademi) and two<br />
companies (Foster Wheeler Energia Oy and<br />
Energi E2) which were focused on the SCO. The<br />
work on nickel catalysts was performed by the<br />
Universidad Complutense de Madrid.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Typical applications, in which the new ammonia<br />
removal technology could be used, are simplified<br />
biomass IGCC plants and various other plants,<br />
where hot gasification gas is burned. Recently,<br />
considerable interest has been expressed<br />
towards co-combustion plants among many<br />
power companies. The aim of these plants is to<br />
use some local, renewable fuel, gasify it and feed<br />
the gas to the larger boiler in order to replace part<br />
of the main fuel (usually coal or oil). Even in these<br />
applications the NOx level in flue gases may<br />
increase due to NH3 in gasification gas. It is clear<br />
that the applicability of the NH3 removal<br />
technologies of this project is not limited to<br />
biomass applications. They can also be used in<br />
connection with other gasification plants,<br />
regardless of the fuel.
Results<br />
Selective catalytic oxidation process.<br />
1. Better SCO catalysts were found than were<br />
originally expected. Metal/alumina catalysts<br />
with varying properties were prepared and their<br />
applicability for the SCO process was<br />
characterised. The most promising catalyst<br />
identified was Cu/alumina. In addition, a ZrO2<br />
catalyst was found to be suitable for<br />
simultaneous tar and ammonia decomposition,<br />
giving relatively high conversions for both<br />
impurities. The SCO process was also tested in<br />
real gasification gas atmospheres. The results<br />
indicated that the ZrO2 catalyst activity with<br />
real gases was comparable to lab scale results.<br />
2. A feasible operating window for nickel catalysts<br />
was identified. These catalysts were tested in<br />
product gas lines of small-scale gasifiers.<br />
A reactor model for nickel monolith was<br />
developed so that the effects of various<br />
operational conditions and the behaviour of<br />
the monolith could be studied. The most<br />
important operational parameters that<br />
affected achievable ammonia and tar<br />
conversions were studied. These include air<br />
partitioning within a gasifier/catalytic reformer<br />
system, H2O/C ratio and catalyst inlet<br />
temperature. The monolith catalyst was more<br />
challenging to operate than was foreseen.<br />
However, a narrow operating window was<br />
successfully found, where over 90% ammonia<br />
conversions could be achieved.<br />
3. Comparisons of the SCO and nickel-monolith<br />
systems to filtering only and wet cleaning<br />
methods were made for a case where an<br />
atmospheric-pressure CFB gasifier was<br />
connected to an existing coal/peat-fired boiler.<br />
The evaluation indicated that from an<br />
economical point of view all the studied<br />
catalytic gas cleaning concepts were very<br />
close to each other. Thus, the selection can be<br />
fully based on technical feasibility and on the<br />
required level of gas cleaning. All catalytic<br />
gas cleaning concepts are naturally more<br />
expensive than the reference case based on<br />
filtration only.<br />
4. Directly applicable results were obtained from<br />
the CFD studies considering the Lahti Kymijärvi<br />
Power Plant18. These modelling studies gave<br />
valuable information about the means that<br />
could be applied to minimise NOx-emissions<br />
from the plant. It also improved understanding<br />
of where, why, and how NOx is formed in the<br />
boiler. This information can be used in the<br />
design of new plants and modifications of<br />
similar boilers elsewhere.<br />
The price of energy delivered to the boiler (as product gas and steam).<br />
91<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00020<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Development of Selective Catalytic<br />
Oxidation “SCO” Technology and Other<br />
High Temperature NH3 Removal Processes<br />
for Gasification Power Plant – AMMONIA<br />
REMOVAL<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Pekka Simell<br />
VTT Processes<br />
Tel: +358-9-4565461<br />
Fax: +358-9-460493<br />
pekka.simell@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (E)<br />
Sydkraft (S)<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia (FIN)<br />
Energi E2 (DK)<br />
Aabo Akademi University (FIN)<br />
University of Leeds (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
SCWO/G Front.<br />
DE-TAR<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective is to evaluate the<br />
full-scale application of supercritical wet<br />
oxidation and gasification (SCWO/G).<br />
The process under study refers to the<br />
aqueous oxidation/reduction of organic<br />
contaminants at pressures and<br />
temperatures above critical data for water.<br />
The objectives are:<br />
• to characterise the chemical composition<br />
of waste water from updraft gasification,<br />
• to apply and optimise SCWO/G of such<br />
waste water at laboratory and pilot scale,<br />
• to formulate kinetic and transport<br />
models for the SCWO/G process<br />
including simulation validation,<br />
• to provide a chemical characterisation<br />
of the effluent water from the SCWO/G<br />
process,<br />
• to extend these results to other gasifier<br />
configurations and other cleaning<br />
technologies based on literature<br />
information,<br />
• to provide a full scale evaluation of the<br />
SCWO/G process for both the technical<br />
(energetic and environmental) and the<br />
economic aspects.<br />
DETAR –<strong>Bio</strong>mass gasification<br />
tar-water cleanup<br />
Challenges<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass gasification product gas is often wet<br />
scrubbed to remove tar and particles before<br />
use in gas engines. Even for dry gas cleaning,<br />
it is necessary to perform cooling where<br />
contaminated water is produced. These effluents<br />
will result in environmental problems if they are<br />
not cleaned before being discharged into the<br />
urban network.<br />
The DETAR project addresses the development<br />
and optimisation of a supercritical process for the<br />
cleaning of such effluents.<br />
In the project waste water, from an updraft<br />
gasification process, is used in cleaning<br />
experiments which are carried out at laboratory<br />
scale (2 kg/h unit) and pilot scale (60 kg/h<br />
Process Development Unit).<br />
Also, the kinetic and transport models in<br />
the process are formulated, the cleaned water<br />
is characterised and a full-scale application<br />
is described economically/energetically/<br />
environmentally. Finally the application of the<br />
technology, in connection with other gasification<br />
configurations and other gas-cleaning technologies,<br />
are evaluated based on literature information.<br />
92<br />
Project structure<br />
The DETAR project is carried out at three scale<br />
levels:<br />
1. The Laboratory Scale Unit (LSU), a 2 kg/h<br />
system already in existence and financed by<br />
the Danish participants and in part by the<br />
Danish <strong>Energy</strong> Agency, will be used to<br />
establish basic parameters for various<br />
conditions (waste water retention time,<br />
temperature/pressure level and influence<br />
from added carbon catalyst).<br />
2. The Process Development Unit (PDU), to be<br />
designed and built for a capacity of 60 kg/h<br />
(financed in part by the Danish <strong>Energy</strong> Agency),<br />
will be used for the correlation with<br />
mathematical model/tools to be developed for<br />
optimisation and as a basis for up-scaling to<br />
full-scale application.<br />
3. A full-scale industrial implementation layout<br />
analysis using 1000 kg/h of waste water will<br />
be used to study the capital/operational cost<br />
and energetic/environmental impact of<br />
technology.<br />
Using experimental data from the LSU/PDU,<br />
chemical analysis, kinetic/mathematical modelling<br />
and process simulation, it is intended to verify<br />
the industrial application of the SCWO/G process<br />
for waste water from updraft biomass gasification<br />
and (through literature studies) to extend the<br />
results to other gasification concepts and<br />
cleaning technologies.<br />
Based on preliminary results obtained from the<br />
LSU, it has been verified that the SCWG of<br />
gasifier waste water will produce additional, high<br />
quality product gas for use in gas engines.<br />
Therefore it is the intention to verify that overall<br />
power efficiency can be improved and at the<br />
same time the environmental problems from<br />
effluents, inherent in most state-of-the-art<br />
approaches to biomass gasifier based Combined<br />
Heat and Power (CHP) may be solved.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
A detailed chemical characterisation of tar-water<br />
from updraft biomass gasification (and compared<br />
to data available on other processes) will be<br />
carried out. The SCWO/G process will be<br />
optimised for biomass gasifier waste water from<br />
product gas clean-up. Kinetic mechanisms<br />
and mathematical tools will be made available<br />
for process scale-up. Process full-scale<br />
characteristics will be evaluated and described.<br />
The use of the developed technology will<br />
considerably improve the market penetration of<br />
biomass gasification based CHP and therefore<br />
reduce energy production related CO2 emission.<br />
When biomass utilisation is increased in this way<br />
it will be possible to create local employment for<br />
the handling of the biomass fuel and also for the<br />
actual operation of the plant.<br />
Progress to date<br />
DETAR was initiated 1 January 2003 and so far<br />
several experiments using the LSU have been<br />
carried out. The design of the PDU is well under<br />
way using information from the LSU experiments.<br />
In connection with the PDU design, preliminary<br />
dimensioning software has been devised parallel<br />
to the development of the full mathematical<br />
model. Further raw tar-water and cleaned water<br />
has been initially characterised and gas analysed,<br />
based on the LSU experiments. During the<br />
remaining part of 2003, the PDU will be built, the<br />
software improved and experiments using<br />
catalysts (e.g. carbon) will be carried out.<br />
93<br />
SCWO/G Rear.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00675<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Degradation of Tarwater from <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Gasification – DE-TAR<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Bjorn TEISLEV<br />
Babcock and Wilcox Volund<br />
Tel: +45-75568874<br />
Fax: +45-75568873<br />
bjt@volund.dk<br />
Partners:<br />
Babcock and Wilcox Volund (DK)<br />
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (I)<br />
Kommunekemi (DK)<br />
H.G. OLRIK - Technology and<br />
Development (DK)<br />
Federal Research Centre for Forestry<br />
and Forest Products (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Komninos Diamantaras<br />
Tel: +32-2-2955851<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
komninos.diamantaras@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
DRY GAS<br />
CLEANING<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective was to develop, integrate<br />
and prove a complete biomass gasification<br />
combined heat and power small-scale<br />
prototype plant. The innovative idea of the<br />
project is a newly developed dry gas<br />
cleaning and heat recovery system. The dry<br />
gas cleaning concept, i.e. no wastewater,<br />
intends to solve and eliminate the tar<br />
problems associated with the operation of<br />
biomass gasifiers. The dry gas system is a<br />
three pass heat exchanger where tars are<br />
first condensed in a cold part then<br />
thermally cracked prior to being redirect<br />
back to the gasifier. Advanced heat<br />
recovery design improves the global heat<br />
efficiency of the CHP plant. The ultimate<br />
objective is, therefore, to create a new<br />
generation of energy efficient and<br />
environmentally friendly gasification<br />
systems.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass gasification with<br />
dry gas cleaning<br />
Background<br />
Utilisation of biomass and waste is generally<br />
expensive and not very efficient on small and<br />
medium scale plants. For gasification systems<br />
the main problem is the gas cleaning where<br />
severe environmental impact, costly maintenance<br />
problems and low energy utilisation are the main<br />
constraints. To overcome this situation, the<br />
project combines three minor gasification<br />
companies to one powerful <strong>European</strong> consortium<br />
with a broad range of scientific and commercial<br />
contacts to develop, integrate and prove a<br />
complete biomass gasification combined heat<br />
and power prototype plant of about 250 kWth.<br />
Technology and innovative<br />
challenges<br />
The most essential part of the process is the gas<br />
cleaning. The gas cleaning includes a high<br />
temperature dust separation at the gasifier outlet<br />
followed by a special regenerating counter-current<br />
tar condensing heat-exchanger, which is operated<br />
alternately in two phases. Change of phase<br />
concerns change of flow direction as well as<br />
flow side. Two separate streams of air cool the hot<br />
gas. Regeneration has the effect of decomposing<br />
the tar deposits at high temperatures and returning<br />
the cracked tar products into the gasifier by<br />
means of preheated gasification air. The cooling<br />
air for feedstock drying is uncontaminated with<br />
cracked tar products. The produced gas is cooled<br />
to 10-20°C above the dew point, so no wastewater<br />
is generated.<br />
94<br />
Project structure<br />
The partners have been satisfied with the project<br />
which, both in scientific and social terms, has<br />
been very successful. The project has benefited<br />
significantly from the <strong>European</strong> collaboration.<br />
The project was co-ordinated by Cirad (France)<br />
and involved one SME and a technical centre,<br />
both from Denmark.<br />
Technical and environmental<br />
performances<br />
The following technical objectives have been<br />
achieved:<br />
• Design and construction of a hot producer gas<br />
(700-800°C) particulate cleaning system (filter/<br />
cyclone, adhesion to tar, engine pre-filter),<br />
which operates continuously and achieves<br />
separation efficiency acceptable for engine<br />
applications, preferably without further<br />
particulate removal.<br />
• Design and construction of a new generation<br />
small scale tar condensing, regenerative gasgas<br />
heat exchanger, which is able to provide a<br />
clean gas free from tars creating problems in<br />
an engine. The efficiency of the condensation<br />
increases with the tar concentration. Depending<br />
on the operating conditions the tar concentrations<br />
measured varied from 37.4 to 237.6 mg/Nm3. The heat exchanger cycle has been in operation<br />
more than 500 hours on one continuous run.
• Rebuilding a carburettor and exhaust on an<br />
existing gas engine, which has achieved<br />
emissions of CO below 500 ppm, hydrocarbons<br />
below 100 ppm and NO, below 500 ppm.<br />
The biofuel (20% moisture) power efficiency<br />
obtained is higher than 22%.<br />
All performance data are well superior to the<br />
existing ones.<br />
Market applications<br />
Utilisation of biomass and waste is a sustainable<br />
and environmentally friendly way of energy<br />
production, which may contribute to the reduction<br />
of the greenhouse effect, utilise local resources<br />
and improve local employment. Small CHP plants<br />
will certainly constitute the most promising<br />
route, as they represent the major market<br />
perspective in terms of replication. Gasification<br />
is a way to increase the utilisation of renewable<br />
energy sources. In addition, development of<br />
components and integration of processes are<br />
potential export opportunities.<br />
It is the objective, that the entire process should<br />
be economically attractive, i.e. the investment<br />
costs (sales price, exclusive of installation costs)<br />
of the plant should not exceed €1,500 /kWe.<br />
95<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00003<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasification for CHP with<br />
Dry Gas Cleaning and Regenerative Heat<br />
Recovery – DRY GAS CLEANING<br />
Duration: 22 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Philippe Girard<br />
Cirad Forêt<br />
Tel: +33-467614475<br />
philippe.girard@cirad.fr<br />
Partners:<br />
Cirad (F)<br />
DK-Teknik (DK)<br />
Thomas Koch Energi (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
Gasification test fuels at VTT:<br />
waste-derived fuel and woody fuel.<br />
GASASH<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective of the project is to<br />
develop sustainable and economic systems<br />
for ash management of biomass/waste<br />
gasification and the gas cleaning process.<br />
The primary objective is to reduce ash<br />
volume and improve ash quality.<br />
The improvement of ash quality enhances<br />
the potential for the utilisation/recycling<br />
of ashes as a raw material for other<br />
processes. One of the key factors limiting<br />
further utilisation of gasification fly ash<br />
is the carbon content. Unreacted carbon<br />
has a negative impact not only on quality<br />
but also on the carbon conversion of the<br />
gasification process. An essential part<br />
of the ash quality improvement and ash<br />
volume reduction is the improvement<br />
of carbon conversion. An increase in<br />
carbon conversion results in higher<br />
conversion efficiency and this has a<br />
direct positive influence on power<br />
production capability.<br />
Ash management of<br />
biomass/waste gasification<br />
Challenges<br />
The work in this project is concentrated on three<br />
topics:<br />
• the development and optimisation of the<br />
gasification and gas cleaning process chain to<br />
reduce ash volumes and improve ash quality,<br />
• the development of new components (to<br />
improve ash quality, reduce ash volume and<br />
carry out an improvement of the overall carbon<br />
conversion),<br />
• the development of the utilisation of ashes.<br />
Finally, the practicality of the developed<br />
improvements will be evaluated for both technical<br />
and economical feasibility.<br />
Project structure<br />
The first task will concentrate on further<br />
development and improvement of the BFB and CFB<br />
gasification process. A wide selection of local<br />
biomass/waste-derived fuels will be used in the<br />
development work (e.g. several qualities of woody<br />
fuels, agricultural biomass residues, a mixture of<br />
biomass/coal). Special attention will be given to<br />
reducing ash volume (especially the amount of<br />
problematic filter ash), improving ash quality by<br />
optimising gasification conditions and achieving<br />
maximum efficiency with the use of bed additives.<br />
The second task will focus on the development<br />
of new components for gasification and the gas<br />
cleaning process. The different methods that will<br />
be studied and developed are:<br />
1. thermal treatment (separate combustion) of<br />
gasification ashes,<br />
2. the fly ash oxidation process integrated to the<br />
gasifier,<br />
96<br />
3. selective fractionating of fly ash by staged<br />
cooling and particulate separation.<br />
All three developments will reduce the carbon<br />
content of the ash, reduce ash volume and<br />
improve ash quality.<br />
The third task will focus on the screening of<br />
present combustion fly ash utilisation methods<br />
and the development of gasification fly ash<br />
specific utilisation options. Recycling is also<br />
considered when applicable and ashes from<br />
other tasks will be used in the utilisation<br />
development work. Finally, the technical and<br />
economical feasibility of the developed<br />
improvements will be evaluated in order to define<br />
the optimal ash management procedure.<br />
Partnership<br />
VTT Processes coordinates the project which<br />
consists of seven partners. VTT Processes,<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia Oy (FWEOY), <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN),<br />
Asociación de Investigación y Cooperación<br />
Industrial de Andalucía (AICIA), Pohjolan Voima<br />
Oy (PVO) and EMC Environment Engineering<br />
Limited are the principal contractors and Essent<br />
Energie Productie b.v. (EEP) is the assistant<br />
contractor. The project group has extensive<br />
experience and knowledge related to R&D and<br />
large-scale gasification, commercial-scale power<br />
production and gasifier manufacturing. This<br />
project enables the effective utilisation of this<br />
experience to achieve significant improvements<br />
in the overall feasibility of large-scale biomass<br />
and waste-derived fuel gasification.
Expected results and exploitation<br />
plans<br />
Results of the project will give guidelines for<br />
optimised fluidised bed gasification process and<br />
operation of the gasifier in order to achieve<br />
optimised ash management of the plant.<br />
Results will be used in the development and<br />
construction of new biomass- and waste- derived<br />
fuel gasification plants and operation of existing<br />
biomass plants. Project partners represent<br />
research and development organisations, boiler<br />
and gasifier manufactures and power producers<br />
who all can exploit results directly in their work.<br />
Results will also be published in <strong>European</strong> or<br />
international conferences and scientific magazines.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project was started in November 2002. The<br />
first activities have focused on optimisation of<br />
the gasification and gas cleaning process in<br />
order to improve carbon conversion, to reduce<br />
ash volumes and to improve the quality of ashes.<br />
This work has not yet been completed but<br />
intermediate results based on gasification of<br />
woody biomass have been successful.<br />
The development of new process components (fly<br />
ash oxidation, selective fractionating) has also<br />
been started. The first activities have been<br />
designing required components and starting of<br />
modification of test rigs.<br />
BFB-Pilot test facility (1MWth) of VTT<br />
Processes, Espoo, Finland. The facility<br />
is used for the development of clean gas<br />
production technologies for waste fuel.<br />
Power Station Kymijärvi, Town of Lahti, Finland. CFB <strong>Bio</strong>mass Gasifier<br />
40-70 MWth Foster Wheeler Energia Oy. (Source: Kivelä M., Lahti Energia, 2002).<br />
97<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00635<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Improvement of the Economics of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass/waste Gasification by Higher<br />
Carbon Conversion and Advanced Ash<br />
Management – GASASH<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Matti Nieminen<br />
VTT Processes<br />
Tel: +358-9-4566587<br />
Fax: +358-9-46493<br />
matti.nieminen@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Asociacion para la Investigacion y<br />
Cooperacion Industrial de Andalucía (E)<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia (FIN)<br />
Essent Energie Productie (NL)<br />
Pohjolan Voima (FIN)<br />
Emc Environment Engineering (UK)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre of<br />
The Netherlands (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
NOVACAT<br />
Objectives<br />
This project is focused on the key question<br />
of the development of efficient power and<br />
heat production processes based on<br />
gasification. The main objective was tar<br />
decomposition from gasification gas with<br />
two novel catalytic processes in order to<br />
produce clean gas for direct engine or<br />
turbine applications. The aim was to<br />
develop compact, simple and robust<br />
equipment to obtain complete conversion<br />
of tars so as to avoid problems in the<br />
downstream equipment, reduce<br />
environmental impact and to have an<br />
acceptable investment cost.<br />
Green power by lower cost<br />
and lower emissions<br />
Challenges<br />
The successful implementation of biomass and<br />
waste gasification for power production depends<br />
on the availability of low-cost, simple, reliable and<br />
high-performance gas cleaning systems. The<br />
present solutions for gas cleaning do not fulfil<br />
these conditions.<br />
Project structure<br />
The work in this project concentrated on the<br />
development of two novel catalytic tar<br />
decomposition processes: 1) a catalytic filter and<br />
2) a gas reformer based on nickel monolith<br />
catalyst. The tasks of the project were:<br />
• Catalytic filter development and testing with<br />
simulated and real gases,<br />
• Optimisation of the catalytic gas cleaning<br />
process in connection to a fluidised-bed gasifier,<br />
• Long term testing of nickel monoliths in a slip<br />
stream of an industrial biomass gasifier,<br />
• Pilot-scale tests to optimise the complete gas<br />
cleaning train for modern turbo-charged IC<br />
engines,<br />
• Techno-economic studies for both catalytic<br />
gas cleaning systems developed in the project.<br />
This project was executed by a group of three<br />
experienced laboratories (VTT, VUB and UCM),<br />
one manufacturer of fixed-bed gasifiers and gas<br />
cleaning equipment (Condens Oy), and two Italian<br />
SME’s (Maridiana and Sereco <strong>Bio</strong>test)<br />
representing an agricultural/agro-industrial<br />
southern <strong>European</strong> region. Here there is a great<br />
potential and need for the developed gasification<br />
technologies.<br />
98<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The objectives of this project match the EC<br />
Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Technologies (RET) policy with<br />
an important contribution of biomass. This requires<br />
biomass gasification systems to be reliable and<br />
simple, and hence contain compact, low cost but<br />
high performance gas cleaning, which fulfils all<br />
environmental requirements. The two proposed<br />
gas cleaning technologies can make biomass<br />
energy systems more attractive, leading to<br />
widespread use of such systems with benefits in<br />
terms of employment and emissions. Given the<br />
required development effort still needed, support<br />
by the EC of a multinational team was justified.<br />
The results of this project are of utmost<br />
importance considering the commercialisation of<br />
power production by gasification procesesses.<br />
As a direct follow up from this project, Condens<br />
Oy has been able to commercialise the NOVEL<br />
CHP process. This makes the NOVEL process a<br />
real success story of Commission-funded applied<br />
research, due to the fact that the process<br />
development has taken place essentially in two<br />
successive EU-funded projects.
NOVEL CHP process.<br />
Results<br />
The development of the catalytic filter included<br />
testing and optimisation of catalyst formulations<br />
with simulated and real gases. Novel modified<br />
nickel-activated alumina filter substrates were<br />
developed, prepared and screened. Improvement<br />
in the resistance to deactivation by sulphur<br />
compounds in biomass gasification was one of the<br />
main objectives and achievements of the work.<br />
Valuable information about catalyst improvement<br />
techniques was obtained. The catalytic filter was<br />
also tested with real gases and promising results<br />
were achieved. Preparation procedures for largescale<br />
candle filters were also developed.<br />
The long-term testing of the nickel monolith was<br />
performed with a slipstream apparatus that was<br />
connected to a CFB gasifier. The total test length<br />
was 2 267 h. The main conclusions of the long-term<br />
test were: 1) the nickel monolith catalyst activity<br />
remained at a high level during the test, 2) it is<br />
probable that the catalyst will remain active for<br />
longer periods of time, 3) tar conversion after the<br />
test was 92% and ammonia conversion 70 % at the<br />
900 °C operation temperature, 4) fouling or clogging<br />
of the monolith by carbon did not occur.<br />
The technical feasibility of the monolith-based<br />
concept was demonstrated by performing a pilotscale<br />
test run with a process consisting of a<br />
NOVEL fixed bed gasifier, a catalytic reformer<br />
followed by a filter and gas scrubber/cooler.<br />
The gas produced had very low tar (< 100<br />
mg/Nm3), ammonia (< 50 ppm) and particle<br />
(< 5 mg/ Nm3) contents and it can be considered<br />
Catalytic filter. The slipstream catalyst testing unit.<br />
suitable for use in modern turbo charged engines.<br />
Optimised operation conditions were found for<br />
the nickel monolith and the effects of the main<br />
process variables were studied. These included<br />
temperature, gas residence time, partitioning of<br />
the air feeding, gas H2O/C* ratio and gas<br />
superficial velocity. This work also included<br />
screening of limiting operation conditions as<br />
well as studies on the effects of process starting<br />
and shutting down procedures.<br />
The technical and economical evaluation of<br />
the NOVEL CHP process gave very positive<br />
results considering the promotion of the plant.<br />
The rather interesting aspects are the reduced<br />
size of the plant, the continuous operational<br />
system and the capability of gasifying various<br />
types of biomass, without endangering the<br />
performance of the gas engine. With these<br />
characteristics the diffusion of the technology<br />
might be successful, especiallyin the present<br />
<strong>European</strong> market conditions.<br />
99<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00305<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Tar Decomposition by Novel Catalytic Hot<br />
Gas Cleaning Methods – NOVACAT<br />
Duration: 27 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Pekka Simell<br />
VTT Processes<br />
Tel: +358-9-4565461<br />
Fax: +358-9-460493<br />
pekka.simell@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (E)<br />
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (B)<br />
Sereco <strong>Bio</strong>test (I)<br />
Maridiana (I)<br />
Condens (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
T ARGET<br />
Objectives<br />
It is a declared goal of the <strong>European</strong> Union<br />
to increase the share of biomass for power<br />
production. Gasification of biomass and<br />
combustion in a gas engine or turbine is<br />
the most efficient way of power production.<br />
However for gas turbines, stars in the LCV<br />
gas are a big problem and can result in<br />
fouling, increased emissions and failures<br />
during operation. In order to avoid those<br />
problems, intensive gas cleaning has, up<br />
until now, been recommended because<br />
limits and effects in gas turbine<br />
combustion are not known. This makes<br />
biomass gasification less cost competitive<br />
than combustion systems. The focus of<br />
this project is on the effect of tars on<br />
fouling and emissions of turbines and<br />
micro-turbines and especially on<br />
interactions between gasifier, gas cleaning<br />
and (micro) turbine. Only by an integrated<br />
approach will it be possible to provide<br />
customised and more cost competitive<br />
biomass based IGCC systems.<br />
TARGeT: Approaches in<br />
overcoming<br />
tar related problems<br />
Problems addressed<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass, if properly grown and managed, is a<br />
renewable resource and an attractive feedstock<br />
for gasification processes, which produce a gas<br />
rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen.<br />
Unfortunately, a small fraction of the biomass is<br />
converted to tar. Tar will impose serious<br />
limitations on the use of the produced low<br />
calorific fuel (LCV) gas due to the fouling of<br />
downstream process equipment and emission of<br />
carbon monoxide. For future advanced biomassbased<br />
power systems these processes must<br />
be further developed, in particular in biomass<br />
fired integrated small-scale gasifiers and gas<br />
turbine systems<br />
Future biomass-based power-generation<br />
technologies have to provide a higher efficiency<br />
at lower costs by combining well-established<br />
gasification processes, sophisticated low calorific<br />
value gas cleaning and reliable combustion with<br />
minimal emissions. For this reason fuel upgrading,<br />
combustion and cycle improvement and lower<br />
emission are required. The innovation aimed at<br />
in this project is to research the different gas<br />
cleaning steps and determine how much gas<br />
cleaning is required to deliver to the gas turbine<br />
section a fuel gas which will not foul and which<br />
can be combusted with low emissions.<br />
100<br />
Project structure<br />
The work is based on seven work packages that<br />
are linked by coordination. See diagram 1.<br />
In the second work-package research is performed<br />
to improve tar measurements and measurement<br />
techniques that are used within the project. For this<br />
a novel on-line total tar analysing method is used<br />
in combination with identification of tar components<br />
with a solid phase absorption technique.<br />
The fourth work package contains experiments<br />
with advanced set-ups of state-of-the-art fixed bed<br />
gasifiers, gas cleaning and tar removal by low<br />
temperature techniques such as filters, scrubbers<br />
and catalytic crackers.<br />
In parallel the fifth work package researches<br />
pressurised gasification in combination with<br />
high temperature gas cleaning by ceramic filters.<br />
The third work package concentrates on<br />
experimental tar fouling testing and modelling of<br />
a fuel gas compressor designed for the operation<br />
on biomass derived low calorific value fuel gas.<br />
In parallel with the fifth work package, a<br />
combustor design is made based on<br />
measurements performed with a gas turbine<br />
combustor operated on real LCV gas and two<br />
combustors operated on simulated LCV gas.<br />
This new combustor will be applied in the micro<br />
gas turbine experiments.<br />
In the sixth work package the fuel gas compressor<br />
and micro turbine on simulated LCV gas are<br />
experimentally tested. All work will be carried<br />
out in close relation to industry, who will use their<br />
expertise to assure the technical and economical<br />
implementation of project results in future plant<br />
designs, aspects of which will be the central<br />
theme of the final seventh work package.
TARGeT<br />
Process Scheme.<br />
New combustor.<br />
Impact and exploitation<br />
In the two years of the TARGeT project, two tar<br />
measurement techniques were enhanced and<br />
compared during on-site tests. These techniques<br />
were the on-line GC-FID-FID technique and the offline<br />
S.P.A technique. In combination, these<br />
techniques show that good tar analyses of<br />
biomass derived fuel gas is possible and accurate.<br />
The methods were used to measure tars inside<br />
the integrated systems of a 1 MW Pressurised<br />
Fluidised Bed Gasifier (PFBG) with ceramic filter<br />
system and gas turbine combustor and the<br />
integrated system of a 1 MW Downdraft Fixed Bed<br />
gasifier with sawdust filters, scrubber and fuel<br />
gas compressor. (See diagram.) Tests show that<br />
tars can slip through the gas cleaning system.<br />
This fuel gas compressor will be used to supply<br />
the required amount of pressurised fuel gas to<br />
a small-scale turbine with LCV gas combustor.<br />
Compression tests with LCV gas were performed<br />
and changes to the gas cleaning and compressor<br />
were made to decrease tar condensation inside<br />
the compressor. These tests show promising<br />
results for further integration of the gas turbine.<br />
The high temperature gas cleaning with filters of<br />
b-cordierite operated at 800°C showed high dust<br />
removal efficiencies, no tar clogging and small<br />
influences in tar cracking. These types of gas<br />
cleaning are considered as very useful in<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Fired Integrated Small-scale Gasifiers<br />
and Gas Turbine Systems.<br />
A new combustor was designed and constructed<br />
with a thermal input of 500 kW at 3.3 bara to<br />
fit the small-scale turbine. Combustion chamber<br />
modelling for the first burner and modelling<br />
for the second burner are performed together<br />
with modelling of emissions from tar containing<br />
LCV gas.<br />
The active involvement of all the participants has<br />
brought both academic and industrial knowledge<br />
into the project. The skills to solve the scientific and<br />
technical problems related to thermal conversion<br />
of biomass/renewable solid fuels, gas cleaning and<br />
gas analyses have proven that clear progress in<br />
power production from biomass is possible. In<br />
the last year of the project more work will be<br />
performed on a complete integrated system.<br />
Project structure.<br />
101<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00313<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
The Influence of Tar Composition and<br />
Concentration on Fouling, Emission and<br />
Efficiency of Micro and Small Scale Gas<br />
Turbines by Combustion of <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Derived Low Calorific Valued Gas – TARGET<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Helmuth Spliethoff<br />
TU Delft<br />
Tel: +31-1527-86071<br />
Fax: +31-1527-82460<br />
h.spliethoff@wbmt.tudelft.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
TU Delft (NL)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Alstom Power Technology (CH)<br />
Royal Institute of Technology (S)<br />
Host (NL)<br />
Alstom Power (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIO-AEROSOLS<br />
Objectives<br />
The project focused on the solution of<br />
problems related to aerosols and fly ashes<br />
formed during fixed-bed biomass<br />
combustion, namely particulate emissions<br />
and deposit formation. The main aims of<br />
the project were to investigate the<br />
characteristics and the behaviour of<br />
aerosols by considering different biomass<br />
fuels (wood chips, bark, and waste wood),<br />
as well as to identify mechanisms<br />
governing deposit formation in furnaces<br />
and boilers. Based on this knowledge,<br />
technologies able to reduce these<br />
problems should be developed. Efficient<br />
aerosol precipitators should be enhanced<br />
by setting up an aerosol database for filter<br />
manufacturers, accompanied by technoeconomic<br />
recommendations, and by<br />
optimising the rotational particle separator<br />
which is an innovative dust precipitator for<br />
small-scale applications. Additives to<br />
influence aerosol formation and growth<br />
should be investigated. Finally, the project<br />
also aimed to evaluate health risks caused<br />
by aerosol emissions from biomass<br />
combustion.<br />
Aerosols and fly ashes<br />
in biomass combustion –<br />
new data, modelling<br />
approaches and results<br />
Problems addressed<br />
In general, particulates formed during the<br />
combustion of solid biomass can be divided<br />
into two fractions, the aerosols (particles formed<br />
from condensable vapours by gas to particle<br />
conversion) and coarse fly ashes (ash particles<br />
entrained from the fuel bed with the flue gas).<br />
Before BIO-AEROSOLS was initiated, very little<br />
information about the formation mechanisms<br />
and characteristics of these two fly ash fractions<br />
during fixed-bed combustion of woody biofuels<br />
was available. Therefore, the objectives of the<br />
project were defined as above.<br />
To reach the project objectives, extensive test<br />
runs were performed at biomass combustion<br />
units, as well as mathematical modelling of the<br />
processes involved in aerosol, fly ash and deposit<br />
formation and behaviour. In total, five test runs<br />
were carried out at a pilot-scale combustion unit<br />
(440 kWth) and a large-scale CHP plant (40 MWth),<br />
comprising fuel, aerosol, fly ash, ash and deposit<br />
sampling with subsequent wet chemical and<br />
SEM/EDX-analyses of the samples being taken.<br />
From these tests, a huge amount of high-quality<br />
measurement and analyses data was collected<br />
concerning relevant characteristics of aerosols<br />
and fly ashes formed during fixed-bed combustion<br />
of woody biofuels. In Figure 1 and Figure 2<br />
examples of particle size distribution, shape<br />
and chemical composition of aerosols and fly<br />
ashes formed during the combustion of woody<br />
biofuels are presented. These new data (shapes,<br />
concentrations, particle size distributions and<br />
chemical compositions of aerosols and fly ashes)<br />
have been summarised in an aerosol and fly ash<br />
102<br />
database. Furthermore, a huge amount of new<br />
data concerning the characterisation of furnace<br />
and boiler tube deposits, such as build-up rates,<br />
structures and chemical compositions, resulted<br />
from the project and have also been summarised<br />
in a database.<br />
Results<br />
The results of the test runs clearly indicated<br />
that the chemical composition of the fuel is the<br />
main parameter influencing aerosol formation,<br />
while plant operation parameters (excess air<br />
ratio, furnace temperature, etc.) do not have a<br />
significant influence.<br />
Based on the data and experiences gained from<br />
the test runs, existing models able to predict<br />
aerosol and deposit formation as well as deposit<br />
melting behaviour have been improved, and new<br />
models for the prediction of the behaviour of<br />
aerosols and fly ashes in fixed-bed biomass<br />
combustion units developed. Three different<br />
aerosol formation processes for different types<br />
of woody biomass (chemically untreated wood,<br />
bark, and waste wood), depending mainly on<br />
the chemical composition of the fuels used,<br />
were identified during these investigations.<br />
Consequently, the knowledge about these<br />
processes was increased substantially and, in<br />
future, the furnace and boiler designs as well as<br />
process control strategies of the industrial<br />
partners taking part in this project, will be<br />
adjusted according to the project results in order<br />
to reduce deposit formation as well as particulate<br />
emissions.
Another important result from the project is<br />
the development of an aerosol and fly ash<br />
database mentioned above, which comprises<br />
all measurement data from the test runs<br />
performed. Based on these data, recommendations<br />
were drawn up for filter manufacturers<br />
concerning the application of different dust<br />
separation technologies (cyclones, ESP, baghouse<br />
filters) in biomass combustion units with respect<br />
to the plant capacity and the biomass fuel used.<br />
In order to reduce deposit build-up in furnaces<br />
and boilers, an additive was developed for<br />
injection into the hot furnace. Tests with this<br />
additive during waste wood combustion have<br />
shown that during long- term operation,<br />
Figure 2: SEM-image and results of EDX-analyses of aerosols formed<br />
during bark combustion.<br />
Explanations: data in atom%; data normalised to 100%, not<br />
considering O2.<br />
a reduction of deposit build-up and deposit<br />
hardness was achieved. Short-term tests,<br />
including deposit, aerosol and fly ash sampling<br />
and subsequent analyses of the samples,<br />
showed comparable results. However, it was<br />
not possible to identify the exact mechanism on<br />
which the effect of the additive was based;<br />
therefore, additional research will be needed<br />
on this topic.<br />
Finally, investigations were carried out concerning<br />
the health risks caused by particulate emissions<br />
from biomass combustion units. As a result,<br />
data from in-vivo and in-vitro tests with particulate<br />
emissions from biomass combustion are<br />
now available.<br />
Figure 1: Particle size distribution of fly ash emissions from biomass<br />
combustion units – Explanations: dp … particle diameter; ae.d. …<br />
aerodynamic diameter; results from test runs at a pilot-scale<br />
combustion unit (nominal boiler capacity 440 kWth); all data related<br />
to dry flue gas and 13 vol.% O2.<br />
103<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK6-CT-1999-00003<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Aerosols in Fixed-bed <strong>Bio</strong>mass Combustion<br />
– Formation, Growth, Chemical<br />
Composition, Deposition, Precipitation<br />
and Separation from Flue Gas –<br />
BIO-AEROSOLS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Ingwald Obernberger<br />
TU Graz<br />
Tel: +43-3164-481300<br />
Fax: +43-3164-4813004<br />
obernberger@glvt.tu-graz.ac.at<br />
Partners:<br />
TU Graz (A)<br />
TU Denmark (DK)<br />
Aabo Akademi University (FIN)<br />
Standardkessel Lentjes-Fasel (D)<br />
Mawera Holzfeuerungsanlagen (D)<br />
Emissions-Reduzierungs-Konzepte (D)<br />
TU Eindhoven (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
BIOFLAM<br />
Objectives<br />
The BIOFLAM project intends to provide<br />
solutions to the problem of environmental<br />
impact of residential combustion of liquid<br />
fuels by reducing emissions, introducing<br />
the use of liquid, renewable biofuels, and<br />
improving efficiency.<br />
The aim is to develop, prototype and<br />
demonstrate a new liquid fuel fired<br />
condensing boiler by developing new<br />
ceramic premixed liquid fuel burners based<br />
on the innovative cool flame vaporisation<br />
process, the novel porous medium burner<br />
concept and the use of high-temperature<br />
ceramics, condensing boiler technology<br />
with condense water neutralisation and<br />
innovative burner controls with a power<br />
modulation of 10:1.<br />
Liquid bio-fuels in<br />
a new heating technology.<br />
BIOFLAM-technology for<br />
domestic appliances<br />
Challenges<br />
It becomes obvious that improved technologies<br />
for heating purposes with fuel oil are of major<br />
importance in order to reduce the overall<br />
emissions generated by household heating. Fuel<br />
oil plays a key role in <strong>European</strong> household<br />
heating (EU 25%) and is not going to be replaced<br />
drastically in the near future by alternative<br />
technologies - except possibly partially by natural<br />
gas. Hence, there is a high potential for<br />
significant, positive, environmental impacts<br />
through novel, high efficiency and low emission<br />
combustion technologies for liquid fuels, like<br />
fuel oil.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is organised in nine work packages<br />
(WP). In WP1 the biofuels and blends of those<br />
with conventional fuels are going to be produced<br />
and characterised (in accordance with standards<br />
by CEN / TC19 / WG25). WP2 deals with the<br />
development of a vaporiser able to operate with<br />
all possible biofuel blends and producing a<br />
gaseous fuel/air mixture. In WP3 the burner is<br />
developed, which can operate with the hot<br />
premixed vaporiser products and shows a stable<br />
operation for a high power dynamic range. The<br />
burner is based on the innovative principle of<br />
stabilised combustion in porous media. In WP4<br />
the high temperature ceramic components for the<br />
burner are developed. The burner and boiler<br />
electronics, sensors and controls are worked out<br />
in WP5 utilising advanced methods like the<br />
flame signature, in order to control and optimise<br />
the fuel/air mixture at varying biofuel qualities.<br />
All components are integrated and combined<br />
with the condensing heat exchanger in the boiler<br />
construction in WP6. As soon as the boiler<br />
development is finished, the demonstration part<br />
is going to be prepared starting with long term<br />
104<br />
laboratory tests within WP7. The fabrication of<br />
about 21 boilers has to be performed prior to the<br />
installation and monitoring in test households<br />
within WP8. WP9 deals with the coordination of<br />
all the activities.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
• CO2 emissions will be reduced by the partial<br />
use of renewable fuels (blends from 5 to 20 %)<br />
of the FAME type (esterified vegetable and<br />
used frying oils).<br />
• The heating system will operate with a<br />
condensing boiler using the heat of the water<br />
condensation improving the overall efficiency<br />
by approximately 10% and thus reducing CO2<br />
emissions.<br />
• NOx emissions will be reduced by a factor of<br />
2 in comparison to conventional oil boilers by<br />
using a high temperature ceramic in the porous<br />
burner technology.<br />
• The overall CO2 emission of liquid fuel fired<br />
boilers will be reduced by 20% through<br />
improved efficiency and high power modulation<br />
1:10.<br />
• The BIOFLAM boiler will guarantee a basic heat<br />
power of about 3 kW – required from the new<br />
building programmes for low power buildings.<br />
• The high power modulation allows an easy<br />
integration with further renewable energy<br />
sources like solar energy systems.<br />
• The long-term operational behaviour in<br />
laboratory and selected households is a<br />
milestone to work the dissemination and<br />
exploitation directly by the project partners. The<br />
partner EHI will promote the market<br />
introduction.<br />
• To introduce the innovative boiler technology<br />
at a competitive price of €2500.
