![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081108125155im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Final Report: Outdoor Biomass Gasifier Hydronic Heater (OBGHH)
EPA Contract Number: EPD08025Title: Outdoor Biomass Gasifier Hydronic Heater (OBGHH)
Investigators: Wever, Paul W.
Small Business: Chip Energy
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2007)
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Technology for Villages and Small Communities
Description:
Our Phase I objectives were to convincingly show the feasibility of the Outdoor Biomass Gasifier Hydronic Heater (OBGHH) innovation and to make a feasibility-proving fully automated prototype while incorporating the recommendations of task specific consultants. We have conducted research and development (R&D) trials of enhancements for low emissions, automated fuel and ash handling, sensors, safety devices, and (ultimately) user-control via a thermostat. The important issue has been the net increase of environmental benefits via an appropriate and potentially economically sustainable new technology to accomplish the essential task of creating heat in quantities appropriate for residences and small enterprises using low-value dry biomass fuels.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):Chip Energy has accomplished all of its Phase I objectives, and exceeded many expectations. These Phase I results are extremely significant and the Chip Energy biomass gasifier technology can now be viewed, evaluated, and judged on its “feasibility” by independent knowledgeable consultants, EPA authorities, potential investors, and prospective customers.
Among the specific findings are:
- The fuel storage bin is large enough for a 10-day supply of processed pellet fuel.
- The ash/char removal system has preformed extremely well in 100 hours of operation.
- A fuel flow rate of 21.7 lb/hr of standard wood pellet fuel was achieved during a test for 72 hours of essentially unattended operation.
- At a fuel rating of 8,500 BTU/lb, a preliminary furnace rating is 184,450 BTU/hr.
- The cost of the oxygen sensor is too high for our small commercial production furnace.
- A gasifier can be economically computer-controlled and operated safely.
- No visible particulate matter (no smoke) is seen during operation of the OBGHH.
- Different fuel types will require programming changes for continuous operation.
- A lower decibel level on the 3 hp compressor is needed for quieter operation.
- Abundant low-value biomass can be turned into thermal energy.
- We have the capability to make charcoal, making the Biomass Furnace carbon negative.
- Our gasifier can be economically computer-controlled and operated safely.
Chip Energy has the ability to control clean micro-gasification at sizes appropriate for heating residences and small buildings. We have built and tested an automated biomass furnace. We modified a 20’ shipping container to hold the entire operation, including a storage bin for enough dry biomass to run the OBGHH for 10 days without human intervention. An automated fuel-feed and ash-removal system with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) has been developed to accommodate any type of dry biomass that is screened through a ¾-inch particulate-sizing screen. The gasifier and flash-boiler (water heater) also have been tested to meet minimum emission standards.
A leading commercial application will be a low-cost, low-emissions system similar to what Chip Energy has now accomplished. It will provide heating via the combustion of diverse and plentiful biomass fuels in our gasifier system that is completely computer-controlled by a thermostat.
Subject to national and international politics, policies, and prices for energy from all sources, the availability of our technology could favorably impact the future of biomass fuels in America. As the number of users grows, the supply of biomass fuels will increase for many years to meet the demand, creating many new jobs that cannot be outsourced.
New technologies require convincing evidence to enter strongly in the marketplace. Phase I has been our proving ground to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Phase II will establish our credentials for delivering an increasingly vital necessity: reliable modern home and small business heating with biomass. Chip Energy will be a fuels supply company as well as a supplier of gasifier-related technology, hardware, and service.
Journal Articles on this Report: 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 1 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
| Type | Citation | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Anderson PS, Reed TB, Wever PW. Micro-gasification: what it is and why it works. Boiling Point, Technologies That Really Work2007;53(May):35-37. |
EPD08025 (Final) |
|
small business, SBIR, EPA, hydronic heater, heat residences, heat buildings, carbon-neutral, biomass fuels, gasifiers, combustible gases, combustor, flash boiler, low emissions, automated fuel and ash handling, sensors, safety devices, user-control, thermostat, technology for villages, technology for small communities, sustainable industry/business, scientific discipline, RFA, technology for sustainable environment, sustainable environment, environmental engineering, biomass, residential heating, alternative energy source, renewable energy, alternative fuel, hydronic heating, gasification, dry biomass, thermal energy, residential, small industry,
, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, biomass, residential heating, alternative energy source, renewable energy, alternative fuelProgress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract