Biomass and alternative fuels
In setting a national renewable energy target the Australian Government aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies - including biomass - and development of a viable renewable energy industry. HRL Technology offers experience and expertise in researching, developing, constructing and optimising biomass-to-energy conversion projects. |
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Challenge
Challenges associated with using biomass as a fuel include maximising the economic benefits through abatement of carbon dioxide emissions, reduction in the use of non-renewable fuels, solving waste disposal issues, and adhering to government legislation.
Technology options include:
- waste-to-energy conversion for municipal waste and industrial, forestry and agricultural residues
- biomass combustion and gasification
- biomass co-firing with other fuels
- biochar production
- improving the properties of biomass as a fuel - such as through pyrolysis and torrefaction.
Specific challenges in using biomass or wastes as a fuel include:
- evaluation of the appropriate utilisation technology (or technologies)
- cost analysis and technical feasibility associate with using particular fuel streams
- eligibility for renewable energy certificates
- sustainability and (future) certification of biomass
- legislation and permitting
- chemical and physical analysis and handling of fuel streams
- conversion technology and materials preparation to maximise use benefits
- environmental emissions, potential for fouling or corrosion of combustion equipment and disposal of waste.
Solution
HRL Technology offers you a range of services supported by experienced personnel with specific expertise in:
- ranking options in terms of potential for abating carbon dioxide emissions and value - in dollars per tonne of carbon dioxide emissions reduced
- evaluation of current and emerging fuel technologies including in-house capability for research and development
- characterising feedstock - including chemical and physical analysis, testing, optimisation and certification
- identifying alternative uses for your fuel streams
- selecting the most appropriate technology or designing processes to match your biomass fuel
- designing, implementing and optimising your fuel-use options
- testing your project's technical and economic feasibility including consideration of project scale and availability of fuel streams
- managing your project's construction
- optimising your project's operation
- assisting you in reporting and applying for carbon credits.
Benefits
HRL Technology's testing expertise and experience in biomass and alternative fuels can help your organisation:
- with independent, expert, information on which to base your decision making
- ensure that your project meets relevant regulations
- maximise the effectiveness of your alternative energy projects
- maximise the financial returns from such projects
- gain the carbon credits to which you are entitled.
HRL Technology's practical in-the-field expertise can also assist in ensuring your project:
- makes best use of your biomass and wastes
- operates at optimum efficiency.
HRL Technology's expertise covers all aspects of fuel handling and preparation, characterisation of physical and chemical properties, drying, agglomeration, pelletisation, combustion, carbonisation and gasification. A specific example of HRL Technology expertise is torrefaction - a biomass upgrading process - to yield a uniform, grindable product with a lower moisture content and higher energy density.
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For further information contact Tony Campisi or Nick Miller on 03 9565 9888 (International +61 3 9565 9888) or Rob Korbee on 07 3423 4300 (International +61 7 3423 4300) or click on the contacts button below. | |
Evaluating emission abatement options
A power station operator wished to develop and evaluate options for carbon dioxide emissions abatement.
Working with power station engineers, HRL Technology specialists identified a shortlist of CO2 abatement options. Using advanced power station simulation software, each option was then modelled to calculate its carbon dioxide emission abatement level, fuel saving, efficiency improvement and other benefits.
HRL Technology personnel estimated the captial and operating expenses and used this information to calculate each option's net present value and emission abatement cost - in dollars-per-tonne of carbon dioxide. HRL Technology continues to work with the power station operator to implement the selected options. |
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Address poor combustion and high-temperature corrosion
Operators of a biomass-fired cogeneration plant were facing plant-operating issues relating to poor combustion efficiency and plant failure from high-temperature corrosion.
Materials engineers from HRL Technology collected and analysed metal samples to determine the root cause of plant failure, while its performance engineers determined the causes of the poor plant combustion efficiency.
Through its combination of materials and process engineering skills HRL Technology developed options to extend the life of high-temperature components with increased efficiency of the combustion process. HRL Technology personnel continue to work with the client to implement these solutions. |
Assess the impact of co-firing biomass fuel on plant performance and availability
A power station operator wished to assess the impact on their plant's performance and availability of co-firing the plant with coal and a biomass fuel.
After completion of laboratory scale analysis of the biomass and coal fuel streams, HRL Technology personnel recommended that key fuel performance indicators be tested using a pilot-scale facility. HRL Technology organised fuels and facilities for preparing, milling and combusting of the fuel blends and evaluated the impact of co-firing by comparison to the current coal supply. Remaining fuel issues were addressed in subsequent power station trials.
Through a staged evaluation of the proposed co-firing option, HRL Technology was able to recommend cost effective plant modifications and safe operating procedures for efficient utilisation of biomass. | |