Results<br />
At the biennial meeting in Schwechat, Austria<br />
organised by the coordinator OMV Aktiengesellschaft,<br />
the first <strong>Bio</strong>flam prototype No.1<br />
(BU1) was presented to the public. Professional<br />
journalists and members of public agencies took<br />
part at the presentation. Three articles were<br />
published in journals about the <strong>Bio</strong>flam prototype<br />
and parts of the project were presented at<br />
several conferences and fairs.<br />
As a first step the <strong>Bio</strong>flam prototype No.1 (BU1)<br />
has been realised and it is able to burn with a<br />
liquid heating fuel. The high quality of the<br />
operational parameters and the flue gas<br />
emissions of the BU1 were convincing and<br />
demonstrated the successful realisation of the<br />
innovative <strong>Bio</strong>flam concept in its entirety. The<br />
operation with blends of heating fuel with<br />
vegetable oil methyl esters, recycled cooking<br />
oils and mixtures (5% to 20% per volume in<br />
heating fuel) will be tested in the next months.<br />
Thus CO2 emissions will be reduced by the<br />
partial use of the renewable fuels.<br />
BU1 as a condensing boiler includes a<br />
neutralization box for the condensed water. The<br />
operation at condensing mode improves the<br />
overall efficiency by approximately 10% and thus<br />
reduces CO2 emissions.<br />
Using the new vaporisation and combustion<br />
technology, flue gas emission of NOx was reduced<br />
by a factor of two in comparison to conventional<br />
oil boilers. These positive results could be<br />
demonstrated in real time operation by the first<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>flam Prototype BU1 at the OMV test rig.<br />
The biofuels and blends of those with<br />
conventional heating fuels were produced and<br />
characterised. The second version of the<br />
vaporiser was presented at the biennial meeting<br />
as a part in the first prototype, BU1, and was able<br />
The burning ceramic at ca.<br />
1200-1400°C. The photo<br />
was taken with a Thermo<br />
camera.<br />
A schematic view of the bioflam<br />
prototype BU2. On top in blue is<br />
the Vaporizer, in brown the<br />
ceramic burner and in yellowthe<br />
boiler with jet inserts.<br />
to generate the fuel/air mixture for the following<br />
combustion in the burner. Further optimisation<br />
work will lead to a third version of the vaporiser.<br />
The new prototype, BU2, will be ready for testing<br />
in July 2003.The second version of the burner is<br />
running stable and with the expected low NOx<br />
emissions seen in the prototype No.1. The<br />
integration of the burner in the unit is finished but<br />
minor, technical optimisations of transferring<br />
power to the vaporizer are still to be carried out.<br />
The ceramic components showed an extremely<br />
high thermal shock resistance and innovative<br />
technologies were utilised in the ceramics<br />
production.<br />
The fabrication of about 22 units (BU2) has to<br />
be performed in accordance with the certification<br />
process. The monitoring and evaluation of 15 test<br />
households in Lower Austria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg<br />
has been finished. The installation of the boilers<br />
and the electrical and hydraulic connections will<br />
be carried out from July to September 2003.<br />
From the view of all project partners, the common<br />
objective to produce a new heating unit –<br />
BIOFLAM – looks very promising. All the results<br />
received so far prove that the project is on the<br />
right course. The test results coming from the<br />
prototype BU1 and BU2 show that the project<br />
could come to be realised industrially. A<br />
patent/licence procedure could also be started<br />
concerning the practical application.<br />
All project partners gave the clear commitment<br />
on going on with the project, with the further<br />
optimisation of technical details, certification<br />
of the unit and to start the field test at the<br />
demonstration part of the project. Also entering<br />
into conversation with prospective customers<br />
can be planned.<br />
105<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2000-00317<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Application of Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels in New<br />
Heating Technologies for Domestic<br />
Appliances Based on Cool Flame<br />
Vaporization and Porous Medium<br />
Combustion – BIOFLAM<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Thomas Brehmer<br />
OMV<br />
Tel: +43-1-40440-40872<br />
Fax: +43-1-40440-40874<br />
thomas.brehmer@omv.com<br />
Partners:<br />
OMV (A)<br />
RWTH Aachen (D)<br />
Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (D)<br />
Hovalwerk AG (LI)<br />
IST (P)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
PTC – Ceramic Production (CH)<br />
CSEM – Microelectronic (CH)<br />
<strong>European</strong> Heating Industry Association<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
High-temperature-filtration reactor<br />
(ComFil).<br />
BIOWARE<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective of this project is to<br />
develop a cost-effective, combined dry<br />
gas cleaning and particle removal system<br />
based on ceramic catalytic active filter<br />
candles to minimise the main pollutants<br />
from biomass and bio-waste combustion,<br />
namely SO2, HCl, NOx and fly ash.<br />
This research is related to an industrial<br />
process application.<br />
A laboratory tests phase relating to a study<br />
of the filtration conditions and the<br />
development a catalytic active ceramic<br />
filter for simultaneous SCR (Selective<br />
Catalytic Reduction) and dust removal are<br />
being carried out. The viability of the<br />
system for combined dry removal of<br />
particle and gaseous pollutants will be<br />
demonstrated by filtering a lipstream of<br />
the total flow rate of the flue gases from<br />
an existing 3.5 MWth (~5000 Nm3/h) Bubbling Fluidised Bed (BFB) combustion<br />
plant, utilising leather wastes and<br />
coal/olive oil residue mixtures.<br />
Emission control from<br />
biomass combustion using a<br />
combined dry gas cleaning<br />
and particle removal based<br />
on catalytic active ceramic<br />
filter candles<br />
Challenges<br />
Several problems are addressed in this project:<br />
• Stable filtration performance at the operating<br />
temperature required for optimal SO2 and NOx<br />
removal is vital for the process of combined dry<br />
removal of particles and gaseous pollutants.<br />
The critical parameter ranges for filtration<br />
must be defined for the fuel’s characteristic raw<br />
gas concentrations of fly ash and SO2/HCl<br />
(equivalent to sorbent concentrations).<br />
• The development of a rigid SiC based ceramic<br />
filter coated with a catalyst for DeNOx reactions<br />
(SCR), dust removal and assessment of the<br />
scale up issues of this system.<br />
• The co-firing of biomass materials with coal will<br />
generally lead to a reduction in the total fly ash.<br />
However, the mixed ash may contain significant<br />
levels of very fine aerosol material, which may<br />
present problems to conventional particulate<br />
emission abatement equipment.<br />
• The effect of the chromium content of the<br />
ash from leather wastes on the filtration<br />
process and SCR process will be studied, as<br />
well the chromium recovery rate.<br />
• The process will result in a production of mixed<br />
ashes and sorbent. The utilisation and disposal<br />
of the waste material will require careful<br />
consideration.<br />
106<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Results of the project include the design and<br />
development of a new dry gas cleaning system<br />
in a single step. This system is to be optimised<br />
for the combustion process, resulting in a<br />
prototype capable of operation for a significant<br />
length of time.<br />
Once a catalytic filter will be ready for an industrial<br />
application, this flue gas system seems very<br />
promising as a cleaning system for small<br />
biomass combustion plants. Common flue gas<br />
cleaning systems of today are too expensive<br />
and complex for small and medium size<br />
combustion facilities, especially for biomass<br />
combustion. Therefore, the application of a<br />
catalytic filter may contribute for better local<br />
environmental conditions.<br />
Decentralised small biomass plants are a good<br />
opportunity for independent energy production.<br />
In cases where the fuel is a biomass waste<br />
coming from other regional activities, the benefit<br />
is doubled: energy is recovered from the biowaste<br />
and the waste disposal cost is reduced.<br />
It must be noted that the project results will<br />
help to open a new market segment in the field<br />
of energy production from biomass combustion.<br />
The potential power from leather combustion in<br />
Spain and other parts of Europe is estimated to<br />
be 150 MWth and 750 MWth respectively. For<br />
southern Spain and southern Italy only, the<br />
potential thermal power stored in biomass waste<br />
from olive oil production can be estimated in the<br />
order of 1 GWth and 0.5 GWth respectively.
BFB-Plant.<br />
Furthermore from tanned leather, the resource<br />
“chromium III” can be recovered, an element that<br />
is not available in the EU and must be imported,<br />
mainly from South Africa (66%) and Zimbabwe<br />
(29%). A first rough estimate gives a Cr recovery<br />
rate of 38 kt/a for <strong>European</strong> leather industry.<br />
Results<br />
The aim of the filtration study is to define<br />
boundary conditions for high-temperature-filtration<br />
of fly ash and sorbent mixtures using a<br />
dilatometer and a filtration unit (ComFil). The fuels<br />
used in the combustion tests were leather wastes<br />
and coal/olive oil residue mixtures (60wt% coal<br />
and 40wt% olive oil wastes). Flue gas emissions,<br />
particulate matter and ash have been<br />
characterised on the pilot BFB at CIEMAT. A<br />
widely used sorbent for the reduction of<br />
hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions is<br />
sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and this is to be<br />
used in the test work. Filtration tests of pure<br />
NaHCO3, pure leather ash and mixtures of 75 wt%<br />
and 60 wt% NaHCO3 were performed at 400°C<br />
and a back pulse pressure for regeneration of<br />
8 bar. At these conditions the pure leather ash<br />
exhibits stable filtration behaviour; on the<br />
contrary, the mixture of leather ash with 60 wt%<br />
NaHCO3 at lower pressure of 5 bar showed<br />
unstable filtration. Filtration tests with a mix of<br />
fly ashes from olive/coal combustion and<br />
NaHCO3 (30 wt% NaHCO3) showed to be stable<br />
at an operating temperature of 400°C and a<br />
tank pressure of 8 bar. According to the<br />
preliminary emission values, stable filtration for<br />
the fuel leather waste (NaHCO3 content in the<br />
range of 60 to 96 wt% expected) is a problem for<br />
operating at temperatures above 300°C. In the<br />
case of olive/coal combustion (expected NaHCO3<br />
content in the range of 15 to 30 wt%) filtration<br />
is not a limiting factor. The operating temperature<br />
can be optimised with respect to sorption and<br />
SCR reaction efficiencies but should be above<br />
the minimum temperature of 240°C (ammonium<br />
salt generation).<br />
The research work is still going on by optimising<br />
the developed catalytic system that already<br />
achieves a NO conversion of more than 90 % at<br />
filtration velocity of 1cm/s.<br />
Concurrently, a prototype of the experimental<br />
facility for use in Soria on the 3.5 MWth BFB has<br />
been planned, and the facility is presently under<br />
construction. The filtration system consists<br />
mainly of the filterhouse and the filter<br />
regeneration system. Heating and insulation<br />
systems have been designed for thermal<br />
conditioning of both the filterhouse and the bypass<br />
line (max. 450ºC). Finally, a PLC control<br />
system has also been designed in connection<br />
with the filtration facility.<br />
The process evaluation has started and the first<br />
module of four for the overall techno-economic<br />
model has been completed. Once the<br />
specifications for the biomass size to the Soria<br />
plant have been established, the costs of<br />
preparation, drying and the feeding of the<br />
biomass or coal/olive oil wastes can be<br />
determined. Module III is currently in preparation<br />
on gas cleaning to allow for a range of options<br />
to be costed and compared.<br />
Finally, the activities included in the experimental<br />
test in a BFB demonstration plant have been<br />
started.<br />
107<br />
Lab-scale reactor (Kin MoRe) for measuring kinetic data<br />
on a monolithic catalytic ceramic filter segment.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00523<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Clean <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery from <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Waste & Residues – BIOWARE<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Lourdes Armesto Lopez<br />
CIEMAT<br />
Tel: +34-91-3466408<br />
Fax: +34-91-3466079<br />
lourdes.armesto@ciemat.es<br />
Partners:<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
Solvay (B)<br />
Schumacher Umwelt- und Trenntechnik (D)<br />
Conversion and Resource Evaluation (UK)<br />
Instituto Espanol del Calzado y Conexas (E)<br />
Universität Karlsruhe (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
INTCON<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective is to develop and<br />
demonstrate an optimising general control<br />
system to be used in biofuel fired boilers<br />
for the production and co-production of<br />
industrial power and steam or district<br />
heating. The focus in this project will be on<br />
a system suitable for a grate-fired boiler,<br />
but necessary alterations of the control<br />
strategies for other boiler types will also be<br />
evaluated and defined. The system will be<br />
easy to adapt to existing control systems.<br />
It will minimise the emissions and<br />
operational problems such as<br />
slagging/fouling, and optimise the burn out<br />
of ashes and the heat output. A control<br />
system like this will be a useful instrument<br />
to improve both the economy of using<br />
biofuel for power and heat production and<br />
by reducing the environmental impact. It<br />
will, therefore, support the political target<br />
of increasing the proportion of renewable<br />
fuels in the energy system.<br />
INTCON – A process control<br />
system for biomass<br />
fired plants<br />
Problems addressed<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>fuels, both from forest/farmland and from<br />
recycling, are in general very inhomogeneous with<br />
large, timely variations in moisture content, size<br />
distribution, ash content and ash properties.<br />
Changes in fuel properties have to be met in a<br />
correct way in order to maintain a good<br />
economical process.<br />
There is a general trend to increase the emission<br />
constrains from combustion plants. Those firing<br />
recycled biofuels, like demolitions, would have<br />
to comply with the waste combustion directive.<br />
All these demands call for the development of<br />
a qualified system for controlling the operation<br />
of a plant. The system is very complex and<br />
includes a multileveled structure including<br />
combustion and emission control, minimising<br />
mainte-nance and handling overall power and<br />
heat demands.<br />
Project structure<br />
A general control system suitable for all types of<br />
boilers is complex and extensive. As a first step,<br />
the objective of the present project is to develop<br />
a control system for a grate-fired boiler where the<br />
use of inhomogeneous fuel is common, where<br />
the aerodynamic problems are the greatest and<br />
where the methods for control is the least<br />
developed. Alterations for pulverised fuel (PF) and<br />
fluidised bed (FB) boilers will be evaluated and<br />
the final results will include defined control<br />
strategies for these types.<br />
To accomplish the development of a novel control<br />
system, a consortium has been formed by TPS,<br />
CINAR, CIRCE and Technatom. TPS coordinates<br />
the whole project and has an extensive<br />
experience in biofuel and waste combustion in<br />
108<br />
most applications. CINAR is widely experienced<br />
in the field of numerical simulation and, with<br />
applications both in the field of CFD and Neural<br />
Network (NN), will support the other partners.<br />
CIRCE will have a special focus on slagging and<br />
fouling but has also an in-depth knowledge of<br />
combustion with PF and in FB. Technatom has a<br />
vast experience in the processes and their control.<br />
To make INTCON flexible it has a modular<br />
structure where certain modules are highly<br />
specialised for a particular application, whereas<br />
others are of a general nature. The overall<br />
structure for the chosen application is presented<br />
in the figure below.<br />
The Management Module (MM), where a linguistic<br />
fuzzy tool is combined with a knowledge base<br />
containing information on the boiler system, will<br />
advise on the specific control modules for an<br />
optimised and cost effective operation. The<br />
learning capability will make the module available<br />
for future adaptation to new situations.<br />
A Real-Time Data Base (RTDB) is used for the<br />
storage of data, both from the process and from<br />
that calculated in the control system. There are<br />
several routines for data treatment in the RTDB,<br />
and the RTDB and MM modules are general to<br />
all INTCON systems.<br />
There is an Overall Boiler Control Module (OBCM),<br />
essentially a shell for control modules for the<br />
different tasks that have to be performed in<br />
the boiler. In this project two general control<br />
modules have been developed; a combustion<br />
controller (CCM) and a slagging and fouling<br />
controller (SFM). There is also a predictive<br />
emissions monitoring module (PEMM).
INTCON - Mainscreen.<br />
For this application the CCM is divided into<br />
two sub-modules, one controlling the grate<br />
combustion (CCM:G) and the other the freeboard<br />
combustion (CCM:F). This approach simplifies the<br />
application of INTCON to other boilers as the<br />
primary zone will change but several of the<br />
control routines for the freeboard will be the<br />
same. The combustion controllers will use the<br />
PEMM to find optimal conditions for a reduction<br />
of emissions.<br />
The SFM will use selected inputs for predicting and<br />
minimising formation of ash deposits in the boiler.<br />
To make the INTCON advisory system easily<br />
acceptable for the operators, special attention<br />
has been given to the development of an<br />
attractive human-machine interface (HMI). The<br />
system operator can either have full control of<br />
the plant or just specific functions.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The main aim of this system is to stabilise the<br />
combustion and the behaviour of the boiler in<br />
order to maintain, or even increase, boiler and<br />
power plant output and efficiency, reduce<br />
emissions and achieve higher availability for<br />
boilers operated on renewable fuels.<br />
The INTCON-system will need further development<br />
to be a general system for controlling all kinds<br />
of boilers, and will need even more to control the<br />
whole operation of a power/district-heating plant.<br />
But as it has a modular structure, several of the<br />
modules will be ready for commercialisation at<br />
the end of this project.<br />
INTCON - Structure. IR - Temperature Distribution.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The basic layout of most of the modules is ready.<br />
By using identification methods process models<br />
are developed for both of the combustion<br />
controllers. IR-detectors (see picture below) are<br />
used to monitor the bed temperature on the grate.<br />
The testing and implementation on the target<br />
boiler of some of the modules have been initiated<br />
during the spring of 2003 and the complete<br />
INTCON system will be assembled and testing will<br />
commence next heating season.<br />
109<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00542<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Intelligent Process Control System for<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuelled industrial Power Plants –<br />
INTCON<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Niklas Berge<br />
TPS Termiska Processer<br />
Tel: +46-15-5221385<br />
Fax: +46-15-5263052<br />
niklas.berge@tps.se<br />
Partners:<br />
TPS (S)<br />
CIRCE (E)<br />
TECNATOM (E)<br />
CINAR (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Stefano Puppin<br />
Tel: +32-2-2962191<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
stefano.puppin@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
MGO-GAS<br />
Objectives<br />
Incineration is a useful method for<br />
eliminating combustible waste products in<br />
order to reduce municipal/household<br />
waste volume. This project is expected to<br />
improve the efficiency of flue gas<br />
treatment in waste-to-energy plants by<br />
using a new efficient and competitive<br />
Mg-based product. It is also expected to<br />
provide a process for improving product<br />
reactivity for the abatement of pollutants<br />
and to develop and adapt a process to<br />
promote the significant benefits of its use<br />
when compared to the sorbing agents<br />
(lime, sodium bicarbonate) in current use.<br />
Magnesium oxide has widespread use in<br />
Europe and its promotion will open new<br />
markets for it with important<br />
consequences for both the competitiveness<br />
of the <strong>European</strong> magnesia industry and<br />
also for the cost effectiveness of gaseous<br />
treatments.<br />
Adapted magnesium oxide<br />
(MgO) product for efficient<br />
flue gas treatment for<br />
waste-to-energy plants<br />
Project structure<br />
This project links partners from three EU<br />
countries. They were selected so as to combine<br />
producers of the Mg-based product, laboratory<br />
and industrial-scale research facilities, and<br />
potential users of the results. This project was<br />
carried out according to the following research<br />
phases:<br />
• Thermo-chemical characterisation of existing<br />
magnesium oxide;<br />
• Identification of the parameters to be taken into<br />
account magnesium oxide use in flue gas<br />
treatment;<br />
• Development of an adapted magnesium oxide;<br />
• Selection of the most efficient products at<br />
pilot scale and validation of the new product<br />
at industrial scale.<br />
Expected social and economic<br />
impact<br />
The exploitation of the results obtained from<br />
this project, using the new adapted product,<br />
will allow for:<br />
• reinforcing the competition between sorbing<br />
agent suppliers: The current products used for<br />
flue gas treatment are distributed by<br />
companies worldwide, a situation which leads<br />
to a quasi-monopolistic market. This new<br />
competitive product will improve this situation,<br />
especially if a plant can use lime, sodium<br />
bicarbonate and oxide magnesium to treat<br />
acidic gases without having to make major<br />
modifications to its equipment.<br />
110<br />
• reducing the production of residues: The<br />
difference between the molar mass of the<br />
different sorbing agent is favourable as regards<br />
magnesium oxide.<br />
• finding an alternative treatment for residues<br />
and CO2 emissions: The current treatment<br />
for ‘air pollution control residues’ is<br />
stabilisation/solidification. This technology<br />
comprises mixing residues with different<br />
additives (silicates, lime, hydraulic binders,<br />
etc.) to keep the pollutants in the matrix. Each<br />
residue needs a specific formulation and some<br />
require expansive additives and/or produce<br />
more waste. The pH of the Mg-based product<br />
– of around 10 – coincides with the pH value<br />
at which heavy metals present the lowest<br />
solubility and remain stabilised as insoluble<br />
hydroxides within the ‘cake’.<br />
Furthermore, unlike the NaHCO3 sorbent, the<br />
utilisation of MgO-based product will reduce the<br />
CO2 emissions locally in the abatement<br />
processes.<br />
Results<br />
The results obtained from laboratory-scale tests<br />
gave thermo-chemical information on the principal<br />
possible reactions between Mg-based product<br />
and the acidic gaseous components of flue gas.<br />
The Mg-based product obtained from the current<br />
production method (without modification) showed<br />
a comparable efficiency when compared to the<br />
conventionally used sorbing agent, when the<br />
same quantities were used.
From this study it was observed that the most<br />
important characteristics of this application are<br />
the high specific surface area (S.S.A) and the<br />
appropriate grain size distribution of the sorbing<br />
agents.<br />
In order to increase the reactivity of the<br />
Mg-based product, the physico-chemical<br />
properties of this product have been improved<br />
and samples were produced with a specific<br />
surface area higher than 60 m2/g for MgO<br />
and more than 40 m2/g for Mg(OH)2. This<br />
adaptation constitutes an innovation for products<br />
derived from natural magnesite, concerning<br />
magnesia samples, while commercial Mg(OH)2<br />
samples – even synthetic products from sea<br />
water – have a much lower specific surface<br />
area. The abatement results obtained at<br />
laboratory scale for the reactivity and sorption of<br />
pollutant using the modified Mg-based product<br />
were very promising.<br />
Moreover, an MgO sample with a S.S.A of<br />
227m2/g was developed and produced and gave<br />
very good abatement results. However, the tests<br />
did not proceed because this sample cannot<br />
be produced within the existing industrial<br />
facilities.<br />
In order to validate the results obtained from the<br />
laboratory scale, efficiency tests were conducted<br />
on the flue gas treatment using different samples<br />
of Mg-based product (different from the current<br />
production and the modified ones) in a pilotscale<br />
rotary kiln. A mixture of synthetic wastes<br />
was formulated and prepared so as to compose<br />
a gas emission mixture containing SOx, Cl, dioxin<br />
and heavy metals. The results obtained, as<br />
regards the efficiency of flue gas treatment<br />
using the downstream dry abatement, confirmed<br />
those achieved at laboratory scale. However,<br />
the best results for acidic pollutant abatement<br />
were obtained using the semi-wet treatment and<br />
the modified sample Mg(OH)2 thin slurries, as can<br />
be seen in figure 1. The characteristics of<br />
Mg(OH)2 retained comprised a sample with<br />
40m2/g of S.S.A, fine grain size lacking in very<br />
fine fractions. This magnesium hydroxide was<br />
produced from reactive caustic magnesia under<br />
well-controlled hydration conditions.<br />
A technico-economic assessment of Mg-based<br />
product utilisation and its comparison with<br />
currently used sorbents has been carried out<br />
regarding the results obtained from this project.<br />
The main advantages of using Mg-based rather<br />
than Ca-based sorbents, which are seen as the<br />
main competitive reagents, are:<br />
• Lower quantities used to neutralise the same<br />
amount of pollutants (28% less compared to<br />
CaO) and therefore lower quantities of flue<br />
gas treatment residues are produced;<br />
• Mg-based sorbents provide for safer handling;<br />
they are less corrosive in the installation and<br />
more environmentally friendly in comparison<br />
with Ca-based sorbents;<br />
• The pH of Mg-based product – of around<br />
10 – coincides with the pH value at which<br />
heavy metals present the lowest solubility and<br />
they remain as insoluble hydroxides, permitting<br />
an easier stabilisation of the solid coming<br />
from flue gas treatment.<br />
Figure 1: Effect of the sorbing agents mass flow rate injected on HCl<br />
abatement, during downstream semi-wet flue gas treatment.<br />
111<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00015<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Elaborated MGO Products for Efficient<br />
Flue Gas Treatment with Minimisation of<br />
Solid Residues for Waste to <strong>Energy</strong> Plants<br />
– MGO-GAS<br />
Duration: 33 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Ammar Bensakhria<br />
Université de Technologie<br />
de Compiègne (UTC)<br />
Tel: +33-3-44234605<br />
Fax: +33-3-44231980<br />
ammar.bensakhria@utc.fr<br />
Partners:<br />
UTC (F)<br />
Lund University (S)<br />
Grecian Magnesite (GR)<br />
CReeD (F)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Helmut Pfrüner<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965487<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966882<br />
helmut.pfruener@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
OPTICOMB<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective is to increase the<br />
flexibility of biomass combustion plants<br />
with respect of fuel input, and substantially<br />
reduce the emissions with this technology.<br />
To achieve this, results from static studies<br />
(Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD),<br />
NOx mechanisms, grate design) have to<br />
be implemented with dynamic information<br />
of the plant (control concepts). The project<br />
can be divided into the following<br />
sub-objectives:<br />
• Development and demonstration of<br />
advanced control concepts for biomass<br />
combustion grate systems.<br />
• The development of guidelines, including<br />
demonstration, to minimise the important<br />
emissions of NOx and CO.<br />
• Improvement of the efficiency (technical<br />
and economical) of biomass combustion<br />
plants.<br />
• Design rules for biomass combustion<br />
systems and process control systems.<br />
• The design and testing of a new grate.<br />
Optimisation and design<br />
of biomass combustion<br />
systems<br />
Challenges<br />
The major problems regarding biomass<br />
combustion remain the NOx and CO<br />
emissions, especially when the fuel becomes<br />
more diverse (high peaks during transients).<br />
The continuously changing fuel composition,<br />
the non-linearity of the process, and the multivariability<br />
of the procedure makes it difficult to<br />
decrease the emissions further. Therefore,<br />
classic control strategies are no longer<br />
effective. In order to improve the actual<br />
process control system, advanced control<br />
technologies are needed based on process<br />
models. To achieve this goal, static models<br />
have to be integrated with dynamic models.<br />
At present, no satisfactory tools are available to<br />
describe the NOx formation in the fuel layer and<br />
the gas phase. Therefore, an extensive study on<br />
fuel layer and gas phase NOx formation<br />
mechanisms will be performed. The mechanisms<br />
developed will be integrated in a CFD combustion<br />
model and a static fuel layer model in order to<br />
minimise the CO and NOx emissions.<br />
A new grate will be designed based upon<br />
experimental work and plant data. A dynamic<br />
furnace model is being developed for biomass<br />
combustion. Special measurement techniques<br />
will be used to gather actual plant data (two<br />
plants, diverse fuels) to validate the models.<br />
The stochastic characteristics of the fuel will<br />
be revealed and used together with the dynamic<br />
model to investigate the disturbance rejection<br />
capacity of the plant.<br />
112<br />
All information will be used to develop new<br />
control concepts and to design new combustion<br />
systems from a dynamic point of view as well.<br />
These will be tested in an installation.<br />
The environmental survey will be carried out of<br />
the influence of the proposed technology, a<br />
market analysis, information dissemination and<br />
exploitation strategies.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project comprises six work packages with the<br />
following sub-tasks:<br />
• The participants in the consortium are summarised<br />
in the info-box;<br />
• The flow diagram below explains the function<br />
of each partner in the consortium.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
• A reduction of CO and NOx by 20-50%; and<br />
• A potential reduction of CO2 of 32 million<br />
tonnes per year.
Expected results<br />
As the project started January 2003, no results<br />
are available yet. However, the following results<br />
are expected:<br />
• Innovative control concepts for biomass<br />
combustion;<br />
• Furnace concept for a new multi-fuel biomass<br />
combustion plant;<br />
• Higher flexible biomass combustion systems<br />
with respect to fuel diversity;<br />
• Increased energy efficiency and availability;<br />
• A new multi-fuel grate system;<br />
• A 3D-CFD combustion model for biomass fuels;<br />
• Dissemination of the results;<br />
• Cost/benefit analysis; and<br />
• Final report on the dissemination and exploitation<br />
of OPTICOMB.<br />
WP0: Project management<br />
WP1: Data acquisition<br />
1.1 FT-IR Measurements<br />
1.2 CV sensor and system identification<br />
1.3 Estimation black box models<br />
WP2: Development of NOx -modules<br />
2.1 <strong>Bio</strong>mass fuel chracterisation<br />
2.2 Characteristaion of N-release in pot<br />
furnace<br />
2.3 CFD combustion models for biomass<br />
fuels<br />
2.4 Reduced NOx mechanism for biomass<br />
combustion<br />
2.5 Implementation in CFD<br />
WP3: Dynamic modelling and stochastics<br />
3.1 Development of static fuel layer model<br />
3.2 Development of dynamic furnace<br />
model<br />
3.3 Stochastics<br />
3.4 Reduced dynamic models<br />
WP4: Design<br />
4.1 Implementation of fuel layer model in<br />
CFD models<br />
4.2 Implementation of NOx modules in<br />
CFD<br />
4.3 Verification of the overall CFD model<br />
4.4 Case studies with CFD models<br />
4.5 Experimental work on grate<br />
4.6 Design of biomass furnaces<br />
WP5: Control concepts, implementation and<br />
testing<br />
5.1 Dev of control concepts<br />
5.2 Implementation and testing control<br />
concepts<br />
5.3 Implementation and testing of new<br />
grate design<br />
WP6: Env. survey, exploitation and dissemination<br />
6.1 Setup of an internet page<br />
6.2 Workshops<br />
6.3 Market analysis & Feasibility studies<br />
6.4 Environmental Survey<br />
6.5 Information Dissemination<br />
6.6 Exploitation Strategies<br />
Numbers and colours refer to the main responsible partner for<br />
the different task and/or workpackage.<br />
113<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00693<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Optimisation and Design of <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Combustion Systems – OPTICOMB<br />
Duration: 42 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Lambertus Van Kessel<br />
TNO-Institute of Environmental Sciences,<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> and Process Innovation<br />
Tel: +31-5-55493759<br />
Fax: +31-55-54932877<br />
l.b.m.vankessel@mep.tno.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
TNO (NL)<br />
IST (P)<br />
Eindhoven University of Technology (NL)<br />
Vyncke (B)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>energiecentrale Schijndel (NL)<br />
Swedish National Testing<br />
& Research Institute (S)<br />
TU Graz (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Stefano Puppin<br />
Tel: +32-2-2962191<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
stefano.puppin@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
EIWU<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of the project EIWU<br />
(Efficient Industrial Waste-to-energy<br />
Utilisation through fuel preparation and<br />
advanced BFB combustion) is the<br />
construction of a waste-fuelled, energyefficient,<br />
fluidised bed, hot water boiler<br />
in the community of Kil, Sweden.<br />
The boiler will have a net heat output of<br />
8 MW and will be fuelled by industrial<br />
waste comprised of 75% demolition wood,<br />
20% paper/cardboard and 5% plastics.<br />
The project objectives also include<br />
the construction of a dedicated fuel<br />
preparation plant to produce consistent<br />
and seasonably storable fuel pellets/cubes<br />
or briquettes from industrial waste for<br />
the boiler.<br />
Combustion of industrial<br />
waste in a small heating<br />
plant<br />
Challenges<br />
The main challenge of the project is to build a<br />
relatively cheap, but modern and efficient, smallscale<br />
waste-fuelled hot water boiler based on<br />
fluidised bed technology, which meets the<br />
requirements of EC Directive 2000/76/EC on the<br />
incineration of waste.<br />
To keep the operational costs to a minimum, the<br />
boiler will be designed for automatic, unmanned<br />
operation and web supervision.<br />
114<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium comprises TPS Termiska<br />
Processer AB (S), Kils Energi AB (S), Ansaldo<br />
Ricerche Srl (I), Cinar Ltd (UK) and the University<br />
of Ulster (UK).<br />
TPS is the project co-ordinator as well as the<br />
principal designer of the boiler. Kils investigated<br />
the most suitable fuel handling, preparation,<br />
storage and feeding systems and is also the<br />
owner of the boiler and fuel preparation plants.<br />
Cinar, Ansaldo and Ulster provided various<br />
services to the project, including CFD modelling<br />
of the combustion within the furnace and<br />
establishing the basis of a future control system<br />
for the boiler, study of the adsorption of acid gas<br />
and heavy metals, and market analysis<br />
respectively.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The potential market for small-scale (about<br />
3 to 30 MWth fuel capacity) waste combustion<br />
plants in Europe and further afield is thought<br />
to be considerable. An important task within<br />
the project is the investigation of the market<br />
potential within Europe, in particular with regard<br />
to firing industrial waste.
Figure 1: Hot water accumulator and boiler house in Kil.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The progress of the project, as of July 2003, was<br />
as follows:<br />
• the construction of both the boiler and fuel<br />
preparation plants have been completed,<br />
and the plants are presently undergoing<br />
commissioning,<br />
• investigatory and development work on the<br />
internals of the fluidised bed and furnace<br />
(in particular, with regard to sintering, fouling,<br />
feeding and ash removal considerations), and<br />
suitable methods of adsorption of acid gas,<br />
heavy metals and alkali have been completed,<br />
many of the results having been incorporated<br />
in the Kil boiler,<br />
• a neural fuzzy logic system for the on-line<br />
control, suitable for the Kil boiler, has been<br />
developed and is presently undergoing<br />
verification tests.<br />
Work still to be carried out includes performance<br />
tests of both the fuel preparation and boiler<br />
plants, reporting on the results of the market<br />
analysis of the potential of the technology within<br />
Europe and evaluation of the technical and<br />
economic aspects of the boiler system.<br />
Figure 2: Fuel storage building in Kil.<br />
115<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-335-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Efficient Industrial Waste-To-<strong>Energy</strong><br />
Utilisation through Fuel Preparation<br />
and Advanced BFB Combustion – EIWU<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Michael Morris<br />
Termiska Processer AB<br />
Tel: +46-15-5221300<br />
Fax: +46-15-5263052<br />
michael.morris@tps.se<br />
Partners:<br />
TPS (S)<br />
University of Ulster (UK)<br />
Ansaldo Ricerche (I)<br />
Cinar (UK)<br />
Kils Energi (S)<br />
Ragn-Sells (S)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
NEMORETS<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of this R&D activity<br />
consists of the development of a simulation<br />
tool for the design and analysis of<br />
combustion systems to achieve really<br />
reduced computational efforts and a<br />
greatly reduced time cycle and costs of<br />
combustion system development. Recent,<br />
more stringent emission regulations call for<br />
the development of improved combustion<br />
systems. Due to the high costs of the<br />
experiments, numerical simulations of<br />
combustion systems by CFD’s represent<br />
the main investigation activities to select<br />
design quantities and architectures to be<br />
tested. Present CFD for turbulent reacting<br />
flows are time consuming. The expected<br />
big decrease in CFD efforts will allow<br />
simulation of a large number of designs<br />
related to new ideas that show<br />
improvements in fuel consumption and<br />
emission levels. Sub-objectives will be the<br />
development of Neural Models (NM) for<br />
turbulence and chemical kinetics and their<br />
integration into CFD tools.<br />
Neural models for turbulent<br />
combustion simulation<br />
Problems addressed<br />
In the industrial community there is the need to<br />
investigate and test non-traditional designs<br />
related to new ideas for the analysis of reacting<br />
turbulent flows in combustion chambers in a<br />
wide range of functional and operational<br />
parameters. Particularly in the field of combustion<br />
chambers and incinerators, the stringent<br />
environmental standards call for a continuous<br />
decrease in pollutant emissions. Moreover the<br />
state-of-the-art in GT combustion chambers is<br />
evolving in the direction of higher temperatures,<br />
which influence the emission levels and cause<br />
thermal stresses inside the solid structures of<br />
combustion systems. The experimental approach<br />
is very expensive and time consuming and often<br />
beyond the capabilities of many companies<br />
(especially SME’s).<br />
Detailed and sophisticated analysis CFD tools are<br />
requested more and more to provide information<br />
about both steady state and unsteady flow in<br />
combustion chambers. Several carbonaceous<br />
emissions (for example: carbon monoxide and<br />
methane; a large number of hydrocarbons;<br />
aromatic and partially oxidised compounds; soot<br />
particles) can be found in the troposphere with<br />
dangerous effects on the climate. The accurate<br />
prediction of the above requires comprehensive<br />
numerical models of the combustion phenomena.<br />
The proposed methodology intends to take<br />
advantage of existing refined models for turbulent<br />
diffusion and detailed chemical kinetics and<br />
replace them with NM to reduce the computational<br />
effort and, possibly, the numerical stiffness.<br />
116<br />
Project structure<br />
The consortium is made up of both universities<br />
and companies: Università degli Studi “Roma Tre”,<br />
Department of Mechanical and Industrial<br />
Engineering (Roma, I, Project Coordinator);<br />
Université Libre de Bruxelles Institut de<br />
Recherches Interdisciplinaires et de<br />
Développements en Intelligence Artificielle<br />
(Bruxelles, B); Technische Universität Dresden,<br />
Institut für Thermodynamik und Technische<br />
Gebäudeausrüstung (Dresden, D); CINAR Ltd<br />
(London, UK); ALSTOM Power UK Ltd. Core<br />
Engineering (Lincoln, UK).<br />
The R&D work will provide, firstly, an insight into<br />
existing CFD solvers to make choices to define<br />
the reference CFD. Turbulent diffusion models<br />
and chemical kinetics models will be analysed<br />
with a view to introducing them into CFD solvers<br />
through combustion models that suitably address<br />
turbulence/chemistry interactions. Data from<br />
measurement will be analysed to define input and<br />
output variable domains and database on<br />
turbulence and chemical kinetics will be built up.<br />
The integrated information from models and<br />
measurements will allow NM to be developed for<br />
turbulent combustion simulation. An NM training<br />
tool will be developed to include physical<br />
constraints which will be as general as possible<br />
and constitute a possible stencil for other<br />
applications. Prior to the final application, the<br />
integrated CFD/NM will be tested against simple<br />
flow configurations and test cases to reveal<br />
eventual deficiencies and evaluate the expected<br />
gain in terms of both CPU time and robustness.<br />
The overall integrated CFD/Neural Model tool will<br />
also be evaluated against complex flows to verify<br />
the applicability to industrial flows and check the<br />
expected advantages of the Neural Models.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
In terms of dissemination and exploitation, it is<br />
necessary to specify that the results of the<br />
R&D project will be to prove that the NM of<br />
turbulent combustion applied to the simulation<br />
of combustion systems is relevant and successful<br />
to a wide range of applications. Therefore once<br />
the general concept of the integration of CFD<br />
and NM has been assessed, the general tools<br />
will be disseminated in the EU while the specific<br />
application tools will remain the property of<br />
the partners.<br />
The universities participating in the consortium<br />
guarantee the scientific and technological<br />
dissemination of research results. The dissemination<br />
policy will be mainly based on the<br />
production of scientific papers and participation<br />
to workshops, the invitation of potential clients<br />
on the system platform and the production of a<br />
detailed and interactive website.<br />
Moreover, the industrial partners have the<br />
capability to directly exploit the results, as well<br />
as to improve the developed system for industrial<br />
purposes.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project is in progress. The start date was<br />
1 March 2002 and the end date is 28 February<br />
2005.<br />
In the first year several CFD solvers have been<br />
investigated taking the various modelling<br />
approaches of turbulent reacting flows into<br />
account. In figure 1, the calculated velocity<br />
distribution inside a combustion chamber<br />
assumed as a test case is shown as an example.<br />
Figure 1: Velocity distribution inside combustion<br />
chamber.<br />
Combustion models have been deeply analysed.<br />
To establish block diagrams and algorithms a<br />
functional approach is adopted. The input and<br />
output variable domains have been defined in<br />
relation to the various models.<br />
A first chemical kinetics database referred to a<br />
methane-air 2D combustor has been produced<br />
adopting an adiabatic Perfectly Stirred Reactor<br />
(PSR) model. On the basis of this database<br />
unconstrained and constrained regression tools<br />
have been tested. Constraints have been<br />
introduced by the specie error function as quality<br />
constraints, treated by means of a quadratic<br />
programming technique. Clustering and Multi<br />
Layer Perceptron (MLP) have shown the best<br />
approximation results. Then a special MLP training<br />
technique has been adopted. Such a technique<br />
is based on constraints related to the atoms<br />
conservation and positiveness of the specie<br />
concentrations by means of a penalty function.<br />
PSR CHEMKIN II software and a Detailed<br />
Chemical Kinetics Neural Model (DCKNM) based<br />
on a MLP have been integrated into a CFD solver.<br />
The two developed tools have been utilised to<br />
carry out calculations on the methane-air 2D<br />
combustor. Comparisons between the two<br />
calculations have been carried out. Results<br />
showed that flow field quantities were estimated<br />
with not relevant differences. In figure 2, results<br />
for O2 concentration and temperature distribution<br />
are reported. The CPU time to achieve<br />
convergence of the CFD with integrated PSR<br />
CHEMKIN II software has been 500 times greater<br />
than that used by CFD integrating DCKNM.<br />
117<br />
Figure 2: O2 iso-concentration curves and Temperature<br />
fields [K].<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-316-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Neural Modelling for Reactive Turbulent<br />
Flow Simulation – NEMORETS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Giovanni Cerri<br />
Università Roma Tre<br />
Tel: +39-065-593819<br />
Fax: +39-065-593732<br />
cerri@uniroma3.it<br />
Partners:<br />
Università Roma Tre (I)<br />
Alstom Power UK (UK)<br />
Cinar (UK)<br />
TU Dresden (D)<br />
Université Libre de Bruxelles (B)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
TDT-3R<br />
MULTI FUEL<br />
Objectives<br />
The 3R objective is the development of a<br />
cost effective, preventive pre-treatment of<br />
low-grade solid fuels (combined biomass,<br />
lignite, coal, derived fuels) by the<br />
application of low temperature<br />
carbonisation in a downsized reductive<br />
environment, for the removal of hazardous<br />
air pollutants (such as sulphur, chlorine<br />
and mercury) prior to burning, and by using<br />
the clean fuel to improve the combustion<br />
efficiency in power plants with up to<br />
300 MW power capacity. The main<br />
advantages are:<br />
• Prevention versus ‘end of pipe’ solution<br />
• Separated material stream treatment<br />
versus ‘all in one flow’<br />
• Improved overall safety and recycle -<br />
reduce - re-use of all material streams<br />
• Flexible feed choice application from<br />
regionally available feed supply.<br />
Converting trash (low grade fuels) into<br />
cash (clean electric energy)<br />
• Improved overall cost efficiency for<br />
sustainable green energy production<br />
• Meet the ‘open energy market’ demands<br />
by link – ‘bolt-on’ for retrofit of<br />
conventional solid fuel power plants or<br />
link to new constructions.<br />
‘3R’ solid fuel preventive<br />
pretreatment cleaning<br />
clean multi fuels for cost<br />
efficient clean energy<br />
Challenges<br />
There is a strong demand for continuous<br />
improvement of the environmental performance<br />
of energy production systems towards safer,<br />
faster, better and less costly solutions, supported<br />
with the ‘3R’ Recycle - Reduce - Re-use concept<br />
implementation. The open energy market<br />
demands less costly and commercially affordable<br />
electric energy production without government<br />
subsidy and financial support, and with long<br />
term predictable price development structures.<br />
The regional utilisation of available biomass and<br />
organic feed is often not cost effective as standalone<br />
installations. Therefore, new combinations<br />
need to be developed where regionally available<br />
low cost, low grade feed streams derive fuels and<br />
biomass with low caloric value but with high<br />
transport cost per specific volume are combined<br />
with high caloric value feed streams such as coal<br />
and lignite. However, such combinations must be<br />
subject to significant improvements in the overall<br />
environmental performances of solid fuel power<br />
generation, including improvements on<br />
greenhouse gas emissions as per the Kyoto<br />
Protocol.<br />
In order to develop the <strong>European</strong> Union to be the<br />
most progressive and competitive economical<br />
area in the world by 2010, with low cost (or at<br />
least reasonable cost) electric energy availability<br />
with the exclusion of energy shortage<br />
possibilities, it is necessary to satisfy the ever<br />
increasing energy demand. Oil/gas based energy<br />
production should be preferably substituted, to<br />
the greatest possible extent, with renewable<br />
biomass energy sources.<br />
118<br />
There is a need to take long term and<br />
comprehensive considerations for clean energy<br />
production where the total life cycle of all material<br />
streams, including residual management, need<br />
to be considered.<br />
Project structure<br />
The 3R Multi Fuel consortium comprises a wellbalanced<br />
mixture of scientists, engineers,<br />
industrialists and SME’s, both from a discipline<br />
and geographical point of view.<br />
The ‘3R’ process<br />
The 3R process converts widely available lowgrade<br />
fuels to high-grade fuels by value-added low<br />
temperature carbonisation. The key component<br />
of the 3R method and apparatus is an indirectly<br />
heated, horizontally arranged closed cycle<br />
operating rotary kiln, where material is safely<br />
separated in the absence of air and decomposed<br />
into gas-vapour and solid phase. The hazardous<br />
air pollutants, such as sulphur, chlorine and<br />
mercury are removed in the gas-vapour phase<br />
and separately treated – recycled in a downsized<br />
environment, while Clean Multi Fuel – Clean<br />
Coal is utilised in the plant’s boiler.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The innovative 3R removes existing technical<br />
barriers for extended and combined utilisation of<br />
low grade fuels, renewable biomass and derived<br />
fuels, opens new, advanced, technical and cost<br />
reduction opportunities for safer, better and<br />
less costly clean energy production. It utilises<br />
existing agricultural and coal industrial structures<br />
by add-on and retrofits, safeguards existing jobs<br />
and creates new workplaces.
