BioMatNet Item: JOULE JOR3-CT97-0200 - Improved energy generation based on biomass FBC with minimum emission

[BioMatNet Database - European Commission]

JOULE JOR3-CT97-0200
Improved energy generation based on biomass FBC with minimum emission

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Agricultural Residues : JOULE/THERMIE Programme : Solid Biofuels : Straw : Thermochemical Conversion : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	JOR3-CT97-0200
	EC Contribution	733,944 ECU
	Start Date	01/10/1998
	Duration	24 Months

Improved energy generation based on biomass FBC with minimum emission

Objectives

The overall objective is to investigate how to obtain reliable and environmental favourable commercial operation in biomass based FBC systems.

The expected results will:

use experimental findings to stipulate recommendations on how to repress agglomeration and defluidisation in fluidised bed combustion systems
use experimental findings to indicate how to use primary measures to minimise or to hold back the formation of nitrogen oxide compounds in the fluidised bed reactor
use case studies to identify optimal logistic strategies in utilising biofuels in commercial heat and power production.

Technical Approach

A first phase of the project will map the thermochemical performance in oxidative atmosphere of a selection of biofuels, separately and in combination with suitable bed materials. Fuels to be considered are straw, MBM (meat and bone meal), Miscanthus, reed canary grass, willow and forest fuels. The selection is based on availability but these materials also reflect medium to high alkali rich biomass fuels (10 -20 %-wt, ash basis total alkali) and hence can be used to investigate varying effects on agglomeration. Experiments will range from laboratory scale, through test rigs to commercial scale (10MW) experimental investigations.

Secondly, the programme aims to study the reactions that promote reduction of N₂O forming reactions in the initial stages and subsequently the reduction of NO through catalytic adsorption on solid reductants. The work will proceed through the construction of a 3D-CFD code to be converted into a "post-processor" implemented on the NO reduction chemistry. In subsequent experimental work, the relative importance of various competing mechanisms will be established in relation to the thermochemical performance of the previously selected fuels, bed materials and operating conditions.

To assess the logistics of use, the fuels identified as most promising in the experimental study will be mapped on the basis of existing logistic management, suitable means for transport and handling. The result will be optimum logistic concepts for use of biomass in FBC. The ideal number, possible location of FBC plants and the assignment of feedstock source will also be determined and documented concentrating on Scandinavia, Great Britain and mainland Europe.

Expected Results and Exploitation

A major achievement, will be the production of a handbook concerning commercial utilisation of the selected biofuels in FBC systems. In this, the combined results from all the work packages will be put together into a clear-cut manual.

The expected results from the project work will contribute to increased fuel flexibility of existing and future FBC systems allowing for a broader palette of fuels to be fired without the need for essential technical modifications. A higher technical availability of the plants is expected. In addition, lower operational costs are anticipated due to increased competitiveness of the plant owner on the fuel market.

After completion of the research project, well-tested strategies for optimised combustion of biomass residues, as well as simulation tools (the CFD and the techno-economic simulation tool) and the biomass/emission - database, will be ready immediately. Small and medium enterprises, as well as boiler manufacturers, will be able to use this knowledge and tools to optimise their combustor designs as well as fuel and operating conditions leading to essential improvements in efficiency, environmental acceptability and cost.

Contacts

Coordinator

Anders HALLGREN / TPS Termiska Processer AB SWEDEN

Participant