Clean Coal Pre--feasibility Study Laboratory Test<br />
Plant.<br />
The ‘state of the art’ 3R aims to remove<br />
hazardous air pollutants by a preventive<br />
pre-treatment process of low temperature<br />
carbonisation in a cost effective way, with<br />
significant savings and offering the following<br />
advantages towards the ultimate goal of near-zero<br />
emissions of overall output streams. It will<br />
remove environmental impacts, improve process<br />
efficiency and provide a flexible choice by multi<br />
feed, total cost reduction, extensive use of<br />
renewable energy sources and less corrosion in<br />
the boilers.<br />
The expansion of the EU in 2004, and the<br />
applied/recommended new strict emission<br />
environmental norms/goals set to meet the<br />
Kyoto Protocol, demand for an improvement on<br />
process safety, cost reduction and a public<br />
acceptance for solid fuel utilisation to produce<br />
clean energy. These are real challenges requiring<br />
new technological solutions.<br />
The solid fuel power production is a key industrial<br />
element of energy production in several of the<br />
EU candidate countries and all the EU countries<br />
have a demand for extended low cost energy<br />
production. The 3R is expected to become a<br />
critical asset for the EU candidate countries,<br />
particularly for countries with large coal reserves<br />
and renewable biomass potential.<br />
While the energy market is under deregulation,<br />
where the real price of the energy production<br />
is the only factor that counts, there is a<br />
strong demand to take into consideration<br />
comprehensive life cycles and environmental<br />
aspects for all the processed material streams<br />
and resources. Low cost energy production for<br />
short-term gains at the ‘cost’ of the environment<br />
or human health should definitely be avoided.<br />
3R - Project Structure.<br />
The 3R improves the employment prospects in<br />
the coal mining, coal utilisation and agricultural<br />
industries through extensive utilisation of<br />
biomass, while improving the quality of life,<br />
health and safety.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Since project start up on 1 August 2002, the<br />
following progress has been made:<br />
- Fuel characterisation, fuel availability overview<br />
- 3R process modelling from pilot 100 kg/h to<br />
70 t/h throughput capacity<br />
- Comprehensive engineering, detailed design<br />
of 100 kg/h capacity pilot plant<br />
- Evaluation of cost efficient scale-up design up<br />
to 560k t/y capacity<br />
- Construction permission from authorities for 3R<br />
pilot plant installation in West Hungary (city of<br />
Polgardi, EU Environmental Centre)<br />
- Cost efficiency, cash flow feasibility precalculations<br />
for industrial scenarios.<br />
119<br />
The 3R - Process.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-363-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Multi Fuel Operated Integrated Clean<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Process: Thermal Desorption<br />
Recycle-Reduce-Reuse Technology<br />
– TDT-3R MULTI FUEL<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Edward Someus<br />
Terra Humana Ltd.<br />
Tel: +36-202017557<br />
Fax: +36-14240224<br />
edward@terrenum.net<br />
http://www.terrenum.net/cleancoal<br />
Partners:<br />
Terra Humana Clean Technology<br />
Engineering (HU)<br />
Centre for Research and Technology<br />
Hellas (GR)<br />
Netherlands <strong>Energy</strong> Research<br />
Foundation (NL)<br />
Universität Rostock (D)<br />
Cereol Vegetable Oil (HU)<br />
Latvian State Institute of Wood<br />
Chemistry (LV)<br />
United <strong>European</strong> Environment Controls (UK)<br />
Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki (GR)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ABRICOS<br />
Objectives<br />
The ABRICOS project aims to investigate<br />
the soundness of the biomass reburning<br />
technique for retrofitting industrial<br />
pulverised coal fired plants. Three major<br />
issues related to this technique are<br />
addressed:<br />
The first issue is: ‘What is the specificity<br />
of biomass as a reburn fuel and how is it<br />
possible to optimise the reburning<br />
conditions in the boiler?’ To answer this<br />
question, the ABRICOS project includes<br />
advanced characterisation of biomass<br />
fuels, the development of enhanced<br />
chemistry models and semi-industrial scale<br />
tests in a 5 MWth combustion facility.<br />
The second issue is: ‘What is the impact<br />
of the biomass reburning on the fly ash<br />
characteristics and subsequently on<br />
the efficiency of the electrostatic<br />
precipitators?’ Again the answer relies<br />
on pilot and semi-industrial scale<br />
measurements and the development<br />
of physical models.<br />
The last issue the ABRICOS project deals<br />
with is: ‘Which economical and technical<br />
elements need to be assessed and<br />
optimise the retrofitting of an industrial<br />
boiler with this technique?’<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass reburning in<br />
pulverised coal fired plants<br />
Challenges<br />
The NOx targets to be met by power plants in the<br />
coming years, set both by <strong>European</strong> and national<br />
directives, are still to be specified. These will<br />
require plants to continue operating at relatively<br />
high load factors to achieve NOx reduction,<br />
aiming to meet emissions of around 200 mg/<br />
Nm3. A technically feasible option for this<br />
reduction, and with a high potential for the<br />
retrofitting of existing industrial boilers, is offered<br />
by fuel staging or reburning. The relatively high<br />
volatile content of biomass makes this type of<br />
fuel a perfect candidate for this technique. The<br />
use of biomass as a reburn fuel allows for a<br />
secondary improvement at the same time by<br />
contributing to the mean CO2 reduction policy of<br />
the <strong>European</strong> Community. However several<br />
scientific and technologic aspects should be<br />
worked out before this potentially very interesting<br />
technique can spread in the industrial world.<br />
Project structure<br />
The ABRICOS project is based on a consortium,<br />
gathering important industrial end-users of the<br />
biomass reburning technique (EDF, ENEL),<br />
environmental technology providers (FLS Miljo,<br />
IRS) and highly skilled research resources<br />
(Danish Technical University, University of<br />
Stuttgart, University of Zaragoza, CNRS,<br />
MATEC).The scientific approach used in the<br />
project consisted of three steps. Firstly, the<br />
physical and chemical mechanisms were<br />
investigated in laboratory scale pilots and<br />
described with numerical models. Secondly,<br />
tests were carried out in semi-industrial scale<br />
facilities to assess the technique and validate<br />
the models developed. Finally the results were<br />
implemented in a simplified model and<br />
extrapolated for a full scale industrial plant.<br />
120<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The expected impacts of the ABRICOS project are<br />
scientific, technical and economic. Several<br />
articles based on the results obtained during the<br />
project have already been accepted in scientific<br />
reviews and a better knowledge of the biomass<br />
reburning technique is thought to have been<br />
gained. The exploitation and diffusion of the<br />
results will directly concern the members of the<br />
consortium. The end-users intend to work<br />
together with the technology suppliers to find the<br />
best and quickest way to exploit the results as<br />
soon as possible after the project.<br />
Results<br />
The ABRICOS project is now in its final year<br />
and the major part of the experimental and<br />
model development work has been carried out.<br />
Concerning the use of biomass as a reburn fuel,<br />
three biomass fuels (poplar, straw, eucalyptus)<br />
have been extensively characterised. Their<br />
specificity as a reburn fuel is firstly their high<br />
volatile matter content (typically up to 80% dry<br />
basis, compared with typically 30% for bituminous<br />
coals). The analysis of these volatile matters<br />
measured at 1350°C showed also a greater<br />
relative content in species like C2H2, C2H4 and<br />
C2H6 which are believed to play an important role<br />
in the reburning chemistry. The biomass chars<br />
were all found to be very reactive compared<br />
with coal char. This is important since the ash<br />
quality (i.e. the unburned carbon content of the<br />
fly ash) is one of the issues of the reburning<br />
technique. It also means that the biomass char<br />
combustion is controlled by the oxygen diffusion<br />
to the biomass particles; the size distribution of<br />
the biomass is probably the most important<br />
fuel characteristic regarding the ash quality. The<br />
detailed chemistry of the biomass reburning<br />
process was analysed and an augmented
educed mechanism has been implemented in the<br />
computational fluids dynamic software AIOLOS.<br />
Experimental investigations in a 0.5 MWth<br />
combustion rig showed that biomass reburning<br />
can reduce the NOx concentration by up to<br />
60% of the value at the end of the primary zone<br />
within a split time of half a second. The optimum<br />
NO reduction is obtained with an air ratio in the<br />
reburn zone of between 0.8 and 0.85. This<br />
optimum corresponds to a share of the<br />
secondary fuel typically between 15 and 20%<br />
of the thermal input (depending on the primary<br />
section conditions and biomass composition).<br />
The residence time in the reburn zone is not<br />
as important for the NO reduction as for the<br />
ash quality.<br />
The efficiency of the biomass reburning technique<br />
has been proved in a semi-industrial facility of<br />
5MWth located in Santa Gilla (Italy). NOx<br />
emissions as low as 190 mg/Nm3 at 6% 02 were<br />
obtained. This result corresponds to a NOx<br />
reduction of 55% compared with the reference<br />
case (without reburning and without OFA) and still<br />
a reduction of 25% compared with the case with<br />
OFA only. The measurements carried out during<br />
these tests were also used to validate the<br />
previously developed NOx models.<br />
Concerning the impact of the biomass reburning<br />
on the fly ash characteristics, the measurements<br />
made during the combustion tests showed<br />
the following:<br />
• the resistivity of the fly ash is almost unchanged,<br />
• it results in the formation of the finest particles<br />
and a so-called bi-modal size distribution at<br />
the outlet of the boiler. This modification of<br />
the fly ash size distribution is important since<br />
it will impact negatively on the efficiency of the<br />
electrostatic precipitators,<br />
• the shape and density of the biomass fly ash<br />
may be very different from those of the coal<br />
fly ash. One of the reasons is that biomass<br />
fuels usually present a needle structure, in<br />
contrast with coal particles commonly<br />
considered as spherical. This characteristic will<br />
impact in particular on the transportation and<br />
deposition rate of the particles in the ducts<br />
going from the boiler to the electrostatic<br />
precipitator.<br />
To take into account these modified fly ash<br />
characteristics, a previously existing ESP<br />
numerical model was enhanced. Based on<br />
laboratory tests, a new model describing in<br />
detail the ash layer behaviour and the reentrainment<br />
processes was developed.<br />
Comprehensive measurements of particles and<br />
flue gas characteristics were performed at the<br />
duct inlet and downstream in an ESP pilot of<br />
10 000 Nm3/h in Porto Maghera (Italy). A detailed<br />
mass balance including each plate and hopper<br />
allowed the influence of the electrical parameters<br />
on each zone to be quantified in well-defined<br />
conditions. Finally a complete ESP model was<br />
validated with good agreement.<br />
Concerning the extrapolation of the results of the<br />
project to an industrial plant, the power station<br />
of Porto Maghera, Italy (70 MWe) was chosen.<br />
A full, simplified model of the plant in a retrofitted<br />
configuration is currently under development<br />
and based on this model and economical<br />
analysis, a first assessment of the industrial<br />
relevance of the biomass reburning technique will<br />
be proposed.<br />
121<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-00324<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Advanced <strong>Bio</strong>mass Reburning in Coal<br />
Combustion Systems – ABRICOS<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Remi Bussac<br />
EDF France<br />
Remi.Bussac@edf.fr<br />
Partners:<br />
EDF (F)<br />
Matec Modelli Matematici (I)<br />
Technical University of Denmark (DK)<br />
Centre National de la Recherche<br />
Scientifique (F)<br />
Universidad de Zaragoza (E)<br />
IRS (I)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
FLS MILJØ (DK)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIFIC<br />
Objectives<br />
The primary objective of the project is to<br />
establish the feasibility of using high<br />
calorific residual mass streams, i.e. waste,<br />
biomass and possible combinations, as fuel<br />
in fluidised bed combustion (FBC)<br />
installations with minimal strain on the<br />
environment. Experimental and modelling<br />
studies are incorporated in the approach<br />
as well as commercial scale validation.<br />
There is a clear need to broaden the range<br />
of fuels for energy generation. Present<br />
technology in many regions in Europe<br />
appears insufficient to meet near future<br />
targets for reducing the quantity of fossil<br />
fuels used and meeting new stricter<br />
legislation. Legislation no longer permits<br />
landfill of high calorific waste streams in<br />
many regions in the <strong>European</strong> Union.<br />
Use of biomass waste mixtures as fuel can<br />
be more cost-effective or even profitable<br />
because of the lower price of waste fuel<br />
than that of clean biomass.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass/waste FBC<br />
with inorganic control<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The use of high calorific residue streams for<br />
energy generation is not expected to be without<br />
problems so identifying these is the first step<br />
before determining the specific research aims.<br />
The BIFIC project addresses, in general, the:<br />
• Contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas<br />
emissions, strain on the environment, and of<br />
wasteland filling;<br />
• Contribution to a wide enforcement of biomass<br />
to energy conversion systems by improving<br />
cost-effectiveness and competitiveness. This<br />
is supposed to be done by co-firing waste<br />
materials;<br />
• Evaluation and optimisation of the process,<br />
operability and environmental performance of<br />
biomass/waste fired FBC plant, addressing the<br />
key issues of selected biomass and waste<br />
fuels;<br />
• Application and validation of results at the<br />
medium and commercial scale;<br />
• Modelling and simulation for the formation of<br />
fouling type deposits and heat transfer, which<br />
is a key issue of biomass/waste FBC;<br />
• Development of guidelines and recommendations<br />
for the reliable operation of commercial<br />
systems based on the selected fuels;<br />
• Identification of ash utilisation options;<br />
• Control of the emission of polluting elements<br />
over FBC installations;<br />
• Development of specific methods of planning<br />
and optimising logistic processes for these FBC<br />
systems; and<br />
• Development and provision of a software tool<br />
for planning and optimising logistic processes<br />
for FBC systems.<br />
122<br />
Project structure<br />
This project is a follow-up to the very successful<br />
‘Minimum Emission project’ in which a strong<br />
partnership was established. The partnership<br />
remains basically the same, with the addition of<br />
a new strong partner from the Netherlands.<br />
Expected impact<br />
The results obtained from the project will be<br />
valuable for a comprehensive understanding of<br />
the waste combustion process as regards<br />
operability, emission and bed ash utilisation.<br />
The commercial-scale waste incinerator operators<br />
can learn important information from the results<br />
on the combustion of biomass/waste and<br />
mixtures. The R&D results from the project will<br />
contribute towards the planning, design and<br />
operation of existing and future biomass/wastebased<br />
FBC plants. The result can also be used<br />
in planning how to supply and cover the demand<br />
of the most inexpensive fuel or fuels for mixture<br />
and how to design and operate the unit in a very<br />
cost-efficient way.<br />
The project delivers valuable reports, guidelines,<br />
recommendations and a software tool on<br />
logistics. Several restraining factors for a<br />
successful, cost-effective and efficient utilisation<br />
of biomass/waste in heat and power production<br />
are addressed. Solutions for such barriers would<br />
effectively clear a path through to a potential<br />
market in the area of small- to large-scale FBC<br />
systems. The co-firing of wastes instead of clean<br />
biomass as stand-alone fuel makes energy<br />
production from biomass considerably more<br />
cost-effective. Small and medium enterprises, as<br />
well as boiler manufacturers, will have the<br />
possibility to use the project deliverables in<br />
order to build and operate biomass/waste FBC<br />
systems offering improved competitiveness.
Progress to date<br />
During the first two years of the project, a number<br />
of experimental screenings of fuels, bed<br />
materials, additives and parameters at small,<br />
medium and commercial scale were carried out.<br />
A programme of work was achieved using 30 kW,<br />
350 kW, 750 kW, 3 MW, 25 MW and 80 MW FBC<br />
reactors, which comprised several tests in which<br />
grass, meat and bone meal (MBM), raw material<br />
feedstock (RMF), oil cuttings, shredded tyres,<br />
demolition wood, clean pellets of waste wood and<br />
sewage sludge were combusted either as a<br />
single fuel or as a combined fuel in varying<br />
proportions.<br />
An extensive analysis has been written on the<br />
fuels, bed materials, additives and their<br />
combinations within this project. It indicates<br />
some of the potential problematic combinations<br />
which can be avoided completely. Further, it<br />
serves as a basis, in combination with analyses<br />
performed on ash, bed materials, deposits and<br />
other samples from partner installations, for<br />
identifying and addressing new problematic<br />
elemental combinations encountered in lab-to-fullscale<br />
installations, to be avoided in the future.<br />
The comprehensive mathematical model for the<br />
simulation of particle laden gas flow through<br />
tube banks and calculations of heat<br />
transfer/losses due to deposit build-up will be<br />
developed. This model takes the distribution of<br />
mineral matter in fuel and the combustion<br />
environment that significantly influences the<br />
transformation of these mineral matters, in<br />
Example of Gas Flow Velocity and Temperature Distribution. Example of Logistics Model.<br />
combination with experimental data for the rates<br />
of volatile minerals species vaporisation and<br />
reactions. It consists of sub-models for the<br />
release of the volatile mineral species from the<br />
host particles, mineral matter transformation,<br />
particle dispersion, particles deposition on the<br />
tube walls and heat transfer tubes.<br />
As regards the optimised logistics for waste<br />
FBC, a detailed market analysis within the project<br />
countries – Sweden, Great Britain, Netherlands<br />
and Germany – for the selected fuels – sewage<br />
sludge, demolition wood, straw, poultry litter,<br />
meat and bone meal and waste tyres – has<br />
been conducted. Data necessary to characterise<br />
the actual state and the structure of these<br />
markets have been collected. Important rules and<br />
requirements have been derived from the<br />
structural analysis and formulated in<br />
mathematical terms. An appropriate function<br />
has been developed to evaluate different<br />
decisions concerning the logistic processes<br />
within the system. As a result, a whole<br />
mathematical model has been developed to<br />
describe the system and its interactions and to<br />
decide upon its optimisation concerning the key<br />
factor energy costs.<br />
123<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2000-00335<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass/Waste FBC with Inorganics<br />
Control – BIFIC<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Brigitta Stromberg<br />
TPS Termiska Processer AB<br />
Tel: +46-15-5221385<br />
Fax: +46-15-5263052<br />
Brigitta.Stromberg@tps.se<br />
Partners:<br />
TPS (S)<br />
FhG-IML (D)<br />
Cinar Ltd. (UK)<br />
Wykes Engineering (UK)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Center<br />
of the Netherlands (NL)<br />
Essent <strong>Energy</strong> Systems Zuid (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOFLAM<br />
Objectives<br />
A promising route to achieve CO2 reduction<br />
is to use short cycle carbon containing<br />
fuels, which can be classified as secondary<br />
fuels. These fuels have the potential to<br />
replace fossil fuels but operational and<br />
environmental problems may dramatically<br />
affect the combustion system. To focus on<br />
the problem of secondary fuel application,<br />
detailed advance knowledge of these fuels’<br />
typical combustion behaviour is required.<br />
The objective of this project is to provide<br />
simple, capable test methods, which give<br />
more insight into the fate of secondary fuel<br />
combustion in power plants.<br />
The achievement of gaining this knowledge<br />
on the preparation and combustion<br />
characteristics of secondary fuels is<br />
pre-competitive and can be used by any<br />
power plant operator or manufacturer<br />
in Europe.<br />
Project structure<br />
The BIOFLAM project compromises of four work<br />
packages, which concentrate on Fuel Preparation<br />
(WP1), Fuel Conversion (WP2), Full-scale<br />
Experiments (WP3) and Evaluation and<br />
Dissemination of Results (WP4). In WP1 the<br />
assessment of the grinding behaviour of blends<br />
of secondary and primary fuel in conventional<br />
coal pulverising systems is the primary task. WP2<br />
concerns the development of the characterisation<br />
methods for secondary fuels. Power generators<br />
and boiler manufacturers co-operate on a<br />
<strong>European</strong> level in WP3 to gather full-scale power<br />
plant experience. The critical assessment of the<br />
results and the possible application in industry<br />
is the major item of WP4. With 16 partners from<br />
eight <strong>European</strong> countries this programme covers<br />
a wide range of fossil fuel applications in utilities<br />
throughout Europe and can be used as an input<br />
to other EU projects on alternative fuels.<br />
124<br />
Expected impact<br />
The aim of the project is to provide reliable<br />
methods to characterise the preparation and<br />
combustion performance of blends of coal and<br />
secondary fuels. This includes a detailed<br />
understanding of the fundamental processes,<br />
which are to be considered when using nonstandard<br />
fuels together with coal. Besides the<br />
direct implications, which can be obtained from<br />
the numerous experimental investigations, the<br />
collected data are used for the further<br />
development of mathematical models, which<br />
can be used to predict the behaviour of an<br />
unknown fuel before application on industrial<br />
scale.<br />
Progress to date<br />
During the second year of the BIOFLAM project,<br />
extensive work on the grinding behaviour of<br />
blends of coal and secondary fuels on full and<br />
laboratory scale were carried out. Although these<br />
results are not yet fully analysed it can be stated<br />
at this point that, in general, standard tests<br />
and standard equipment can be used to<br />
determine the grinding characteristics of blends.<br />
Also the results from full scale grinding<br />
experiments indicate that for many of the<br />
selected bio-fuels standard equipment can be<br />
used without major problems. The other main<br />
task of the second year was the evaluation of<br />
standard coal procedures to determine the<br />
combustion properties of pure bio-fuels and<br />
their blends with coal. Due to the great variety<br />
of selected fuels, and also the number of<br />
different test methods involved, the evaluation<br />
of the results requires very careful consideration.
Basic analysis methods must be taken into<br />
account like proximate and ultimate analysis<br />
together with TGA analysis, and also methods<br />
like plug flow reactor measurements where the<br />
severe environment of a real pf flame is<br />
simulated. Although the experiments for this<br />
part are still on going, a general approach of<br />
characterising blends of coal with biofuels<br />
becomes clearer. Due to the deviating<br />
combustion behaviour of many of the biofuels<br />
compared to coal, an approach has to be chosen<br />
which definitely includes methods which are<br />
tailored to simulate the heating rate and the<br />
time-temperature history a blend is exposed to<br />
in a real pf combustion application. Together<br />
with basic analysis methods it seems to be<br />
possible to get precise information to predict<br />
the combustion behaviour of blends of biofuels<br />
and coals.<br />
Figure 1: Isothermal Plug Flow Reactor. Figure 2: Devolatization measurement of milled Mushroom<br />
substrate.<br />
125<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-1999-00004<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Combustion Behaviour of Clean Fuels<br />
in Power Generation – BIOFLAM<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
IFRF Research Station b.v.<br />
Willem Van de Kamp<br />
Tel: +31-2-51493064<br />
Fax: +31-25-1226318<br />
Willem.vd.Kamp@ifrf.net<br />
Partners:<br />
IFRF (NL)<br />
Technical University of Denmark (DK)<br />
Universita degli Studi di Salerno (I)<br />
Imperial College of Science, Technology<br />
and Medicine (UK)<br />
Instytut Energetyki (PL)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Universita degli Studi di Pisa (I)<br />
RWE Power AG (D)<br />
Technical University of Clausthal (D)<br />
Mitsui Babcock <strong>Energy</strong> Ltd (UK)<br />
Instituto Superior Tecnico (P)<br />
Public Power Corporation (GR)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre<br />
of The Netherlands (NL)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
ENEL Produzione SPA (I)<br />
Kema Nederland BV (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
CATDEACT<br />
Objectives<br />
Co-combustion of solid renewable fuels or<br />
residues and coal in large combustion<br />
power plants offers an efficient way to<br />
reduce CO2 emissions by using existing<br />
infrastructure. Increased deactivation of<br />
the DeNOx catalysts caused by specific<br />
components of the secondary fuels, namely<br />
alkali or phosphorus compounds, can have<br />
a negative influence. The objectives are<br />
to increase the lifetime of installed<br />
SCR-DeNOx catalysts and therefore<br />
decrease follow-up costs caused by<br />
catalyst deactivation arising from<br />
the application of co-combustion of<br />
secondary fuels. Fundamental deactivation<br />
mechanisms, depending on fuel<br />
characteristics as well as combustion<br />
and plant parameters, are identified by<br />
experimental investigations in different<br />
scales. The results are used to identify<br />
possibilities of influencing the mode of<br />
occurrence of deactivating compounds<br />
by fuel or process parameters or by the<br />
use of technically and economically<br />
interesting additives.<br />
Understanding the<br />
deactivation of SCR-DeNOx<br />
catalysts caused by<br />
secondary fuels<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The common predicted lifetime cycle of a new<br />
DeNOx-catalyst is about two to three years.<br />
During this time, the normal loss of activity is<br />
around 10 to 20 %. To reach the emission limit<br />
value for NOx and to minimise the use of NH3 as<br />
a process material, DeNOx-catalysts have to be<br />
exchanged or regenerated after this time period.<br />
The costs for changing a three-layer SCR unit<br />
(appr. 800 m3) range between 8 and 12 Meuro,<br />
whereas regeneration costs are about the half<br />
of the replacement costs.<br />
The use of some solid secondary fuels can<br />
dramatically increase the deactivation effects of<br />
the SCR DeNOx catalysts compared to pure coal<br />
combustion in a way that normal deactivation<br />
rates occur within weeks or months rather than<br />
in years. These costs are a considerable<br />
argument against the use of secondary fuels in<br />
large-scale power plants. Therefore, the lifetime<br />
of catalysts needs to be extended for the cocombustion<br />
of biofuels and biowastes. The basic<br />
deactivation mechanisms need to be known for<br />
feasible suggestions concerning the increased<br />
lifetime of the SCR catalysts. Four major research<br />
areas have been identified:<br />
The deactivation of alkalis, especially of<br />
potassium, is closely related to the combustion<br />
of wood and crop residues. The potassium<br />
compounds and the combustion conditions<br />
during which these are released are investigated.<br />
Phosphorus is a strong catalyst poison. It is<br />
released in considerable quantities into the flue<br />
gases during the co-combustion of sewage<br />
sludge or meat and bonemeal. The release of<br />
phosphorus compounds during combustion, the<br />
concentration in the flue gas, as well as their<br />
effect on the catalyst are all investigated.<br />
Efforts are made to improve catalyst regeneration<br />
methods.<br />
126<br />
Based on basic research activities within the<br />
project, countermeasures are derived including<br />
possible catalyst modifications to increase the<br />
lifetime, improved combustion processes using<br />
additives to capture potential catalyst poisons,<br />
as well as improved regeneration measures to<br />
recover the initial catalyst activity.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium consists of four leading<br />
<strong>European</strong> energy supply companies, namely:<br />
Vattenfall Utveckling AB, Sweden, E.On Engineering,<br />
Germany, EnBW Ingenieure GmbH,<br />
Germany, and Tech-wise A/S, Denmark; a catalyst<br />
manufacturer, Haldor Topsoe A/S, Denmark; a<br />
catalyst regeneration company Envica GmbH,<br />
Germany; and two university institutes, Technical<br />
University of Denmark, Denmark and Universität<br />
Stuttgart , Germany (project co-ordinator) active<br />
in the field of combustion technology and flue<br />
gas treatment.<br />
Tasks<br />
Within the project consortium, experience of<br />
catalyst deactivation by wood and straw for cocombustion,<br />
alongside observations made during<br />
co-combusting sewage sludge and meat and<br />
bonemeal, are available directly from power<br />
plant operators. This information is supplemented<br />
by the knowledge of a catalyst producer.<br />
Additional input is given by full-scale regeneration<br />
methods of three of the partners. Two research<br />
institutes are performing systematic studies<br />
with synthetic and combustion simulating flue<br />
gases in lab- and bench-scale test facilities with<br />
the aim of identifying and partly quantifying the<br />
main mechanisms and parameters that lead to<br />
deactivation and mercury oxidation. The work is<br />
focused on the behaviour of alkali compounds,<br />
phosphorus and mercury. The influence of single
parameters, relevant combustion conditions,<br />
flue gas composition and conversion, as well as<br />
the use of additives on the occurrence of<br />
poisoning elements in the gaseous and particle<br />
bound phase, are investigated. Feasible changes<br />
in catalytic structure or composition are studied.<br />
Existing regeneration methods are optimised. Fullscale<br />
tests at four power plants for wood, straw<br />
and sewage sludge co-combustion equipped<br />
with catalyst samples provide different flue gas<br />
compositions for the tests and will be used to<br />
validate results and prove their full-scale<br />
applicability.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The better understanding of the processes will<br />
be used in close co-operation with the<br />
participating industrial partners for a further<br />
optimisation of combustion conditions, catalyst<br />
materials and regeneration procedures. Thereby,<br />
the manufactures and regenerators of catalysts<br />
can achieve a worldwide advantage in selling and<br />
regenerating catalysts. For the power plant<br />
operators and engineering groups, increased<br />
knowledge of deactivation behaviour and<br />
regeneration methods results in a clear reduction<br />
of operational and maintenance costs and<br />
therefore in advantages in the competing energy<br />
market. Furthermore, this enables power-plant<br />
operators to force the application of biomass and<br />
other secondary fuels for the energy production<br />
by co-firing in existing power plants and therefore<br />
to decrease CO2 emissions derived from fossil<br />
fuels. A <strong>European</strong>-wide network for catalyst<br />
evaluation is being created whereby existing<br />
knowledge regarding deactivation is concentrated<br />
to solve what, at the moment, is a <strong>European</strong>-wide<br />
problem but what will become a worldwide one<br />
in the near future.<br />
Figure 1: Catalytic activity of a 3 wt.% V2O5-WO3-TiO2<br />
catalyst as a function of K-loading (source: DTU).<br />
Progress to date<br />
Potassium, both in the form of chloride and<br />
sulfate, is a strong poison for the catalyst. The<br />
first results indicate that catalyst deactivation<br />
could be expected for all fuels containing<br />
potassium, provided it is present as KCl or<br />
K2SO4 in the fly ash, as shown in Figure 1. The<br />
rate constant is a parameter expressing the<br />
catalytic activity.<br />
For a basic understanding of possible reactions<br />
with Na and P equilibrium, calculations are<br />
carried out which indicate the presence of<br />
phosphoric acid at catalyst temperatures.<br />
Possible deactivation mechanisms resulting<br />
from the effect of phosphorus include pore<br />
blocking by solid calcium phosphates, pore<br />
condensation by H3PO4 or phosphorus oxides,<br />
and formation of phosphorus glasses combined<br />
with chemical deactivation. A set of three<br />
different types of deactivated catalysts exposed<br />
to co-combustion of P-rich fuels are examined.<br />
The results of the analyses show an enrichment<br />
of P on the catalyst surface of all samples. In<br />
addition, a close relationship has been<br />
established between alkali and phosphorus<br />
content and relative activity. The results indicate<br />
that P tends to form a surface layer or condensates<br />
in the pores. H3PO4 added to the flue gas<br />
also showed a significant deactivating effect.<br />
To achieve reliable data concerning full-scale<br />
co-combustion of fuel and flue gas composition<br />
related to the operation time and the remaining<br />
activity, full-scale tests (see Figure 2) are being<br />
carried out in different power plants with the cocombustion<br />
of either straw, peat, sewage sludge<br />
or wood. First results from deactivation tests in<br />
a coal/straw-fired plant did not show any<br />
decrease in catalytic activity after 2000 h.<br />
127<br />
Figure 2: Catalyst test rig for full-scale deactivation tests<br />
(Source: Techwise).<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00559<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Influences from <strong>Bio</strong>fuel (Co-) Combustion<br />
on Catalytic Converters in Coal Fired<br />
Power Plants – CATDEACT<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Sven Unterberger<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Tel: +49-711-6853572<br />
unterberger@ivd.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Technical University of Denmark (DK)<br />
Vattenfall Utveckling (S)<br />
Tech-Wise (DK)<br />
Energie Baden-Württemberg Ingenieure (D)<br />
Haldor Topsø (DK)<br />
E.ON Engineering (D)<br />
Envica Kat (D)<br />
Website:<br />
http://www.eu-projects.de/CATDEACT<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
CLEANSTEER<br />
Objectives<br />
This project aims atbringing together the<br />
groups who are active in the field of clean<br />
coal utilisation to exchange information,<br />
develop links, and assist the programme<br />
manager where appropriate.<br />
The strategic aspects centre around<br />
the rise in global energy demand,<br />
the importance of the power generation<br />
manufacturing industry to the <strong>European</strong><br />
economy, security of energy supplies and<br />
the development of renewable energy<br />
supplies.<br />
The other key strategic area lies in the<br />
current policy of reducing CO2 emissions<br />
and rapidly developing the uptake of<br />
renewable energy technologies throughout<br />
Europe. One cost-effective route is to<br />
combine the ‘clean’ character of biomass<br />
fuels with the economies of scale of fossil<br />
fuels to improve the costs of the former<br />
and the emissions (and particularly CO2<br />
emissions) of the latter. This approach<br />
would help to achieve <strong>European</strong> emissions<br />
and renewable energies targets.<br />
Development of a thematic<br />
network for the clean use<br />
of coal<br />
Problems addressed<br />
Global energy demand is predicted to grow by 2-<br />
3% per year for the next 25 years. This growth<br />
will occur in the demand for heat, transport<br />
fuels and electricity, and in the electricity sector<br />
– for example, 3 500 GW of new generating<br />
plant will be required to meet the increased<br />
demand. This represents a total global business<br />
worth more than €3 250 billion (an average of<br />
€130 billion per year). Coal-fired plant is expected<br />
to account for about 40% of this increase. This<br />
will require a coal-based power station investment<br />
of over €1 300 billion, almost 70% of which will<br />
be in Asia. At the moment, about 40 power<br />
stations are being built per year. Thirty of these<br />
are coal fired, and 20 of them are in China. As<br />
Europe currently builds over 50% of these power<br />
stations, the market over the next 25 years<br />
represents potential sales of some €650 billion.<br />
To this must be added some €150 billion in<br />
spares, maintenance and repairs.<br />
Thus, if Europe does no more than retain its<br />
present market share, there is a potential coalbased<br />
market of over €800 billion which must<br />
be won in the face of fierce competition,<br />
especially from the USA and Japan. It will only<br />
be won if <strong>European</strong> industry can deliver new,<br />
clean and cost-effective plant into the market.<br />
The other key strategic area lies in the current<br />
policy of reducing CO2 emissions and rapidly<br />
developing the uptake of renewable energy<br />
technologies throughout Europe. One costeffective<br />
route is to combine the ‘clean’ character<br />
of biomass fuels with the economies of scale of<br />
128<br />
fossil fuels to improve the costs of the former<br />
and the emissions (and particularly CO2<br />
emissions) of the latter. This approach would help<br />
to achieve <strong>European</strong> emissions and renewable<br />
energies targets. Indeed, the co-utilisation of<br />
biomass with coal in coal-fired power stations<br />
could be a key to providing the guaranteed<br />
demand for dedicated energy crops that will be<br />
required to ensure the development of the<br />
market.<br />
If the necessary scale of transformation is to be<br />
achieved, R&D strategies must adapt rapidly to<br />
changing circumstances, and the results must<br />
be quickly and effectively transferred to the<br />
market place. Thus, this project will contribute<br />
to employment generation by guiding the direction<br />
of future research, by ensuring that current<br />
research efforts are directed toward improving<br />
efficiencies and costs, and by feeding the export<br />
market for new, advanced, clean, efficient and<br />
cost-effective biomass-coal co-utilisation systems.<br />
The characteristics of the <strong>European</strong> energy<br />
market and the energy construction industry<br />
require that very deliberate emphasis must be<br />
given to technology transfer and dissemination<br />
if new and improved technologies are to have<br />
the appropriate impact. Over the past quarter of<br />
a century, <strong>European</strong> Union (EU) RTD programmes<br />
have developed innovative technologies and<br />
concepts. Building on this foundation, the Power<br />
Clean RTD Thematic Network proposed by this<br />
project will provide a major impetus to transferring<br />
these developments into the market place.
This proposal specifically addresses the question<br />
of improving the performance of EU R&D in the<br />
priority areas of the clean use of coal, the<br />
reduction of CO2 emissions, and in the increased<br />
co-utilisation of biomass and waste materials with<br />
coal and other conventional fuels.<br />
Of particular importance is the way in which<br />
the improved information transfer will increase<br />
the capacity of power-generation equipment<br />
manufacturers to compete in the key export<br />
markets of India and China.<br />
The Community added value therefore lies in<br />
increasing the emissions reductions that would<br />
otherwise be achievable, by improving the<br />
utilisation of resources, by improving the<br />
competitivity of <strong>European</strong> industry in international<br />
markets, and by increasing the uptake of<br />
renewable energy resources – specifically<br />
biomass. The cumulative result will be to make<br />
a significant contribution to the Community<br />
objective of reducing CO2 emissions.<br />
The final draft version of the proposal for a clean<br />
coal PowerClean Thematic Network was prepared,<br />
was submitted in the final call in the Fifth<br />
Framework Programme, and was successfully<br />
funded. PowerClean is now in operation, and<br />
further details can be obtained from<br />
jt.mcmullan@ulster.ac.uk.<br />
129<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2000-80127<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Steering Group for Clean Electricity and<br />
Heat Production with Co-Utilisation of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass and Coal and Reduced Carbon<br />
Dioxide Emissions – CLEANSTEER<br />
Duration: 9 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
John McMullan<br />
University of Ulster<br />
jt.mcmullan@ulster.ac.uk<br />
Partners:<br />
University of Ulster (UK)<br />
CRE Group (UK)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
IST (P)<br />
Universität Essen (D)<br />
Electricité de France (F)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
CORBI<br />
Objectives<br />
Although corrosion has been studied for<br />
several decades, corrosion mechanisms<br />
in waste and especially in biomass<br />
combustion are still not well understood<br />
because of the complex and variable ash<br />
behaviour and chemical nature of the fuel<br />
ashes. The overall objective of the project<br />
is to improve the understanding of<br />
corrosion mechanisms in cases of biomass<br />
and waste combustion. Because of<br />
material constraints, steam temperatures<br />
in biofuelled boilers are currently around<br />
480°C or even lower with waste fuels.<br />
These relatively low temperatures lead<br />
to low power generation efficiency.<br />
By increasing the understanding of<br />
corrosion mechanisms, new superheater<br />
materials with higher corrosion resistance<br />
could be designed/selected in order to<br />
permit steam temperatures up to 550°C.<br />
This would result in about a 10% increase<br />
in power generation efficiency. In addition,<br />
significant savings in maintenance costs<br />
could be achieved by the longer durability<br />
of superheaters.<br />
Chlorine-rich deposits<br />
and superheater corrosion<br />
in co-combustion<br />
Project structure<br />
The co-ordinator for the project is the Technical<br />
Research Centre of Finland (VTT). Other partners<br />
are the Max-Planck-Institut fuer Eisenforschung<br />
GmbH, Vattenfall Utveckling AB, ENEL Produzione<br />
SpA, and the Joint Research Centre’s Institute<br />
of <strong>Energy</strong>.<br />
The main focus of the work is on power plant and<br />
laboratory tests to characterise fuel and ash<br />
behaviour, deposit formation and corrosion<br />
mechanisms. Different heat exchanger materials<br />
are used under controlled combustion conditions.<br />
• Laboratory tests include material testing<br />
with model deposits using advanced methods.<br />
The principal target of these tests is to<br />
understand the corrosion formation mechanism<br />
and chlorine transport inside the corrosion<br />
layers. As a result, more corrosion-resistant<br />
materials could be developed for biofuelled<br />
boilers. These testes focus mainly on common<br />
ferritic and austenitic steels such as X10,<br />
X20, 2.25Cr1Mo, AC66, Sanicro28, Esshette<br />
1250, etc.<br />
130<br />
• Pilot-plant testing will be carried out to<br />
supplement power-plant tests but using more<br />
controlled gas and temperature conditions and<br />
a higher proportion share of hard-to-burn fuels.<br />
• Power-plant tests will be carried out at several<br />
plants, and different fuels, such as woodchips,<br />
logging and agricultural residues, and<br />
demolition and processed municipal waste,<br />
will be used.<br />
• Mathematical modelling will analyse ash and<br />
particulate behaviour and deposit formation<br />
during combustion. Phase stability calculations<br />
using F.A.C.T. software will be carried out to<br />
analyse particulate agglomeration. A kinetic<br />
model for the determination of devolatilization<br />
and oxidation of alkalis, trace metals and<br />
chlorine will also be used. A deposit formation<br />
model will characterise deposit structure and<br />
formation mechanisms.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
A wider range of waste and biofuels would be<br />
used in existing and new boilers in Europe.<br />
Project results will contribute to achieving the<br />
goals of the Kyoto Protocol as well as to higher<br />
operational reliability, cost savings, less<br />
shutdowns, higher boiler steam properties and<br />
efficiency of power plants. Results will be utilised<br />
in practice for power plant operation, for boiler<br />
design, for defining limits for fuel mixture ratios,<br />
and for heat exchanger material selection.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Characterisation reports from the power plants<br />
used for corrosion tests have been prepared. Two<br />
sets of laboratory-scale combustion tests with<br />
a 40 kW fluidised bed reactor (CFB) have been<br />
carried out. Ashes from filter and cyclone have<br />
been used in laboratory exposures. Preliminary<br />
laboratory tests have been carried on the<br />
oxidation behaviour of the primary alloys selected<br />
for the project. Long- and short-term corrosion<br />
tests have been performed at the Forssa BFBplant,<br />
at the Varkaus CFB-plant and at the<br />
Idbäcken-plant in Nyköping. Co-combustion tests<br />
were performed on the 0.5 MWth pilot furnace.<br />
At this stage few, conclusions can be drawn<br />
from the laboratory experiments:<br />
• Corrosion rate, for the alloys without the<br />
deposit, increases with increasing CO2 content,<br />
especially for the ferritic steels;<br />
• Corrosion rate for samples with the deposit<br />
increase significantly and, in this case, the<br />
internal oxidation of the samples studied was<br />
observed; and<br />
• Cl is not found in the scale and in the deposit<br />
itself after the experiments under usual<br />
conditions.<br />
Figure 1. A deposited superheater in a CFB boiler<br />
(left); deposit probe after a four-week measurement<br />
trial (right).<br />
131<br />
Figure 2. SEM images of high-temperature exposure<br />
tests at 600°C. On the left, molydenym oxide with Ca<br />
(sample 10CrMo9 10 covered with cyclone ashes);<br />
on the right, complex oxide, Fe-Mn-O with Ca (sample<br />
X20 CrMoV121 covered with filter ashes).<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00532<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Mitigation of Formation of Chlorine Rich<br />
Deposits Affecting on Superheater<br />
Corrosion under Co-Combustion<br />
Conditions – CORBI<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Markku Orjala<br />
VTT <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Tel: +358-1-4672534<br />
Fax: +358-1-4672597<br />
markku.orjala@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Vattenfall Utveckling (S)<br />
JRC Petten (INT)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
FBCOBIOW<br />
Objectives<br />
To extend combustion of biomass residues<br />
in high-efficiency FB boilers instead of<br />
landfilling:<br />
(a) by creating a way to replace part of the<br />
fossil fuel with biomass in large Polish CFB<br />
plants<br />
(b) by strengthening the systems to fire<br />
small FB boilers with difficult agricultural<br />
plant residues<br />
(c) by finding the means to burn large<br />
portions of meat and bonemeal (MBM)<br />
together with coal.<br />
(d) by strengthening the systems to fire<br />
household and industrial residues with<br />
traditional fuels with an acceptable level<br />
of emissions but without operational<br />
problems.<br />
Means to markedly increase<br />
the portion of demanding<br />
biomass residues<br />
for energy production in<br />
fluidised bed boilers<br />
Problems and their solution<br />
Operational problems that appear, or strengthen,<br />
during an increased portion of demanding<br />
biomass residues in feedstocks are fouling and<br />
corrosion of heat transfer surfaces, bed<br />
agglomeration and feeding problems. In addition,<br />
emissions can exceed the plant limits.<br />
Fouling, corrosion and bed agglomeration will be<br />
reduced by optimising feedstock composition<br />
and co-firing conditions by improving the process<br />
control with a new sensor and advanced probing,<br />
and by developing and optimising assisting<br />
chemicals.<br />
Feeding problems will be solved by process<br />
investigations. Emissions are reduced by<br />
transferring toxic elements from the finest fly ash<br />
to coarse fly ash and by transferring toxic<br />
gaseous compounds from flue gas to coarse<br />
fly ash<br />
An improvement in prediction potential for<br />
operational problems and modelling tools for<br />
emissions of toxic elements and particles will<br />
assist problem solving.<br />
132<br />
Project structure<br />
Workpackages<br />
WP1 ‘Fuel delivery, treatment and analysis’ –<br />
responsibility of partner 1<br />
WP2 ‘Creating a basis to replace parts of brown<br />
coal with biomass waste in large Polish CFB<br />
plants’, – responsibility of partner 5<br />
WP3 ‘Creating a basis to replace a higher share<br />
of coal with MBM in a CFB plant’ –<br />
responsibility of partner 1<br />
WP4 ‘Improving calculation tools and biomass<br />
fuel flexibility in small BFB plants’ –<br />
responsibility of partner 8<br />
WP5 ‘Combustion problem solution by chemicals’<br />
– responsibility of partner 7<br />
WP6 ‘Means of reaching a high share of<br />
household waste in FBs and developing an<br />
alarm sensor of corrosive flue gases for FB<br />
combustion’ – responsibility of partner 1<br />
WP7 ‘Management, implementation, and<br />
reporting’ – responsibility of partner 1
FBCOBIOW - Project.<br />
Expected impacts and exploitation<br />
• The means and guidelines to burn risky<br />
biomass residues safely<br />
• Optimisation of flue gas cleaning to reach<br />
emission limits<br />
• Improved modelling tools on the distribution of<br />
toxic elements and decreased aerosol<br />
formation by additives will assist in more<br />
effective cleaning of flue gases<br />
• New, useful and relatively cheap sensors of<br />
corrosive flue gases<br />
• Well-documented use of chemicals for the<br />
reduction of emissions and operational<br />
problems<br />
• Improved prediction tools to reduce the need<br />
to conduct risky experiments in full-scale power<br />
plants reducing economic risks and ensuring<br />
energy production to communities and industry<br />
without unexpected shut downs<br />
• Combustion of biomass residues decreases<br />
CH4 emissions by several magnitudes<br />
compared to a landfill with an equal mass of<br />
waste.<br />
CO2 emission in energy production as function of biomass share.<br />
133<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00638<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Safe Co-combustion and Extended Use<br />
of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and <strong>Bio</strong>waste in FB Plants<br />
with Accepted Emissions – FBCOBIOW<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Martti AHO<br />
VTT <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Tel: +358-14-672545<br />
Fax: +358-14-672597<br />
martti.aho@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Kvaerner Power (FIN)<br />
Offenbach Power Company (D)<br />
Dekati Measurements (FIN)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Technical University Wroclaw (PL)<br />
Emissions-Reduzierungs-Concepte (D)<br />
TU Delft (NL)<br />
W.K. Crone (NL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
HIAL<br />
Objectives<br />
The scientific objective of this project is<br />
to understand the influence of fuel<br />
composition and combustion conditions<br />
on the release of alkali metals, sulphur<br />
and chlorine to the gas phase by<br />
considering different combustion systems.<br />
The technical objective is to apply<br />
the understanding of the alkali chemistry<br />
to develop primary measures for grate<br />
firing to achieve SO2 emissions below<br />
the new EU limiting value of 200 mg/Nm3, without the need for the installation of a<br />
flue gas desulphurisation unit (FGD).<br />
This can be carried out by improved<br />
capture of SO2 in the bottom ash as well<br />
as the fly ash, by changing the process<br />
parameters.<br />
Moreover, this understanding is necessary<br />
for a suppression of alkali-induced<br />
corrosion attack allowing an increase<br />
in operation reliability and an increase<br />
of the straw share in co-combustion<br />
processes.<br />
High-alkali biofuels<br />
for power plants<br />
Project structure<br />
The consortium covers the complete range from<br />
fundamental investigations via laboratory-scale<br />
combustion studies up to full-scale combustion<br />
tests in straw-fired power plants. The full-scale<br />
combustion tests are being carried out by two<br />
industrial companies: Tech-wise, TW (DK) and<br />
EHN Division <strong>Bio</strong>masa SA, EHN (E). TW has the<br />
largest experience worldwide in the design and<br />
operation of straw-fired plants. EHN is a <strong>European</strong><br />
leader company in renewable energies. TW and<br />
EHN are also responsible for the selection,<br />
procurement and distribution of different straw<br />
samples to the partners.<br />
The laboratory-scale combustion studies will<br />
be the main task of the combustion groups at<br />
the City University of London (suspension<br />
firing), Technical University of Denmark (grate<br />
combustion), and the Technical University of<br />
Delft (fluidised bed combustion).<br />
Fundamental studies are being carried out by<br />
the High Temperature Chemistry Division at<br />
the Institute of Materials and Processes in<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Systems, Research Centre Juelich (RCJ),<br />
Germany. The mass spectrometric methods<br />
established at RCJ allow for the analysis of the<br />
hot gas, including condensable gas species,<br />
and are unique in Europe.<br />
The partner from the Eötvös University (Budapest)<br />
will elaborate on the reaction mechanisms,<br />
gas dynamic simulations, and thermodynamic<br />
calculations.<br />
134<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The study undertaken by the project leads to a<br />
new quality of understanding of the biomass<br />
combustion process. This, in turn, will have a<br />
positive impact on the competitiveness of the<br />
<strong>European</strong> industry operating, engineering, and<br />
manufacturing power plants, and supports the<br />
creation of new market opportunities for this<br />
industry thereby leading to improved employment<br />
opportunities.<br />
Small biomass power plants built in regions<br />
where the biomass is produced will also improve<br />
employment. New jobs will be created in these<br />
rural regions at the power plant, which also<br />
needs support from local enterprises e.g. for the<br />
transport of the biomass. Existing jobs at the<br />
farms will, at the very least, have a better<br />
economic basis.<br />
The combustion of biomass for heat and power<br />
production will preserve the environment to a high<br />
degree since the use of biomass is completely<br />
CO2 neutral. The project will decrease the SO2<br />
emissions and will create the basis for controlling<br />
and reducing HCl and NOx.<br />
The results obtained are important contributions<br />
to the control and solution of the special<br />
problems inherently coupled with the use of<br />
high-alkali biofuels. They will lead to a broad<br />
introduction of the technology on to the market<br />
and thereby to the use of high-alkali biomass<br />
other than straw.
The Hungarian participant will facilitate access<br />
to the use of biomass in energy production by<br />
the Newly Associated States of Eastern and<br />
Central Europe.<br />
Exploitation of results will be ascertained by<br />
the two industrial partners Tech-wise and EHN<br />
Division <strong>Bio</strong>masa SA. They will benefit from<br />
the results of the project through reduced<br />
emissions and improved availability of existing<br />
straw-fired power plants, thereby reducing the<br />
operating costs. The results of the project will<br />
be used efficiently for the improvement of nextgeneration<br />
biomass power plants. The two<br />
companies, especially Tech-wise, are involved in<br />
the engineering and design of new straw-fired<br />
power plants.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Twelve types of straw from different origins<br />
were collected and chemically analysed. The<br />
samples represent a broad range of elemental<br />
composition of high-alkali biofuels. Four key<br />
samples, selected for study by all partners,<br />
were characterised by TG/DSC measurements.<br />
A study was carried out on the transformation of<br />
K, S and Cl, and the emission of HCl and SO2 in<br />
straw-fired grate boilers (Figure 1). The measuring<br />
data from four different boilers were applied for<br />
this study. The emissions of SO2 and HCl show<br />
large daily variations and cannot be simply<br />
correlated to the content of S and Cl in the straw.<br />
Figure 2: New TOF<br />
HPMS system.<br />
Figure 1:<br />
Transformation of<br />
K, S and Cl species<br />
in straw-fired grate<br />
boilers.<br />
They are strongly influenced by the molar ratio<br />
of K/(Cl+2S). A precise physicochemical model<br />
of HCl and SO2 generation needs improved<br />
fundamental knowledge which will be available<br />
at the end of this project.<br />
Laboratory investigations have been carried out<br />
on the release from biomass and biomass coal<br />
blends in grate firing, fluidised bed combustion<br />
and suspension firing without additives, and<br />
mass spectrometric release investigations<br />
without additives. A new high-pressure mass<br />
spectrometer (HPMS) was set up providing real<br />
on-line hot gas composition (Figure 2). In addition,<br />
numerical simulations of the combustion<br />
chemistry were started. Both the combustion<br />
temperature and the ash composition have<br />
severe impact on the extent of Cl, K and S<br />
release to the gas phase. The release of K<br />
depends on the chlorine content and on the<br />
K/Si ratio, because K can be bound in silicates.<br />
Therefore, the K release is reduced by cocombustion<br />
due to the alkali uptake by silica.<br />
The release of SO2 and HCl is strongly influenced<br />
by the association of S and Cl in the biomass.<br />
High amounts of potassium lower the SO2 release<br />
by formation of potassium sulphates. Silica<br />
promotes the release of SO2 by potassium<br />
capture inhibiting the K2SO4 formation.<br />
135<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-00517<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>fuels for CHP Plants - Reduced<br />
Emissions and Cost Reduction in the<br />
Combustion of High Alkali <strong>Bio</strong>fuels – HIAL<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Klaus Hilpert<br />
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH<br />
K.Hilpert@fz-juelich.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Forschungszentrum Jülich (D)<br />
Technical University of Denmark (DK)<br />
Energia Hidroelectrica de Navarra (E)<br />
City University (UK)<br />
Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest (HU)<br />
TU Delft (NL)<br />
TECH-WISE (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Petros Pilavachi<br />
Tel: +32-2-2953667<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
petros.pilavachi@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
SEFCO<br />
Objectives<br />
Currently most of the waste materials in<br />
Europe are deposited on landfills.<br />
Consumption of land, long-term reactions<br />
to the landfills and the emission of green<br />
house gases have a negative influence on<br />
the living conditions in Europe. In addition,<br />
power production has to be done in a less<br />
CO2 engendered way. Thermal utilisation of<br />
so-called Solid Recovered Fuels, gained<br />
from waste materials, could be a cost<br />
effective and short-term way available for<br />
the reduction of CO2 emissions.<br />
For the propagation of the co-combustion<br />
technology in power plants the prevention<br />
of disturbance on plant operation and<br />
harmful effects on the environment<br />
represents a vital premise. Therefore the<br />
main objective of this project is to acquire<br />
comprehensive knowledge on the<br />
characteristics of selected fuels as<br />
feedstock, the impact of co-combustion of<br />
waste materials on operation and<br />
emissions. This is necessary to pave the<br />
way for a wide use of this technology.<br />
Utilisation of high calorific<br />
solid waste in power plants<br />
Challenges<br />
After the successful implementation of sewage<br />
sludge co-firing, further biomass and waste<br />
materials are considered for co-combustion in<br />
coal-fired furnaces. It is important for the plant<br />
operators to be able to acquire information<br />
about the composition of the fuel as received and<br />
to have access to information about the<br />
behaviour of solid recovered fuels (SRF) and<br />
the constituents in the power plant. Based on the<br />
experiences gained with other waste materials,<br />
the work in the project focuses on several<br />
challenges of co-firing of high calorific SRF<br />
in pulverised coal-fired boilers, namely on<br />
fuel analysis and analytical methods, milling<br />
behaviour, fuel handling, combustion behaviour,<br />
slagging and fouling, residues and emissions. To<br />
obtain transferable data, a fundamental approach<br />
was chosen with systematic tests in lab and pilot<br />
scale using pure and synthetic waste.<br />
Project structure<br />
The basic idea of the project is that most waste<br />
materials are composed of a few major<br />
components (e.g. paper, plastic, wood, inert<br />
material, biomass). If the composition of the<br />
waste is available, i.e. the shares of the defined<br />
components and the impact of the pure waste<br />
components is known, it will be possible to<br />
predict the behaviour of the waste fuel mix.<br />
The project includes experimental investigations<br />
in lab scale to identify the main components of<br />
waste mixes. Furthermore, the fuel preparation<br />
and characterisation of the fuel mixes and single<br />
compounds of the fuels are studied in pilot<br />
scale, as is the combustion behaviour and fate<br />
of heavy metals. Three partners with previous<br />
experiences in the field of co-combustion<br />
focus on specific tasks to identify the waste<br />
components and to establish knowledge of the<br />
136<br />
impact on different pure wastes on the<br />
combustion, emission and operation.<br />
University Stuttgart (D), Institute of Process<br />
Engineering and Power Plant Technology (IVD),<br />
coordinates the project and investigates chemical<br />
and physical properties of the fuels and the<br />
single components, and the grinding and<br />
combustion behaviour of wastes in pilot scale.<br />
Technische Universiteit Delft (NL), Thermal<br />
Power Engineering Department, studies and<br />
profoundly characterises single waste<br />
components and waste mixtures in lab scale in<br />
order to calculate the composition of an unknown<br />
waste fuel.<br />
ENEL Produzione Research (I) investigates the<br />
fate of trace elements during co-combustion<br />
and evaluates the capture efficiency of filtration<br />
by means of dry sorbent injection.<br />
Results<br />
The partners summarised the status of co-firing<br />
and the boundary conditions in each partner<br />
country. There is a rather large base of knowledge<br />
in co-combustion of bio-fuels (straw, wood)<br />
already established. However, the potential of the<br />
large co-combustion capacity within the <strong>European</strong><br />
power industry has yet to be recognised. There<br />
are large amounts of waste materials, which<br />
could be used as solid recovered fuels.<br />
Methods to analyse the composition of secondary<br />
fuels and secondary fuel mixtures were tested.<br />
It was demonstrated that thermo-gravimetric<br />
analysis gives an indication of the composition<br />
for most fuel mixes. Based on the characterisation<br />
work a classification of waste components<br />
was established.<br />
Preparation and handling tests indicate<br />
appropriate grinding and transport technology for<br />
the different fuels. The combustion experiments
were run with some challenges concerning<br />
feeding. Plastic particles show a particular<br />
behaviour at pulverized coal combustion<br />
conditions. In combustion, the coarse secondary<br />
fuel particles ignite and burn in different regions<br />
as the fine coal particles, changing local flame<br />
conditions. SO2- and NOX-emissions decrease<br />
when co-firing partly as a consequence of the fuel<br />
input of Sulphur and Nitrogen and ash forming<br />
constituents like Ca. The altered temperature and<br />
O2-history affects primary NOX reduction<br />
measures. The ash-forming matter behaves<br />
selectively at different surface temperatures<br />
and forms altered slag, deposit and ash<br />
compositions in comparison to coal.<br />
During the test in pilot scale concerning the<br />
heavy metals the emission limits, fixed by<br />
2000/76/CE Directive, were complied with when<br />
the RDF thermal input did not exceed a certain<br />
percentage. The effect of activated carbon<br />
injection is significant on mercury absorption,<br />
while the overall removal of other trace metal<br />
increases very little by sorbent injection.<br />
The experiments have shown that the concept is<br />
promising for the implementation in utility boilers.<br />
For the implementation, strong focus has to be<br />
made on the fuel preparation and handling<br />
system in combination with the introduction into<br />
the combustion. The efforts necessary are<br />
strongly dependent on the quality and<br />
composition of the SRF delivered by the fuel<br />
supplier and the individual combustion system.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The benefits of the implementation of the cocombustion<br />
technology are the reduction of CO2<br />
emissions, by partial substitution of primary<br />
fossil fuels, and a sustainable future waste<br />
management, by developing more efficient waste<br />
pre-treatment technology. Although the waste<br />
has to be pre-treated, the cost-benefit analysis<br />
for the transformation of waste into energy offers<br />
a high potential to reduce the electricity<br />
production costs and to retrieve the necessary<br />
investment costs. The research performed in this<br />
project is a prerequisite for the widespread<br />
implementation of this technology. A detailed<br />
and systematic knowledge about the impact of<br />
different waste fuels on emissions will lead to<br />
a better acceptance of waste co-combustion by<br />
the public and the authorities. To enable the<br />
public to access the results, a project website<br />
was established.<br />
Challenges addressed in the SEFCO-project.<br />
137<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK5-CT-1999-00021<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Quality of Secondary Fuels for Pulverised<br />
Fuel Co-combustion – SEFCO<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Jörg Maier<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Tel: +49-711-6853369<br />
Fax: +49-711-1212150<br />
J.Maier@ivd.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
TU Delft (NL)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
Website:<br />
http://www.eu-projects.de/sefco<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
TOMERED<br />
Objectives<br />
The utilisation of biomass and biowaste<br />
materials as fuel (biofuels) with coal for<br />
power generation has been proved to<br />
contribute to a decrease in fuel and energy<br />
costs as well as a reduction in CO2.<br />
However, in many instances the use of<br />
biofuels introduces significantly higher<br />
concentrations of toxic metals (ToMe),<br />
such as Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, As, etc. into<br />
the combustion process. Valid data is<br />
limited on the emission behaviour of ToMe<br />
during large-scale combustion of biofuels<br />
together with coal and its influence on<br />
their behaviour during subsequent flue gas<br />
cooling and treatment processes.<br />
The project aims to investigate the fate<br />
of ToMe during the combustion of coal<br />
with and without a range of biofuels,<br />
and to develop control strategies for<br />
the reduction of ToMe and other pollutants<br />
from large combustion plants. There will<br />
be a special focus on enhancing<br />
the removal of mercury.<br />
Reduction of toxic metal<br />
emissions from combustion<br />
plants<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The project partners are performing fundamental<br />
investigations in laboratory-, bench-, pilot- and fullscale<br />
combustion facilities with emission control<br />
equipment. The project addresses key technical<br />
issues such as the understanding of ToMe<br />
release, distribution and, when possible,<br />
speciation during combustion and subsequent<br />
cooling, the provision of valid data from fullscale<br />
plants on ToMe emission, and the<br />
development of strategies or novel technological<br />
solutions to enhance the removal of ToMe from<br />
combustion flue gas. Therefore, the partitioning<br />
behaviour and the speciation of ToMe is<br />
characterised in an extensive test programme<br />
with the use and development of advanced<br />
analysis and characterisation methods. The<br />
experimental work will be supported by the<br />
development, validation and application of<br />
theoretical models for ash transformation, and<br />
ToMe speciation, enrichment and removal. Other<br />
main activities include the review and critical<br />
assessment of the best available technologies<br />
and current developmental approaches for the<br />
removal of ToMe, an assessment of fuel-blending<br />
strategies, a detailed study into the impact of<br />
conventional emission control technologies for<br />
particulates, SO2 and NOx on the fate of ToMe,<br />
particularly mercury, an evaluation of suitable<br />
carbon- non-carbon- or metal-oxide-based<br />
sorbents, as well as a techno-economic<br />
assessment of future mercury control options<br />
including recommendations for further research<br />
and development.<br />
138<br />
Consortium<br />
The project consortium is made up of three leading<br />
<strong>European</strong> energy supply companies, namely E.ON<br />
Engineering GmbH, (D), PowerGen UK Plc, (UK),<br />
and ENEL Produzione S.p.A., (I), a power plant<br />
manufacturer, Mitsui Babcock <strong>Energy</strong> Ltd., (UK),<br />
a combustion engineering company, Reaction<br />
Engineering International, (US), as well as two<br />
research organisations, <strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre<br />
of the Netherlands, (NL), KEMA Nederland B.V.,<br />
(NL), and eight <strong>European</strong> universities, Technical<br />
University of Denmark, (DK), Abo Akademi<br />
University, (FI), Technical University of Delft, (NL),<br />
The Imperial College of Science, Technology and<br />
Medicine, (UK), The University of Nottingham,<br />
(UK), University of Alicante, (ES), and Helsinki<br />
University of Technology, (FI), active in the field of<br />
combustion and flue gas treatment technologies.<br />
Expected results and exploitation<br />
The outcome of the work will contribute to a<br />
further understanding of ToMe behaviour during<br />
the (co-)combustion of coal and biofuels and<br />
therefore to contribute to the development of<br />
multi-pollutant control strategies for ToMe. The<br />
identification of relationships between fuel type,<br />
the fate of ToMe, and the major effects from<br />
applied air-pollution control devices is of interest<br />
to both legislative authorities and power plant<br />
operators. The development of approaches for<br />
the enhanced removal and/or capture of ToMe,<br />
such as fuel blending strategies or suitable<br />
additives and sorbents, will be considered in<br />
terms of performance and cost. The most costeffective<br />
strategies will be recommended for<br />
further research and development. Policy-makers<br />
and power plant operators will be provided with<br />
technical guidelines and recommendations<br />
regarding the control of ToMe from large-scale<br />
combustion plants.
Expected impact<br />
International and national plans and treaties<br />
have been proposed and signed with the intention<br />
of reducing particle-bound trace element<br />
emissions as well as gaseous mercury<br />
emissions. Although these plans often include<br />
reduction targets, they rarely, if ever, include<br />
specific details of how such reduction should<br />
be achieved. The contribution of large coalcombustion<br />
plants to ToMe emissions varies<br />
from country to country and, while emissions<br />
from other sources, such as medical and<br />
municipal waste incinerators, are being reduced,<br />
those from large coal-combustion plants are<br />
either remaining constant or have been potentially<br />
increased in recent years.<br />
In the US, activities related to PM and mercury<br />
dominate research related to combustion<br />
emissions. This is mainly the result of the threat<br />
of proposed regulations for mercury emission<br />
(by 2004) and PM. <strong>European</strong> industry and<br />
engineering organisations and research institutes<br />
have pushed ahead with NOx and SOx removal<br />
technologies, but very little effort has been<br />
made across Europe to investigate the impact of<br />
applied flue gas cleaning technologies on the<br />
behaviour of ToMe. With the implementation of<br />
limiting values for NOx and SOx together with<br />
limiting values for mercury in US coal-fired power<br />
plants, information concerning the behaviour of<br />
relevant ToMe and the removal efficiencies of<br />
APCDs are of growing interest.<br />
Flue-gas cleaning.<br />
139<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00699<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Reduction of Toxic Metal Emissions from<br />
Industrial Combustion Plants-Impact of<br />
Emission Control Technologies –<br />
TOMERED<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Sven Unterberger<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Tel: +49-711-1212205<br />
Fax: +49-711-1212291<br />
Unterberger@ivd.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
TU Denmark (DK)<br />
Mitsui Babcock <strong>Energy</strong> (UK)<br />
University Alicante (E)<br />
TU Delft (NL)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre of the<br />
Netherlands (NL)<br />
E.ON Engineering (D)<br />
Helsinki University of Technology (FIN)<br />
Reaction Engineering International (USA)<br />
University of Nottingham (UK)<br />
Kema Nederland (NL)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
Aabo Akademi University (FIN)<br />
Powergen (UK)<br />
Imperial College of Science (UK)<br />
Website:<br />
http://www.eu-projects.de/TOMERED<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Pierre Dechamps<br />
Tel: +32-2-2956623<br />
Fax: +32-2-2964288<br />
pierre.dechamps@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
UPSWING<br />
Objectives<br />
The UPSWING process combines both<br />
well-known energy conversion principles,<br />
mainly of waste incineration, plus coal-fired<br />
power plant combustion for<br />
heat/electricity generation. The project<br />
will be applicable on a competitive level<br />
with present technology to current and<br />
future EU members. UPSWING ensures<br />
the sustainable supply of heat/electricity<br />
more economically with improved<br />
efficiency. This will be proven by theoretical<br />
and experimental investigations.<br />
Environmental and social aspects, such as<br />
alleviating waste-disposal problems and<br />
improved control of pollutants, are taken<br />
care of in the project by testing lab to<br />
large scale. The objectives of this project<br />
are to evaluate the UPSWING process and<br />
assess its potential by experimental and<br />
theoretical investigations. The results of<br />
UPSWING will be compiled in a guidebook<br />
which will be prepared by all partners.<br />
Unification of power plant<br />
and solid waste incineration<br />
in the grate<br />
The UPSWING project, funded by the <strong>European</strong><br />
Commission under the Fifth Framework<br />
Programme, started on 1 January 2003 and<br />
will extend over 36 months. Eleven organisations<br />
from seven countries, including four NAS<br />
countries (Newly Associated States), are<br />
participating in this <strong>European</strong> project. The project<br />
is being coordinated by the Institute of Process<br />
Engineering and Power Plant Technology (IVD)<br />
of the University Stuttgart (Germany).<br />
Process description<br />
The UPSWING process (see Figure 1), which<br />
has been developed by the Forschungszentrum<br />
Karlsruhe (Germany), proposes to use the<br />
economic advantages of coupling a waste<br />
incinerator with a power plant while avoiding the<br />
unwanted effects of waste sorting as well as the<br />
risk of additional emissions and the deterioration<br />
of power plant residue quality. The process uses<br />
the partly cleaned flue gas of a waste incineration<br />
plant as part of the combustion air in the power<br />
plant [a]. Another option is to use it as carrier gas<br />
in the coal mills [b]. It also combines the steam<br />
circuit of both facilities [c]. Using this combination,<br />
the waste combustion part does not require the<br />
energy recovery unit and major parts of the gas<br />
cleaning system.<br />
140<br />
The waste combustion flue gas is de-dusted<br />
and partially cleaned during a simple acid wet<br />
scrubbing stage. This procedure guarantees the<br />
almost total removal of particle-bound heavy<br />
metals, of more than 95% of HCl, and of<br />
approximately 90% of Hg. The partially cleaned<br />
gas still contains SO2 and NOx as well as the<br />
gaseous PCDD/F. The PCDD/F will be totally<br />
destroyed inside the combustion chamber. NOx<br />
is converted in the re-burn zone and SO2 is<br />
removed in the respective abatement system of<br />
the power plant.<br />
The process keeps the waste combustion specific<br />
pollutants away from the power plant, as<br />
compared to a direct co-combustion concept. The<br />
main advantages of the UPSWING process can<br />
be summarised as follows:<br />
- Significant cost reduction compared to a samesize<br />
standalone waste incinerator;<br />
- Higher electrical efficiency of the waste<br />
incinerator by coupled steam circuits;<br />
- CO2 reduction by substitution of coal in the<br />
power plant;<br />
- Efficient low-cost flue gas treatment in the<br />
waste incinerator;<br />
- Potential of technology transfer to other (nonparticipating)<br />
<strong>European</strong> countries; and<br />
- Alleviation of problems with waste production<br />
and disposal.
Figure 1: The UPSWING process.<br />
Project structure<br />
The novelty of the concept and its uniqueness<br />
when compared to other state-of-the-art waste<br />
incineration processes has to be emphasised.<br />
The project has set out to assess and evaluate<br />
the potential of the concept as well as of single<br />
process steps. To answer questions that arise<br />
when considering its implementation, six work<br />
packages have been defined (see Figure 2). The<br />
work packages are consequently interrelated,<br />
thereby securing an intensive exchange between<br />
the partners.<br />
Expected results and current<br />
state of work<br />
The results of the UPSWING project will be<br />
compiled in a guidebook. This guidebook will<br />
include the following topics and will enable the<br />
short-term application of the UPSWING process:<br />
- Evaluation of waste quantities and qualities of<br />
the current waste management system;<br />
- Evaluation of power plant locations, including<br />
non-technical basics;<br />
- Evaluation of the most suited power plants<br />
available for coupling in the NAS;<br />
- Start-up/shutdown/emergency measures;<br />
- Influence of coupling on the power plant<br />
process;<br />
- Construction and adaptation of highly flexible<br />
flue gas cleaning systems;<br />
- Adsorption capacities PCCD/F on pulverised<br />
coal and their destruction in the furnace; and<br />
- Technical solutions for lowest NOx/Cl/Hg<br />
emissions in the complete process.<br />
Figure 2: Project structure.<br />
Current work focuses on the evaluation of<br />
available waste qualities/quantities and suitable<br />
power plant locations in the participating NAS<br />
countries. Basic calculations are being made<br />
along with the modification/construction of the<br />
necessary equipment in preparation for the<br />
upcoming experimental investigations.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Dissemination of results for application in the EU<br />
and/or NAS is most probable as the project<br />
team consists of industry, research organisations<br />
and universities from EU countries and NAS.<br />
Two industrial NAS partners are interested in the<br />
novel process, and specific sites have been<br />
designated for detailed investigation. To enable<br />
the public to access the results, a project website<br />
has been established.<br />
141<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-00697<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Unification of Power Plant and Solid Waste<br />
Incineration – UPSWING<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Jörg Maier<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Tel: +49-711-11212177<br />
Fax: +49-711-1212291<br />
j.maier@ivd.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
FZ Karlsruhe (D)<br />
Technical University Sofia (BG)<br />
Power Plant ‘Turow’ – Bogatynia (PL)<br />
Mitsui Babcock <strong>Energy</strong> (UK)<br />
Kema Nederland (NL)<br />
Polytechnical University of Timisoara (RO)<br />
Wroclaw University of Technology (PL)<br />
Czech Technical University of Prague (CZ)<br />
Sokolovska Uhelna (CZ)<br />
Institute of Power Studies and Design (RO)<br />
Website:<br />
http://www.eu-projects.de/upswing<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOMAX<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objectives of this project are<br />
to show the viability of modern Circulating<br />
Fluidised Bed (CFB) technology in<br />
maximising the use of biomass-based fuels<br />
in large-scale power generation. This<br />
includes providing the means for safe,<br />
sufficient and well-controlled biomass fuel<br />
supply and handling, and appropriate and<br />
safe boiler operation. These objectives are<br />
approached from two directions. On one<br />
hand, biomass fuels can cause operation<br />
problems in fuel storing, receiving and<br />
handling systems due to heterogeneous<br />
properties of biomass fuels. On the other<br />
hand, biomass fuels may induce deposit<br />
formation and corrosion problems in boilers<br />
during combustion due to the specific<br />
chemical characteristics of biomass fuels.<br />
Selected topics from the whole fuel ‘life<br />
cycle’ are tackled starting from fuel<br />
procurement and handling, going through<br />
combustion, deposit formation and<br />
corrosion tests to emission control and<br />
monitoring. Co-firing tests are carried<br />
out with two pilot-scale rigs and at<br />
Alholmens Kraft Ltd, which has the world’s<br />
largest biofuel-fired CFB (550 MWth, 165 bar / 545°C).<br />
The world’s largest<br />
biofuel-fired CFB contributes<br />
to co-firing research<br />
Problems addressed and project<br />
structure<br />
In principle the work is carried out in two research<br />
fields. The first part deals with the problems<br />
related to fuel procurement, logistics, storing,<br />
receiving and crushing. The objectives are to<br />
improve fuel procurement and logistics by making<br />
guidelines for different storage methods and<br />
optimum storage periods, and by developing a<br />
location and property register for different fuel<br />
storages. Additionally, fuel receiving, handling and<br />
crushing methods are assessed. Dust emissions<br />
have been measured inside and outside a fuel<br />
receiving station and fuel crushing tests have<br />
been carried out for different wood fuels.<br />
Expected results are the guidelines for optimising<br />
fuel quality by taking into account seasonal<br />
variations and as safe and dust-free a fuel<br />
handling design as possible using existing<br />
infrastructure for biomass-based fuels.<br />
The second part of the project deals with the<br />
combustion characteristics of biomass fuels.<br />
The results will be applied in evaluating suitable<br />
fuel blends to be used in large-scale power<br />
generation. The objective is to define a safe<br />
and optimal portion of different biomass fuels<br />
in a fuel blend for large-scale boilers. Co-firing<br />
tests are carried out with 0.05MWfuel and<br />
5MWfuel CFB pilot test rigs and at a full-scale<br />
590MWfuel CFB boiler. Additionally, one task<br />
involves the analysis and selection of the best<br />
Mediterranean fuels for combustion in biomassfired<br />
boilers. This is carried out based on<br />
economical and technical criteria. The objective<br />
in this is to find adequate fuel blends for co-firing<br />
in the Mediterranean area.<br />
142<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
On one hand, co-firing provides an alternative to<br />
achieve emission reductions. This is not only<br />
accomplished by replacing fossil fuel with<br />
biomass, but also as a result of the interaction<br />
of fuel reactants of different origins (e.g. biomass<br />
vs. coal). On the other hand, utilisation of solid<br />
biofuels and wastes sets new demands for<br />
process control and boiler design, as well as for<br />
combustion technologies, fuel blend control and<br />
fuel handling systems. In the case of woodbased<br />
fuels this is because of their high reactivity,<br />
high moisture content and specific chemical<br />
composition.<br />
The case power plant, Alholmens Kraft,<br />
introduces the “best-practice” biomass/fossil fuel<br />
co-fired power plant concept with extremely<br />
diverse fuel selection – suitable to be replicated<br />
almost anywhere in Europe. By solving<br />
operational problems and reducing fuel-originated<br />
risks in combustion, the economics of co-fired<br />
power plants can be further improved.
From left to right: The logging residue is harvested and<br />
bundled in the forest. The bundles are transported to<br />
the power plant for crushing and combustion by using<br />
ordinary log transport lorries. Source: Timberjack<br />
Progress to date<br />
Valuable information has already been obtained<br />
about fuel storing and fuel handling systems.<br />
Dust emission studies at fuel receiving stations<br />
have been carried out in order to estimate the<br />
personnel’s exposure to dust. The total and<br />
inhalable airborne dust concentration (mg/m3) has been measured and the particle size<br />
distribution of the dust has been determined. A<br />
new automatic fuel sampling method has been<br />
tested and taken into operation. Also fuel crusher<br />
tests have been carried out.<br />
With the aid of the data acquired from the pilot<br />
tests, new causalities between the chemical<br />
composition of fuel/fuel ash and the risk of the<br />
formation of chlorine-bearing deposits have been<br />
found. This also includes the implications from<br />
the use of sorbents. Special attention has been<br />
paid to the effect of sulphur and aluminiumsilicate<br />
compounds on the formation of chlorinebearing<br />
deposits. Pilot and full-scale tests include<br />
test runs that cover a wide range of co-firing<br />
percentage. In addition to combustion tests,<br />
advanced chemical analyses and calculations<br />
play a major role in the project.<br />
Fouling propensity of biomass fuels in<br />
large-scale boilers (left) can be tested in<br />
both pilot and large-scale by exposing<br />
test probes to combustion gas flow<br />
(right). Source: VTT Processes<br />
143<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-291-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Maximum <strong>Bio</strong>mass Use and Efficiency<br />
in Large-scale Cofiring – BIOMAX<br />
Duration: 30 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Pasi Vainikka<br />
VTT Processes<br />
Pasi.Vainikka@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Alholmens Kraft (FIN)<br />
Fundación CIRCE (E)<br />
Kvaerner Power (FIN)<br />
Tech-Wise (DK)<br />
Aabo Akademi University (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Figure 3: Pilot scale test rig.<br />
CO-FGT<br />
Objectives<br />
The innovative Combined Flue Gas<br />
Treatment (CO-FGT) will treat fumes<br />
coming from a Utility Boiler firing coal and<br />
waste and a Municipal Solid Waste<br />
incineration, and aims at:<br />
• contributing to the reduction of<br />
emissions of dangerous substances, such<br />
as heavy metals, SO2 , NOx, dioxin,<br />
furans, HCl,<br />
• using an innovative highly reactive<br />
calcium-based sorbent, which will reduce<br />
the amount of reagent needed to absorb<br />
the air pollutants and hence reduce the<br />
reagent costs,<br />
• reducing the amount of secondary waste<br />
coming from the FGT itself,<br />
• reducing operative and installation costs<br />
of the incineration plants.<br />
A cost-effective flue<br />
gas treatment<br />
Challenges<br />
The project aims to:<br />
• decrease the overall CO2 emissions and reduce<br />
the import dependency for solid fuels for the<br />
EU by the introduction of solid municipal waste<br />
as biomass in coal fired power plants,<br />
• limit the drawbacks, such as flue gas<br />
emissions, with the introduction of biomass in<br />
co-combustion with solid fuels.<br />
All of the existing flue gas treatment processes<br />
(wet, dry or semi-dry) have advantages and<br />
disadvantages but none of them can be standalone<br />
processes. The new process can be<br />
classified as a semi-dry process (spray-drier)<br />
where an innovative calcium based sorbent will<br />
be applied, leading to a strong decrease in<br />
reactant consumption due to the increase of<br />
sorbent particles reactivity.<br />
Project structure<br />
The CO-FGT project will benefit from the<br />
experience of two flue gas manufacturers from<br />
Italy and Germany, two lime producers from Italy<br />
and Spain and one incinerator from Italy.<br />
An experimental institute from Italy is the RTD<br />
performer.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The CO-FGT project will have a double impact for<br />
EU social objectives. The first impact is due to<br />
its own technological progress, and the second<br />
is related to the contribution of such a project in<br />
the development of alternative energy sources,<br />
such as biomass.<br />
144<br />
The SMEs of the consortium intend to exploit the<br />
results, partially by selling licences to companies<br />
in the flue gas treatment manufacturing field. The<br />
result of this project will be disseminated to a<br />
large number of incinerators upon whom<br />
<strong>European</strong> Waste Management depends.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The bibliographic review, the data collection and<br />
the successive statistical analysis have supplied<br />
an overview of the <strong>European</strong> situation in terms<br />
of technological distribution, which foresees the<br />
possible impact of the penetration of the CO-FGT<br />
technology in the <strong>European</strong> market.<br />
The laboratory study was focused on the<br />
optimisation of a laboratory scale spray-drier<br />
reactor, which was able to reproduce on a smallscale<br />
conditions of reaction similar to the ones<br />
encountered in the flue gas stream coming from<br />
an incineration plant. Many tests have been<br />
performed varying the experimental conditions<br />
in terms of temperature, moisture fraction,<br />
residence time and atomisation conditions,<br />
characterising the final properties of the sorbents<br />
of different formulation. The surface area and<br />
porosity of the collected samples, along with their<br />
morphological aspect, have been used to<br />
estimate the possible efficiency of each sorbent.<br />
The evaluation of the preliminary results,<br />
obtained in the laboratory scale tests, have<br />
shown favourable and promising elements in<br />
terms of the expected properties of the prepared<br />
sorbent formulations. Some samples, having a
Figure 1: General layout of an incineration<br />
plant, with the average distribution I<br />
Europe of each sub-unit.<br />
high surface area in respect to commonly<br />
available commercial products and hence a high<br />
expected reactivity towards acid gases and micropollutants,<br />
have been obtained under particular<br />
but repeatable conditions, as shown in Figure 2<br />
for six different sorbent formulations and six<br />
different series of tests. Other positive<br />
technological properties of the new sorbent<br />
have been observed and quantified (good<br />
flowability, low agglomerating tendency and good<br />
grindability) which confirm and support the<br />
feasibility and potentiality of the proposed<br />
technology.<br />
The preliminary results collected and analysed<br />
until now, have shown the necessity to pass to<br />
a larger experimental scale in order to reproduce<br />
the real conditions of an industrial semi-dry<br />
scrubber. A pilot scale plant, shown in Figure 3,<br />
was built for this purpose and is now in the<br />
optimisation stage.<br />
This test rig is constituted by a medium scale<br />
boiler (250.000 kcal), able to produce a 300 Nm3 flue gas stream, a spray drier scrubber reactor<br />
with a vertical chamber 5 m long, and a fabric<br />
filter for dust removal and the simulation of the<br />
filter cake reactions. Specifically formulated<br />
fuels will be used to reproduce the flue gas<br />
concentrations typical of an incineration plant so<br />
that a complete evaluation of the abetment<br />
efficiency will be possible.<br />
Figure 2: Surface area of different sorbents under different<br />
experimental conditions<br />
145<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: CRAFT-70808-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Innovative Combined Flue Gas Treatment<br />
for Refused Urban Waste – CO-FGT<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Biagio Passaro<br />
Tel: +39 02 3452591<br />
bpassaro@espia.it<br />
Partners:<br />
GPC (I)<br />
ITAS (D)<br />
SEVERA (I)<br />
Calcisernia (I)<br />
Ciaries (E)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
HOTDISC<br />
Objectives<br />
Replacing fossil fuels with renewable fuel<br />
sources, such as biomass and combustible<br />
waste, has been proved to conserve<br />
natural resources, reduce emissions of<br />
harmful elements and provide solutions<br />
to climate change.<br />
However, until now, using pre-treatment<br />
to produce a fuel that can be used for<br />
energy purposes has presented a technical<br />
and economic barrier for a wider use of<br />
these solid alternative fuels in industrial<br />
combustion processes.<br />
The overall objective of the proposed<br />
project is, therefore, to increase the use<br />
of renewable fuel sources in industrial<br />
furnaces by allowing for direct<br />
co-combustion of a number of different<br />
lumpy sized fuels, thus eliminating the need<br />
for expensive pre-treatment of these fuels.<br />
The project comprised of the design and<br />
installation of a novel HOTDISC combustion<br />
reactor at a cement works and<br />
the demonstration of its ability to fulfil<br />
the defined specific, technical and<br />
economic objectives.<br />
No need for expensive<br />
pre-treatment of waste fuels<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium consists of the following<br />
partners:<br />
- NORCEM A.S, Norway, as the owners of the<br />
cement plant where the HOTDISC reactor is<br />
installed, are responsible for the installation work<br />
- F.L.Smidth A/S, Denmark, the inventors of the<br />
technology who also supply the equipment<br />
- Heidelberg Zement Group, Germany, are the<br />
owners of NORCEM and are a project exploiter<br />
- FFE Minerals Denmark A/S, who are part of the<br />
FLS Group and a project exploiter.<br />
Expected impact<br />
The consequences of implementing the project<br />
were estimated as follows:<br />
• Using about 20 000 ton/year of unprocessed<br />
renewable fuels to replace 25% of fossil fuels<br />
• Reducing emissions of GHG by 36.000 ton/year<br />
• Reducing power and operating costs, compared<br />
with traditional pre-treatment<br />
• Low investment costs and positive production<br />
costs<br />
• Reducing emissions of harmful compounds<br />
like NOx<br />
• Preserving jobs.<br />
146<br />
Results<br />
The project is in its final stages and can be<br />
classified as having been highly successful.<br />
Operation experience has been obtained for<br />
waste fuels like wood waste and tyres. The<br />
longest operation periods have been with car-and<br />
truck tyre pieces of about 200-300 mm. The key<br />
results have shown the following:<br />
- The HOTDISC reactor has proved very easy to<br />
operate, after overcoming some commissioning<br />
difficulties<br />
- Feeding at least 3 ton/h is achievable, this<br />
being equal to a reduction in coal consumption<br />
of the plant by about 35%<br />
- Due to the composition of the raw materials, the<br />
HOTDISC is usually operated at 2 tons tyre<br />
pieces/h, replacing 2 tons coal/h or 25% of the<br />
coal consumption and resulting in a reduction<br />
in CO2 outlets of about 36.000 ton/year<br />
- Emissions of NOx have dropped by about 15%<br />
- Emissions of CO are practically unchanged<br />
- No impact has been noted on the cement quality.
Exploitation<br />
The exploitation activities have commenced.<br />
NORCEM has started investigating the feasibility<br />
of operating with additional unprocessed waste<br />
fuels and F.L.Smidth has begun working on<br />
HOTDISC projects in other countries.<br />
3D Stretch of HOTDISC.<br />
147<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-255-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Novel Reactor System for Utilisation of<br />
Unprocessed <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Waste Fuels<br />
to Replace Fossil Fuels – HOTDISC<br />
Duration: 40 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Niels Anderson<br />
F.L. Smidth AVS<br />
Tel: +45-36182680<br />
Fax: +45-36301820<br />
niels.andersen@flsmidth.com<br />
Partners:<br />
F.L. Smidth (DK)<br />
FFE Minerals Denmark (DK)<br />
Heidelcement (D)<br />
Norcem (NO)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
POWERFLAM2<br />
Objectives<br />
The programme aims to coordinate and<br />
provide synergy between results obtained<br />
from a range of different complimentary<br />
techniques to allow substantial increases<br />
in the co-firing of biomass and bio-waste<br />
materials with coal in large utility boilers.<br />
The techniques to be used range from<br />
measurements obtained on large utility<br />
boilers, to those on pilot and simulation<br />
rigs and various laboratory techniques.<br />
These measurements will be used to<br />
correlate and calibrate computational fluid<br />
dynamic (CFD) simulations of the various<br />
complex processes occurring (see figure<br />
1). This will be followed by neural network<br />
analysis of the plethora of data obtained to<br />
provide working tools for the utility<br />
operators. When integrated together, it will<br />
allow operators of large pulverised coal<br />
boilers to evaluate the effects of different<br />
levels of substituting / co-firing upon the<br />
whole performance of the boiler.<br />
PowerFlam2 programme<br />
Background<br />
Fossil fuel is still the main source of energy<br />
conversion for the power industry. It is likely to<br />
be dominant for many years to come since the<br />
development of renewable energies, in terms of<br />
affordable and reliable technology, is low.<br />
Electricity generation via fossil fuel is in the<br />
100’s MW per installation whereas equivalent<br />
biomass output is generally in the 10’s of MW<br />
range. Europe has to face the fact that<br />
generations using traditional fuels are<br />
fundamental to the increasing demand for energy.<br />
The use of coal within this sector is also vital to<br />
meet the needs of supply and demand. The<br />
infrastructure is well established and the<br />
technology is mature, but the environmental<br />
consequences are also known. Fuel substitution<br />
offers a route to use the existing <strong>European</strong><br />
power plant infrastructure to reduce the<br />
equivalent amount of available carbon for energy<br />
conversion, thereby having a considerable<br />
influence on CO2 reduction from this crucial<br />
industrial sector.<br />
Challenges<br />
Although co-firing of biomass and bio-waste has<br />
been practised in a number of plants, the practice<br />
is not widespread. A recent survey by a trade<br />
association representing large utilities, VGB<br />
Powertech E.V. (formerly VGB Technishe<br />
Vereinigung Der Grosskraftwerksbetreiber E.V.),<br />
showed that only 29 out of 353 power plants<br />
surveyed employed any form of co-firing. Barriers<br />
to substantially increased co-firing arise from a<br />
number of technical, economic and operational<br />
factors. A number of critical technical factors have<br />
been identified, including the effects of the co-<br />
148<br />
firing fuel on slagging and fouling in<br />
the system, downstream deNOx systems,<br />
environmental impact and the quality /<br />
marketability of the ash. There are no models or<br />
techniques at the moment that would allow an<br />
operator of a large utility boiler to ascertain<br />
whether a particular form of biomass material or<br />
waste can be successfully co-fired.<br />
Programme structure<br />
The programme will be delivered by a consortium,<br />
including three universities, two major research<br />
laboratories, three large utility operators and<br />
the VGB Powertech E.V. The core of the work<br />
involves the use of several novel laboratory and<br />
pilot scale rigs that provide different experimental<br />
information concerning the behaviour of the fuel<br />
blends in different conditions. Complimentary<br />
modelling work with CFD and neural networks will<br />
be undertaken to better describe the processes<br />
occurring both in the rigs and large boilers (see<br />
figures 2 and 3).<br />
Expected impact<br />
New test methods will be created for fuel blends<br />
using several different laboratory / pilot scale rigs<br />
that will individually give different information on,<br />
for example, ignition, volatile evolution and<br />
slagging. Extensive modelling results using CFD<br />
and neural network analysis will be correlated and<br />
calibrated using results from laboratory and<br />
large co-fired plant experiments. The information<br />
obtained will be in a format that can be integrated<br />
with systems that utility operators are able to use<br />
to make judgments on realistic fuel blends and<br />
levels of substitution for optimum performance.
Figure 1: Mesh for Two Stage Combustor<br />
Geometry used in CFD Software.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The start date for the programme was<br />
1 January 2003. The first meeting of the<br />
programme steering committee took place at<br />
ENEL Produzione in Pisa, Italy on the 29 January<br />
2003. Coordination and communication<br />
strategies were developed by the partners to<br />
ensure the effective transfer of data and<br />
information.<br />
The PowerFlam2 website is near completion,<br />
which will allow the general public access to<br />
information relating to the programme<br />
(http://www.powerflam.ifrf.net/pf2). Each partner<br />
is authenticated and this allows them secure<br />
access to the website and the ability to exchange<br />
sensitive information.<br />
Pilot rigs and experimental techniques have<br />
been created to generate the data required for<br />
correlation and calibration of the computer<br />
simulations. Large utility operators are preparing<br />
for large-scale co-firing experiments that will<br />
generate vital data that can be used with the<br />
development of the computer simulations. Fuel<br />
preparation is an important aspect of the<br />
programme and has been centralised to ensure<br />
stability in the fuel composition. Currently the fuel<br />
requirements of each partner are being assessed<br />
so that fuel preparation can commence.<br />
Figure 2: CFD Static Temperature Profile of a 500kW<br />
Down Fired Furnace.<br />
149<br />
Figure 3: CFD Mesh Quality Check for a 500kW Burner.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-907-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Studies of Fuel Blend Properties in Boilers<br />
and Simulation Rigs to Increase <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
and <strong>Bio</strong>-waste Materials Used for Co-firing<br />
in Pulverised Coal Fired Boilers –<br />
POWERFLAM2<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Steven Morris<br />
University of Wales Cardiff<br />
MorrisSM@Cardiff.ac.uk<br />
Partners:<br />
University of Wales (UK)<br />
IFRF Research Station (NL)<br />
VGB Powertech (D)<br />
Electricité de France – Division R&D (F)<br />
ENEL Produzione (I)<br />
Laborelec (F)<br />
Insytut Energetyki (PL)<br />
TU Clausthal (D)<br />
University of Glamorgan (IRL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Figure 2: Concrete mixture with fly<br />
ash, Self Compacting Concrete.<br />
(Source:Vattenfall).<br />
UCOR<br />
Objectives<br />
The co-combustion of biomass together<br />
with coal in existing large-scale firing<br />
systems offers several advantages; for<br />
example, the possibility to utilise a large<br />
quantity of biomass at lower investment<br />
costs compared with systems exclusively<br />
fired with biomass. An obstacle for the<br />
co-combustion of bio fuels in power plants<br />
is the possible effect on the common<br />
commercial utilisation of the fly ash.<br />
Actual <strong>European</strong> data show that residues<br />
from pure coal combustion are used almost<br />
completely as aggregates in building<br />
materials. Since power plant residues from<br />
co-combustion are not included in the<br />
relevant <strong>European</strong> norms, for example<br />
EN 450, a review of the <strong>European</strong><br />
legislation on ash disposal, utilisation and<br />
national amendments is urgently required<br />
and already ongoing. It is the aim of this<br />
project to provide sufficient data about<br />
the properties of co-combustion residues<br />
in order to support a review of <strong>European</strong><br />
legislation, to indicate further utilisation<br />
possibilities and therefore enhance<br />
the commercial utilisation of fly ash from<br />
co-combustion as products.<br />
Supporting biomass<br />
co-combustion for a cleaner<br />
power production<br />
Solving problems and giving<br />
recommendations for fly ash utilisation<br />
derived from biomass co-combustion in<br />
pulverised fuel fired boilers<br />
Project structure<br />
The present RT&D project supported by the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission entitled ‘Utilisation of<br />
residues from biomass co-combustion in<br />
pulverised coal boilers’ (UCOR), with the contract<br />
number NNE/1999/366, started on 1 October<br />
2000 with a project period of 36 months.<br />
The project consortium consists of six partners<br />
from different areas in the fields of power<br />
production, energy research and analytical<br />
laboratories.<br />
The project work programme consists mainly of<br />
three tasks.<br />
The first task, mainly focussing on theoretical<br />
work, gives an overview about fly ash amounts,<br />
utilisation rates and different applied ways<br />
of fly ash utilisation in Europe. An overview<br />
about the status of biomass co-combustion in<br />
pulverised fired boilers in Europe is part of the<br />
theoretical work too. A data bank concerning<br />
chemical composition, physical and construction<br />
behaviour of co-combustion derived fly ashes<br />
is established. The data bank consists of fly<br />
ash information about main and trace elements,<br />
leaching behaviour (according to DIN EN 38414),<br />
particle size distribution, loss on ignition (LOI),<br />
Na2O-equivalent, density and construction<br />
behaviour (fly ash in concrete, according to EN<br />
450) like water/ash-ratio, free lime and strength.<br />
150<br />
Additionally, information about the used fuels,<br />
power plants, test facilities, combustion<br />
parameters and analysis methods are given.<br />
From the ash data collection and the experience<br />
of the project partners, parameters were<br />
established and also select fuel mixtures for<br />
carrying out the co-combustion experiments.<br />
The second task contains the accomplishment<br />
of co-combustion test runs and fly ash analysis.<br />
Different power plants and pilot scale test<br />
facilities from Vattenfall, Techwise (Elsam),<br />
Verbund and IVD are involved in this part of the<br />
project. All the power plants and the test facility<br />
are based on pulverised fuel fired technology and<br />
have the possibility for co-combustion of different<br />
shares of biomass and waste, like straw, wood,<br />
peat and sewage sludge. The following analysis<br />
of the fly ashes enfolded the points, which are<br />
the content of the project ash data bank,<br />
described above. In Figure 1, for example, is<br />
shown the influence of co-combustion on fly ash<br />
particle shape. The picture on the left shows a<br />
fly ash derived from hard coal mono combustion<br />
and the right hand picture shows fly ash derived<br />
from co-combustion of 47-% wood. Both fly ashes<br />
were produced with the same coal, in the same<br />
test facility under the same combustion<br />
conditions. Co-combustion derived fly ashes<br />
have a more porous particle shape than the fly<br />
ashes derived from hard coal mono-combustion.<br />
Figure 2 shows experiments with Self-Compacting<br />
Concrete (SCC) carried out by Vattenfall.
The advantage of fly ash in concrete is the ‘ball<br />
bearing effect’ of the fine spherical fly ash<br />
particles in the concrete mixture. It has a positive<br />
influence on the flow behaviour of concrete.<br />
The last task is the evaluation of all collected<br />
fly ash analysis data. As result of this task<br />
recommendations will be prepared for ash<br />
utilisation and a guideline will be produced. The<br />
recommendations will compare analysis data<br />
of fly ashes derived from mono-, co- and pure<br />
biomass combustion to map the influence of<br />
different kinds and shares of secondary fuel<br />
on fly ash quality. Additionally, different ways of<br />
utilisation will be given in the recommendations.<br />
The guideline, as a summary of the recommendations,<br />
will describe the expected influences<br />
of co-combustion of secondary fuels on fly ash<br />
quality and can therefore be used by power<br />
plant operators or authorities for the revision<br />
of standards and regulations concerning<br />
co-combustion derived fly ash utilisation.<br />
Figure 1: SEM-Pictures of fly ashes: the picture on the left shows fly ash derived by mono-hard coal combustion;<br />
on the right, fly ash derived from co-combustion of hard coal with 47 wt-% wood. (Source: mpa).<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass / coal co-firing activities, both in the<br />
retrofit and new plant markets, are expected to<br />
expand significantly, particularly in Northern<br />
Europe but also elsewhere in the world. This will<br />
happen over the next five to ten years as<br />
concerns about the global warming issue are<br />
translated into direct actions to minimise CO2<br />
emissions from power plants. It is important<br />
that the <strong>European</strong> suppliers have the design<br />
and support methods in place, which will<br />
allow full participation in this market. As<br />
operational problems of co-combustion seem<br />
to be manageable, the compulsion to deposit the<br />
fly ashes prevents an economic use of this<br />
technique. A new legislation allowing an<br />
economic use of the residues from co-combustion<br />
will lead <strong>European</strong> co-combustion plant manufacturers<br />
and operators to the pole position in<br />
the worldwide market.<br />
151<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-366-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Utilization of Residues from <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Co-Combustion in Pulverized Coal<br />
Boilers – UCOR<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Sven Unterberger<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Tel: +49-711-6853572<br />
unterberger@ivd.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
Vattenfall (S)<br />
Tech-Wise (DK)<br />
Verbund-Umwelttechnik (A)<br />
MPA – Labor für Materialprüfung<br />
und -analyse (D)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
Website: http://www.eu-projects.de/UCOR<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOCOGEN<br />
Objectives<br />
The main goal of the <strong>Bio</strong>Cogen network is:<br />
• To provide technical and economic data<br />
and deal with key issues for<br />
implementation of biomass CHP in<br />
Europe, with the aim of facilitating<br />
26Mtoe biomass CHP installations by<br />
2010.<br />
This goal will be reached through:<br />
• A market analysis of biomass CHP in<br />
the <strong>European</strong> Union (EU) and selected<br />
Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries;<br />
• Provision of information on the current<br />
situation on biomass CHP in the EU<br />
and selected Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries;<br />
• Identification of differences between<br />
countries or regions within the same<br />
country as regards cost efficiencies<br />
and environmental performance in<br />
comparison with the targets set by<br />
the EU;<br />
• Determination of the factors which foster<br />
or hinder biomass CHP;<br />
• Dissemination of the results through<br />
educational/training activities as well as<br />
through the development of a website on<br />
biomass CHP.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass cogeneration<br />
network<br />
Challenges<br />
Despite the wide-ranging and important benefits<br />
that biomass CHP offers, its penetration into the<br />
energy sector has been very limited in most<br />
<strong>European</strong> countries. This Accompanying Measure<br />
intends to provide technical and economic<br />
data and deal with the key issues in the<br />
implementation of biomass CHP in Europe, with<br />
the aim of facilitating:<br />
• The achievement of the White Paper target of<br />
6 Mtoe of biomass fuels being used in co-firing<br />
plants by 2010;<br />
• Identification of the best options in terms of<br />
resource and technology to reach the cost<br />
targets of 1500 Euro/ kWe and 0.05 Euro/kWh<br />
investment and electricity production cost;<br />
• The achievement of the strategic priority<br />
of 26 Mtoe in CHP installations by 2010.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project brings together partners from five<br />
countries of the <strong>European</strong> Union, four countries<br />
of Eastern Europe and a <strong>European</strong> technical<br />
institute. The know-how and experience of all<br />
partners cover every aspect of production and<br />
use of biofuels, and of biomass cogeneration.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Cogen comprises six work packages: WP1<br />
details the network management, providing the<br />
basic infrastructure needed to operate it. WP2<br />
reviews national and international activities on<br />
biomass CHP. In WP3, a market analysis is<br />
performed on biomass CHP in the EU and<br />
selected Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries. Having<br />
ascertained the current situation and the<br />
peculiarities of biomass CHP at a <strong>European</strong> and<br />
national level, WP4 deals with the drawing up<br />
of a detailed survey of biomass CHP plants.<br />
152<br />
Surveying is based on uniform questionnaires<br />
which focus primarily on the existing biomass<br />
CHP plants and then on the other target groups<br />
involved in biomass CHP deployment (ministries,<br />
utilities, industry, RTD institutes, and consumers).<br />
In WP5, factors that hinder or foster biomass<br />
CHP are identified, thereby facilitating the<br />
determination of existing or future flagship<br />
projects. Finally, WP6 focuses on the<br />
dissemination of the results of the network<br />
through educational and training activities as<br />
well as through the development of an interactive<br />
website on biomass CHP.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The aim of the project is to facilitate the<br />
penetration of biomass, in particular biomass<br />
cogeneration, in the EU energy market by<br />
analysing all key aspects and suggesting<br />
measures for its future development. <strong>Bio</strong>Cogen<br />
provides up-to-date knowledge on:<br />
• biomass cogeneration and the respective<br />
policy framework;<br />
• existing biomass cogeneration plants (including<br />
technical data); and<br />
• analysis of the market for biomass<br />
cogeneration.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Cogen will improve our understanding of the<br />
benefits that biomass CHP presents and how<br />
these may be achieved. <strong>Bio</strong>mass CHP offers<br />
important benefits across several sectors in<br />
Europe, as shown below:<br />
Industry and other investors<br />
• energy solutions<br />
• solutions for waste streams<br />
• financial returns commensurate with risk
Environment<br />
• reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and<br />
other pollutants: biomass cogeneration is near<br />
CO2 neutral on the life-cycle basis.<br />
• reduce impacts from waste disposal<br />
<strong>Energy</strong><br />
• help enable decentralisation and thus flexibility<br />
• help competition<br />
• improve efficiency of energy conversion<br />
• avoid electricity transmission and distribution<br />
losses<br />
• achieve greater use of renewable energy<br />
• help improve local energy security<br />
• reduce fuel import needs at national and<br />
regional level<br />
Agriculture and forestry<br />
• enable diversification<br />
• create rural revenue streams<br />
• create jobs<br />
• help to improve land management practices<br />
such as forestry thinning and clearing<br />
Competitiveness<br />
• stimulate development of technologies and<br />
services with worldwide applications<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Cogen has strong links with IEA activities:<br />
IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Task 38 provides life-cycle analysis<br />
tools to assess the benefits of biomass CHP<br />
compared with fossil CHP; and<br />
IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Task 29 brings to <strong>Bio</strong>Cogen<br />
knowledge of the socio-economic benefits related<br />
to the implementation of biomass CHP.<br />
Also, it is notable that <strong>Bio</strong>Cogen includes transfer<br />
of knowledge between EU countries and<br />
participating Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries through<br />
exchange of personnel and training, and<br />
workshops to promote biomass CHP in these<br />
countries.<br />
In addition, the project contributes to the<br />
mobilisation of human resources involved with<br />
biomass CHP in Europe through workshops,<br />
training and educational activities etc., aiming to<br />
assist in the deployment of policy priorities as<br />
stated in the <strong>European</strong> Research Area with<br />
regard to biomass cogeneration.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Cogen is a unique initiative – there is no<br />
similar mechanism currently focusing on biomass<br />
CHP in Europe.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The work has progressed according to plan.<br />
There has been considerable interest in the<br />
work from industry, trade associations and<br />
related EU and national initiatives. Links and<br />
dialogue have benefited both <strong>Bio</strong>Cogen and<br />
these stakeholders.<br />
• Review of national activities on biomass CHP<br />
completed.<br />
• Information on current status of biomass CHP<br />
in EU and selected Eastern <strong>European</strong> countries<br />
collected;<br />
• Market analysis of biomass CHP in the EU<br />
and selected Eastern <strong>European</strong> Countries is<br />
being finalised;<br />
• Determination of the factors that foster or<br />
hinder biomass CHP is being completed;<br />
• Identification of ‘flagship’ projects is being<br />
finalised; and<br />
• Dissemination of results is ongoing.<br />
153<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-80525<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Cogeneration Network –<br />
BIOCOGEN<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Calliope PANOUTSOU<br />
Centre for Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Sources<br />
ppanouts@cres.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
Centre for Renewable<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Sources (GR)<br />
TV <strong>Energy</strong> (UK)<br />
Institut Technique Européen<br />
du Bois- Energie (F)<br />
Sveriges Lantbrukeuniversitet (S)<br />
Joanneum (A)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Institute “Hrvoje Pozar” (CZ)<br />
Slovenian Forestry Institute (SI)<br />
Ecolinks- Regional Environmental<br />
Committee (BG)<br />
TUBITAK- Marmara Research Centre (TR)<br />
EnergiGruppen Jylland a/s (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BGGE<br />
Objectives<br />
The 13 MW CHP Plant Based On <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Gasifier With Gas Engines (BGGE) project<br />
started in 2001 with FLS Miljø (DK) as the<br />
project co-ordinator. Other partners<br />
are Lemvig Varmevaerk A.m.b.A. (DK),<br />
Carbona Inc. (FIN), Jenbacher AG (A),<br />
and <strong>Energy</strong>Power Resources Ltd. (UK).<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
demonstrate and optimise a novel CHP<br />
plant based on biomass gasification on a<br />
full scale (13 MW thermal input). In this<br />
plant, four biogas-fuelled engines will<br />
produce electricity (4 MWe) from gasified<br />
biomass, while the district heat (8 MWth)<br />
will be produced in various heat<br />
exchangers.<br />
Since this is the first time that some of<br />
the main plant components will be built<br />
and integrated on this scale, one important<br />
objective of this project will be the process<br />
optimisation and demonstration of such<br />
integration.<br />
The ultimate goal is to make this<br />
technology competitive with power plants<br />
based on fossil fuel.<br />
CHP plant based on biomass<br />
gasifier and gas engines<br />
Project structure<br />
FLS Miljø is the project coordinator and is<br />
responsible for all technical aspects and<br />
execution of this project. Lemvig Varmevaerk is<br />
the investor, is providing the site for BGGE plant<br />
and will be the end-user of this plant. Together<br />
with a sub-contractor VTT, Carbona is providing<br />
the know-how in biomass gasification and bio-gas<br />
clean-up, and will provide analytical services, data<br />
analysis and will participate in the plant’s<br />
optimisation programme.<br />
Jenbacher is the internal combustion engines<br />
supplier and will perform testing and optimisation<br />
activities. EPR will participate in the BGGE plant<br />
optimisation and technology dissemination, in<br />
particular in the UK.<br />
Challenges<br />
The major innovative parts of the project relate<br />
to the gasification and clean-up of the biogas<br />
from mixed wood biofuel, in particular the tars,<br />
while the major aim with the gas engines is<br />
to increase the power output by up to 30%<br />
and demonstrate reliable operation and long life.<br />
The major risks associated with BGGE plant can<br />
be summarised as:<br />
• Potential for catalyst deactivation;<br />
• Gasifier integration into process; and<br />
• Performance and life of IC engines.<br />
154<br />
Expected benefits<br />
The direct benefits of the innovative BGGE plant<br />
for the EU can be summarised as<br />
follows:<br />
1. Based on biomass thermal input of 13 MW,<br />
the plant will generate 8 MWth district heat and<br />
4 MWe electricity, based on CO2-neutral green<br />
energy.<br />
2. The overall efficiency will be 86% while electric<br />
efficiency will be 29%.<br />
3. An annual output of 50,000 MWh of district<br />
heat and 22,000 MWh electricity.<br />
4. The plant will gasify 2.8 tonnes/hour of mixed<br />
wood biofuel and use biogas in gas engines<br />
for electricity production.<br />
5. It will reduce CO2 emissions by 13,000 tonnes<br />
per year.<br />
6. The plant will provide a major part of the<br />
district heating requirements covered by the<br />
existing plant.<br />
7. It will create a number of new permanent<br />
jobs in plant operation and biomass handling.<br />
8. It will serve as a reference plant for the<br />
dissemination of this novel technology.
Progress to date<br />
All the design and engineering for the BGGE<br />
plant has been completed. The new CHP plant<br />
will be established as a biomass gasification<br />
plant with gas engines. The gasification reactor<br />
is a one-stage atmospheric fluid-bed gasifier<br />
with air as the gasification media. <strong>Bio</strong>gas<br />
produced in the gasifier will be cleaned first in<br />
a cyclone with subsequent tar removal in a<br />
catalytic cracker and the remaining particulate<br />
removal in a bag filter. Electricity production<br />
takes place in four gas engines coupled to<br />
generators. District heat is produced in various<br />
heat exchangers and gas engines. The BGGE<br />
plant is designed to cover (together with the<br />
existing biogas engine) 90% of Lemvig total<br />
district heat production of ca. 300 TJ/year<br />
(2003/04).<br />
The key data for the plant are as follows:<br />
• <strong>Bio</strong>gas CHP plant– 1.9 MWe og 2.5 MJ/s<br />
district heat<br />
• <strong>Bio</strong>mass CHP plant – peak load: 5.7 MWe og<br />
10.4 MJ/s district heat<br />
• Wood pellets boiler – 2 x 4.7 MJ/s heat<br />
• Oil boiler – 11 + 7 MJ/s heat<br />
• <strong>Bio</strong>gas boiler – 4 +1 MJ/s heat<br />
• Heat accumulation tank – 1,100 m3 Figure 1: shows the plan of the BGGE plant.<br />
Project delay<br />
Figure 2: Process flow diagram for BGGE plant.<br />
The Lemvig county authorities have approved<br />
the proposal for a BGGE plant and the signing of<br />
the contract was expected in January 2001.<br />
Unfortunately, there was a change in Danish<br />
government with the new one putting forward a<br />
completely new policy on renewable energy. This<br />
delayed the signing of the contract and eventually<br />
Lemvig decided not to build BGGE plant. As a<br />
consequence, the rest of the partners have<br />
been looking for an alternative site. Skive<br />
combine heat and power plant in northern Jutland<br />
is a major candidate to demonstrate this<br />
technology.<br />
155<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-124-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
13 MW CHP Plant Based on <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Gasifier with Gas Engines – BGGE<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Vladimir Boscac<br />
FLS Miljø A/S<br />
Tel: +45-36181100<br />
Fax: +45-36174599<br />
vlb@flsmiljo.com<br />
Partners:<br />
FLS Miljø (DK)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Power Resources (UK)<br />
Jenbacher AG (A)<br />
CARBONA (FIN)<br />
Lemvig Varmevaerk (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIO-GASCAT-<br />
POWER<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of the project is the design,<br />
installation and operation of a 1MWe-scale<br />
green biomass powered facility based on<br />
the gasification technology. The proposed<br />
methodology is totally innovative since it<br />
combines the bubbling bed gasification<br />
technology with the monolith catalytic<br />
cracking of incurring tars before the fuel<br />
gas engines.<br />
Green energy<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The energy utilisation of green biomass is held<br />
back by the incurring tar content of the fuel gas<br />
produced. This causes irreversible damage to the<br />
gas engines since it blocks the pipe system<br />
within them. This problem is being confronted<br />
through the catalytic cracking of tars before their<br />
introduction into the gas engines. The project will<br />
also address a major environmental and disposal<br />
problem concerning biomass residues, which<br />
is faced by numerous local authorities in the<br />
regions of the EU.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project implementation strategy is based on<br />
a team of excellence and relies on a multidisciplinary<br />
approach in order to execute a logical<br />
and performance-guided sequence of work<br />
packages for its successful completion. The aim<br />
is to demonstrate a full-scale gasification plant<br />
for the production of renewable energy. The<br />
innovative process has been designed in order<br />
to upgrade biomass residues to a clean fuel<br />
gas and subsequently to power; an approach that<br />
can find numerous applications at a regional<br />
level in the EU.<br />
The consortium is led by ENVITEC, the most<br />
experienced company in Greece on environmental<br />
technology, while expert teams provide technical<br />
expertise for the design of the plant. In addition,<br />
the plant will solve a major environmental<br />
problem for the Municipality of Nea Makri (EL),<br />
while at the same time assisting with the<br />
integration of bioenergy projects with the local<br />
community.<br />
156<br />
The individual parts of the project have already<br />
been developed. However, the integration of all<br />
components is unique. The work is divided into<br />
work packages (WP) covering the design,<br />
construction, assembly, commissioning, demonstration<br />
and monitoring as well as actions to<br />
improve the acceptability of bio-energy by the local<br />
population. Although it is not technical, the<br />
consortium considers the last WP as being very<br />
critical in order to overcome the non-technical<br />
barriers by the population of the regions of the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Union for bio-energy penetration. The<br />
project will finally prove the technical and<br />
economic viability of the proposed innovative<br />
technology and its suitability for power generation.<br />
The technology also has a very high export<br />
potential, thus supporting <strong>European</strong> SMEs.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The results expected from the project will<br />
demonstrate the successful design and efficient<br />
operation of a biomass gasification power<br />
generating plant. Over a period of one year, the<br />
operation and monitoring will demonstrate the<br />
overall technical reliability, environmental<br />
soundness and economic viability of the<br />
proposed methodology.<br />
Dissemination activities carried out during<br />
the course of the project will raise awareness<br />
and encourage replication of the opportunities<br />
and potential of the proposed technology, not<br />
only in the <strong>European</strong> Union but also on a worldwide<br />
scale.
Figure 1: Flow Chart.<br />
Moreover, the project intends to address all<br />
those limitations that restrain the wide<br />
exploitation of biomass gasification. This will<br />
be achieved through the technical solutions<br />
provided to all the process phases (pre-treatment<br />
of biomass residues, fluidised bed gasification,<br />
adequate gas cleaning and specially modified gas<br />
engine/generator).<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project is at the design phase, while<br />
construction of the digestion plant is in the<br />
pipeline.<br />
Figure 2: Gas Engine.<br />
157<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-312-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
A 1M‹We <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fluidised Bed Gasifier<br />
Power Plant with Catalytic Conversion of<br />
Tars – BIO-GASCAT-POWER<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Panagiotis Kalogeropoulos<br />
ENVITEC SA<br />
Tel: +30-210-6855560<br />
Fax: +30-210-6855564<br />
envitec@envitec.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
ENVITEC (GR)<br />
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (B)<br />
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (E)<br />
Municipality of Nea Makri (GR)<br />
Jenbacher AG (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2992093<br />
Fax: +32-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIO-STERLING<br />
Objectives<br />
An efficient utilisation of biomass for<br />
energy, with a minimum of environmental<br />
impact, can be obtained when biomass<br />
is used for small-scale Combined Heat<br />
and Power (CHP) production in smaller<br />
cities and villages close to biomass<br />
production sites, as well as in the wood<br />
processing industries.<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
develop a small-scale biomass fired<br />
CHP plant based on a 75 kWel hermetically<br />
sealed Stirling engine. A pilot plant is<br />
manufactured, and the comprehensive<br />
test run will be performed using wood<br />
chips as fuel.<br />
75 kW stirling engine<br />
CHP-plant for biofuels<br />
For small-scale CHP systems using biomass as<br />
fuel, Stirling engines are a promising solution for<br />
installations with an electric power output below<br />
150 kW corresponding to a thermal output of 600<br />
- 800 kW. The advantage of the Stirling engine,<br />
compared to an IC-engine, is that the heat is not<br />
supplied to the cycle by combustion of the fuel<br />
inside the cylinder, but is transferred from the<br />
outside through a heat exchanger in the same<br />
way as in a steam boiler. Consequently, the<br />
combustion system for a Stirling engine can be<br />
based on well-known furnace technology,<br />
considerably reducing the problems of the<br />
utilisation of solid fuels.<br />
Stirling engines are based on a closed cycle,<br />
where the working gas is alternately compressed<br />
in a cold cylinder volume and expanded in a hot<br />
cylinder volume. The heat input from the<br />
combustion of fuel is transferred from the outside<br />
to the working gas through a hot heat exchanger<br />
(the heater) at a high temperature, typically<br />
between 950 K and 1050 K<br />
Challenges<br />
The problems concerning the utilisation of<br />
biofuels in a Stirling engine are concentrated on<br />
transferring the heat from the combustion of<br />
the fuel into the working gas. The temperature<br />
must be high in order to obtain an acceptable<br />
specific power output and efficiency, and the hot<br />
heat exchanger must be designed so that<br />
problems with fouling are minimised.<br />
The Stirling engine hot heat exchanger has been<br />
designed specifically for using biomass as fuel<br />
because of the high temperatures in the<br />
combustion chamber and the risk of fouling.<br />
158<br />
Advanced design tools, including numerical<br />
simulation programmes (NSP), have been utilised<br />
for the calculation of main characteristic<br />
parameters of the Stirling engine. Numerical<br />
optimisation programmes have been used for<br />
the optimisation of more than 20 parameters<br />
describing the cylinders, heat exchangers,<br />
regenerators and other components.<br />
The engine, which is designed for a nominal<br />
electric power output of 75 kW, has eight<br />
cylinders. Narrow passages in the heater section<br />
are avoided in order to for it to adapt to solid fuel<br />
combustion gases.<br />
In order to avoid leakage of the helium working<br />
gas to the surroundings, the engine is designed<br />
as a hermetically sealed unit with the generator<br />
incorporated in the pressurised crankcase just<br />
like the electric motor in a hermetically sealed<br />
compressor for refrigeration.<br />
The need for a high temperature in the Stirling<br />
engine hot heat exchanger also makes the design<br />
of the combustion system complicated.<br />
Therefore, the design of the combustion chamber<br />
is based on CFD calculations in combination<br />
with the above-mentioned MARS optimisation<br />
technique for improved performance and low<br />
emissions.<br />
The minimisation of fouling of the heat exchanger<br />
surfaces by aerosol and fly ash particles<br />
contained in the flue gas has also been taken into<br />
consideration. A specially adapted automatic<br />
heater cleaning system has been developed to<br />
achieve extended cleaning intervals for the heat<br />
exchanger, preventing hard deposit formation<br />
and limiting corrosion.
Project structure<br />
In order to develop the Stirling engine and<br />
the biomass combustion system, the project<br />
combines the scientific skills of two universities<br />
involved with the knowledge and experience of<br />
the companies involved.<br />
Technical University of Denmark is responsible<br />
for the development of the Stirling engine in<br />
co-operation with the company I.B. Bruun & Son,<br />
Denmark.<br />
BIOS, Austria, is responsible for the development<br />
and optimisation of the biomass combustion in<br />
co-operation with MAWERA, Austria, who is also<br />
responsible for the erection and testing of the<br />
biomass combustion system.<br />
The University of Bradford is responsible for<br />
implementing new optimisation techniques,<br />
which are used for optimising the Stirling engine<br />
and the combustion system.<br />
E.ON. Energie is responsible for the technoeconomic<br />
analysis of the overall CHP technology.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The result of the project will offer a solution for<br />
simple, reliable, clean, efficient, safe and costeffective<br />
power production, utilising renewable<br />
energy.<br />
The new technology will have a positive socioeconomic<br />
impact on local communities and<br />
employment, especially in less favoured regions<br />
concerning employment and infrastructure.<br />
Small-scale CHP plants, close to the site of<br />
biomass production, result in a reduction of<br />
transport costs and emissions compared to<br />
the utilisation of biomass in large centralised<br />
heat and/or power plants.<br />
TABLE 1. Stirling engine specifications<br />
Nominal electric power, kW 75<br />
Bore, mm 142<br />
Stroke, mm 76<br />
Number of cylinders 8<br />
Speed, rpm 1010<br />
Mean pressure, MPa 4.5<br />
Working gas Helium<br />
Heater temperature, K 1020<br />
Engine weight, kg 3500<br />
Based on the assumption of 10 000 installed<br />
Stirling CHP plants within the next ten years, the<br />
CO2 emissions can be reduced by approximately<br />
540 000 tons per year (compared to oil furnaces<br />
for heating and electricity produced from coal).<br />
This corresponds to 1.8% of the 600 million<br />
tons of CO per year allowed for the EU according<br />
to the Kyoto objectives.<br />
When a future production series of engines and<br />
plants has been established, it is expected that<br />
the cost target for biomass CHP technologies<br />
specified in the 5th Framework Programme can<br />
be met by the new technology,<br />
Progress to date<br />
Results from the optimisation of the Stirling<br />
engine design show that the new 8-cylinder<br />
engine should meet the design targets<br />
concerning power output, efficiency and service<br />
interval. The testing of the engine in the<br />
laboratory, with natural gas as fuel, has just<br />
been initiated and the results so far are<br />
promising.<br />
The combination of CFD and the optimisation for<br />
the design of the furnace has opened new<br />
possibilities for adaptation of combustion to the<br />
application with a minimum of emissions. Results<br />
have shown that it is possible to transfer heat<br />
equally to all eight heat panels on the Stirling<br />
engine, and that it is possible to meet the targets<br />
concerning CO and NOx emissions.<br />
When the final erection of the biomass-fired<br />
CHP pilot plant is finished a comprehensive test<br />
programme is planned with wood chips as fuel.<br />
Results of the test programme will be evaluated<br />
for further development of the overall plant.<br />
159<br />
8 cylinder Stirling engine.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-97-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Small-Scale CHP Plant Based on a<br />
Hermetic Four-Cylinder Stirling Engine<br />
for <strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuels – BIO-STERLING<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Henrik Carlsen<br />
Technical University of Denmark<br />
Tel: +45-45254171<br />
Fax: +45-45930663<br />
hc@mek.dtu.dk<br />
Partners:<br />
Technical University of Denmark (DK)<br />
University of Bradford (UK)<br />
MAWERA Holzfeuerungsanlagen (A)<br />
Bayernwerk (D)<br />
I.B. Brunn & Søn (DK)<br />
Ingenieurbüro BIOS Obernberger<br />
& Narodoslawsky (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BM SCREW<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of this project is to obtain a<br />
more efficient utilisation of biomass fuels<br />
by using generated energy, not only for<br />
heat supply but also for electricity<br />
production. This will be done by<br />
demonstrating the technical maturity and<br />
economic competitiveness of an innovative<br />
small-scale biomass CHP (combined heat<br />
and power) technology based on a screwtype<br />
steam engine. The steam engine, with<br />
a nominal electric capacity of 800 kW<br />
suitable for multi-fuel feed, will be<br />
implemented into the steam cycle of a<br />
district and process heating plant in<br />
Hartberg (Austria). Technological targets<br />
are to show that the overall efficiency of<br />
the CHP plant is above 90 % and the<br />
electric efficiency is about 13 %. Another<br />
key aim is the improvement of the plant<br />
availability and the reduction of operating<br />
costs by using a new, automatic, steam<br />
boiler cleaning system.<br />
Demonstration of an 800 kW<br />
screw-type steam engine<br />
Challenges<br />
This project covers the implementation of a CHP<br />
module based on a screw-type steam engine<br />
into an already existing biomass district and<br />
process heating plant. At present the only useful<br />
technologies from a technical and economical<br />
point of view for CHP generation, based on<br />
biomass fuels in the power range between 200<br />
to 1,000 kWel, are the screw-type steam engine<br />
(for steam applications) and the already<br />
demonstrated ORC process (for thermal oil<br />
applications).<br />
Screw-type steam engines for small-scale<br />
biomass CHP applications have a number of<br />
advantages compared to steam turbines and<br />
conventional steam engines. Screw-type engines<br />
show a comparatively high electric efficiency for<br />
small-scale CHP units (about 13 %), which only<br />
slightly decreases at partial load operation. Due<br />
to the high electric efficiency in a wide range of<br />
load conditions, the whole process can be<br />
operated heat controlled without a significant<br />
reduction in electric efficiency.<br />
The screw-type engine is a displacement rotary<br />
engine. The main parts of a screw-type engine<br />
are the male rotor, the female rotor and a casing,<br />
which together form a V-shaped working chamber<br />
whose volume increases during rotation. The<br />
steam enters the casing through the intake port.<br />
The intake is finished when the rotor faces pass<br />
the guiding edges and the chamber is separated<br />
from the intake port. At this stage steam<br />
expansion starts and mechanical power is<br />
produced at the output shaft. During expansion<br />
the volume of the chamber increases, whereas<br />
160<br />
the energy content of the fluid decreases. This<br />
process continues until the exhaust process starts<br />
and the steam is extruded and leaves the machine<br />
through the exhaust port. The expansion process<br />
within a screw-type engine is shown in Figure 1.<br />
The biomass district heating plant in Hartberg<br />
(Austria) is equipped with a water tube steam<br />
boiler producing saturated steam, which supplies<br />
process and district heat consumers via a<br />
hydraulic network. In order to optimise the CHP<br />
plant energetically a superheater will be<br />
implemented into the water tube steam boiler,<br />
which generates superheated steam at a<br />
pressure of 26 bar and a temperature of 260°C.<br />
Based on the annual characteristic curve of the<br />
heat demand of the district heat network (see<br />
Figure 2), the biomass CHP plant is designed for<br />
basic and medium load operation in heat<br />
controlled mode. During the first year<br />
approximately 5 000 operating hours will be<br />
achieved and the electricity production will be<br />
about 3,000 MWh/a. In Figure 3 the annual<br />
energy flow of the heating plant is shown.<br />
In addition, the demonstration of a new and<br />
automatic boiler cleaning system, specially<br />
developed for water tube steam boilers and<br />
based on pressurised air, is foreseen. It focuses<br />
on a boiler operation without the need for manual<br />
cleaning. Thus maintenance and operating costs<br />
can be reduced and the thermal boiler efficiency,<br />
as well as the availability of the plant, will<br />
increase.
Figure 1: Expansion process within a screw-type engine.<br />
Explanations: 1 - radial guiding edge, 2 - axial guiding<br />
edge, 3 - flow direction, 4 - sense of rotation.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consortium consists of the<br />
coordinator (FWG-Fernwärmeversorgungsgenossenschaft<br />
reg.Gen.m.b.H. Vitis, Austria), the operator<br />
of the plant, one development and engineering<br />
company which specialises in biomass CHP<br />
plants and are responsible for the basic and<br />
detailed engineering of the overall CHP plant<br />
(BIOS BIOENERGIESYSTEME GmbH, Austria),<br />
one development and engineering company<br />
which specialises in screw-type steam engines<br />
and are responsible for the detailed engineering<br />
of the CHP module (IDEA - Ingenieurgesellschaft<br />
für dezentrale Energieanlagen mbH, Germany),<br />
one partner (MAN Turbomaschinen AG GHH<br />
BORSIG, Germany) responsible for the<br />
manufacture of the screw-type steam engine<br />
and another partner (Kohlbach GmbH & Co,<br />
Austria) responsible for the manufacture of the<br />
automatic boiler cleaning system.<br />
The demonstration project combines the scientific<br />
skills of the R&D institutions involved with the<br />
expertise, and the experience that innovative<br />
manufacturing companies have gained from<br />
successful development projects. This<br />
partnership ensures that all scientifically and<br />
economically relevant questions and problems<br />
of the new CHP technology will be addressed from<br />
the point of demonstration to future market<br />
introduction and dissemination.<br />
Figure 2: Annual characteristic curve of the heat<br />
demand of the district heat network loco heating<br />
plant (Hartberg, Austria).<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The screw-type engine is derived from the screw<br />
compressor and is consequently based on<br />
comprehensive engine knowledge. Due to the<br />
high development of the screw-type engine (a gasfired<br />
pilot plant already exists) and the automatic<br />
boiler cleaning system (already demonstrated<br />
with hot water boilers) a quick market<br />
introduction, after completing the demonstration<br />
phase, is anticipated in the short term. The<br />
dissemination of the results will be done by all<br />
of the project partners. Four partners of the<br />
project are SMEs, thus strengthening the SME<br />
cooperation within the EU and contributing to an<br />
international knowledge transfer.<br />
Due to the great potential and large demand for<br />
decentralised biomass fired CHP plants in the<br />
power range up to 1 MWel, the implementation of<br />
the screw-type steam engine in this project will lead<br />
to increased and more efficient thermal biomass<br />
utilisation in small-scale units within Europe.<br />
Progress to date<br />
In general, the design of the CHP module is<br />
completed. Based on the specification of the<br />
screw-type steam engine, the manufacture of the<br />
engine and the gear unit for connecting the two<br />
stages of the engine was started in the summer<br />
of 2002.<br />
The assembly and erection of the CHP module,<br />
as well as the automatic boiler cleaning system,<br />
will be completed in the autumn of 2003. The<br />
commissioning will be carried out at the end of<br />
2003.<br />
On the basis of this demonstration project the<br />
screw-type steam engine is completing its state<br />
of development successfully and is proven for<br />
market introduction.<br />
161<br />
Figure 3: Annual energy flow of the heating plant<br />
(process heat as well as district heat including the<br />
CHP module).<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-467-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass-fired CHP Plant Based on a<br />
Screw-type Engine Cycle – BM SCREW<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Alfred Hammerschmid<br />
BIOS-<strong>Bio</strong>energiesysteme GmbH<br />
Hammerschmidt@bios-bioenergy.at<br />
Partners:<br />
FWG-Fernwärmeversorgungsgenossenschaft<br />
(A)<br />
BIOS-<strong>Bio</strong>energiesysteme (A)<br />
Kohlbach (A)<br />
IDEA - Ingenieurgesellschaft für<br />
dezentrale Energieanlagen (D)<br />
MAN Turbomaschinen (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riego Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
LIFT-OFF<br />
Objectives<br />
The LIFT-OFF project intends to provide a<br />
solution to the problem of local energy<br />
demands in agricultural areas. It will utilise<br />
local bio-fuels, like woodchips and<br />
agricultural residues in small and medium<br />
size CHP (Combined Heat and Power)<br />
units that can be constructed at a<br />
competitive price and run producing very<br />
low emissions and good efficiency.<br />
Multi agricultural fuelled<br />
staged gasifier with<br />
dry gas cleaning<br />
Challenges<br />
Utilisation of biomass and wastes is a<br />
sustainable and environmentally friendly way of<br />
producing energy, which contributes to the<br />
reduction of the greenhouse effect, reduces<br />
local environmental problems, utilises local<br />
resources and improves local employment. Small<br />
CHP plants will certainly constitute the most<br />
promising route, as they represent the major<br />
market perspective in terms of replication.<br />
Gasification is a way to increase the utilisation<br />
of renewable energy sources as it presents a<br />
higher efficiency as well as a good flexibility to<br />
the feedstock. In addition, development of<br />
components and integration of processes is a<br />
potential export opportunity.<br />
Project description<br />
In order to achieve this goal, a multi-fuelled<br />
fixed bed gasification process with patented dry<br />
gas cleaning technology will be scaled up from<br />
a large laboratory scale (400 kWth), where the<br />
process has been previously proved, to a 1.5 MWth<br />
industrial demonstration plant. The research<br />
activities include developing a model and tools,<br />
which will focus on the first design of the new<br />
LIFT-OFF demo plant for woodchips. Then in a<br />
second step, the research and modelling will<br />
continue and be applied to other biomasses<br />
and operating conditions, in order to provide a<br />
tool for the design of multifuel LIFT-OFF reactors<br />
and to optimise operating conditions. The aims<br />
are to enlarge the potential market towards the<br />
cheapest biomass resources.<br />
162<br />
The gasifier will be a 2-stage 3 zones fixed bed<br />
gasifier. This principle is based on the traditional<br />
open-core gasifier, but is different in the design<br />
of the grate. The principle is shown in the figure.<br />
It consists of two stages. Stage one is fed with<br />
biomass, and stage two is fed with char from<br />
stage one. Stage one is placed on top of stage<br />
two so that the char from stage one falls into<br />
stage two. Between the two stages there is a<br />
combustion chamber, where the gas produced<br />
in stage one is partially oxidised, and the<br />
temperature is thereby increased to about<br />
1 100C. This reduces the tar by thermal cracking<br />
and by oxidisation.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The successful outcome of the project will have<br />
an important character on small-scale CHP and<br />
energy production.<br />
No problems with up-scaling<br />
• The LIFT-OFF bed solves the fixed bed upscaling<br />
problem in order to avoid a large<br />
pressure drop over the char bed and to avoid<br />
channelling.<br />
• By turning the cold end of the fixed bed upside<br />
down it is possible to obtain a situation where<br />
the small particles that will normally create<br />
pressure drop will be lifted out of the bed. And<br />
the mechanical means of turning the bed<br />
upside down will, at the same time, provide an<br />
efficient means of breaking all channels and<br />
bridges in the bed.<br />
• This LIFT-OFF bed separates the zones of<br />
pyrolysis, combustion and gasification in a<br />
way so that the gasifier is fuel flexible.
No tar-contaminated wastewater<br />
• Combining the LIFT-OFF principle with the Dry<br />
Gas Cleaning technology the wet gas scrubbing<br />
systems, with all the environmental drawbacks,<br />
will be technically outdated. As a consequence,<br />
CHP plants based on gasification technology<br />
will be technically and economically competitive<br />
and thus the market will increase significantly<br />
for this type of technology. This will be<br />
commercially proven in the LIFT-OFF project.<br />
• The pyrolysis temperature of an open-core<br />
gasifier is very high, so the char being fed to<br />
stage two has a very low tar content, and<br />
there will be almost no tar production in this<br />
stage. It has been possible to obtain a gas with<br />
tar content below 50 mg/Nm3 (verified by an<br />
independent technological service institute,<br />
according to specifications from the Tar<br />
Protocol). For comparison, the counter-current<br />
gasifier produces 100-1000 mg tar/Nm3. High efficiencies<br />
• The heat from the combustion chamber is<br />
used to convert the char into gas. This<br />
increases the char conversion, and thereby<br />
increases the gasifier efficiency by 10-15%. The<br />
three-stage gasifier will obtain high-energy<br />
efficiency and provide good means for returning<br />
waste heat back into the gasification process.<br />
Thus it is possible to obtain cold gas<br />
efficiencies of 85-95 % based on the lower<br />
heating value of the biomass, and electric<br />
efficiencies in the range from 30-34 %<br />
depending on the efficiency of the engine.<br />
LIFT-OFF principle.<br />
163<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-704-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Multi-Agricultural Fuelled Staged Gasifier<br />
with Dry Gas Cleaning – LIFT-OFF<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Laurent van de Steene<br />
c/o Cirad Forêt<br />
laurent.van_de_steene@cirad.fr<br />
Partners:<br />
CIRAD-Forêt (F)<br />
Thomas Koch Energi (DK)<br />
GJØL Private Kraftwarnevaerk (DK)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
DK Teknik <strong>Energy</strong> Environment (DK)<br />
EMAC (F)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
LOW EMISSION<br />
BIO ORC<br />
Objectives<br />
The main key objective of the project is the<br />
demonstration of an innovative small-scale<br />
biomass CHP technology based on the first<br />
ORC process implementation with a<br />
nominal net electric capacity of 1,000 kW<br />
in Europe. Another key aim is the design<br />
and engineering of an internal heat<br />
recovering system, combining a thermal oil<br />
boiler with a thermal oil economiser and a<br />
combustion air pre-heater to increase the<br />
net electric efficiency to about 15 %<br />
(related to the NCV of the biomass fuel).<br />
A further key target is the development<br />
and implementation of a Fuzzy Logic<br />
process control system in combination with<br />
an Artificial Neuronal Network, optimising<br />
the performance of the overall CHP plant.<br />
Regarding economy, the production of<br />
electricity and district heat on a<br />
competitive basis is to stay due to the<br />
innovative small-scale biomass CHP<br />
technology. Moreover, the project serves<br />
to contribute to a reduction of CO2<br />
emissions of about 23,000 t/a.<br />
Market introduction of a<br />
biomass-based ORC process<br />
Challenges<br />
This project covers a CHP plant based on biomass<br />
combustion in Lienz, Austria in order to supply the<br />
town with district heat and to produce electricity.<br />
First of all, the project demonstrates the largest<br />
<strong>European</strong> biomass CHP plant based on an ORC<br />
process (Organic Rankine Cycle) with a nominal<br />
net capacity of 1,000 kWel. This ORC process<br />
represents a further improvement and an upscaling<br />
by a factor of 2.5 of the already<br />
successfully demonstrated 400 kWel unit in<br />
Admont, Austria. Both cases operate with silicon<br />
oil as an organic working medium at medium<br />
pressure levels. This up-scaling can only be<br />
achieved by an obvious transformation of the<br />
400 kWel ORC process design, because the<br />
vapour and liquid volume flows become very<br />
large as well as the surface areas of the heat<br />
exchangers of the 1,000 kWel machine.<br />
Another key innovation of the project is the first<br />
use of an internal heat recovering system,<br />
combining a thermal oil boiler with a thermal oil<br />
economiser and a combustion air pre-heater to<br />
increase the net electric efficiency to about 15 %<br />
(related to the NCV of the biomass fuel).<br />
An additional key innovation of the project is<br />
the Fuzzy Logic process control system in<br />
combination with an Artificial Neuronal Network<br />
for analysing, forecasting and optimising the<br />
performance of the overall CHP plant. This new<br />
process control technology is developed,<br />
designed and demonstrated for a biomass CHP<br />
plant for the first time in Europe.<br />
In order to decrease harmful emissions, an<br />
efficient, multi-stage flue gas cleaning system<br />
consisting of multi-cyclone, economiser, wet<br />
electrostatic precipitation combined with a flue<br />
gas dilution unit is implemented within the overall<br />
CHP plant.<br />
164<br />
Project structure<br />
The demonstration and development project<br />
combines the scientific skills from a university<br />
institute, as well as a R&D and engineering<br />
company with the knowledge and experience<br />
that innovative manufacturing companies and<br />
utilities have gained from projects already<br />
performed. The team of partners represents<br />
leading specialists in their fields of work. This<br />
project consortium forms a fundamental basis<br />
for the successful demonstration of new<br />
technologies, and additionally enhances the<br />
cohesion within Europe.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Due to the high level of development of the ORC<br />
process and the Fuzzy Logic process control<br />
technology, a market introduction (after completing<br />
the demonstration phase) is anticipated in the<br />
short term. The dissemination of the results<br />
will be done by all of the project partners. Two<br />
partners of the project are SMEs, thus<br />
strengthening the SME co-operation within the<br />
EU and contributing to an international knowledge<br />
transfer.<br />
Advantageous developments, on the basis of this<br />
demonstration project, are the contribution to the<br />
preservation of natural resources and support<br />
of regional infrastructure and incomes, as well<br />
as the relatively low production costs for<br />
electricity generated by a small-scale biomass<br />
CHP plant based on an ORC process. The<br />
extended use of biomass as an energy carrier<br />
safeguards the energy supply by drawing on<br />
domestic energy sources and reducing the<br />
dependence on fossil energy imports.
Figure 1: View of the CHP plant, Lienz.<br />
Results<br />
The ORC process mentioned represents,<br />
economically and technologically, a very<br />
interesting solution for small-scale biomassfired<br />
plants, due to the fact that it allows a<br />
highly automated and multi-fuel operation with<br />
relatively low operation and maintenance costs.<br />
Further results achieved are comparably high<br />
net electric efficiencies of about 15 % (related to<br />
the NCV of the biomass fuels) and an excellent<br />
partial load behaviour, which is especially relevant<br />
for the heat controlled operation of the overall CHP<br />
plant. Moreover, the maximum net electric power<br />
performed at about 1,100 kWel is 10 % higher<br />
than the respective nominal value mentioned.<br />
The internal heat recovering system, combining<br />
the thermal oil boiler with the thermal oil<br />
economiser and the combustion air pre-heater,<br />
improves the net electric efficiency of the ORC<br />
process by up to 15 % (in comparison to a<br />
conventional system).<br />
The Fuzzy Logic process control system leads to<br />
a homogenisation of the combustion process and<br />
a smoother and more stable operation of the<br />
overall CHP plant with higher efficiencies and<br />
lower emissions.<br />
In the town of Lienz, many households have<br />
replaced their mainly oil- and coal-fired furnaces<br />
with biomass district heat. Hence this<br />
substitution of fossil energy sources, as well as<br />
the production of about 7,200 MWh/a electricity<br />
based on biomass fuels, contributes to<br />
substantial reductions of CO2 of about 23,000 t/a<br />
and other harmful emissions like SO2, CO, TOC<br />
and NOx.<br />
Figure 2: Components of the 1,000 kWel ORC<br />
process based on biomass fuels.<br />
Explanations: Regenerator (left), evaporator (right,<br />
bottom) and turbine (right, above).<br />
On the basis of this demonstration project, the<br />
ORC process is completing its stage of<br />
development successfully and is proven for<br />
market introduction. As a result, more than 10<br />
ORC units based on biomass fuels are currently<br />
under construction, or in planning phases, in<br />
Austria, Italy and Germany.<br />
165<br />
Figure 3: <strong>Energy</strong> flow chart of the CHP plant based on<br />
biomass fuels.<br />
Explanations: Given values are average values over a<br />
selected period of time at nominal load conditions.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-475-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Fuzzy Logic Controlled CHP Plant for<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Fuels Based on a Highly Efficient<br />
ORC-process – LOW EMISSION BIO ORC<br />
Duration: 30 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Gerold Pointner<br />
Stadtwärme Lienz Produktions und<br />
Vertriebs GmbH<br />
Tel: +43-316-38751020<br />
Fax: +43-316-38721009<br />
Gerold.Pointner@Fernwaerme.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Stadtwärme Lienz (A)<br />
Turboden (I)<br />
Bergakademie Freiberg (D)<br />
Ingenieurbüro BIOS Obernberger<br />
& Narodoslawsky (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
NESSIE<br />
Objectives<br />
The project aims to develop a new robust<br />
and reliable biomass-based CHP system for<br />
small and medium ranges (< 10 MW rated<br />
thermal capacity), which can be operated<br />
with both bulk and baled biomass.<br />
The new combustion system should lead<br />
to an investment cost reduction of min.<br />
33% compared to conventional grate-fired<br />
boilers, due to the simple construction of<br />
the boiler without refractory material and<br />
mechanical moving parts within the firing<br />
zone. A reduction in operation costs can<br />
be expected from short start-up time<br />
(reduced fuel stock), low stack loss and<br />
more complete combustion, even in<br />
the case of inhomogenities.<br />
Improved demand-side management should<br />
lead to a complete new district heating<br />
system with fewer losses in the heating<br />
grid and a smaller boiler for a maximum of<br />
full-load operating hours.<br />
New small-scale combustor<br />
based on baled biomass<br />
Challenges<br />
In the small and medium capacity range the<br />
most important technical challenge is the<br />
conception, design, construction and testing of<br />
a prototype of a new high turbulence combustor<br />
for biomass bales of different fuel types, in<br />
order to obtain evidence that the combustion of<br />
bales can be reached without prior size reduction.<br />
As regards the compactness of the combustion<br />
chamber, the new system approaches that of<br />
high-performance gas- and oil-fired burners.<br />
Another problem addressed is the question of<br />
appropriate fuel supply. The new concept<br />
encourages a supply of baled biomass cultivated<br />
in the nearest vicinity of the CHP plant, resulting<br />
in lower procurement costs and emissions due<br />
to transport.<br />
A number of thermodynamic cycles have been<br />
suggested for the small to medium power range,<br />
with the conventional steam (Rankine) cycle<br />
ranking first as regards a maximum yield in heat<br />
and power, but with relatively low electric<br />
efficiency, compared to fossil-fired steam cycles,<br />
because of limitations in both the steam<br />
temperature and the steam pressure. The<br />
proposed new ‘modified’ Rankine cycle will be<br />
tested in simulations (scale-up study).<br />
The state of the art in district heating systems<br />
is to design the combustion plant for the<br />
expected heat demand of the supplied system,<br />
where the peak demand is covered by an<br />
additional, usually fossil-fuel-fired, system in the<br />
central or in the distribution net, and the<br />
dimensions of the distribution system pipes<br />
have to be designed for peak demand.<br />
166<br />
Larger dimensions bring about more investment<br />
costs and greater losses in the system during<br />
part- load operation, while the operation of the<br />
combustion system off the rated parameters<br />
causes higher emissions and operating costs.<br />
A novel decentralised heat accumulation system<br />
with added new functionality enables the use of<br />
the maximum heat content of the house substations<br />
(hot-water tanks) as integrated<br />
decentralised buffering installations for district<br />
heating systems to compensate for the time<br />
between energy supply and consumption, with<br />
loading and unloading controlled by the central.<br />
Five major technological risks have been<br />
identified as well as appropriate countermeasures:<br />
melting point of the ashes, humidity<br />
of the biomass, chlorine content of the biomass,<br />
recycling of the ash, and improper functionality<br />
of the demand-side management installations.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is being carried out by companies and<br />
research institutes from Austria, Germany, Poland<br />
and Denmark. The project consortium groups<br />
experts in energy-supply management, cultivation<br />
and biomass quality, combustion technology,<br />
manufacturing of boiler components, power-plant<br />
construction and operation, and energy supply<br />
control software technology. The broad <strong>European</strong><br />
dimension will contribute to shortening the time<br />
to market and to the dissemination of the results.<br />
The work comprises three parts, the most<br />
important being the design, assembling, testing<br />
and optimising of the pilot plant. In addition, a<br />
variety of energy crops that can be supplied as
ales will be tested with the new technology,<br />
starting with maize. The second part consists in<br />
the completion of a scale-up-study showing the<br />
feasibility of the technology for a new biomassfired<br />
CHP system (possibly for an urban site) with<br />
a wide range of applications using a ‘modified<br />
Rankine’ CHP cycle. The third part deals with<br />
confirmation of the innovative concept of tap<br />
water storage with load management capabilities.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
As regards the development of district heating<br />
and CHP supply systems, mid- and northern<br />
Europe in particular always played a leading<br />
role. This technological leadership could be<br />
improved with the broad application of the<br />
proposed biomass use which can be combined<br />
with district heat distribution systems already in<br />
existence, without an extension of the capacity.<br />
Beside the sustainable reduction of CO2 and<br />
other greenhouse gases through the use of<br />
biomass rather than fossil fuels, the project<br />
also contributes to reducing the dependence<br />
on foreign energy supply (oil, gas, coal), which<br />
is also a major goal of the <strong>European</strong> Union’s<br />
energy policy.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The three major expected results of the project<br />
are: the designed, assembled, tested and<br />
optimised pilot plant, leading to a marketable<br />
NEw Small-Scale Innovative <strong>Energy</strong> (NESSIE)<br />
combustor for bulk and baled biomass; a<br />
completed scale-up study, showing the feasibility<br />
of a new biomass-fired CHP system (urban site)<br />
with a wide range of applications, using a<br />
‘modified Rankine’ CHP cycle; and the confirmed<br />
concept of tap water storage with load<br />
management capabilities and clearance for<br />
series production in a large number of units.<br />
The project started in January 2003. The<br />
innovative combustion system will be implemented<br />
at the start of the heating period in<br />
autumn 2003 in a pilot plant in Lower Austria,<br />
approximately 60 km from Vienna and at the<br />
border with the Slovak Republic. The plant will<br />
have a rated thermal capacity of 1850 kW and<br />
an electric capacity of 300 kW. First combustion<br />
trials with baled maize were successful.<br />
167<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-517-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
New Small Scale Innovative <strong>Energy</strong><br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Combustor – NESSIE<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Gerhard Gamperl<br />
Wiener Stadtwerke<br />
Beteiligungsgesellschaft<br />
Gerhard.Gamperl@bmgwien.at<br />
Partners:<br />
Wiener Stadtwerke<br />
Beteiligungsmanagement (A)<br />
Greenpower (A)<br />
Herz Armatura I Systemy Grewcze (PL)<br />
DANFOSS (DK)<br />
TU Wien (A)<br />
Technologie- und Förderzentrum<br />
Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Lupine field in the south of Iceland.<br />
BESUB<br />
Objectives<br />
• To ascertain the availability of suitable<br />
biomass, its cost, quality and yields;<br />
• To develop methodology and processes<br />
for extracting high-value bio-chemicals<br />
from green biomass such as sparteine<br />
and its derivatives, lactic acid, and<br />
ethyl lactate and to test-run the production<br />
of these;<br />
• To develop a new continuous<br />
fermentation process for lactic acid;<br />
• To develop a new ethyl-lactate production<br />
process; and<br />
• To select optimal economical processes<br />
and products that contribute to the<br />
biosphere and ashes production in rural<br />
communities.<br />
Sustainable utilisation<br />
of herbaceous biomass<br />
Challenges<br />
The explosive growth of industrial societies in the<br />
last century was achieved through scientific<br />
and technological development and easy access<br />
to cheap energy such as fossil fuels. Social<br />
and environmental imbalances resulted and<br />
employment opportunities were concentrated<br />
in urban centres, bringing about disturbing<br />
pollution concentration and global warming.<br />
Sustainable development, which in political and<br />
public terms means primarily careful resource<br />
management and greater focus on renewable<br />
energy, has become the catchphrase at the<br />
start of the 21st century. To meet this challenge,<br />
the project partners, involved in biorefinery<br />
design for biomass feedstock of grains, grasses,<br />
legumes and straw, decided to engage in the<br />
production of high-value industrial bioproducts for<br />
use as biomass fuels for electricity and heat in<br />
industry; and for local as well as private use<br />
in the form of biogas and biomass fuel, biobased<br />
transportation fuels such as ethanol, and<br />
bio-based biorefinery products like biochemicals<br />
and materials.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>refinery<br />
In its overall concept, a biorefinery is a processing<br />
plant in which biomass feedstock is converted<br />
into a spectrum of valuable products with near<br />
zero CO2 emission. <strong>Bio</strong>refineries are based<br />
upon petrochemical refinery technology and<br />
their development represents a potential key<br />
for the integrated production of food, feed<br />
chemicals, materials, goods, and fuels, as<br />
outlined in figure 1.<br />
Project structure<br />
The composition of the project partnership and<br />
the partners’ respective spheres of activity are<br />
depicted in table 1.<br />
168<br />
Project approach<br />
The specific focus of the project is the Alaska<br />
Lupine (Iceland), grasses and Lucerne (Ireland,<br />
Germany). An important reason behind this is the<br />
sparse population of Iceland and the large<br />
expanses of barren land ideal for lupine growing<br />
that could thus be reclaimed to counteract land<br />
erosion which has reached quite serious levels.<br />
The approach adopted is to investigate the most<br />
relevant data needed for the commercial<br />
harvesting of these plants for biomass purposes,<br />
such as sustainability of growing, feasibility of<br />
harvesting, suitability, etc. Special focus will<br />
also be directed towards producing spartein,<br />
which the plant is known to contain in significant<br />
amounts. Spartein has important uses as a<br />
non-polluting natural insecticide. It is also planned<br />
to investigate the use of geothermal energy for<br />
the process. Simultaneously, a special biorefinery<br />
process will be developed for these species.<br />
The project approach is depicted in figure 2.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
EU member states are encouraged to set their<br />
national guidelines so that minimum levels<br />
reached by biofuels and other renewable energy<br />
resources by the year 2005 amount to 2% and<br />
5.75% by the year 2010, measured on the basis<br />
of energy content as it applies for all petrol and<br />
diesel fuels, see table 2.<br />
The biorefineries proposed are expected to<br />
provide high-tech jobs in rural areas, as well<br />
as income to farmers for producing biomass<br />
feedstock. Small amounts of fertilisers are<br />
envisaged; the refineries will produce biodegradable<br />
pesticides and have about zero CO2<br />
emission. In general, they will yield in total over<br />
100% energy gains. The processes developed will<br />
be licensed to qualified parties, and the products<br />
mainly sold via professional vendors.
Progress to date<br />
Figure 1: Sustainable biorefinery products cycle (without foods).<br />
Several key achievements were reported during<br />
the first six months of operation (from 1 Oct.<br />
2002).<br />
The University of Heidelberg obtained 17-Oxosparteine<br />
derivatives that will be evaluated<br />
for their biological properties, and succeeded<br />
in finding methods for debittering Lupinus<br />
nootkatensis. <strong>Bio</strong>refinery.de produced crystallised<br />
sugar from Alaska lupine straw (main stems) and<br />
have started the fermentation of ethanol. The<br />
residue from this crop is suitable for animal<br />
feed (fodder). BIOPOS produced ethyl lactate<br />
and fractionated from 50% (w/w) and 20% (w/w)<br />
lactic acid and ethanol with a yield between<br />
55-70%. The residue of distillation can be used<br />
for further esterification (zero-waste process).<br />
Table 1: Project partners and their respective roles<br />
ATB isolated a very good strain of bacteria<br />
producing pure L(+)-lactic acid in high yields<br />
(>90%). The strain’s most important data<br />
from the product formation and growth kinetics<br />
were estimated and optimised taking into<br />
account the process parameters, temperature<br />
and pH value.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>refinery.de company produced the following<br />
results: The fraction from the main stems and<br />
lupine straw are very good carbohydrate sources.<br />
The tough and dry residue is a protein-rich source<br />
usable for fodder. The late summer harvest of<br />
lupine has a very high raw protein value which<br />
is better than the protein value of high-quality<br />
fodder as well as that of alfalfa. The entire<br />
summer plant is suitable for use as feed.<br />
Organisation Country Status Business activity R&D function in project<br />
IBC IS SME Entrepreneur Establishment of a bio-refinery in Iceland<br />
tetra D SME Engineering and Establishment of a bio-refinery in Germany<br />
Beltra IRL SME consulting Innovation Establishment of a biorefinery in Ireland<br />
RALA IS RTD performer Agricultural research Estimate the availability of biomass in Iceland<br />
U.H. D RTD performer University Sparteine derivative development<br />
B.R. de D RTD performer <strong>Bio</strong>refinery development Testing of biomass samples<br />
BIOPOS D RTD performer University Lactic acid and ethyl lactate development<br />
ATB D RTD performer Technical agricultural<br />
research<br />
Lactic acid and biogas fermentation<br />
Table 2: EU goals for renewable and bio-based energy in the energy balance<br />
Year 2001 2005 2010 2020-2050<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>energy<br />
Portion of wind energy, photovoltaics, 7.5 % - 12.5 % 26% (2030)<br />
biomass, and geothermal electricity and heat 58% (2050)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>fuels<br />
Portion of biomass fuels 1.4 % 2.8 % 5.75% 20% (2020)<br />
(Petrol and diesel fuel basis)<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>based products<br />
Portion of biobased chemicals 8-10% - - -<br />
Figure 2: General scheme of the product lines and the aimed at products<br />
in the biorefinery project.<br />
169<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-30014<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>chemicals and <strong>Energy</strong> from<br />
Sustainable Utilisation of Herbaceous<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass – BESUB<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Asgeir LEIFSSON<br />
The Icelandic <strong>Bio</strong>mass Company EHL<br />
asgeir@biomass.is<br />
Partners:<br />
The Icelandic <strong>Bio</strong>mass Company EHL (IS)<br />
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (D)<br />
Tetra Ingenieure (D)<br />
Beltra Forestry (IRL)<br />
Agricultural Research Institute (IS)<br />
BIOREFINERY.DE (D)<br />
Research Institute of <strong>Bio</strong>active<br />
Polymer Systems (D)<br />
Institut für Agrartechnik Bornim (D)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Fynsvaerket: The 1,000 kg/h pilot<br />
plant for Integrated <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Utilisation Systems will be<br />
positioned at Elsams CHP power<br />
station in Odense, Denmark.<br />
CO-PRODUCTION<br />
BIOFUELS<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objective is to develop costand<br />
energy-effective production systems<br />
for co-production of bioethanol and<br />
electricity based on Integrated <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Utilisation Systems (IBUS) located on<br />
existing CHP power stations.<br />
The main features of the novel Integrated<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Utilisation System is:<br />
1. that is based on simultaneous utilisation<br />
of biomass with high lignocellulose<br />
content (e.g. straw, waste wood and<br />
MSW), producing a surplus of electricity<br />
and energy;<br />
2. that the ethanol production is integrated<br />
with existing power plants. The main<br />
objectives are design, construction and<br />
experiments on a small, a medium sized<br />
and a large pilot plant.<br />
Co-production biofuels<br />
Challenges<br />
The most important problems to be addressed<br />
are that the cost of transferring grain and straw<br />
from the field to the processing plants is too high;<br />
that no process has demonstrated cost-effective<br />
utilisation of the huge amount of municipal solid<br />
waste (MSW) produced by modern societies;<br />
that no pre-treatment method for lignocellulose<br />
biomass is feasible; that no ethanol fermentation<br />
process for mixtures for C5 and C6 sugars has<br />
demonstrated feasibility; that the cost of<br />
saccharification of pre-treated cellulose is too<br />
high; and that implementation of new technology<br />
in the very capital-intensive production of ethanol<br />
and electricity is very low.<br />
170<br />
Project structure<br />
WP1: Construction and testing of a 100 kg/h<br />
continuous pilot plant to compare<br />
continuous wet oxidation and dilute acid<br />
hydrolyses as pre-treatment processes<br />
for lignocellulosic feedstock.<br />
WP2: Developing and testing of a novel<br />
simultaneous thermophilic ethanol<br />
fermentation end recovery process on<br />
feedstock providing C6 sugars, C5 sugars<br />
and mixtures of C6 and C5 sugars.<br />
WP3: Design and construction of a 1,000 kg/h<br />
pilot plant and trials on the pilot plant<br />
with straw, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)<br />
and residues from food industries.<br />
WP4: Feasibility study on IBU system with<br />
450,000 t/y molasses, straw and MSW at<br />
an existing CPH power station.<br />
WP5: Development of an IBU system for<br />
400,000 t/y whole crop provided by a<br />
novel whole crop harvesting system<br />
and lab-scale testing of simultaneous<br />
thermophilic ethanol fermentation and<br />
recovery process.<br />
WP6: Establishment of an ICT (Information and<br />
Communication Technology) platform to<br />
facilitate the implementation of the project<br />
results.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
It is expected that the project will provide a<br />
number of novel cost-reducing unit operations.<br />
When these innovations are combined and<br />
integrated with existing power plants, it is<br />
expected that biomass can provide ethanol for<br />
the transport sector and electricity to the grid at<br />
prices lower than any other production system<br />
for pollution-free renewable energy. Based on this<br />
background, the target of the implementation<br />
plan will be to establish around 500 Integrated<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Utilisation Systems at existing power<br />
plants in Europe (incl. Eastern Europe) for the<br />
utilisation of the major part of all MSW, waste<br />
wood and straw, as well as whole crops from setaside<br />
land. The socio-economic impact will be<br />
decisive by transforming waste products into<br />
products badly needed to reduce pollution and<br />
CO2 emissions, and by stimulating the rural<br />
economy through increased production and<br />
stabilisation of prices.<br />
Parallel to the implementation in Europe, a<br />
worldwide export of the project technology will<br />
be carried out with special attention being paid<br />
to existing ethanol plants in the US and Brazil.<br />
Utilisation of traditional feedstock integrated with utilisation of<br />
lignocellulosic feedstock for production of bioethanol, electricity<br />
and animal feed.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The most important result is that the 100 kg/h<br />
pilot plant for continuous pre-treatment of<br />
lignocellulosic raw material has been developed<br />
and constructed. The double screw, plug flow<br />
reactor is designed for a pressure of max. 30 bar<br />
and temperatures up to 230° C. Loading and<br />
unloading of the reactor is conducted by two<br />
particle pumps (patent pending).<br />
171<br />
Pilot plant: 100 kg/h pilot plant for continuous<br />
pre-treatment of lignocellulosic raw materials.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2002-00650<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Integrated <strong>Bio</strong>mass Utilisation for<br />
Production of <strong>Bio</strong>fuels –<br />
CO-PRODUCTION BIOFUELS<br />
Duration: 40 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Charles Nielsen<br />
Elsam A/S<br />
Tel: +45-76222000<br />
Fax: +45-76222450<br />
chn@elsam.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Elsam (DK)<br />
Energia Hidroelectrica de Navarra (E)<br />
Sicco (DK)<br />
Agrol (UK)<br />
Risø National Laboratory (DK)<br />
The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural<br />
University (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
TIME<br />
Objectives<br />
The general aim of the project is to improve<br />
the technology and it is expected that this<br />
will reduce the cost of producing ethanol<br />
by 10-20% in the medium to long term.<br />
The technological objective is to improve<br />
the design and performance of the key<br />
steps in the lignocellulose-to-ethanol<br />
process, which contribute to the overall<br />
system efficiency and cost effectiveness;<br />
pre-treatment, enzyme development and<br />
increased process integration. This project<br />
is aimed at innovations based on new<br />
biotechnical process methods, with<br />
positive outlooks in terms of technical<br />
and economical developments. The technoeconomical<br />
evaluation of the proposed<br />
process aims at ascertaining production<br />
costs and the use of energy, and assessing<br />
the environmental impact by the use of Life<br />
Cycle Analyses.<br />
Improved ethanol production<br />
from lignocellulose.<br />
It’s TIME<br />
Challenges<br />
Development of improved fuel-ethanol production<br />
technologies from lignocellulose would enable the<br />
reduction of CO2 emissions in the transport<br />
sector to be in the range of 90%, compared<br />
with the use of fossil fuels. The project focuses<br />
on the development of cost effective and<br />
sustainable production methods for clean biofuel,<br />
i.e. ethanol, based on lignocellulosic waste<br />
materials or dedicated crops. The raw materials<br />
are among the potential ones in Southern,<br />
Eastern and Northern Europe, comprising of<br />
forest and agricultural residues as well as energy<br />
crops. The key issues essential for the<br />
improvement of the process steps in the<br />
conversion of lignocellulosics to ethanol are<br />
related to the hydrolysis and fermentation<br />
technologies.<br />
172<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The project provides solutions for improving the<br />
security of energy supply and for reducing the<br />
environmental impacts, especially on climatic<br />
change. The role of ethanol may be seen as an<br />
alternative fuel in the intermediate term, but<br />
the replacement of liquid biofuels will depend on<br />
the legislation, as well as development and<br />
commercialisation, of new technologies. Ethanol<br />
is also especially interesting in the short to<br />
medium term because it can be used as a blend<br />
with gasoline, either directly or as ETBE, in<br />
existing vehicles and distribution systems and<br />
does not, therefore, require expensive<br />
infrastructure investments. The extension of<br />
renewable raw materials to the energy sector, and<br />
especially for transport fuels, would also have a<br />
positive contribution to the quality of life; ethanol<br />
based fuels reduce the emission of pollutants<br />
from motor vehicles.
Progress to date<br />
The delays of present lignocellulose-to-ethanol<br />
conversion technologies can be overcome by<br />
developing improved pre-treatment and enzymatic<br />
hydrolysis methods, resulting in higher yields<br />
of product (fuel-ethanol) and co-product (solid fuel)<br />
and decreased energy demand in the production<br />
process. The development and optimisation of<br />
pre-treatment technologies (steam pre-treatment<br />
and wet oxidation) of the chosen raw materials<br />
(corn fodder, salix, soft wood) as well as<br />
improved, integrated cellulose hydrolysis<br />
techniques is underway. The superior cellulolytic<br />
enzymes required have been identified and<br />
selected yeast strains will be used for the<br />
optimisation of ethanol fermentation. The<br />
improvement will result in a new process concept<br />
with a high degree of process integration.<br />
Project structure<br />
In this project, there is a combination of high-level<br />
multi-disciplines and specific areas of expertise<br />
for the partners.<br />
TIME - Structure.<br />
173<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2002-00604<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Technological Improvement for Ethanol<br />
Production from Lignocellulose – TIME<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Liisa Viikari<br />
VTT <strong>Bio</strong>technology<br />
Tel: +358-9-4565140<br />
Fax: +358-9-4552103<br />
liisa.viikari@vtt.fi<br />
Partners:<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
ENEA (I)<br />
Risø National Laboratory (DK)<br />
Lund University (S)<br />
Royal Nedalco (NL)<br />
Roal (FIN)<br />
Budapest University of Technology<br />
and Economics (HU)<br />
Website: http://timeproject.vtt.fi<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BABILAFUENTE<br />
BIOETHANOL<br />
PROJECT<br />
Objectives<br />
The construction of the bioethanol plant<br />
in Babilafuente, Spain will represent<br />
a significant change in the ethanol<br />
production system. The new process,<br />
using biomass as feedstock, will provide a<br />
number of benefits and short-term solutions.<br />
These are:<br />
- enhancing the security and the diversity<br />
of <strong>European</strong> agriculture<br />
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions and<br />
other pollutants<br />
- creating energy from wastes<br />
- creating new jobs in an under-developed<br />
region of the EU<br />
- reducing the EU´s trade deficit in animal<br />
feed<br />
- contributing to the goals of the 1997<br />
Renewables´ White Paper, the 2000<br />
Green Paper for energy supply security,<br />
and the EC action plan of November 2001<br />
to foster the alternative uses of transport.<br />
The aim of this project is to reduce the<br />
costs associated with lignocellulosic<br />
bioethanol technology, by creating the first<br />
plant of its kind within the EU. It will try<br />
to demonstrate the integration of the<br />
existing technology and practices with<br />
quickly delivered research and new<br />
technological developments throughout<br />
the entire product chain, from feedstock<br />
production to final use.<br />
Ethanol from biomass:<br />
The Babilafuente<br />
bioethanol project<br />
Description of the work<br />
The project brings together partners from the<br />
research community (University of Lund, Sweden<br />
and Ciemat, Spain), industrial companies<br />
(<strong>Bio</strong>carburantes de Castilla y León S.A., Spain,<br />
Ecoagrícola S.A, Spain, Novozymes A/S, Denmark<br />
and Repsol-YPF S.A., Spain), with a construction<br />
company as a major sub-contractor to create an<br />
integrated fuel bioethanol chain.<br />
The centrepiece of the project is the construction,<br />
followed by testing for one year, of a bioethanol<br />
plant that sells 200 million litres of fuel<br />
bioethanol, by combining a traditional cereals<br />
process (producing 195 million litres) with a<br />
lignocellulosic process (5 million litres). The<br />
former uses barley grain as its feedstock, while<br />
the latter uses the remainder of the barley plant<br />
– the straw – as its primary feedstock (see<br />
figure 1). The application of the lignocellulosic<br />
materials, as well as the enzymes to convert<br />
them, will be the subject of intense research and<br />
development.<br />
The project will also research the potential use<br />
of other lignocellulosic raw materials. The<br />
feedstock will be sourced, based on a study<br />
that seeks to optimise the raw material from<br />
sustainability (environmental, social and<br />
economic) principles. Research into high starch<br />
174<br />
using low input barley production will be carried<br />
out, both to reduce agricultural pollution and to<br />
improve the economic efficiency of bioethanol<br />
production. If successful, the project will analyse<br />
how to contract the new feedstock from local<br />
farmers. Downstream of the plant new facilities<br />
will be constructed to distribute the bioethanol<br />
to the final users, and tests will be carried out<br />
on vehicle emissions to assess the benefits of<br />
its use. All new facilities will be subject to<br />
intensive monitoring during the year of testing.<br />
The whole project will be subject to a life cycle<br />
analysis which, combined with a social and<br />
economic analysis, will evaluate the benefits<br />
that this integrated approach offers the <strong>European</strong><br />
Union within the context of the proposed biofuels<br />
targets of the <strong>European</strong> Commission.<br />
A website will be created to release the results<br />
of the project, and all other research items will<br />
be disseminated through conference papers<br />
and scientific publications.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
One outcome of the project will be the first<br />
lignocellulosic plant in the EU to start operating<br />
on a commercial basis. It should be followed by<br />
larger plants that can be run on a fully commercial<br />
and competitive basis.<br />
The other principal outcome is the demonstration<br />
of bioethanol for transport in sustainable<br />
communities which, when combined with the<br />
lignocellulosic plant, provides a practical model<br />
for the achievement of the <strong>European</strong> Commission<br />
targets for alternative road fuels.<br />
Figure 1: Block Flow Diagram of the Lignocellulosic<br />
Ethanol Process.<br />
175<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-685-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Project for the Production of 200 Million<br />
Litres of <strong>Bio</strong>ethanol in Babilafuente<br />
(Salamanca) from Cereals and<br />
Lignocellulose – BABILAFUENTE<br />
BIOETHANOL PROJECT<br />
Duration: 48 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Carmen Millan<br />
Abengoa<br />
Tel: +34-954-937111<br />
Carmen.Millan@bioenergy.abengoa.com<br />
Partners:<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>carburantes de Castilla y León (E)<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
Lund University (S)<br />
Novozymes (DK)<br />
Ecoagrícola (E)<br />
Repsol-YPF (E)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIODIEPRO<br />
Objectives<br />
The project will demonstrate an<br />
environmentally sensitive solution for<br />
the safe disposal of animal by-products,<br />
increase the knowledge of biodiesel<br />
production and investigate the potential in<br />
the fuel supply sector. It will be necessary<br />
undertake first life cycle analysis of<br />
biodiesel produced from RVO and tallow.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>diesel from tallow<br />
and ‘Recovered<br />
Vegetable Oil’ (RVO)<br />
Problems to be solved<br />
Argent <strong>Energy</strong> Limited is to establish the first<br />
<strong>European</strong> large-scale biodiesel manufacturing<br />
facility, using both RVO and tallow, for sale to oil<br />
companies. The project will demonstrate an<br />
environmentally sensitive solution for the safe<br />
disposal of animal by-products, increase the<br />
knowledge of biodiesel production and investigate<br />
the potential in the fuel supply sector. It will<br />
be necessary to undertake first life cycle analysis<br />
of biodiesel produced from RVO and tallow. The<br />
project will contribute to the <strong>European</strong> fuel<br />
standards setting by generating data on the<br />
feasibility of producing biodiesel to specific<br />
technical characteristics. The project will<br />
demonstrate that TSE protein prions are<br />
neutralised or eradicated by the transesterification<br />
process to the satisfaction of the<br />
Scientific Screening Committee (SSC) and<br />
achieve an SSC (or replacement body)<br />
declaration of the process.<br />
176<br />
Project structure and partnerships<br />
There are six main work packages to the project:<br />
• Design and construction of the biodiesel<br />
production demonstration plant<br />
• Commissioning and testing – optimising<br />
production and developing the supply chain<br />
• Development – testing techniques for product<br />
quality control, co-product processing<br />
• Analysis and evaluation – analysis of the plant<br />
performance, including financial and<br />
environmental performance<br />
• Dissemination – promoting the results of the<br />
project to wider stakeholders<br />
• Project management, including reporting on<br />
progress to the Commission.<br />
The diagram (see next page) demonstrates how<br />
the consortium, the main subcontractor and the<br />
parties involved with the project, covers a range<br />
of different functions along the supply chain.
Expected results and<br />
exploitation plans<br />
This project aims to demonstrate a multifeedstock<br />
biodiesel production facility that uses<br />
a mixture of animal tallow and RVO, rather than<br />
virgin oils. The plant will have the potential to<br />
produce 45 000 tonnes of biodiesel per annum,<br />
which represents 14% of the current UK diesel<br />
market when used as a 2% blend with mineral<br />
diesel. In addition, the project seeks to develop<br />
and demonstrate a new supply chain providing<br />
a complete integrated solution for the safe<br />
treatment and recovery of energy from animal<br />
by-products.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project began in January 2003 and is,<br />
therefore, at a very early stage with literature<br />
reviews and limited scientific analysis having<br />
been undertaken. The site for the biodiesel<br />
plant has now reached the stage at which<br />
infrastucture installation will begin by<br />
September 2003, with full production expected<br />
to begin in the summer of 2004.<br />
177<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-2001-00832<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Demonstration of the Production of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>diesel from Tallow and Recovered<br />
Vegetable Oil (RVO) – BIODIEPRO<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Christopher D Bond<br />
The Rural Centre<br />
Tel: +44-7736-723-740<br />
chris.bond@argentenergy.com<br />
Partners:<br />
The Rural Centre (UK)<br />
TU Graz (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIODINA<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of the project is to<br />
demonstrate and widely disseminate<br />
the benefits of changing the agrarian<br />
practices of the Navarra community from<br />
cereal food crops to oleaginous energy<br />
crops in order to approach a sustainable<br />
community in diesel consumption,<br />
through the local production of biodiesel<br />
at a large scale.<br />
The specific objectives of the project are:<br />
• To produce 35,000 Tm/year of sunflower,<br />
rape and palm biodiesel, (11% of the<br />
community consumption);<br />
• To create 25 direct and 100 indirect jobs<br />
related to the biodiesel plant;<br />
• To involve between 300 and 400 farmers<br />
from the community in the development<br />
and supply of oleaginous biomass, which<br />
implies a change of mentality from<br />
traditional food crops to the new idea<br />
of energy crops; and<br />
• To contribute to <strong>European</strong> security<br />
of supply. The use of local production<br />
of 35,000 Tm/year of biodiesel will avoid<br />
an annual import of 36,900 tonnes<br />
of oil derivatives.<br />
Production of biodiesel<br />
from sunflower,<br />
rapeseed and palm<br />
Challenges<br />
Navarra is a Spanish regional community lacking<br />
conventional energy resources. Ten years ago its<br />
supply was mainly based on the imports of<br />
conventional energy sources (solid fuels, oil<br />
derivatives and some gas), its energy self-supply<br />
being just 13.3% in 1993. This strong external<br />
energy dependency motivated its half a million<br />
inhabitants, through the regional government, to<br />
devise and execute (since 1990) a pioneer plan<br />
for the integration of its own resources (renewable<br />
energies) into the energy consumption chain.<br />
Efforts were initially directed towards the RES<br />
electric supply and, as a result, in 2003 the<br />
community now generates over 50% of the<br />
electricity consumption using RES (wind: over<br />
400 MW; mini-hydro: over 60 MW; photovoltaic:<br />
1.2 MWp; biomass: 25 MW).<br />
However, fuels used for transport, heating, etc.<br />
are still 100% conventional and imported.<br />
The time has come to reduce this dependency<br />
The RES biofuels project is a RES-based innovative<br />
approach which will integrate the whole<br />
chain of actors involved in biofuel production<br />
(farmers, technology developer, biofuel producer<br />
and end-users) in the community, in order to<br />
shift to a more sustainable energy supply.<br />
Location<br />
The biodiesel plant will be located in the<br />
Caparroso municipal area in the region of Navarra.<br />
The land is situated to the north-west of the<br />
municipal area, very close to the railway station.<br />
The locality has very good road connections.<br />
178<br />
Project structure<br />
The work is divided into the following work<br />
packages:<br />
• WP1: Project management<br />
• WP2: Crops<br />
• WP3: Plant engineering<br />
• WP4: Plant construction<br />
• WP5: Laboratory<br />
• WP6: Operation set-up<br />
• WP7: Fill-in stations<br />
• WP8: In-vehicle tests<br />
• WP9: Final evaluation<br />
The consortium comprises:<br />
• EHN: Renewable energy promoter, Spain<br />
• Lurgi: <strong>Bio</strong>diesel plant technology manufacturer,<br />
Germany<br />
• ITGA: Agrarian technical institute, Spain<br />
• SCPSA: Local public organisation in charge of<br />
local transport and other municipal services in<br />
the city of Pamplona (capital of Navarra), Spain<br />
• Cetenasa: Research centre, Spain<br />
• ONIDOL: National organisation of oleaginous<br />
plants, France<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The project will contribute to the local socioeconomic<br />
development as it will create 25 direct<br />
jobs for the operation of the new plant plus<br />
100 indirect jobs in related services activities.<br />
In addition, between 300 and 400 jobs will be<br />
generated in the agrarian sector as regards<br />
the following activities in the chain: raw material<br />
growing, harvesting and logistics, and fuel<br />
distribution and sale.
As a result of the new agricultural needs that this<br />
latest biodiesel activity will generate in the region,<br />
it is very possible that the area will change crop<br />
distribution significantly, thereby increasing<br />
production of oleaginous plants. In addition, the<br />
project will contribute towards changing the<br />
mentality of the farmers as they will switch from<br />
food production to energy production. Therefore,<br />
in order to establish the impact that this whole<br />
new biofuel activity will generate on the farming<br />
sector, socio-economic research studies will be<br />
developed in the farming sector.<br />
In addition, the project will raise public awareness<br />
regarding the cost/efficiency rate of the whole<br />
biodiesel process, and also as regards the<br />
environmentally friendly characteristic of biodiesel<br />
generation and consumption technologies.<br />
Publicity campaigns will be undertaken.<br />
The economic objective is to reach an investment<br />
level under 535 euro/Tm of biodiesel and<br />
to achieve annual production costs under<br />
594 euro/Tm (including raw material costs<br />
and operation and maintenance).<br />
The environmental objective is to avoid the<br />
emission of 71.000 Tm/year of CO2 (this is the<br />
amount of CO2 that 35,000 Tm of conventional<br />
diesel emits into the air). In addition, the emission<br />
of 82 Tm/year of CO and 105 Tm/year of SO2 will<br />
be suppressed.<br />
Computer simulation of the future biodiesel plant. <strong>Bio</strong>diesel bus.<br />
Finally, as regards exploitation, the project will<br />
provide a stable use of biodiesel in passenger<br />
transport services and other transport activities.<br />
In addition, although the project will materialise<br />
locally in the region of Navarra, the promoters will<br />
establish a plan for replicating this technology<br />
on a large scale in any <strong>European</strong> region where<br />
there is raw material availability, social and<br />
administration interest, and a legal framework that<br />
favours its development.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project, which started on 1 January 2003, will<br />
last for 36 months. In June 2003, the project<br />
status was:<br />
• Completion of the design of the laboratories<br />
needed for testing and assuring the quality<br />
of future biodiesel;<br />
• Good progress on the design of the biodiesel<br />
plant;<br />
• Civil engineering work started on the plant<br />
(earth removal);<br />
• Test methodology to be applied to vehicles<br />
under development; and<br />
• Location of future fill-in stations under<br />
discussion.<br />
179<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-649-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Sustainable Community through<br />
the Production of 30.000 Tm/year of<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-Diesel Starting from Sunflower,<br />
Rapeseed and Palm <strong>Bio</strong>mass – BIODINA<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Kintxo Ancin<br />
Corporación Energía Hidroeléctrica<br />
de Navarra SA<br />
Tel: +34-948-229422<br />
Fax: +34-948-222970<br />
jancin@ehn.es<br />
Partners:<br />
Corporación Energía Hidroeléctrica<br />
de Navarra (E)<br />
Lurgi Life Science (D)<br />
Instituto Técnico y de<br />
Gestión Agrícola (E)<br />
Servicios de la Comarca de Pamplon (E)<br />
Fundación Cetenasa (E)<br />
Organisation Nationale Interprofessionelle<br />
des Oléagineux (F)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec .eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
Timberjack Bundler 1490D.<br />
FORENERGY<br />
Objectives<br />
The main scientific and technical<br />
objectives of the FORENERGY<br />
demonstration project are:<br />
• to conduct high level research on the<br />
development of renewable and clean<br />
bio-energy technology,<br />
• to model, develop and optimise the<br />
complete energy chain from the forest<br />
to the end users,<br />
• to test an energy system producing<br />
biofuel for the power plant at a<br />
competitive price<br />
(
<strong>Bio</strong>mass bundling technology system.<br />
Progress to date<br />
Since the start of the project there have been<br />
several technology demonstrations in various<br />
countries (Austria, Italy, France, Spain and<br />
Finland). In Spain there have been two systems<br />
in commercial operation since the beginning<br />
of 2003.<br />
In Finland there are now over 20 systems in<br />
operation and the slash bundling technology<br />
has especially become a standard method. The<br />
slash bundles contain 1MWh of energy each<br />
and are easy to handle and store. The biggest<br />
power plant using this technology is the world’s<br />
largest biomass plant, Alholmens Kraft, which<br />
has a fuel power of 590MW. When optimised in<br />
the right way this technology should be applicable<br />
to any forested <strong>European</strong> country.<br />
Timber and energy bundles. Bundles in France showing fresh and old material.<br />
181<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-395-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Forest <strong>Energy</strong> – A Solution for the Future<br />
Power Needs – FORENERGY<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Arto Timperi<br />
Timberjack Oy<br />
Tel: +358-20-5846800<br />
Fax: +358-20-5846800<br />
arto.timperi@fi.timberjack.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Timberjack (FIN)<br />
Association Forêt Cellulose (F)<br />
Centre National du Machinisme Agricole (F)<br />
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (I)<br />
Shotton Paper CO (UK)<br />
Österreichisches Forschungszentrum<br />
Seibersdorf (A)<br />
UPM-KYMMENE (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
FERMATEC<br />
Objectives<br />
The FERMATEC project will provide a<br />
modular fermentation unit for continuous<br />
ethanol production. Compared with<br />
traditional units, it will decrease ethanol<br />
production costs to a minimum of 20%<br />
and increase bio-ethanol production yield<br />
to approximately 25 g EtOH/l.h.<br />
The main achievements of FERMATEC<br />
project will have an impact on<br />
environmental, social and economic fields:<br />
• applying biotechnology to the production<br />
of renewable fuels will directly improve<br />
the quality of the environment<br />
• enhancing sustainable development<br />
by using waste products and valorisation<br />
of sub products<br />
• increasing ethanol production plants and<br />
updating the large number of <strong>European</strong><br />
distilleries that still use traditional<br />
fermentation processes.<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>-ethanol production by a<br />
new fermentation process<br />
Challenges<br />
In the EU, as elsewhere, an increase in energy<br />
output is projected over the next 20 years: from<br />
12 million barrels per day (600 million toe) in<br />
2000 to 13.2 million barrels per day (660 million<br />
toe) in 2020.<br />
In the EU the dependence on oil imports is<br />
already high (currently 75%) and it is likely to<br />
increase even further and exceed 85% by the year<br />
2020. The rising fossil fuel consumption implies<br />
the augmentation of greenhouse gas emissions,<br />
in particular of CO2. In the EU about 60% of CO<br />
emissions come from transport, accounting for<br />
25% of total energy-related CO2 emissions, of<br />
which 80% comes from road transport. The use<br />
of alternative fuels like alcohol, biodiesel, biogas,<br />
electricity etc. can help: they can reduce<br />
petroleum dependence and, in the case of<br />
alcohol, it can also reduce gaseous emissions<br />
(see Figure 1).<br />
The EC’s contribution to lowering CO2 emissions<br />
can be achieved by several measures, but the<br />
largest is the possibility of using up to 25%<br />
anhydrous ethanol blended with gasoline.<br />
(Brazil is using up to 22-23%.)<br />
The EC has taken certain decisions which<br />
will impact on the community’s ethanol industry,<br />
both directly and indirectly: The most recent<br />
directive (May 2003) provides for indicative<br />
targets of a 5.75% biofuel content in all fuels<br />
by 31 December 2010, starting at 2% by<br />
31 December 2005. As a consequence, ethanol<br />
use could reach 11 billion litres a year by<br />
2010 if all 15 member states were to comply<br />
fully with the legislation, which is a great step<br />
compared with an estimated 390 million litres<br />
in 2003.<br />
182<br />
Project structure<br />
In the FERMATEC project a Fluidised-Bed<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>rreactor – Three Phase (FBR 3P) will be<br />
dimensioned and used for the field tests to<br />
ensure performance in real conditions.<br />
The work is to be carried out first at laboratory<br />
scale, which includes the use and selection of<br />
the best micro-organisms and the testing of<br />
some variations in the solid matrix for cell<br />
immobilisation and several raw materials.<br />
Afterwards, the long term operation of a<br />
laboratorial FBR-3P new fermenter will be<br />
implemented.<br />
The second part of the work will be concentrated<br />
on a scaled-up and long term operation of the<br />
prototype FBR-3P including optimising operating<br />
conditions such as pH, temperature, dissolved<br />
oxygen, substrate flow rate and also maximising<br />
the yield. This work is especially focused on the<br />
building and operation of an industrial prototype<br />
in an end user installation.<br />
The process conception, which includes the<br />
selection of micro-organisms and the immobilisation,<br />
process modelling, solid support<br />
selection, establishment of process control and<br />
monitoring, must be performed mostly by the<br />
RTD partners due to their large knowledge in<br />
these fields.<br />
It is expected that strong partnerships between<br />
the researchers and members of industry<br />
will develop as they work in co-operation to<br />
solve technical problems and meet changing,<br />
concerning demands.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Recent figures reveal that the world ethanol<br />
production in 2003 can achieve the highest<br />
annual growth rate by more than 10% to almost<br />
38 billion litres against a revised 2002 total of<br />
34.3 billion. Ethanol output in the <strong>European</strong><br />
Union (EU) is increasing by under 7%.<br />
It is a goal of this project to obtain a final<br />
prototype that gives the best performance<br />
possible thus giving to industries, both in and out<br />
of the consortium, good perspectives to invest<br />
in the modernisation of their industrial facilities<br />
and stimulate new investments in bioethanol<br />
industry. The product of FERMATEC will be available<br />
on the market in approximately one year, and the<br />
technology could be used without further tests<br />
and research. This is a consequence of the size<br />
of the final tested prototype. Commercial<br />
conditions, like real raw materials, will be used<br />
and industrial tests will also be conducted.<br />
Figure 1: Complete cycle of alcohol production and<br />
combustion (Dempsey, M.J.).<br />
Progress to date<br />
The project started in January 2003 and the work<br />
scheduled for the 1st semester has been<br />
concluded. The main tasks developed are related<br />
to process modelling, laboratorial tests and a<br />
survey on the raw materials and requirements,<br />
which will be verified in the final bio-reactor.<br />
It has developed the model of the first Fluidised<br />
Bed Reactor – 3 Phases laboratorial prototype.<br />
From this model it was possible to establish<br />
the configuration of the fermenter, develop the<br />
necessary technical drawings, specifications<br />
and material selection that has led to the<br />
construction of the first laboratorial prototype<br />
(see Figure 2). This will be running continuously<br />
at INETI installations, as predicted in the<br />
initial workplan.<br />
Also resulting from the work developed in the first<br />
semester, it is possible to now have a selection<br />
of the micro-biological species and solid supports<br />
that will be used when the reactor is continuously<br />
running during in the second semester of 2003.<br />
183<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT2002-30029<br />
Title: Development of a <strong>Bio</strong>technological<br />
High Yield Process for Ethanol Production<br />
Based on a Continuous Fermentation<br />
Reactor – FERMATEC<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Susana Seabra<br />
TECNIA - Processos e Equipamentos<br />
Industriais e Ambientais<br />
Tel: +351-2-61930750<br />
Fax: +351-2-61930751<br />
tecnia@tecnia.net<br />
Partners:<br />
Tecnia (P)<br />
ARGUS Umweltbiotechnologie (D)<br />
Manchester Metropolitan University (UK)<br />
Verein zur Förderung des<br />
Technologietransfers an der Hochschule<br />
Bremerhaven (D)<br />
Jose Viegas da Silva (P)<br />
Eco-Soros Transformacao de Soros<br />
Lacteos (P)<br />
Azucarera del Guadalfeo (E)<br />
University of Coimbra (P)<br />
INETI (P)<br />
AGROL (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing<br />
Figure 2:<br />
Fermenter<br />
laboratory<br />
prototype built<br />
in the Tecnia<br />
workshop.
BIONORM<br />
Objectives<br />
The objective of the <strong>Bio</strong>Norm project is<br />
it to provide the scientific background,<br />
as well as the necessary data, for the<br />
ongoing <strong>European</strong> standardisation process<br />
in the field of solid biofuels. This includes<br />
the development of a fuel quality<br />
assurance (QA) system for solid biofuels.<br />
This QA-system is based on ISO 9000<br />
and its development is supported by<br />
extensive work on sampling and testing<br />
of physical-mechanical fuel characteristics,<br />
as well as chemical fuel properties, to<br />
provide reliable procedures. The work is<br />
closely linked to the efforts of the CEN<br />
Technical Committee (TC) 335 “Solid<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>fuels”. Additionally partners from the<br />
New Accession States (NAS) serve as<br />
an interface to give the NAS the chance<br />
to participate in the development of<br />
<strong>European</strong> standards.<br />
Pre-normative work for<br />
the use of solid biofuels<br />
Problems addressed<br />
The <strong>European</strong> Commission has given a mandate<br />
to CEN for the development of standards in the<br />
field of solid biofuels.<br />
The ongoing standardisation work has shown that<br />
the methods for sampling and testing, as well as<br />
for quality assurance, already exist for the use<br />
of solid fossil fuels (e. g. hard coal). But these<br />
methods are only partly applicable to solid<br />
biofuels. Although CEN Technical Committee<br />
(TC) 335 “Solid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels” will continue to develop<br />
standards on the basis of the best information<br />
available, it recognises the strong need for<br />
further research to improve the reliability of<br />
selected sampling and testing methods. Also the<br />
strong need for the development of an overall<br />
quality assurance system for solid biofuels,<br />
taking practical requirements into consideration,<br />
was acknowledged. To close these gaps the<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Norm project (‘Pre-normative work on sampling<br />
and testing of solid biofuels for the development<br />
of quality assurance systems’) was started in<br />
early 2002.<br />
To support the work of CEN TC 335 ‘Solid<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>fuels’ most effectively, a quality assurance<br />
system for solid biofuels based on sampling<br />
and testing procedures will be developed within<br />
the <strong>Bio</strong>Norm project to ensure that the<br />
appropriate biofuel quality is available at<br />
reasonable costs at the plant gate. To achieve<br />
this goal, verified tests with high precision for the<br />
determination of selected physical-mechanical<br />
and chemical properties are strongly needed.<br />
The work within the <strong>Bio</strong>Norm project includes the<br />
following fields of research:<br />
184<br />
Sampling and Sample reduction<br />
Sampling and sample reduction errors are often<br />
much more significant than testing errors.<br />
Therefore investigations of methods for sampling<br />
as well as for sample reduction are carried out<br />
to provide a representative bulk sample.<br />
Physical tests<br />
The testing of the physical properties of solid<br />
biofuels is commonplace but the precision and<br />
reproducibility of the results is often very poor.<br />
Additionally there is a strong need for reliable rapid<br />
methods, for example for either fuel acceptance<br />
or rejection. Thus, the exactness of existing<br />
procedures will be improved and, respectively, new<br />
procedures will be developed, such as:<br />
• the determination of the moisture content and<br />
bulk density with a focus on rapid on-site test<br />
methods,<br />
• the determination of ash melting behaviour,<br />
• particle size distribution and dimension,<br />
• the determination of the durability and raw<br />
density of pellets and briquettes.<br />
Chemical tests<br />
Tests for the determination of chemical fuel<br />
characteristics are derived primarily from the<br />
analysis of coal. Consequently the exactness of<br />
existing procedures needs to be improved and<br />
new procedures need to be developed for sulphur,<br />
chlorine and nitrogen content and for major and<br />
minor elements.<br />
Solid biofuel quality assurance<br />
Currently no quality assurance system exists<br />
which takes the whole provision chain of solid<br />
biofuels into account. Another goal, therefore, is<br />
to develop an overall quality assurance system<br />
for solid biofuels.
Structure of the <strong>Bio</strong>Norm project. Example of solid <strong>Bio</strong>fuel.<br />
Research exchange with NAS<br />
To give the Newly Associated States (NAS) the<br />
chance to participate in the forthcoming biofuel<br />
market at an early stage, a continuous flow of<br />
information is needed in both directions.<br />
Therefore the partners from the NAS will develop<br />
a country report describing the national situation<br />
in detail and, additionally, national platforms<br />
will be established to serve as an interface<br />
between the project consortium and NAS.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project work plan is sub-divided into five<br />
work packages (WP), which consist of interrelated<br />
tasks as illustrated in Figure 1. 39 partners<br />
from 20 different <strong>European</strong> countries including<br />
the NAS contribute to the work of the project.<br />
Expected impact<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>Norm will help to develop the market for<br />
solid biofuels throughout Europe, as more reliable<br />
and acceptable sampling and testing procedures<br />
will increase the quality of the biofuel to be<br />
traded and used. Additionally, a system for fuel<br />
quality assurance will be developed to allow for<br />
the provision of a high quality biofuel throughout<br />
the overall provision chain and thus improve<br />
the confidence of the customer into the fuel. The<br />
integration of the NAS ensures that the<br />
standardisation requirements of these countries<br />
are considered as well. As the work to be realised<br />
within the <strong>Bio</strong>Norm project is closely linked to the<br />
work of CEN TC 335 ‘Solid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels’ an excellent<br />
exploitation of the results is guaranteed.<br />
Progress to date<br />
After almost half of the project lifetime,<br />
substantial progress has been made regarding<br />
procedures for sampling and sample reduction,<br />
as well as for the development of procedures for<br />
the determination of physical-mechanical and<br />
chemical fuel properties. Moreover, best practice<br />
guidelines, for example on the determination of<br />
moisture content, bulk density, particle size<br />
distribution, durability, raw density as well as ash<br />
characterisation and the production of<br />
homogeneous biomass samples, were drafted.<br />
Within the work on fuel quality assurance, a<br />
review on the existing quality systems based on<br />
ten different cases has been elaborated, and a<br />
guideline for the implementation of quality<br />
assurance systems within companies dealing<br />
with solid biofuels has been developed. Also, the<br />
research exchange with the NAS has been<br />
established.<br />
185<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK6-CT-2001-00556<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and Sustainable<br />
Development<br />
Title:<br />
Pre-Normative Work on Sampling and Testing<br />
of Solid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels for the Development of Quality<br />
Management – BIONORM<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Martin Kaltschmitt<br />
Institut für Energetik und Umwelt<br />
mk@ie-leipzig.de<br />
Partners:<br />
Institut für Energetik und Umwelt (D)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
Danish Forest and Landscape Research<br />
Institute (DK)<br />
Universität Stuttgart (D)<br />
TU München (D)<br />
Green Land Reclamation (UK)<br />
Keskuslaboratorio (FIN)<br />
TPS Termiska Processer (S)<br />
Freiberg University of Mining & Technology (D)<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Center of The Netherlands (NL)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
DK-Teknik <strong>Energy</strong> & Environment (DK)<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
TU Wien (A)<br />
Bundesanstalt für Landtechnik (A)<br />
TU Graz (A)<br />
TNO (NL)<br />
Koneko Marketing (CZ)<br />
IFE-Analytik (D)<br />
Central Laboratory of General Ecology (BG)<br />
Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landtechnik (D)<br />
Institute of Physical Energetics (LV)<br />
Ingenieur- und Servicegesellschaft<br />
für Energie und Umwelt (D)<br />
Centre for Research & Tecnology Hellas (GR)<br />
Skelleftea Kraft (S)<br />
University of West-Hungary (HU)<br />
Association Foret Cellulose (F)<br />
Swiss Federal Research Station for<br />
Agricultural Economics and Engineering (CH)<br />
Forestry Contracting Association (UK)<br />
Holzforschung Austria (A)<br />
University of Oulu (FIN)<br />
The Swedish University of Agricultural Science (S)<br />
Signalsfromnoise.com (UK)<br />
INETI (P)<br />
Comitato Termotecnico Italiano (I)<br />
Lithuanian <strong>Energy</strong> Institute (LT)<br />
Agricultural Research Centre of Gembloux (B)<br />
Institute for Building, Mechanisation and<br />
Electrification of Agriculture (PL)<br />
Tech-Wise (DK)<br />
Österreichisches Forschungsinsitut für<br />
Chemie und Technik (A)<br />
Swedish National Testing and Research<br />
Institute (S)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2290538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
TAR<br />
MEASUREMENT<br />
STANDARD<br />
Objectives<br />
So far, no well-developed and standardised<br />
measurement method exists for tars in<br />
biomass-producer gases, and different<br />
sampling and analysis methods are<br />
currently being used. In a previous<br />
EU-project (ERK6-CT1999-20002),<br />
a guideline for tar measurement<br />
(‘the Guideline’) was developed in order<br />
to remove this obstacle. The guideline aims<br />
at the measurement of both gravimetric<br />
tars as well as individual organic<br />
compounds. The measurement principle<br />
is based on the discontinuous sampling<br />
of a gas stream containing particles<br />
and condensable organic compounds.<br />
The overall objective of the present project<br />
is to expand the use of the guideline<br />
and transfer it into a <strong>European</strong> (CEN)<br />
standard method.<br />
A standard for tar<br />
measurement to enhance<br />
implementation of biomass<br />
systems<br />
Challenges<br />
Gasification processes, converting the solid<br />
biomass feedstock to a gaseous fuel (or syngas),<br />
significantly broaden the biomass utilisation<br />
spectrum. The syngas can be used for, for<br />
example, co-firing in coal-fired power plants,<br />
electricity generation in stand-alone conversion<br />
devices (gas engines, gas turbines, fuel cells), and<br />
production of gaseous/liquid fuels or chemicals.<br />
These applications set different specifications<br />
for (the contaminant levels in) the syngas.<br />
Organic contaminants or ‘tars’ are considered<br />
as the major problem-causing contaminants,<br />
which causes a large obstacle for the market<br />
introduction of biomass-gasification based<br />
systems. Measurement methods, as well<br />
as definitions for tars, are numerous and nonconsistent.<br />
As a result, the comparison of<br />
data and the definition of clear maximum<br />
allowable concentrations for tars in the syngas<br />
still cause problems.<br />
On the basis of a prior joint attempt by IEA,<br />
US-DoE and EU parties to arrive at a common tar<br />
measurement method (in the framework of a<br />
previous EU project ‘Tar Guideline’), this problem<br />
was tackled and a new measurement method<br />
(Guideline) was developed. This method now<br />
forms the basis for a standardisation procedure<br />
at <strong>European</strong> level.<br />
186<br />
Project structure<br />
The work in this project is subdivided into two<br />
activities:<br />
• standardisation of the existing guideline into<br />
a standard for measurement of tars in biomass<br />
producer gases<br />
• dissemination of the results.<br />
In the first activity, standardisation is performed<br />
in a task force (BT/TF/143) ‘Measurement of<br />
organic contaminants (tars) in biomass producer<br />
gases’ installed directly under the <strong>European</strong><br />
Committee for Standardisation (Comité Européen<br />
de Normalisation, CEN). The task force is open<br />
to representatives of each country affiliated to<br />
CEN, and each representative/country has the<br />
right to vote. The task force follows the work on<br />
standardisation, basically consisting of meetings<br />
to discuss draft versions and scientific content<br />
of the standard. The participants of the ‘Tar<br />
Measurement Standard’ project act in a double<br />
role as national representatives in the task force<br />
and also as technical experts performing R&D<br />
activities, thus bringing in their expertise on tar<br />
measurement and the use of the guideline to<br />
define the specifications the standard has to<br />
fulfil. In addition, the technical experts take<br />
action to ensure collection of data that are still<br />
missing. In particular, data on accuracy and<br />
reproducibility of the draft standard are essential<br />
in the process of standardisation. Other technical<br />
experts from the field have been invited to join<br />
the standardisation work.
In the second activity, the results from this project<br />
will be disseminated to ensure widespread<br />
acquaintance with the standard. Dissemination<br />
is aimed at the companies, institutes and<br />
universities working in the field of biomass<br />
gasification. Dissemination will be performed by<br />
means of an Internet site, by using Internet<br />
mailing lists/discussion groups and by means of<br />
papers and presentations at conferences.<br />
The project team is co-ordinated by the <strong>Energy</strong><br />
research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) and<br />
consists of eight <strong>European</strong> organisations which<br />
develop, commercialise and advise on biomass<br />
gasification. The same project consortium had<br />
developed the guideline method.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
A standard allows manufacturers of gasifiers, gas<br />
cleaning systems and engine or turbine/generator<br />
sets to convince potential end-users on the<br />
technical performance of the sub-systems, and<br />
to define tolerances from which guarantees on<br />
performance, system life time etc. can be<br />
derived. Guarantees decrease the non-technical<br />
risks of the implementation of biomass<br />
gasification-based systems.<br />
In addition, the standard allows companies,<br />
institutions and universities that develop<br />
gasification technology to have a common<br />
method to measure the tar concentrations.<br />
Figure 1: The Guideline sampling<br />
set-up: atmospheric and isokinetic<br />
sampling train for tar and particles<br />
with removable probe and pitot<br />
tubes for flow measurement.<br />
Results<br />
The main result of this project will be a CEN<br />
Standard for a method of the sampling, postsampling<br />
and analysis of tar and particles in<br />
biomass producer gases. The project officially<br />
started in December 2002. A Round Robin Test,<br />
the results of which will be globally evaluated in<br />
the second half of 2003, has been performed<br />
to evaluate data on the accuracy of the method.<br />
The initial version of the draft standard has<br />
been discussed in the first official CEN/BT/TF<br />
143 meeting in June 2003. The members of the<br />
task force are also currently evaluating which is<br />
the best standardisation procedure for the<br />
guideline method in terms of specifications,<br />
level of performance required and possibilities<br />
for future adaptation to an international ISO<br />
standard.<br />
The full version of the guideline can be<br />
downloaded from the website.<br />
187<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-80648<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Standardisation of a Guideline for the<br />
Measurement of Tars in <strong>Bio</strong>mass Producer<br />
Gases – TAR MEASUREMENT STANDARD<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Beatrice Coda<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre of<br />
The Netherlands<br />
coda@ecn.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
ECN (NL)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
DTI (DK)<br />
EMC (UK)<br />
KTH (S)<br />
NEN (NL)<br />
NOVEM (NL)<br />
Verenum (CH)<br />
Website:<br />
www.tarweb.net<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
T AR-PROTOCOL<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of the project was<br />
to develop a Guideline describing<br />
the necessary equipment and procedures<br />
for the sampling and analysis of tars<br />
in biomass producer gases. The Guideline<br />
should be suitable for measurement<br />
of tars at all relevant conditions<br />
(0-900 °C, 0.9-60 bars) and concentrations<br />
(1 mg/Nm3 – 100 g/Nm3), and it should<br />
allow for simultaneous measurement<br />
of particles and soot. Furthermore,<br />
the Guideline should be promoted so<br />
that it is accepted and applied as<br />
the standard tar measurement method<br />
in the field of biomass gasification.<br />
Measurement of tar<br />
and particles in biomass<br />
producer gases<br />
Challenges<br />
Gasification technologies are expected to play a<br />
key role in expanding the use of biomass. The<br />
gas can be used, for example, for co-firing in coalfired<br />
power plants, electricity generation in standalone<br />
conversion devices (gas engines, gas<br />
turbines, fuel cells), and the production of<br />
gaseous/liquid fuels or chemicals.<br />
Proper measurement of contaminant levels in<br />
biomass gasification-based systems is crucial to<br />
their optimisation and implementation. The<br />
measurement of organic contaminants or “tars”<br />
in syngas still causes much confusion.<br />
Measurement methods, as well as definitions for<br />
tars in biomass gasification-based systems, are<br />
numerous and non-consistent. As a result, the<br />
comparison of data and the definition of clear<br />
maximum allowable concentrations for tars are<br />
problematic. Since tars are considered as the<br />
major problem causing contaminants, this<br />
generates a large obstacle for the market<br />
introduction of these systems.<br />
The objective of the project was to remove this<br />
obstacle by developing a standard measurement<br />
method (Guideline) which is accepted and used<br />
by parties working on biomass gasification and<br />
can form the basis for a subsequent<br />
standardisation procedure at CEN.<br />
188<br />
Project structure<br />
The work consisted of three main activities: (a)<br />
development, optimisation and testing of the<br />
Guideline, (b) dissemination and internalisation<br />
of the Guideline and (c) the initiation of the<br />
standardisation of the Guideline on a <strong>European</strong><br />
level.<br />
In the first activity, a draft version of the Guideline<br />
was prepared. The Guideline was then optimised<br />
and tested by means of a reviewing round and<br />
through R&D activities performed outside, but coordinated<br />
from inside this project. In the second<br />
activity the Guideline was disseminated by means<br />
of an Internet site (www.tarweb.net), by using<br />
Internet mailing lists/discussion groups and by<br />
means of papers and presentations at three<br />
<strong>European</strong> <strong>Bio</strong>mass conferences in Tirol, Sevilla<br />
and Amsterdam. In the third activity a task force<br />
was installed at CEN to start the standardisation<br />
procedure of the Guideline.<br />
The project team was co-ordinated by the <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) and<br />
consisted of 15 <strong>European</strong> and 2 North-American<br />
parties, which were involved because the<br />
internalisation of the Guideline should not be<br />
limited to Europe.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
In the first place, the Guideline will allow<br />
companies, institutions and universities that<br />
develop gasification technology to compare<br />
tar concentrations. Secondly, it will allow<br />
manufacturers of gasifiers, gas cleaning systems<br />
and engine or turbine generator sets to convince<br />
potential end users of the technical performance<br />
of the sub-systems, and to define tolerances from<br />
which guarantees on performance, system lifetime<br />
etc. can be derived. These guarantees decrease<br />
the non-technical risks of implementation of<br />
biomass gasification based systems.<br />
The Guideline will be transformed into a CEN<br />
Standard to widen its international acceptance<br />
and application. To this purpose, CEN Task Force<br />
143 “Measurement of Organic Contaminants<br />
(tars) in <strong>Bio</strong>mass Producer Gases” has been<br />
installed.<br />
Results<br />
Figure 1: Project management structure.<br />
The main result of this project is a guideline for<br />
the sampling and analysis of tars and particles in<br />
biomass gasification producer gases. The<br />
measurement principle of the Guideline is based<br />
on discontinuous sampling and it is set-up in<br />
such a way that particles can also be measured<br />
quantitatively. The tar and particle sampling<br />
system consists of a heated probe, a heated<br />
particle filter, a condenser and a series of impinger<br />
bottles containing isopropanol to dissolve the<br />
tars. The solvent containing bottles are placed in<br />
a warm (bottles 1-4) and a cold bath (bottles 5 and<br />
6) so that the sampled gas is cooled in two steps,<br />
first to 20°C and finally to -20°. The sampling train<br />
is shown schematically in Figure 2. The postsampling<br />
involves Soxhlet extraction of the tars on<br />
the particle filter and the collection of all tars in<br />
one bulk solution. Finally, the analysis comprises<br />
the determination of the gravimetric tar mass<br />
from the bulk solution and the determination of<br />
the concentration of individual tar compounds.<br />
The Guideline has also achieved the following<br />
results:<br />
• It can be used for both raw and clean producer<br />
gases of all commonly applied biomass gasifiers<br />
• It has been disseminated to, and gained<br />
acceptance among, major <strong>European</strong> and North<br />
American parties that develop, commercialise<br />
and advise on biomass gasification technology<br />
• It has entered the procedure to become a<br />
<strong>European</strong> standard.<br />
The full version of the Guideline can be downloaded<br />
from the website.<br />
Figure 2: The Guideline sampling set-up: atmospheric and isokinetic<br />
sampling train for tar and particles with removable probe and pitot tubes<br />
for flow measurement. The liquid quench is optional.<br />
189<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ERK6-CT-1999-20002<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Development of a Standard Method<br />
(Protocol) for the Measurement of Organic<br />
Contaminants “Tars” in <strong>Bio</strong>mass Producer<br />
Gases – TAR-PROTOCOLL<br />
Duration: 28 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Jacob H.A. Kiel<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre of The Netherlands<br />
Tel: +31-224-564590<br />
Fax: +31-224-568487<br />
kiel@ecn.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre of<br />
The Netherlands (NL)<br />
Universidad Complutense de Madrid (E)<br />
TPS Termiska Processer (S)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
TU Wien (A)<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia (FIN)<br />
Danish Technology Institute (DK)<br />
National Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Laboratory (USA)<br />
Enerkem Technologies (CAN)<br />
Royal Insitute of Technology (S)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Université Catholique de Louvain (B)<br />
Lurgi Metallurgie (D)<br />
CRE Group (UK)<br />
Verenum (CH)<br />
Website:<br />
www.tarweb.net<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
TBR<br />
Objectives<br />
In order to achieve sustainable<br />
development there is a trend towards<br />
integrated resource and waste<br />
management. <strong>European</strong> environmental<br />
and energy policies include measures to<br />
enhance recovery of unavoidable waste<br />
as well as to promote energy from biomass<br />
and waste. Waste-derived fuels are<br />
indigenous fuels that help achieve security<br />
of supply and the Kyoto Protocol targets.<br />
Objectives of this Accompanying Measures<br />
project are to facilitate <strong>European</strong><br />
standardisation (CEN) for the production,<br />
trade and use of solid recovered fuels<br />
(SRF), and to provide a cost-benefit<br />
analysis of this concept. CEN standards<br />
for SRF will support the free trade of these<br />
fuels on the Internal Market. They will also<br />
be of assistance to equipment producers<br />
and authorities, and will help to build<br />
acceptance and trust among the public.<br />
Waste-to-recovered fuel<br />
Challenges<br />
The Landfill Directive (LD) will significantly reduce<br />
the disposal of biodegradable, i.e. organic/<br />
combustible, waste in landfill. At the same time,<br />
the RES-E Directive sets out procedures for the<br />
promotion of renewable energy sources, e.g.<br />
biomass, including the “biodegradable fraction”<br />
of waste.<br />
Dedicated waste incineration with energy recovery<br />
is a robust economic and environmentally<br />
sound recovery option that is regulated under the<br />
Waste Incineration Directive (WID). However,<br />
in Europe there is not enough incineration<br />
capacity to meet the demands of the LD and<br />
building permission for new installations takes<br />
a long time.<br />
The use of SRF for the generation of power<br />
and/or heat or for the production of material<br />
products, e.g. clinker for cement, is regulated as<br />
co-incineration in the WID. The fuel market needs<br />
to be developed rapidly with the help of pan-<br />
<strong>European</strong> procedures which are also accepted<br />
by the building permission authorities.<br />
190<br />
Project structure<br />
The project involved three contractors and ten<br />
members. It was organised into three work<br />
packages: co-ordination (WP0, Borealis),<br />
<strong>European</strong> standardisation (CEN) including a CEN<br />
Report (WP1, Green Land), and a cost-benefit<br />
analysis (WP2, GUA). The members provided<br />
expertise in these tasks.<br />
Expected impact<br />
<strong>European</strong> standardisation for the production,<br />
trade and use of classified solid recovered fuels<br />
will expand the nascent market for these fuels<br />
and will create new jobs in a growing industry.<br />
During the course of this project, the SRF industry<br />
has established a new representative trade body<br />
designated the <strong>European</strong> Recovered Fuels<br />
Organisation (ERFO).<br />
The estimated quantity of solid recovered fuel<br />
produced in 2000 was 1,000 kt/a. That figure<br />
is expected to rise to 10,000 kt/a in 2005,<br />
corresponding to 5,000 ktoe/a. The main market<br />
drivers are economic ones resulting from the<br />
implementation of instruments within the<br />
framework of <strong>European</strong> policy on environmental<br />
protection. The use of these fuels for the<br />
substitution of fossil fuels will significantly reduce<br />
the emissions of greenhouse gases in line with<br />
the Kyoto Protocol.
Results<br />
The project has successfully initiated the<br />
<strong>European</strong> standardisation of solid recovered<br />
fuels, as follows:<br />
1. The cost-benefit analysis report Waste to<br />
Recovered Fuel was presented at a workshop<br />
organised jointly by the ERFO and the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission on 29 May 2001 in<br />
Brussels. The report is available at www.guagroup.com/cba-wtrf.<br />
2. CEN BT/TF 118 Solid Recovered Fuels, at<br />
its fourth (final) meeting on 23 January 2002,<br />
agreed to establish a CEN technical<br />
committee, adopted a prospective work<br />
programme for that committee, and accepted<br />
a background report on Solid Recovered Fuels<br />
presently under publication as CEN/TR<br />
14745:2003.<br />
3. CEN TC 343 Solid Recovered Fuels,<br />
(secretariat held by Finland) was established<br />
on 4 April 2001. It has achieved active<br />
participation from more than ten Member<br />
States. The work programme contains 27<br />
items, i.e. standards to be developed. At<br />
the TC’s second meeting on 21 January 2003,<br />
the following organisation of expert working<br />
groups was agreed upon:<br />
WG1: Terminology and Quality Assurance;<br />
secretariat held by Italy.<br />
WG2: Specifications and Classes; secretariat<br />
held by Sweden.<br />
WG3: Sampling, sample reduction and<br />
supplementary test methods; secretariat<br />
held by The Netherlands.<br />
WG4: Physical/mechanical test methods;<br />
secretariat to be held by Germany.<br />
WG5: Chemical test methods; secretariat<br />
held by Italy.<br />
4. Policy matters arising during the period before<br />
the establishment of CEN TC343 were<br />
extensively discussed at eight joint steering<br />
committee and project group meetings.<br />
Representatives from DG ENTR, DG ENV,<br />
DG RTD, DG TREN and the <strong>European</strong><br />
Environmental Bureau attended these<br />
coordination meetings.<br />
5. As a result of the project, on 26 August 2002<br />
the <strong>European</strong> Commission issued Mandate<br />
M/325 Solid Recovered Fuels to CEN for the<br />
execution of the standardisation work. The<br />
mandate asks CEN in particular to develop a<br />
test method for determining the biodegradable/biogenic<br />
fraction of SRF to be used<br />
for the support systems of the RES-E Directive.<br />
191<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-533-1999<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Waste to Recovered Fuel – TBR<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Martin Frankenhaeuser<br />
Borealis Polymers Oy<br />
Tel: +358-9-39494805<br />
Fax: +358-9-39494810<br />
martin.frankenhaeuser@borealisgroup.com<br />
Partners:<br />
Borealis Polymers (FIN)<br />
Foster Wheeler Energia (FIN)<br />
Association of Plastics Manufacturers<br />
in Europe (B)<br />
Association for the Sustainable Use<br />
and Recovery of Resources in Europe (B)<br />
Green Land Reclamation (UK)<br />
Unipede/Eurelectric (B)<br />
ESSENT Milieu (NL)<br />
Scoribel (B)<br />
Slough Heat & Power (UK)<br />
Alliance for Beverage Cartons and<br />
the Environment (B)<br />
Ewapower (FIN)<br />
GUA Gesellschaft für umfassende<br />
Analysen (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
CONBIOT<br />
Objectives<br />
The Centre for Thermochemical Conversion<br />
of Solid Fuels aims to:<br />
1. Strengthen its international position in<br />
the field of research on thermochemical<br />
processing (pyrolysis, gasification,<br />
combustion) of renewable energy<br />
sources and wastes (dissemination of<br />
own knowledge, demonstration);<br />
2. Integrate the Centre<br />
in the <strong>European</strong> Research Area and its<br />
research networks in the specific<br />
research field (exchange of knowledge,<br />
joint research programmes);<br />
3. Improve skills and capacities of young<br />
researchers guaranteeing continuation<br />
of the Centre’s activities in the<br />
long-term;<br />
4. Channel best practises from EU research<br />
networks to Polish industry, in particular<br />
SMEs, and strengthen co-operation (with<br />
industry, SMEs) in applied research; and<br />
5. Optimise dissemination and<br />
implementation of technological<br />
solutions and research results in an NAS<br />
country and for improved participation of<br />
related research centres in the Sixth<br />
Framework Programme.<br />
Thermochemical conversion<br />
of biomass and waste<br />
Research focus<br />
of the CONBIOT Centre<br />
Four work groups are carrying out the following<br />
topics in the CONBIOT Centre:<br />
1. Work group 1: Combustion and gasification<br />
of biomass and wastes for heat and energy:<br />
- Development of a reactor for small- and<br />
medium-capacity gasification of biomass;<br />
- Conceptual design of installations for heat<br />
and electricity co-generation on the small and<br />
medium scale;<br />
- Demonstration of co-generation installations<br />
of different kinds.<br />
(Research area of Work group 1 and Work<br />
group 2 - see figure 1);<br />
2. Work group 2: Processes for upgrading solid<br />
products by pyrolysis of biomass:<br />
- Development of gas cleaning technology<br />
(tars removal);<br />
- Development of integrated technological<br />
systems for activated carbon production<br />
and heat generation;<br />
- Implementing sorption technologies for<br />
“end-of-pipe” cleaning of industrial gases<br />
and waste water;<br />
- Development and implementation of ecologically<br />
safe and effective technologies of<br />
waste plastics utilisation.<br />
3. Work group 3: Standardisation and testing of<br />
solid fuels and processes:<br />
- Development of attestation criteria for<br />
biomass-fired boilers;<br />
- Harmonisation of the standardisation system<br />
of fossil and renewable fuels and waste<br />
with EU standards;<br />
- Implementation of technical evaluation<br />
procedures for biomass boilers.<br />
(Testing stand - see figure 2).<br />
192<br />
4. Work group 4: Integrated technology transfer;<br />
co-operation with <strong>European</strong> centres in the<br />
field of the implementation of new technologies<br />
for biomass and waste processing:<br />
- Extension of existing databases;<br />
- Development of optimal designing procedures<br />
for heating systems which use biomass;<br />
- Development of a catalogue of available<br />
techniques for biomass application and<br />
the energetic valorisation of waste;<br />
- Identification of processes for effective<br />
waste utilisation for chemicals production<br />
(methanol, hydrogen);<br />
- Market-oriented analysis for short- and<br />
long-term development strategy.<br />
(Communication plan - see figure 3).
Figure 1: Research Areas of WG1 and WG2.<br />
What has been done<br />
in the CONBIOT Project<br />
1. Formalisation of the Centre’s supervisory<br />
board:<br />
• A supervisory board has been established;<br />
members are experts from the University of<br />
Leeds (UK), Danish International Consulting<br />
(D), The Institute of <strong>Energy</strong> - Joint Research<br />
Centre (NL), TNO Environmental, <strong>Energy</strong><br />
and Process Innovation Systems (NL) and<br />
Silesian Technical University (PO);<br />
• The first Supervisory Board Meeting was<br />
held in February 2003.<br />
2. Conference: “Combustion and gasification of<br />
biomass and wastes”.<br />
125 participants<br />
7 sessions<br />
28 papers (9 external – 19 internal)<br />
13 posters (1 external – 12 internal)<br />
3. Establishing and implementation of a<br />
communication plan:<br />
• Website for Centre;<br />
• Preparation and dissemination of the first<br />
newsletter;<br />
• Preparation and publication of a partial<br />
database.<br />
What will be done in the near<br />
future in the CONBIOT project<br />
1. Seminar: Instrumental analysis in research<br />
of solids derived from biomass and waste<br />
(September).<br />
2. Twinings: University of Leeds (UK), Instituto<br />
Superior Tecnico from Lisbon (PT), TNO Environment,<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> and Process Innovation (NL).<br />
3. Professional Training Course: “Methodology<br />
of technology transfer and realisation of putting<br />
it into practice” (June).<br />
4. Implementation of the Communication plan<br />
(continuous action).<br />
Figure 2: Testing Stand. Figure 3: Communication Plan.<br />
Institute partnerships<br />
The University of Leeds (UK), Danish International<br />
Consulting (D), Université Pierre et Marie Curie,<br />
Paris (FR), University of Münster (DE), The Coal<br />
Research Establishment (UK), Centre de Pyrolyse<br />
de Marienau (FR), Université de Metz (FR),<br />
Université de Nancy (FR), Deutsche Montan<br />
Technologie GmbH (DE), Instituto National del<br />
Carbon, Oviedo (ES), Consejo Superior de<br />
Investigaciones Cientificas – Instituto de<br />
Carboquimica, Zaragoza (ES), Anlagentechnik<br />
GmbH (DE), Technical University Clausthal (DE),<br />
Engineer School of Chambery (FR), Technical<br />
University of Ostrava (CZ), The Slovak Academy<br />
of Science SAV, Kosice, (SK).<br />
Partners needed<br />
for following topics<br />
1. Small- and medium-scale generation systems<br />
using solid fuels, biomass or organic waste;<br />
2. <strong>Bio</strong>mass and waste gasification;<br />
3. Solid fuels, biomass and waste thermal<br />
processing modelling and engineering;<br />
4. Standardisation of biomass and waste for<br />
heat and power production;<br />
5. Gas engines and turbines – microgeneration;<br />
and<br />
6. Chemical synthesis using biogas (hydrogen,<br />
liquid hydrocarbons, methanol).<br />
193<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-80663<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Thermochemical Conversion of Solid Fuels<br />
– Processes of Pyrolysis, Gasification and<br />
Combustion of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and Wastes –<br />
CONBIOT<br />
Duration: 36 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Marek Sciazko<br />
Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal<br />
Tel: +48322715152<br />
conbiot@koala.ichpw.zabrze.pl<br />
Partner:<br />
Institute for Chemical Processing<br />
of Coal (PL)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Erich Nägele<br />
DG RTD J3<br />
Tel: +32-2-2965061<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
erich.naegele@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
ERA<br />
BIOENERGY<br />
Objectives<br />
• To develop strategies for measures to<br />
promote coordination between the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Union (EU) and the Member<br />
States in the area of bioenergy RTD<br />
policies and programmes; and<br />
• To identify opportunities for short-term<br />
actions leading to the <strong>European</strong><br />
Research Area for bioenergy RTD.<br />
ERA bioenergy strategy –<br />
short-term measures<br />
to develop the <strong>European</strong><br />
Research Area<br />
for bioenergy RTD<br />
Challenges<br />
To reach the goals set by the White paper and<br />
by the Kyoto Protocol the use of biomass as an<br />
energy source has to be increased significantly<br />
in Europe in the near future. Therefore, bioenergy<br />
RTD will have to be enhanced significantly. The<br />
introduction of the <strong>European</strong> Research Area<br />
(ERA) will support the measures necessary to<br />
achieve this. The ERA bioenergy strategy is being<br />
carried out to support the actions necessary for<br />
the implementation of ERA in the field of<br />
bioenergy RTD.<br />
Project structure<br />
All partners are involved in their national RTD<br />
policy and programme planning processes.<br />
The ongoing planning process within the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Commission will be integrated thus<br />
assuring that the future <strong>European</strong> needs in<br />
bioenergy RTD will be reflected in the <strong>European</strong><br />
Research Area.<br />
The ERA bioenergy work programme comprises<br />
three tasks:<br />
• Country survey: Survey of national bioenergy<br />
RTD policies and programmes. Besides current<br />
EU member and accession countries, the<br />
survey will include the IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Research<br />
Network.<br />
• <strong>Bio</strong>energy policies and programmes mapping:<br />
Categorisation and comparison of current<br />
national RTD policies and programmes;<br />
conclusions regarding the coordinated<br />
implementation of future national and <strong>European</strong><br />
RTD policies and programmes.<br />
194<br />
• Recommendations for short-term actions:<br />
Identification of opportunities for short-term<br />
actions leading to the ERA for bioenergy RTD<br />
by describing specific RTD areas and<br />
support tools.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The expected results of the project are:<br />
a) Categorisation and comparison of the current<br />
national RTD policies and programmes and<br />
conclusions regarding the coordinated<br />
implementation of future national and<br />
<strong>European</strong> RTD policies and programmes; and<br />
b) Identification of opportunities for short-term<br />
actions leading to the ERA for bioenergy RTD<br />
by specifying RTD areas and support tools.<br />
Using these results, the <strong>European</strong> Commission<br />
and the member countries will be able to initiate<br />
actions to integrate future RTD programmes so<br />
that the potential for synergies will be exploited<br />
and efficiency will be increased.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The Country survey was carried out using<br />
five questionnaires: country conditions, driving<br />
forces, RTD policies, RTD programmes, and<br />
RTD institutions.<br />
Country conditions<br />
This questionnaire aims to provide background<br />
information on biomass use in the partner<br />
countries: existing industry, existing energy<br />
systems, biomass resource potential, existing<br />
and planned legislation, structure of RTD<br />
organisation, educational programmes, public
perception and image of bioenergy, influence of<br />
renewable energy related EU Directives, opinion<br />
leaders, and lobbying groups.<br />
Driving forces<br />
This questionnaire describes to what extent<br />
driving forces related to bioenergy RTD are<br />
valid in the partner countries: <strong>Energy</strong> security,<br />
environment, economic and technical<br />
development, and scientific interest.<br />
RTD policies<br />
This questionnaire lists all policies directly or<br />
indirectly influencing bioenergy RTD: content of<br />
the law, legal status, addressees of the law,<br />
and relevance for bioenergy RTD.<br />
RTD programmes<br />
This questionnaire lists all programmes and<br />
actions financing bioenergy RTD projects:<br />
programme character, programme content, and<br />
technologies promoted by the programme.<br />
RTD institutions<br />
This questionnaire lists all bioenergy RTD<br />
institutions with at least two full-time employees<br />
for bioenergy RTD: description of the institution,<br />
and budget and industry relevance of the RTD<br />
results.<br />
First results from <strong>Bio</strong>energy policies and<br />
programmes mapping show that environmental<br />
concerns such as fulfilling the Kyoto obligation,<br />
a secure energy supply, and economic<br />
development are the main driving forces behind<br />
the use of bioenergy. In some countries, policies<br />
directly promote bioenergy RTD. The majority of<br />
countries have policies with an indirect impact<br />
on bioenergy RTD. These policies refer mainly to<br />
electricity production and waste management.<br />
The majority of programmes focus on combustion<br />
and gasification, primarily for heat production and<br />
for combined heat and power production. Most<br />
programmes are related to woody biomass from<br />
forestry and wood industry, while programmes<br />
on agricultural biomass only exist in a few<br />
countries. Of all the institutions working on<br />
bioenergy RTD, nearly half were university<br />
departments, less than one-third were public<br />
research institutions, and the rest were industry<br />
and private research institutions.<br />
Future bioenergy RTD requirements in the<br />
participating countries have been drawn up<br />
from an indication of the relative importance<br />
(“need”) of a particular topic and the means<br />
available (“capacity”) to treat that topic in the<br />
participating countries. Topics (“technologies/<br />
processes/issues”) have been chosen so that<br />
both technology-related and policy-related areas<br />
are covered. The results show that the capacities<br />
are generally considered to be insufficient, i.e.<br />
an increase of RTD effort seems to be necessary.<br />
The work under Recommendations for shortterm<br />
actions is currently in progress.<br />
195<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2001-80526<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
ERA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Strategy – Short Term<br />
Measures to Develop the <strong>European</strong><br />
Research Area for <strong>Bio</strong>energy RTD –<br />
ERA BIOENERGY<br />
Duration: 21 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Josef Spitzer<br />
Joanneum Research<br />
Forschungsgesellschaft mbH<br />
Josef.Spitzer@joanneum.ac.at<br />
Partners:<br />
Joanneum (A)<br />
Netherlands Agency for <strong>Energy</strong><br />
and Environment (NL)<br />
Centre for Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Sources (GR)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
IST (PT)<br />
Jozef Stefan Institute (SLO)<br />
Agricultural Research Centre<br />
of Gembloux (B)<br />
Technical University of Ostrava (CZ)<br />
Danish <strong>Energy</strong> Agency (DK)<br />
Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (D)<br />
South Western Services Co-Operative (IRL)<br />
ENEA (I)<br />
Institute of Physical Energetics (LV)<br />
Lithuanian <strong>Energy</strong> Institute (LT)<br />
Slovak University of Technology (SK)<br />
Swedish National <strong>Energy</strong> Administration (S)<br />
Secretary of State for Trade<br />
and Industry (UK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
BIOMITRE<br />
Objectives<br />
The aims of the BIOmass-based Climate<br />
Change MITigation through Renewable<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> (BIOMITRE) Project are to assist<br />
propagation of biomass energy technologies<br />
throughout the <strong>European</strong> Union as a<br />
cost-effective means of providing<br />
commercial renewable energy supplies,<br />
which mitigate global climate change<br />
through greenhouse gas emissions savings.<br />
There are six objectives of this work.<br />
Existing methodologies will be reviewed to<br />
determine their basic nature and any<br />
deficiencies in evaluating the benefits of<br />
prominent biomass energy technologies.<br />
Existing data will be collated by means of<br />
case study material. Methodologies will be<br />
unified to establish a standard methodology<br />
for assessing biomass energy technologies.<br />
This will enable a complete technical<br />
specification of the standard methodology<br />
to be documented. A user-friendly software<br />
tool and a user guide will be developed<br />
and tested with case study material.<br />
Finally, the standard methodology and<br />
software tool will be publicised and<br />
disseminated by means of a dedicated<br />
website and established networks.<br />
Standard assessment of<br />
biomass energy benefits<br />
Challenges<br />
Diverse biomass energy technologies present<br />
considerable potential for the large-scale<br />
exploitation of renewable energy sources in the<br />
<strong>European</strong> Union. These technologies also offer<br />
significant prospects for reducing greenhouse gas<br />
emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane<br />
and nitrous oxide, which are associated with<br />
global climate change. However, in order to help<br />
the promotion of these important technologies,<br />
it is essential that their greenhouse gas benefits<br />
are widely understood and appreciated.<br />
Consequently, as an accompanying measure,<br />
the BIOMITRE Project will make a standard<br />
methodology and software tool available as a<br />
routine means of analysing the greenhouse gas<br />
balances and emissions-saving costeffectiveness<br />
of biomass energy technologies.<br />
A substantial body of work exists on the<br />
development of methodologies and tools for<br />
analysing the greenhouse gas balances of<br />
biomass energy technologies. However, these<br />
methodologies and tools have a number of<br />
limitations which prevent their widespread use<br />
as an efficient means of promoting biomass<br />
energy technologies. These limitations include<br />
application to only certain technologies and<br />
incorporate certain assumptions that affect the<br />
meaning of the results produced. Hence, there<br />
is a vital need for a standard methodology and<br />
software tool which can cover the diversity of<br />
biomass energy technologies in a consistent,<br />
transparent and user-friendly manner so that<br />
results can be produced easily, can be<br />
understood clearly and can be communicated<br />
confidently to a broad audience.<br />
196<br />
Project structure<br />
The BIOMITRE Project Partnership consists of six<br />
organisations; Joanneum Research Froschungsgesellschaft<br />
mbh in Austria, the Technical<br />
Research Centre in Finland (VTT Processes),<br />
the University of Utrecht’s Department of<br />
Science, Technology and Society in the<br />
Netherlands, Mid Sweden University, Forest<br />
Research and Sheffield Hallam University in the<br />
United Kingdom. Each partner is responsible<br />
for a major work package. The project coordination<br />
is provided by Sheffield Hallam<br />
University. Dissemination is undertaken by<br />
Joanneum Research, which also provides an<br />
important formal connection with International<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Agency Task 38 on ‘Greenhouse Gas<br />
Balances of <strong>Bio</strong>mass and <strong>Bio</strong>energy Systems’.<br />
A steering group, consisting of leaders of each<br />
work package, is responsible for overseeing<br />
progress and effective collaboration between<br />
the partners.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
It is intended that the standard methodology<br />
and software tool produced by the BIOMITRE<br />
Project will have a range of important<br />
applications. First, their use can raise awareness<br />
of greenhouse gas emission savings by deriving<br />
sound case study material on typical examples<br />
of biomass energy technologies of relevance<br />
to the <strong>European</strong> Union. Secondly, they can<br />
contribute to the demonstration of good practice<br />
in the design and operation of biomass<br />
technologies. Thirdly, they can address the<br />
evaluation with means of improving biomass<br />
energy technologies to maximise greenhouse<br />
gas benefits, and to increase emissions-saving<br />
cost-effectiveness. Fourthly, they can be applied
to determining the consequences for biomass<br />
energy technologies, of current and future<br />
mechanisms, for promoting renewable energy<br />
technologies and reducing greenhouse gas<br />
emissions in the <strong>European</strong> Union. Finally, they<br />
can assist with the targeting of research,<br />
development and technological demonstration on<br />
biomass energy technologies in terms of<br />
greenhouse gas emissions savings.<br />
It is expected that the standard methodology<br />
and software tool will find opportunities for<br />
exploitation by a variety of potential users,<br />
including industry practitioners, scheme<br />
developers, policy-makers and interested citizens<br />
throughout the <strong>European</strong> Union. The standard<br />
methodology and software tool will be generally<br />
applicable to all major commercial biomass<br />
energy technologies, including agricultural and<br />
forestry residues, energy crops and wastes. By<br />
adopting a modular approach, the standard<br />
methodology and software tool will reflect all<br />
the important components of these technologies,<br />
including production (cultivation, harvesting,<br />
recovery, etc.), processing (chipping, pelletisation,<br />
baling, etc.), transportation (by road, rail,<br />
waterways, etc.), conversion (direct combustion,<br />
co-firing, gasification, pyrolysis, digestion, etc.),<br />
and end product utilisation (heat, power,<br />
combined heat and power, liquid and gaseous<br />
biofuels, etc.).<br />
Harvesting of biomass.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The BIOMITRE Project began on 17 April 2003<br />
and the ‘Kick-Off’ meeting has been held in<br />
Utrecht. Work has begun on the review of existing<br />
methodologies and this has involved creating a<br />
database of literature, initially consisting of 500<br />
references. A procedure for screening this<br />
literature is being established to identify key<br />
references on important methodologies.<br />
Additionally, criteria for assessing these<br />
methodologies are being assembled. Some case<br />
study material has been chosen and this is<br />
being collected, assessed and summarised. A<br />
draft scoping matrix for all prominent biomass<br />
energy technologies relevant for the <strong>European</strong><br />
Union has been formulated and circulated for<br />
consideration. A preliminary modular approach<br />
to the description of biomass energy technologies<br />
has been devised and all this early work<br />
contributes to the development of the standard<br />
methodology. The possible basis for a software<br />
tool has been outlined and the planning of<br />
dissemination activities is underway.<br />
197<br />
Carbon cycle in forest-based bioenergy use.<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-69-2002<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
BIOmass-based Climate Change<br />
MITIgation through Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> –<br />
BIOMITRE<br />
Duration: 18 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Nigel Mortimer<br />
Sheffield Hallam University<br />
N.D. Mortimer@shu.ac.uk<br />
Partners:<br />
Sheffield Hallam University (UK)<br />
Mid-Sweden University (S)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
Forest Research (UK)<br />
University of Utrecht (NL)<br />
Joanneum (A)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
© ImageDJ, Series LandScapes,<br />
Registration Number for SEASON.<br />
BIO-SME-TC<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of the project was the<br />
promotion and business-development<br />
of EU manufacturers of biomasscombustion<br />
equipment in third world<br />
countries. This initiative aimed to assist<br />
<strong>European</strong> manufacturers penetrate<br />
the international market, introduce their<br />
technologies to potential investors, reduce<br />
the market-access and administrative<br />
barriers and allow companies to assume<br />
a leading role. The objectives were<br />
accomplished by<br />
• supporting participation of <strong>European</strong><br />
biomass SMEs in international<br />
high-grade marketing and technology<br />
business exhibitions,<br />
• accompanying co-ordinated promotional<br />
actions, which included a dedicated<br />
website, a database with biomass<br />
technology manufacturers, workshops,<br />
brochures, and a market-guide for EU<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Technologies and Manufacturers<br />
in both CDs and hard copies.<br />
Promotion of EU biomass<br />
technology in third countries<br />
Challenges<br />
Today, forestry and agricultural residues, including<br />
rice husks, cotton ginning, straw and wood<br />
waste, appear as the most economical renewable<br />
energy recourses for heat and electricity<br />
production, substituting expensive oil products<br />
and natural gas. Very positive results are<br />
experienced in many application areas in agroindustry<br />
(for example, the fruit and vegetable<br />
industry, drying of agriculture products etc.),<br />
district heating of rural areas, combined heat and<br />
power production etc.<br />
Within the <strong>European</strong> Union, major efforts have<br />
been initiated for increasing the use of agricultural<br />
and forestry residues driven by various strategic<br />
energy, environmental, rural and regional<br />
development needs.<br />
The main objective of the project was the<br />
promotion of EU agro-industry residues<br />
combustion technologies, developed by <strong>European</strong><br />
SME manufacturers, in third world countries<br />
with high biomass potential. Specifically<br />
the scope of the project was the promotion<br />
of innovative combustion technologies for<br />
the energy production from cotton, rice and<br />
wheat residues.<br />
198<br />
These agricultural residues present operational<br />
problems due to the high concentration of inert<br />
and ash in the feedstock, which causes serious<br />
maintenance problems and long downtime<br />
periods. Few EU SME boiler manufacturers have<br />
developed specific technologies to overcome<br />
these problems. There are state-of-the-art<br />
systems that have been developed in the EU but<br />
the main markets for these are outside the EU<br />
in countries with an abundance of agricultural and<br />
forestry waste.<br />
Project structure<br />
The consortium consisted of a group of companies<br />
and biomass associations, each of which had<br />
significant experience in the biomass sector.
EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Pavilion in WasteTech 2003, Moscow.<br />
© EXERGIA S.A.<br />
Results<br />
1. Organisation of the existing information of<br />
the EU agro-industry and the state of the art<br />
biomass technologies,<br />
2. Segregation and presentation of <strong>European</strong><br />
manufacturers according to their specialisation<br />
in the utilisation of different types of forestry,<br />
agricultural residues and agro-industrial<br />
process waste,<br />
3. Promotional material (website, brochures,<br />
market guide),<br />
4. Demonstration of EU technologies in<br />
international exhibitions and trade fairs (China,<br />
Turkey, Russia),<br />
5. Direct contacts between EU partners<br />
(manufacturers, consultants, engineers etc)<br />
and local market actors during workshops<br />
in China, Turkey, and Russia,<br />
6. Direct contacts between small and medium<br />
enterprises in Europe, developing biomass<br />
technologies for agro-industry residues, with<br />
SME technology developers of third world<br />
countries,<br />
7. Evaluation of the project dissemination<br />
activities impact.<br />
EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Pavilion in CBHT 2002, Beijing. © EXERGIA S.A.<br />
199<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-461-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Promotion of EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology in<br />
Agro-Industry of High-Potential Third<br />
Countries – BIO-SME-TC<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Niki Komioti<br />
EXERGIA S.A. (GR)<br />
N. Komioti@exergia.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
EXERGIA (GR)<br />
Green Land Reclamation (UK)<br />
E.V.A Energie Verwertungsagentur (A)<br />
British <strong>Bio</strong>gen (UK)<br />
China Association Of Rural <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Industry (P.R.China)<br />
Merkat <strong>Energy</strong> (TR)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2992093<br />
Fax: +32-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
CLEAR DATA<br />
Objectives<br />
The main objective of this project is to<br />
assist policy-makers and industrial<br />
organisations in identifying the possibilities<br />
and strategies towards large-scale<br />
sustainable production, use and trade of<br />
biofuels for the transport sector in and<br />
from Central and Eastern <strong>European</strong><br />
countries. The project’s objectives are<br />
• to create better understanding among<br />
<strong>European</strong> stakeholders on the economic<br />
and environmental performance of biofuels;<br />
• to have a better understanding of<br />
the biomass production potentials in<br />
Western and Eastern Europe;<br />
• to identify for Europe promising<br />
international trading chains for biofuel,<br />
and to understand the (socio)-economic<br />
impacts for the agricultural, industrial<br />
and transport sectors in Europe.<br />
By integral analysis, the project aims at<br />
providing a sound information basis for<br />
the <strong>European</strong> Commission and industrial<br />
and other stakeholders for future<br />
decision-making, policy formulation and<br />
information dissemination activities,<br />
in order to facilitate a successful<br />
introduction of biofuels into the <strong>European</strong><br />
energy system.<br />
VIEWLS: Clear views<br />
on clean fuels;<br />
data, potential, scenarios,<br />
markets and trade<br />
of biofuels<br />
Achieving clear views on information and future<br />
perspectives of biofuels for transportation is<br />
the key driver of VIEWLS. This project aims to<br />
assist policy-makers, NGOs and industrial<br />
decision-makers in the selection of optimal<br />
pathways for the development and market<br />
introduction of biofuels in Europe.<br />
Challenges<br />
Given the plans of the <strong>European</strong> Commission for<br />
a 20% market share of alternative transport<br />
fuels (biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen) by the<br />
year 2020, it is clear that biofuels will have to<br />
contribute significantly to reach this target. In fact,<br />
biofuels are already expected to play a dominant<br />
role in the short term. A contribution of 2% in<br />
2005 is envisaged, growing to 5.75% in 2010,<br />
requiring a significant increase in production<br />
and consumption levels. Just how ambitious<br />
these targets are is illustrated by the production<br />
level of biofuels in Europe in 2000: the<br />
contribution of biofuels in the total mix of<br />
transportation fuels was approximately 0.3%!<br />
As investments in new production plants are<br />
about to be made, new Member States are<br />
joining at the eastern border of the <strong>European</strong><br />
Union, and the greenhouse gas problem has<br />
still to be tackled, this is the time to make the<br />
right decisions on the ways to stimulate the<br />
introduction of biofuels. This project aims to<br />
assist policy-makers, NGOs and industrial<br />
decision-makers in the selection of the most<br />
optimal pathways for the development and<br />
market introduction of biofuels. The project will<br />
do this by:<br />
200<br />
• Making clear which environmental and<br />
economic performance parameters of biofuels<br />
are vital for high-quality decision-making for the<br />
promotion of biofuels, also in the light of<br />
socio-cultural aspects;<br />
• Making clear just what the biofuel production<br />
potential in the EU is and which data are<br />
needed for future assessment of this<br />
potential;<br />
• Making clear how biofuels can be introduced<br />
or produced sustainably and which opportunities<br />
are presented by inter-<strong>European</strong> trade<br />
in biofuels; and<br />
• Making clear how different national circumstances<br />
in EU Member States can be ‘used’<br />
to achieve the biofuel targets, at the lowest<br />
risks and costs to society.<br />
Interaction and information<br />
exchanges<br />
The project will be realised in close collaboration<br />
with and with regular feedback to the relevant<br />
stakeholders (industry, consumer representatives,<br />
environmental bodies, local and national<br />
authorities). Stakeholders are invited to<br />
participate in the project, according to the<br />
following levels of (free-of-charge) ‘membership’:<br />
• “VIP-membership”: VIEWLS Interested Persons<br />
are interested in VIEWLS and receive<br />
invitations to workshops, are invited to fill<br />
in questionnaires, and receive the VIEWLSnewsletter<br />
in which news alerts for newly<br />
available reports and other documents are<br />
published. With this membership you are kept<br />
up to date with the development of biofuels
for the transport sector, and you have access<br />
to the open area of the website www.VIEWLS.<br />
org/ where you can find general information on<br />
the project and available reports.<br />
• “Diamond-VIP-membership”: this level of<br />
membership requires a more active kind of<br />
contribution, such as more regular requests to<br />
fill in questionnaires, invitations to put forward<br />
ideas and topics during workshop preparation,<br />
etc. It offers a higher level of influence to the<br />
outcomes of the project, as it enables you to<br />
comment on ‘near-to- publication’ documents.<br />
You will receive pdf documents when they are<br />
ready for publication, as well as the VIEWLSnewsletter.<br />
You have access to both the open<br />
area and to the Diamond VIP area of the<br />
website.<br />
At the time of publication, the project was still<br />
at the design stage of the appropriate instrument<br />
to realise various membership facilities. Please<br />
indicate your interest in participating by sending<br />
an e-mail to VIEWLS@novem.nl. Any other<br />
question or remark can also be directed to this<br />
e-mail address.<br />
Project structure and general<br />
information<br />
The project consist of the following work<br />
packages: WP0 Project Management, WP1<br />
Review of Methodologies; WP2 Collection and<br />
Reviewing of Existing Data on <strong>Bio</strong>fuels; WP3<br />
Collection of New Data on <strong>Bio</strong>mass Production<br />
Potentials; WP4 Chain Definition and Analysis;<br />
WP5 Modelling and Analysis; WP6 Interpretation<br />
of Results and Policy Recommendations; and<br />
WP7 Communication and Dissemination.<br />
Project organisation comprises 19 project<br />
partners from government-supporting organisations,<br />
intermediate organisations and scientific<br />
institutes from all over Europe and North America.<br />
This mixture ensures that different views<br />
regarding process and content are taken<br />
into account.<br />
201<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-619-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Clear Data for Clean Fuels – CLEAR DATA<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Eric van den Heuvel<br />
NOVEM<br />
Tel: +31-30-2393488<br />
Fax: +31-30-2316491<br />
E.van.den.Heuvel@novem.nl<br />
Partners:<br />
NOVEM (NL)<br />
Netherlands <strong>Energy</strong> Research Centre (NL)<br />
University of Utrecht (NL)<br />
Joanneum (A)<br />
CIEMAT (E)<br />
University of British Colombia (CAN)<br />
COWI (DK)<br />
Swedish National <strong>Energy</strong> Administration (S)<br />
IEA <strong>Bio</strong>energy Task 39, Liquid <strong>Bio</strong>fuels (USA)<br />
Institute for <strong>Energy</strong> and Environment (D)<br />
Göteborg University (S)<br />
EC Baltic Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Center (PL)<br />
University of Agronomic Sciences and<br />
Veterinary Medicine Bucharest (RO)<br />
Research Institute of Landscape and<br />
Ornamental Gardening (CZ)<br />
Hungarian Institute of Agricultural<br />
Engineering (HU)<br />
ADEME (F)<br />
National Technical University of Athens (GR)<br />
Federal Institute of Agricultural<br />
Engineering (A)<br />
Transport and Mobility Leuven (B)<br />
Website: www.VIEWLS.org/<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
EU-CHINA<br />
BIOTECH<br />
Objectives<br />
The overall objectives were to:<br />
• Determine and quantify the opportunities<br />
for EU industry to transfer biomass<br />
utilisation technologies to China on<br />
a commercial and sustainable basis<br />
• Establish the basis for demonstrations<br />
of such technologies to China as part<br />
of the technology transfer activities<br />
• Estimate both the full and realistic<br />
potential for EU technology introduction<br />
to China, on the basis of technical and<br />
non-technical barriers identified, and<br />
the associated impact that both could<br />
have on the possible levels of transnational<br />
greenhouse gases that could<br />
be saved.<br />
EU industry can support<br />
sustainability in China –<br />
EU biomass utilisation<br />
technology transfer to China<br />
Challenges<br />
China is one of the world’s highest emitters of<br />
carbon dioxide, due to its heavy dependence<br />
on fossil fuels. The growth in the Chinese<br />
economy is accompanied by an increased<br />
demand for power, with much of the new<br />
requirement being met by coal-fired power plants,<br />
adding to overall carbon dioxide levels. With the<br />
increasing urgency to meet Kyoto targets, carbondioxide-neutral<br />
fuels, such as biomass, have a<br />
potentially significant role to play in helping to<br />
stabilise levels of greenhouse gases. However,<br />
at present, the major use of biomass in China<br />
is in domestic and small industrial situations<br />
where the fuels are used inefficiently.<br />
The EU biomass utilisation companies are leading<br />
the world, with developments in this area creating<br />
a growing biomass-related industry that<br />
manufactures plant and sells skills appropriate<br />
to all levels of industrial use. If this industry is<br />
able to access and exploit the huge Chinese<br />
market successfully, not only will there be a<br />
global environmental benefit but the effects on<br />
employment and standards of living for members<br />
of the EU and Chinese industry will be favourable.<br />
Project structure<br />
The approach of this project comprised of the<br />
following:<br />
• Quantify the biomass related energy sources<br />
in China that are potentially available as fuel<br />
in heat and power applications<br />
• Identify the EU technology options that might<br />
be suitable for Chinese application, together<br />
with possible demonstrations of such<br />
technologies<br />
202<br />
• Assess the Chinese energy and environment<br />
legislation and policy issues that will impact<br />
directly on the realisation of the potential<br />
market for EU technology<br />
• Determine the options for technology transfer<br />
to highlight the most significant routes for<br />
increased biomass utilisation in the targeted<br />
provinces, leading to an overall market<br />
assessment.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The sources, distribution and availability of<br />
biomass materials have been quantified and, via<br />
a techno-economic assessment, have been<br />
matched with opportunities in existing and<br />
potential new plants on a nationwide basis within<br />
China. This information will be presented to the<br />
<strong>European</strong> biomass industry, on a pre-competitive<br />
basis, via various reports and meetings. It is also<br />
intended to bring together EU and Chinese<br />
industrialists and to enhance the prospects of<br />
industrial co-operation.<br />
Results<br />
There would appear to be significant scope to<br />
introduce EU biomass utilisation technologies for<br />
heat and power production into China, since the<br />
quantities of agricultural biomass wastes that are<br />
not currently used are very large. If biomass<br />
fired power plants could be introduced throughout<br />
China they could, in principle, provide some<br />
40% of the total power generated from coal.<br />
There is scope for EU fluidised bed combustion<br />
(FBC) technologies and some grate-fired systems<br />
to be introduced, which would be fuelled with rice
husks. As this waste material is collected in<br />
large quantities at rice processing plants<br />
throughout China, the quantities in one location<br />
would be large enough to operate at least a<br />
50MWth unit (perhaps equivalent to a 5 MWe unit<br />
under Chinese steam turbine conditions).<br />
There also appears to be an opportunity to<br />
introduce EU FBC technology and possibly<br />
advanced grate fired systems as retrofits to small<br />
(~50 MWe), pulverised coal fired power generation<br />
boilers. The original fuel in these boilers must be<br />
replaced by biomass (i.e. husks and/or straw) if<br />
the unit is not to close, as a result of the power<br />
reform programme in China. The potential market<br />
is very large across most of China but, unless<br />
conversion occurs, this will decrease in time as<br />
progressively more of the units are closed in line<br />
with State government edicts.<br />
There are also some longer-term prospects. One<br />
of the most promising ways forward within Europe<br />
is to introduce a biomass gasifier alongside an<br />
existing coal-fired unit, with the fuel gas being<br />
fired into the combustor. This enhances the<br />
overall performance but more importantly,<br />
provides a significant environmental benefit.<br />
Thus the fuel gas directly substitutes for some<br />
of the coal and, as such, results in lower SOx<br />
concentrations. In addition, the fuel gas can be<br />
focused to interact with the coal combustion<br />
chemistry thereby reducing NOx formation and<br />
subsequent emissions. Such an approach, if<br />
adopted in China, would allow a significant takeup<br />
of biomass utilisation with a consequent<br />
reduction, not only in SOx/NOx but also in CO2<br />
emissions.<br />
Reeds, that have been harvested and dried, in transit to a paper mill.<br />
EU technologies will only be introduced into<br />
China if commercial terms and conditions<br />
acceptable to both sides can be established. The<br />
issues that concern EU industry are the lack of<br />
a comprehensive market infrastructure and the<br />
need to ensure an adequate and sustainable<br />
return on investment. In this regard, there are a<br />
number of significant deficiencies in the<br />
establishment of a sustainable biomass energy<br />
industry within China and the Government will<br />
need to take a significant number of steps to<br />
rectify this.<br />
Maize residues collected as fuel at a Chinese gasifer.<br />
203<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-143-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Accompanying Measure to Assist<br />
Technology Transfer of EU <strong>Bio</strong>mass /<br />
<strong>Bio</strong>mass Waste Utilisation Technologies<br />
to China – EU CHINA BIOTECH<br />
Duration: 18 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Andrew Minchener<br />
EMC Environment Engineering Ltd.<br />
Tel: +44-1242-663500<br />
Fax: +44-1242-677258<br />
Andrew@Minchener@fsnet.co.uk<br />
Partners:<br />
EMC Environment Engineering (UK)<br />
Aston University (UK)<br />
BTG <strong>Bio</strong>mass Technology Group (NL)<br />
BTG Baltic (EST)<br />
Cesky Swaz Ochranku Priody (CZ)<br />
Scientific Engineering Centre <strong>Bio</strong>mass (UK)<br />
Slovak <strong>Bio</strong>mass <strong>Energy</strong> Centre (SK)<br />
Instytut Energetyki<br />
Odnawialnej (PL)<br />
EXERGIA (GR)<br />
VTT (FIN)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2992093<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
INFBIOMENXP<br />
Objectives<br />
The principal objective of the project is the<br />
dissemination of information in Bulgaria<br />
and Romania concerning modern EU<br />
technology for biomass-based energy<br />
production. Due to the considerable energy<br />
potential of the available biomass<br />
resources in these countries, such<br />
development could make a serious<br />
contribution to the general objective of<br />
the energy part of the RTD Programme of<br />
the EU for the reduction of greenhouse<br />
gas emissions.<br />
An innovative aspect of the project<br />
consisted of selecting the most appropriate<br />
EU equipment for the circumstances in<br />
Bulgaria and Romania and for possibly<br />
combining EU and locally produced<br />
equipment. The proposed technologies<br />
were selected to be cost-effective for<br />
the Bulgarian and Romanian economic<br />
conditions.<br />
EU bioenergy technology<br />
for Bulgaria and Romania<br />
Challenges<br />
Since the main objective of this project is the<br />
dissemination of information, specific attention<br />
was given to the following issues in order to<br />
achieve the maximum possible effect:<br />
• Straw energy. Applications concerning this<br />
type of energy do not exist yet in Bulgaria and<br />
Romania. Particular emphasis was therefore<br />
made on the existence of several successful<br />
applications in EU countries (Denmark,<br />
Germany, Austria, etc.).<br />
• Wood energy. It is important to note that<br />
several experts and the general public in<br />
Bulgaria and Romania believe that the<br />
exploitation of forests should decrease. This<br />
is due to the occurrence in recent years of nonregulated<br />
felling of high quality trees.<br />
Consequently, the information campaign<br />
involved a clear distinction between such<br />
existing practices and the suggested<br />
sustainable exploitation of forests, suitable for<br />
the production of wood fuels.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project consisted of conducting an information<br />
campaign, which included the preparation of text<br />
for two booklets: ‘Straw <strong>Energy</strong> Technology’ (which<br />
was Work Package 1) and ‘Wood <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Technology’ (Work Package 2). The booklets are<br />
based on evaluations of the local conditions in<br />
Bulgaria and Romania and include:<br />
204<br />
• a brief presentation of energy policy issues<br />
concerning biomass, including a chapter about<br />
EU policy for renewable energy,<br />
• a survey of national biomass reserves in both<br />
Bulgaria and Romania giving typical financial<br />
calculations for prospective applications, (this<br />
chapter was different in the Bulgarian and<br />
Romanian versions of the booklets),<br />
• information about biomass harvesting and<br />
transport,<br />
• a presentation of biomass firing equipment,<br />
including small boilers, district heating, CHP<br />
and power plants, with a particular emphasis<br />
on small boilers,<br />
• a list of equipment producers from EU<br />
countries, Bulgaria and Romania..<br />
The translation of the two booklets into both<br />
languages, the publishing of 1 000 copies of<br />
each of the Bulgarian and Romanian versions of<br />
each of the two booklets, and the distribution<br />
(free of charge) to key actors in Romania and<br />
Bulgaria made up Work Package 3 and Work<br />
Package 4.<br />
Two workshops were conducted: one in Sofia (on<br />
30 September 2002 - Work Package No. 5) and<br />
the other in Bucharest (on 2 October 2002 - Work<br />
Package No. 6).
Distribution of the various types of forest in Bulgaria and Romania.<br />
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The users of the project results are experts in<br />
renewable energy, forestry and agriculture and<br />
are also potential developers of implementation<br />
projects.<br />
The booklets were distributed to experts from<br />
ministries, research institutes, technical<br />
universities and non-governmental organisations.<br />
Also, in order to obtain a wider audience, booklets<br />
were sent to mayors of municipalities and<br />
directors of local forestry offices.<br />
An important issue is how the first applications<br />
of the technology, covered by the project, can be<br />
organised. The financial calculations of the<br />
possible implementations demonstrated that<br />
they could be cost-effective in Bulgarian and<br />
Romanian conditions. In the case of using only<br />
imported equipment, simple payback periods<br />
were evaluated not to exceed five years in case<br />
of the substitution of light fuel oil by biomass –<br />
wood chips or straw. The current situation<br />
indicates the need for successful practical<br />
demonstration of straw energy pilot projects in<br />
Bulgaria and Romania, implemented by<br />
experienced companies in the best possible way.<br />
Results<br />
During the project, the possibilities for costeffective<br />
applications of new biomass energy<br />
technology in Romania and Bulgaria were studied.<br />
For straw energy the first applications in the shortterm<br />
will, most probably, concern straw boilers and<br />
wood boilers of small capacity – up to 1 MW.<br />
In the booklet, ‘Straw <strong>Energy</strong> Technology’, batchfired<br />
boilers are recommended for the first<br />
applications and, specifically, those models<br />
which are suitable for small rectangular bales,<br />
the type typically available in Bulgaria and<br />
Romania at present. <strong>Energy</strong> potential in the<br />
target countries was identified not only for straw,<br />
but also for other types of agricultural residues;<br />
such as maize stalks, sunflower stalks, vine<br />
branches, fruit tree branches and tobacco stalks<br />
in Bulgaria, and maize stalks, sunflower stalks,<br />
autumn rape and sugar beet in Romania.<br />
Regarding wood energy, the concept of using<br />
whole trees for the production of wood chips, and<br />
subsequent energy production, is new for Bulgaria<br />
and Romania. The current approach in these<br />
countries is to recommend the energy use of<br />
wood residues from forestry activities (branches)<br />
or waste from wood processing (sawdust,<br />
cuttings, etc.). Producing firewood for individual<br />
stoves is an important idea but the production of<br />
forest wood chips is not practised yet. However,<br />
a significant potential exists in thinning some<br />
coppice forests, which currently are not used.<br />
Available amounts of agricultural by-products in Bulgaria and<br />
Romania (thousands of tonnes).<br />
205<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-11-2000<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Information Initiative, Concerning <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Experience from EU Countries –<br />
INFBIOMENXP<br />
Duration: 11 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Ludmil Kostadinov<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> & Ecology Ltd.<br />
eniec@omega.bg<br />
Partners:<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> & Ecology (BG)<br />
Intertermo Concept (RO)<br />
Danish Forest and Landscape<br />
Research Institute (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
José Riesgo Villanueva<br />
Tel: +32-2-2957939<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
jose.riesgo@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
WTE-ISLE<br />
Objectives<br />
Islands have particular characteristics with<br />
regards to energy supply and waste<br />
disposal that distinguish them from<br />
mainland areas. The landfilling of waste is<br />
not favoured due to land use and<br />
environmental implications, and energy<br />
production costs are usually high since<br />
they are based on imported fossil fuels.<br />
Modern waste-to-energy (WTE)<br />
technologies have addressed both issues<br />
but their applications are still scarce on<br />
islands. The project aims at facilitating<br />
their penetration by providing the islands<br />
with sustainable, indigenous and renewable<br />
energy supply options based on waste<br />
management practices, in line with<br />
guidelines set by EC Waste Directives.<br />
Proven methods of using solid waste as<br />
an energy supply source will be<br />
disseminated. Clean and renewable energy<br />
produced from waste will be integrated<br />
into the energy supply system of islands;<br />
and the waste problem of the islands will<br />
be dealt with.<br />
Addressing waste<br />
management and energy<br />
supply challenges in Islands<br />
Challenges<br />
A number of challenges have been identified<br />
that may affect the successful penetration of WTE<br />
in Europe. Such challenges include:<br />
• the capital intensive nature of WTE projects that<br />
lead to large investments with long pay-back<br />
periods<br />
• the administrative and institutional structure of<br />
the islands, and the lack of appropriately trained<br />
staff to manage such investment projects<br />
• the lack of an integrated, far-sighted waste<br />
management strategy in many of the islands<br />
• the negative public perception for waste<br />
incineration and the relevant plants.<br />
An effort has been made to address most of<br />
these challenges in a strategy for the promotion<br />
of WTE in the islands, developed within the<br />
framework of this project.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project is bringing together partners<br />
representing different stakeholder groups and<br />
many <strong>European</strong> islands with different levels of<br />
experience and involvement in waste management<br />
and WTE projects. EXERGIA, a Greek energy and<br />
environment consultancy is the project coordinator.<br />
The <strong>European</strong>-wide network of islands, ISLENET,<br />
and the Association for the sustainable use and<br />
recovery of resources in Europe, (ASSURRE)<br />
are heavily involved in the project. The island<br />
partners are made up of Kefalonia and Ithaki<br />
Development, the Municipality of Gotland,<br />
Transenergie representing the islands of<br />
Guadeloupe and Martinique, the Regional <strong>Energy</strong><br />
206<br />
Agency of Crete, MULTISS S.P.A representing<br />
Sardinia, TIRME S.A. representing Mallorca, the<br />
Applied <strong>Energy</strong> Centre of the Ministry of<br />
Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus,<br />
Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association representing<br />
Nagu Nauvo from Finland, Consorzio APEM<br />
representing Sicily, the Isle of Wight Council and<br />
the Shetland Islands.<br />
The project approach is based on quite simple<br />
principles. An international team of experts on<br />
waste management was formed and worked<br />
closely with the islands in order to identify the<br />
particular characteristics, which, in some cases,<br />
facilitated WTE project implementation while in<br />
other cases hindered similar developments.<br />
Emphasis was then put on incorporating the<br />
findings into a strategy addressed to the islands’<br />
authorities, aiming to facilitate the alleviation of<br />
barriers to WTE option implementation. In parallel,<br />
a number of tools have been developed with<br />
the aim of facilitating decision-making in this<br />
area, comprising a software tool for pre-feasibility<br />
assessment of WTE projects and a conceptual<br />
model for assessing the environmental impacts.<br />
Much emphasis has been placed on<br />
disseminating the progress of the project and the<br />
results achieved at a wider possible audience.<br />
A project-specific web-page has been set within<br />
the site of ISLENET, a brochure has been<br />
produced mainly addressing local authorities, a<br />
CD-ROM with comprehensive WTE information<br />
has been published and a workshop is planned<br />
at the project’s conclusion. In addition, the<br />
project has been presented at two international<br />
conferences on the environment and renewables.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
Waste-to-energy solutions exhibit significant<br />
benefits related to reducing Green House Gas<br />
(GHG) emissions compared to traditional fossil<br />
fuel use for energy production in a life-cycle<br />
perspective. Data on waste provided by project<br />
partners show that the produced quantities of<br />
waste on islands vary from roughly 350 kg/<br />
inhabitant/year to over 500 kg/inhabitant/year.<br />
Based on a population of the EU islands of<br />
around 13 million inhabitants, the total amount<br />
of waste produced in the EU insular areas roughly<br />
amounts to 5.2 million tons/year. Assuming<br />
that half of the waste produced in the EU islands<br />
could undergo some kind of thermal treatment<br />
instead of being landfilled, the team arrived at<br />
substituting 390 million litres of diesel oil.<br />
Avoiding diesel oil consumption has a number of<br />
benefits for the environment (the release of<br />
1236 thousand tonnes CO2, 5460 tonnes SO2<br />
and 2067 tonnes Nox is avoided), for the national<br />
and local economy since diesel oil is an imported<br />
energy source, and for the security of energy<br />
supply. In addition, thermal treatment of waste<br />
radically reduces the volume of waste going to<br />
landfills, thus extending their life expectancy,<br />
and minimises the generation of landfill gas,<br />
which often escapes to the atmosphere<br />
uncontrolled.<br />
Given that waste-to-energy projects usually require<br />
large investments, it is reasonable to expect<br />
that the realisation of such projects will enhance<br />
employment opportunities and revitalise local<br />
economy.<br />
Results<br />
CFB - Boiler.<br />
The project is coming to a conclusion during<br />
the summer of 2003. Its main objective, the<br />
strategy for the promotion of waste-to-energy in<br />
islands, has been prepared and circulated to<br />
island communities for consultation before taking<br />
its final form. The brochure, aiming at increasing<br />
awareness and modifying perceptions towards<br />
the use of WTE technologies, has been produced<br />
and distributed to island communities and other<br />
stakeholders around Europe. The final workshop,<br />
aiming at bringing together island authorities,<br />
policy-makers, investors and scientists working<br />
on WTE, is expected to take place at the end of<br />
July 2003.<br />
207<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: NNE5-211-2001<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Waste Management in Island<br />
Communities: Strategy to Integrate Waste<br />
to <strong>Energy</strong> Policies – WTE-ISLE<br />
Duration: 18 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Kostas Batos<br />
EXERGIA S.A.<br />
Tel: +30-210-6996157<br />
Fax: +30-210-6995450<br />
K.Batos@exergia.gr<br />
Partners:<br />
EXERGIA (GR)<br />
Ministry of Commerce, Industry<br />
and Tourism (CY)<br />
Region of Crète - Regional <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Agency (GR)<br />
Kefalonia and Ithaki Development<br />
Company (GR)<br />
Consorzio APEM (I)<br />
MULTISS (I)<br />
TIRME (E)<br />
Shetland Islands Council (UK)<br />
Isle of Wight Council (UK)<br />
The Municipality of Gotland (S)<br />
Pida Saaristo Siistina ry Hall<br />
Skargarden Ren (FIN)<br />
ASSURRE (B)<br />
TRANSENERGIE (F)<br />
Islenet (B)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Kyriakos Maniatis<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990293<br />
Fax: +32-2-2966261<br />
kyriakos.maniatis@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Completed
MOND<br />
Objectives<br />
The aim of this accompanying measure is<br />
a two-year, techno-economic study leading<br />
to a conference, which will be a<br />
dissemination platform for the facilitation<br />
and implementation of renewable energy<br />
technology selection for subsequent EU<br />
based exploitation within the leather<br />
sector. The <strong>European</strong> leather sector<br />
selection criterion of renewable energy<br />
technology is random and the Renewable<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Systems (RES) technology uptake<br />
is in its infancy. The leather industry is a<br />
prime target for renewable energy<br />
technology transfer, being one of the few<br />
sectors where decentralised RES<br />
technology can be easily applied as each<br />
tannery site produces more waste biomass<br />
than leather product. More energy is<br />
disposed of within this waste biomass than<br />
energy consumed in the manufacture of<br />
leather products. This project is essential<br />
to overcome technical and non-technical<br />
barriers, culminating in a selection process<br />
for best practice and workshop/<br />
conference and interactive website<br />
establishment for dissemination.<br />
REStoring leather!<br />
Challenges<br />
There is a strong demand for the implementation<br />
of appropriate technology within the leather<br />
sector. In Europe, some 2 million tonnes of<br />
leather waste are disposed annually. This<br />
contains the equivalent of 38 x 10 10 MJ of<br />
wasted energy.<br />
The success of the project depends upon the<br />
involvement of multi-sector groups, specifically<br />
the technology providers and the leather sector<br />
end users. The user groups are both the end user<br />
sector (tanneries and leather goods market) and<br />
the renewable energy technology providers.<br />
Currently these groups have limited direct<br />
contact, though the benefits of application of<br />
renewable energy recovery to the tanning sector<br />
are an opportunity that should not be overlooked.<br />
Barriers to implementation exist, both technically<br />
and non-technically. The most fundamental is the<br />
lack of freely available knowledge by the target<br />
sector of what and how energy recovery and<br />
re-use can be achieved. Additionally, the<br />
renewable energy sector has little appreciation<br />
of the peculiarities of the waste streams<br />
concerned. However, by overcoming these<br />
perceptions via the project, the potential benefits<br />
are unmistakable.<br />
Project structure<br />
The project work is conducted by technology<br />
transfer organisations directly involved in the<br />
target sector. Initial data gathering, and<br />
subsequent decision making and evaluation,<br />
will ultimately lead to the conference and<br />
publication of proceedings where the results<br />
of the project will be delivered. The initial studies<br />
concentrate on the selection of technologies<br />
208<br />
(for example gasification and pyrolysis, which<br />
are beginning to be applied in the target sector)<br />
based on a ‘specific decision criterion process’.<br />
This process considers the strategic intentions<br />
of the ‘Energie’ programme and specific key<br />
actions, based on economic, energy efficient,<br />
logistic and “safe” grounds for suitable process<br />
selection.<br />
The project therefore seeks to:<br />
• carry out techno-economic identification of<br />
technologies for energy recovery from biomass<br />
• identify needs and demands for energy<br />
recovery and non-technical barriers<br />
• compare technologies and apply and review the<br />
Quantifiable Criterion MATRIX. These include<br />
economic standards (E1500/ Ktoe), safety<br />
standards (employee quality of life and health<br />
and safety improvements), environmental<br />
standards (emission standards according to EU<br />
Incineration Directive), energy efficiency<br />
standards (>45% efficient recovery) giving<br />
rise to a techno-economic evaluation of<br />
technology.<br />
• evaluate efficiency of energy use and potential<br />
for reduction in energy (in accordance with<br />
EC BREF documents)<br />
• conduct international conference/workshop –<br />
Efficient <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery within the leather<br />
industry<br />
• produce an interactive website for dissemination<br />
to <strong>European</strong> leather industry.<br />
Culminating in the dissemination of a definitive<br />
state of the art technology transfer to the EU<br />
target sector and longer term, potential<br />
exploitation of EU technology within the global<br />
sector will be facilitated.
Expected impact and exploitation<br />
The outcome of the project is a transfer of<br />
information for the selection and implementation<br />
of RES allowing an industrial sector to achieve<br />
sustainable energy self-sufficiency, thereby<br />
eliminating the current poor practices of wasteful<br />
and environmentally harmful, as well as economically<br />
disadvantageous, disposal. The consortium<br />
will derive no direct benefit from the<br />
exploitation of the results of the project and the<br />
application of renewable energy technology into<br />
the target sector. However, the technology<br />
providers will benefit through direct access to<br />
the end users, ‘the demand’. The end users<br />
will also benefit by reductions in operating costs,<br />
reduced environmental impact and improved<br />
employees’ health and safety through reduced<br />
waste production and reduced energy<br />
consumption.<br />
In the short term, a new technology market<br />
opportunity within the EU target sector will be<br />
opened up. In the longer term it is believed that<br />
this EU based and applied technology can will be<br />
transferred globally, within the global leather<br />
sector, providing technology and market<br />
opportunities for EU based technology providers.<br />
Progress to date<br />
The partners have been acquiring and reviewing<br />
information regarding technology suppliers for the<br />
purposes of compiling a database of RES<br />
technology providers and also preparing a review<br />
of the demand for technology, based upon waste<br />
disposal quantities across the EU.<br />
Work is progressing well though the number of<br />
suitable technology providers is considerably<br />
lower than first thought. This represents the<br />
first barrier identified by the consortium.<br />
Consequently greater emphasis is being placed<br />
upon gathering more detailed information from<br />
those providers who are available for the<br />
purposes of improving decision making in WP3<br />
(Matrix). Technology providers are also being<br />
informed of the proposed conference.<br />
Arrangements are in progress for an International<br />
Conference that will be held in Northampton, UK,<br />
in October 2004.<br />
209<br />
INFORMATION<br />
References: ENK5-CT-2002-80641<br />
Programme:<br />
FP5 - <strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Title:<br />
Accompanying Measure on Critical<br />
Technology Selection and Conference for<br />
Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Recovery from <strong>Bio</strong>mass<br />
Generated within the <strong>European</strong> Leather<br />
Sector – MOND<br />
Duration: 24 months<br />
Contact point:<br />
Victoria ADDY<br />
BLC Leather Technology Center LTD<br />
Tel: +44-160-4679943<br />
Fax: +44-1604-679998<br />
vikki@blcleathertech.com<br />
Partners:<br />
BLC Leather Technology Center (UK)<br />
Asociacion de Investigacion de las<br />
Industrias del Curtido y Anexas (E)<br />
Elkede Technology and Design Center (GR)<br />
Rovesta Miljø (DK)<br />
EC Scientific Officer:<br />
Garbiñe Guiu Etxeberria<br />
Tel: +32-2-2990538<br />
Fax: +32-2-2993694<br />
garbine.guiu@cec.eu.int<br />
Status: Ongoing
<strong>European</strong> Commission<br />
EUR 20808 – <strong>European</strong> <strong>Bio</strong>-<strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Projects</strong>, 1999-2002<br />
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the <strong>European</strong> Communities<br />
2003 - 212 pp. - 21 x 29.7 cm<br />
ISBN 92-894-4831-8
This compilation of synopses covers research and demonstration projects in the area of bio-energy as well as<br />
supporting activities such as networks, standards and studies. The projects concerned are those funded under the<br />
Thematic Programme “<strong>Energy</strong>, Environment and Sustainable Development” of the 5th RTD Framework Programme<br />
(1999-2002). For each project, basic information is provided with regard to scientific and technical scope, the<br />
participating organisations and contact points. The scope of the projects cover the whole bio-energy chain from biomass<br />
production, waste management, conversion technologies up to the production of biogas, hydrogen and biofuels.<br />
ISBN 92-894-4831-8<br />
15 KI-NA-20-808-EN-C